The Korean National Parks, like the National Treasures, provide a look at the heart and soul of Korea. The Parks host and protect many of South Korea's sacred, historical, and beautiful sites. From each of those perspectives, the Parks reveal the diversity of Korea. The Parks protect and present to the public the spirituality of ancient Buddhist sites throughout the nation. The natural beauty, the beauty of nation with much of the land in a mountainous and/or sea setting, has been protected and opened to the public. Although the National Park service has a short history of 40 years, already tremendous strides have been taken open Korean history, culture, and beauty to all.
Jirisan National Park
Jirisan National Park, in Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 471.75 km², designated as the first national park on Dec. 29, 1967. Jirisan, considered the founding place of Buddhism in Korea, hosts a number of sacred historical sites in Korea including Hwaeomsa, one of the ten most famous temples in Korea, Naewonsa (Temple), Beopgyesa (Temple), Silsangsa (Temple), and Yeongwonsa (Temple). Known as on of the three mountains where God dwells (Samsinsan), Jirisan ranks with Geungangsan and Hallasan. The site has been referred to as Duryusan or Bangjangsan, indicating a place of the highest state of enlightenment. Cheonwangbong is the second highest mountain in Korea at 1,915 meters.
Gyeongju National Park
Gyeongju National Park in Gyeongsangbuk-do, 138.72 km². Gyeongju is an important historical site during the Silla and Unified Silla dynasties. Historical sites abound including Bulguksa, Seokguram, the Emily Bell, tombs of Silla kings and queens. Gyeongju may stand alone in the world as a modern city, historical site, and national park all combined in one.
Gyeryongsan National Park
Gyeryongsan National Park in Chungcheongnam-do and [Daejeon]], 64.68 km², designated as a national park on December 31, 1968. Gyeryongsan achieved fame in China during the Three Kingdoms period as a mountain area of exceptional beauty. Koreans considered the site holy, conducting important rituals on the peaks. Gyeryongsan had been a candidate for capital of Joseon, Several renown temples reside in Gyeryongsan National Park including Donghaksa (Temple), the college of the Buddhist priesthood for Buddhist nuns, Nammaetap pagodas, Gapsa (Temple)
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon-do, 398.53 km², designated as National Park in March 1970, is divided into Oe (Outer) Seorak, Nae (Inner) Seorak, and South Seorak. has Buddhist temples tucked away in the mountains including Sinheungsa (temple), Gwongeumseong (high in the rocks), Baekdamsa (Temple) (the retreat of famed poet monk Han Yongun).
Songnisan National Park
Songnisan National Park, in Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 274.54 km², designated as a national park on March 24, 1970. Songnisan, meaning "renouncing the world," considered by many as one of the eight most beautiful places in Korea. Beopjusa (Temple), considered the greatest temple in Korea, sits tucked away inside Songnisan. Smaller temples like Sujeongam, Jungsajaam, Bokcheonam, also grace Songnisan. The park is the site for the immensely popular made for TV drama, "Taejo Wanggon," the first King of Goryeo Dynasty.
Hallasan National Park
Hallasan National Park at the center of Jeju-do, 153.39 km² in size. The dormant volcano Hallason, or Mount Halla, numbers among the "three mountains where God lives" (Samshinsan) in Korea. Hallasan stands as the tallest mountain in Korea, rising 1950 meters. Baengnokdam, or White Deer Lake, crater has a depth of 110 meters.
Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan National Park, designated as a National Park on November 17, 1971, in Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do, 81.72 km². Considered one of the eight most beautiful places in Korea. Gulgeori trees (Natural Treasure No. 91) and Bija trees (Natural Treasure No. 153) grow in the park. Naejangsa (Temple), Baegyangsa (Temple), Wonjeogam (Temple), Byeongnyeonam (Temple) (A noted calligrapher of the Joseon Dynasty, Kim Jeonghui resided here), Ibamsan Fortress.
Gayasan National Park
Gayasan National Park, in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 77.07 km², designated the ninth National Park of Korea on October 13, 1972. Gayasan received its name from the shape of the mountain, resembling the head of a cow (Udusan). Haeinsa(Temple) and Palmandaejanggyeong, housing the Tripitaka Koreana carved on over 80,000 wood blocks sit secluded in the mountains. The renown monk Samyeongdaesa resided in Hongjeam Temple in the 1600s. Other sacred Buddhist sites include Hirangdae, the retreat of monk Hirang, and Cheongnyangsa (temple).
Deogyusan National Park
Deogyusan National Park in Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 231.65 km², designated as the tenth National Park on February 1, 1975. Joseon Dynasty Jeoksangsanseong(Fortress), Anguksa (Temple), Rajetongmun (Gate), the ancient border between Silla and Baekje, Baengnyeonsa (Temple), Wontongsa (Temple), and Songgyesa (Temple) rest within the park.
Odaesan National Park
Odaesan National Park, designated a National Park on February 1, 1975, in Gangwon-do, 303.93 km². Odaesan is considered one of the four greatest mountains in Korea along with Geumgangsan, Hallasan, and Jirisan. Four National Treasures Sangwonsa Dongjong (bronze bell), Sangwonsa Munsudongja Jwasang (seated statue of child monk), Woljeongsa palgakgucheung seoktap (octagonal nine-story stone pagoda in Woljeongsa temple), Sangwonsa Jungchanggwonseon-mun(book) along with two treasures and local treasures. Woljeongsa(temple) and Sangwonsa (temple) nestle in the park.
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