Songnisan National Park

Songnisan National Park is a protected area spanning the Sobaek Mountains, featuring nine peaks and numerous valleys filled with diverse plant life. Multiple hiking trails wind through the park, connecting forests, waterfalls, and different sections of the landscape.

The park was established in 1970 as South Korea's sixth national park, protecting an area with deep cultural roots. The Beopjusa Temple, founded in 553, stands as one of the oldest structures within the protected landscape.

The name Songnisan means "mountain to leave the world" and reflects a spiritual tradition connected to a monk who taught local farmers. Visitors today can sense this contemplative spirit when walking through the valleys and past the ancient temple structures.

The park offers hiking trails suited to different fitness levels, from short walks to more demanding mountain routes. Good footwear and plenty of water are essential, especially on longer trails that climb through forests and over elevation changes.

The park is home to several endangered animal species like the Siberian flying squirrel and rare plant species protected as natural monuments. These uncommon creatures make it a refuge for wildlife that exists nowhere else nearby.