금산, Mountain in Namhae County, South Korea
Geumsan is a mountain in Namhae County, rising to about 705 meters and part of the Hallyeo Haesang National Park. Its slopes are lined with bare rock formations and open viewpoints that look directly over the southern coast and nearby islands.
The mountain's name comes from a story linked to Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, who is said to have offered silk to the mountain in gratitude for answered prayers. Before that, the peak went by a different name, and the story of the renaming has kept it tied to royal memory ever since.
Near the summit sits Boriam, a Buddhist temple built into the cliffs above the sea. Pilgrims and hikers share the same path, and the temple draws visitors who come to pray or simply to take in the view.
Several trails of different lengths are available, so the route can be matched to the time and energy of each visitor. Parking areas and restrooms are available near Boriam, and the mountain can also be reached by bus from Namhae town.
The mountain is traditionally said to have 38 named scenic spots, each with its own character and legend. One of them, Ssanghongmun, is a natural stone arch that hikers pass through on the way up, which is rare for a mountain of this size.
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