[Yangsan, Gyeongnam] Finding joy at the Yeongnam Alps

[Yangsan, Gyeongnam] Finding joy at the Yeongnam Alps The Yeongnam Alps refers to a group of tall mountains that stretches through the Gyeongnam and the Gyeongbuk provinces, passing Ulsan, Yangsan and Miryang, among other cities.  Here are some cool ways to enjoy the most of the Alps: <Tongdo Temple lies at Mount Yeongchuk.> ▶ Tongdo Temple, one of Korea's three main temples Filled with cultural relics more than a thousand years old, Tongdo Temple is oddly known for not having any Buddhist statues within the temple, but instead, preserving the shrines of Buddha at a place called the Geumgang Stairs.  Home to 43 different Buddhist cultural assets, the largest number for a local temple, Tongdo Temple also embraces the country's one-and-only Buddhist painting museum, known as Seongbo Museum.  <The country's largest compilation of Buddhist assets is Tongdo Temple.> Nineteen hermitages surround Tongdo Temple, and when following the Amja Sullyegil, or the hermitage road, you can pass by each and every one of them.  ▶ Hongryong Waterfall, one of Yangsan County's eight main sceneries  The 3-tier Hongryong Waterfall is located within the compound of Hongryong Temple on Mount Cheongseong, and is high as 20 meters.  <Hongryong Waterfall is an hour-walk away from Daeseok Village.>  A legend goes that Wonhyo (617-686), one of Korean Buddhism's scholar-monks, preached Buddhist teachings to 1,000 Chinese monks at the waterfall and enabled them to achieve spiritual enlightenment.  ▶ An unforgettable camp at Wondong Recreational Forest Leave behind all your work in the office and stress at home, for the perfect getaway to Wondong Recreational Forest, located at the Yeongnam Alps, a group of tall mountains stretched through the Gyeongbuk and the Gyeongnam provinces.   <At Wondong Recreational Forest, mountains put you to sleep.> The forest comes with a children's playground, numerous hiking trails and a "nature observation center." Camping is allowed within authorized areas, and cookhouses are provided at the spot, too. In summer, valleys are open for a cool splash.  Entrance costs 1,500 won during weekdays for an adult, and 2,000 won over the weekend. A night in a hut costs 50,000 won during weekdays and 70,000 over the weekend. If you're camping outdoors with your own tent, an additional 20,000 won is required. Parking is free and prior reservations are recommended.   <Wondong Recreational Forest and its facilities.> ※Relevant information ▶ Tongdo Temple Address: 583 Jisan-ri, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan Contact: 055-382-7182 Homepage: http://www.tongdosa.or.kr ▶ Hongryong Waterfall  Address: 1 Daeseok-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Yangsan Contact: 055-392-2562 ▶ Wondong Recreational Forest  Address: 665-3 Naepo-ri, Wondong-myeon, Yangsan Contact: 055-382-5839 Homepage: http://cafe.naver.com/wondong486