Chiaksan National Park

Chiaksan National Park is a mountainous protected area in Gangwon-do featuring steep granite ridges and a network of trails through forested valleys. The terrain shifts between rocky peaks, dense woodlands, and open ridgelines as elevation changes.

The area became a national park in 1984 as the sixteenth protected park in South Korea's conservation system. This designation helped safeguard the landscape and its wildlife for future generations.

Buddhist temples dot the mountain slopes, serving as places where visitors come to meditate and experience Korea's long spiritual tradition in natural settings. Local hiking culture treats these peaks as sacred destinations, with many trails leading directly to temples.

Bring proper hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing, as mountain slopes can be slippery and conditions change quickly. Information centers throughout the park offer maps and updates on trail accessibility, helping visitors plan safe routes.

The park shelters rare animal species like flying squirrels and certain bat species that survive in few other Korean locations. These creatures thrive in the old-growth forests, making the area an important refuge for animals at risk.

Inception: 1984

GPS coordinates: 37.33000,128.04700

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:20