Jirisan Cheonwangbong Peak

Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915.4m) is the highest peak on Jirisan and the second-highest peak in South Korea after Hallasan (1,950m). It takes the form of a massive rock supporting the sky, and on its western cliff face there are characters carved in relief reading "Cheonju," meaning "pillar supporting the sky." In 1982, Gyeongsan­gnam­do Province erected a marker stone (height 1.5m) at the summit, and since then this monument has come to hold the wishes and hopes of those who visit Cheonwangbong. The sunrise from Cheonwangbong is remarkably beautiful, ranking as the first of the Nine Scenic Views of Sancheong and the first of the Eight Scenic Views of Jirisan. Because of its high altitude, it is always shrouded in cloud, making the probability of seeing the sunrise from Cheonwangbong low, yet the spectacle is so beautiful that visitors never cease trying multiple times to witness it. The hiking course starting from Jungsan-ri, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun is the shortest climbing route that allows Cheonwangbong to be visited and returned from in a single day. Following the Jungsan Dureyu Ecological Trail, hikers can begin their ascent while enjoying the refreshing sound of water cascading through the valley and verdant vegetation. There is also a course beginning along Jungsan-ri Valley in front of the Jungsan-ri Visitor Centre of Jirisan National Park. Passing through Tongcheonmun, meaning "gateway ascending to the sky," and Mangbawi, one encounters Beobgyesa Temple, which is said to be the highest-altitude temple in the country. After climbing steadily and passing through Gaeseonmun, meaning "gateway opening the sky," the summit of Cheonwangbong finally welcomes you with an endless sea of mountains spread before your eyes and a sky so near it seems within reach.

Korea Tourism Organization