Braving the Cold at Mt. Jiri
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
MT. JIRI, South Gyeongsang Province ― On New Year’s day, popular sunrise-watching spots in the country are crowded with visitors making New Year resolutions and wishes. One particular venue is Mt. Jiri National Park.
Standing 1,915 meters high, Mt. Jiri has fickle, unpredictable weather, and forecasts of a clear blue sky cannot be guaranteed. Mt. Jiri has traditionally been considered one of the Three God Mountains, along with Mt. Halla and Mt. Geumgang, and it was believed that one had to cultivate virtue over three generations to see the New Year sun here. As rare as it is to see the sunrise there, it is known to be breathtakingly beautiful.
Designated as South Korea’s first national park in 1967, Mt. Jiri caters to hoards of hikers every day. It is also the nation’s largest national park (excluding marine parks), with mountain ranges spanning 471.758 square kilometers across South Gyeongsang Province and North and South Jeolla Provinces.
Jiri means “perceive the knowledge,” and it was thought that a hike in the area would make a wise man out of a fool. Mt. Jiri’s main peak, Cheonwangbong (1,915 meters), is the second highest mountaintop in South Korea. Cheonwangbong extends 25.5 kilometers west to Nogodan peak (1,507 meters). Banyabong peak (1,732 meters) stands tall in the center of the mountain range.
Mt. Jiri is also home to large creeks, including Chilseongyegok, and numerous other bodies of water and mountain peeks that have yet to be named. The crystal clear creeks are top summer vacation spots.
Various hiking trails are available. Popular choices include one-day courses and overnight itineraries that include spending the night in mountain shelters or villas.
Lodging at a mountain shelter may be booked 15 days in advance. Visit jiri.knps.or.kr/eng or call (055) 255-7771 for more information.