THE FIRST COUNTY PARKGangcheonsan was designated asKorea’s first county park on January 7,1981. Jeollabuk-do contains four famousnational parks and four provincial parks,but only two county parks, includingJangansan and Gangcheonsan, whichare not nearly as widely known.Nevertheless, Gangcheonsan is arguablyone of the most beautiful mountainparks in Jeollabuk-do year round.In fact, the entire trail in to the picnicarea is designated as a "barefoot path"with two options at every streamcrossing: either take the bridge across,or wade through the shallow wateralong the cobblestone path below.Between Gangcheonsa Temple andthe open picnic area, there is a largeclearing with a 75m long cloud bridgesuspended 50m overhead.According to KoreaSanha.net which hasa ranking of Korea’s top 300 mountains,Gangcheonsan ranks 21st in popularity,coming in 10th place during the fall,just two places behind Naejangsan’s8th place autumn ranking. But, unlikeNaejangsan, which sees its popularity andtourism peak in autumn, Gangcheonsanis a beloved destination for all seasons,ranking in the top 50 mountains yearround. In fact, due to its year-roundpopularity, Gangcheonsan actually beatsNaejangsan overall, which ranks 36th.Perhaps the reason for Gangcheonsan’spopularity in all seasons can be attributedto its outstanding natural environment.Lush natural forests, high rock walls,clear flowing streams, and the soundof rushing water resonates in the valleyand creates a landscape that is asexhilarating as it is refreshing.EXPLORING THE TRAILThe trail begins as most mountaintrails in Korea begin, with a wide, welltraveled,and well cared for path, witheasy accessibility for strollers andwheelchairs. But unlike most othermountain paths in Korea, this onecontinues to be smooth and almostflat for nearly 4km - beyond the famousGangcheonsa Temple, and into a large,open picinic area with views of amassive rock wall with at least threemore picturesque waterfalls.For more serious hikers, there are wilder,rockier, mountain paths that wrap alongthe ridgelines of both the north andsouth mountains that surround thevalley (the highest peaks on both thenorth and south sides average 580m).But for a less demanding hike backalong the same route that you came inon, there is also a mountain boardwalkthat follows the main trail. The firsttime I went to Gangcheonsan, I tookthe barefoot mountain path in to thepicnic area, and returned along themountainous boardwalk that branchesoff from there and climbs up into thetrees, some 50-100m above the mainpath.All in all, Gangcheonsan certainly hassomething for everyone, and somethingfor all seasons. Although Naejangsanmay be more popular in the fall, it’s nowonder that Gangcheonsan is actuallymore popular year round. From rainbowmisting waterfalls, to stone and skybridges overlooking Korea’s lush naturalforests and crystal clear streams, tohidden gems like little known waterfalls,rocky enclosures and caves, and amountain boardwalk, Gangcheonsanhas to be my favorite mountain thatI’ve discovered in recent years. It’s wellworth at least a day trip, since the drivefrom Jeonju is just over an hour. Butwith numerous pensions surroundingthe mountain as well, it may just be theperfect place for an extended getaway.32 Jeonbuk Life Magazine / Fall 2020 • Issue 20
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