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for Hiking and Backpacking in Korea
Korea National Parks are the areas that represent the natural ecosystem and cultural scenes of Korea. National Parks are designated and managed by the Korean government to protect and maintain their reaches and ensure sustainable use. Jirisan became the first National Park in 1967. Since then, a total of 22 areas have been designated as national parks. A whopping 6.7% of Korea is protected as national parks. There are 18 Mountain National Parks, 3 Marine & Coastal National Parks and 1 Historical National Park(Kyungju city which was a capital city of Shilla Dynasty 1500 years ago)
* Gorgeous Korea Mountains introduced by CNN
Seoraksan is popularly known as the most gorgeous mountain in Korea. With stunning valleys and waterfalls, it was chosen as a nature preservation area on November 5, 1965, internationally recognized for its rare plant and animal species, and later designated as the 5th national park in Korea in 1970. Seoraksan became a designated Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO in 1982 and the IUCN recognized its rich natural resources and labeled it a category Ⅱ(National Park). It takes two and half hours by car to reach Seoraksan from Seoul.
Trails description : There are many trails from easy (4 hours) to very strenuous(20 hours). In order to experience the most of Mt. Seoraksan, it is recommended to spend one or two nights in the area.
Designated as the first national park in 1967, Jirisan stretches over one city and four counties. The total area of Jirisan National park covers an area of 472㎢, which is the largest mountainous national park in Korea. The girth of Jirisan is over 320km, and numerous peaks are spread out like a folding screen around the center of Cheonwangbong (1,915m). Many beautiful valleys, streams with plenty of water and waterfalls are situated amongst Jirisan’s 20 ridges. From old times, Jirisan has been known as one of the three legendary mountains of Korea together with Geumgangsan (located in North Korea ) and Hallasan (located on Jeju Island).
Jirisan’s ranges are host to a plethora of vegetation ranging from warm-temperate forests, temperate central forests, and cold forests. There are many old Natural treasures such as the Higan cherry tree and many old historic Buddhist temples. It is said that Jirisan has its own personality because of its magnificent size and view. The 25 kilometer long main ridge trail meanders along the ridge lines of Jirisan from Nogodan peak to Cheonwangbong peak and is renowned as the most stunning trail in Korea. The 4 hours it takes by car from Seoul to reach the popular trail head near Hwaumsa Temple are entirely worth it.
Trails description : There are many trails available ranging in difficulty from easy (4 hours) to very strenuous (up to 30 hours). In order to walk along the entire main ridge line of Jirisan, it is required to stay in a mountain villa for two nights.
Hiking at National Parks of Korea
