Korea’s kingdom of snow, Mt. Jiri (1,915 m)
Imagine yourself hiking through a mountain, the pillowy snow crunching beneath your feet. You see the deep-blue sky sprawled above your head as you climb up. With the cold breeze grazing your cheekbones and cumulous clouds drifting afar, you would rather feel like a Taoist hermit with great powers. Welcome to Mt. Jiri(1,915 m)’s Cheongwang-bong (peak).
Mt. Jiri was the first mountain to be designated as a national park in 1967. The second highest mountain in Korea looks more like a gargantuan rock holding up the sacred sky.
<Photo One. Surrounding views from Cheongwang-bong (peak)>
There are many ways getting around Mt. Jiri, with mainly two paths leading to Cheongwang-bong: Jungsanri course and Baengmudong course. For a safe trip, consider taking shelter for a night in the refuge center.
Jungsanri course splits into Calbawi course and Jangteomok course. The latter is about an hour-longer path filled with a variety of sight-seeable attractions. When taking an early start, try hiking up through Jangteomok course and down through Calbawi course.
The 5.3 km-long path from Jungsanri Information Center to Jangteomok is easy to get by in part due to the steel stairs. On your left, you will face a cool valley.
<Photo Two. Jangteomok Course for beginners>
Just two hours after you leave Jungsanri Information Center, you will find yourself walking through a kingdom of snow. The rocks look like they are sugar-powdered by snow flakes. When reaching Janteomok, look down at your calves deeply dipped in the thick layer of snow.
Drop by Jangteomok Evacuation Center for a rest, where you can also find a snack bar for your growling stomach. There they sell drinks, snacks and even hiking equipment. If you are planning to cook for a decent meal, head out to the kitchen in the front yard. Don't forget to throw away your trash!
After a short break, continue your voyage to Cheongwang-bong (peak). The 1.7 km-long path filled with dead trees takes about an hour and a half.
<Photo Three. A dead tree zone from the evacuation center up>
The dead trees come alive as the snow flakes sparkle under the sunlight. And when the wind blows, they make diamonds falling from the sky.
Keep walking up, and sooner or later you will arrive at Cheongwang-bong (peak). The deep-blue sky and pillowy clouds enveloping the peak will put heaven in your mind.
Savor the moment of reaching the summit; the accomplishment! Snap a photo, and take a deep breath before you head down because the path will be anything but gentle.
<Photo Four. Visitors taking photos at Cheongwang-bong (peak)>
If you take the Jungsanri Course down, you will meet Cheongwang Spring, the source for Nam River. Also you will see Beopgyesa Temple. The 5.4 km-long course takes about three hours and a half to finish. Careful not to trip!
Winter hiking can be the most dangerous of all seasons, so be well-prepared. Pack plenty bottles of water, snacks, outer garments and a lantern.
<Photo Five. Mt. Jiri turns into a kingdom of snow during winter>
☞ Travel information
-Mt. Jiri homepage
English – http://english.knps.or.kr/-Mt. Jiri homepage
Gyeongsangnam-do official Facebook(English ver.)
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