속리산국립공원은 속리산과 화양, 선유, 쌍곡 등 3개의 계곡을 합쳐 국립공원을 이루고 있다. 속리산은 기암 절경이 빼어난 산으로 한국 8경 중 하나로 꼽히며 태백산맥에서 남서 방향으로 뻗어 나오는 소백산맥줄기 가운데 위치하여 충북 보은군, 괴산군, 경북 상주시의 경계에 있는 산이다. 속리산은 화강암을 기반으로 변성 퇴적암이 섞여 있어 화강암 부분은 날카롭게 솟아오르고 변성 퇴적암 부분은 깊게 파여 있다. 높고 깊은 봉우리와 계곡은 가히 절경을 이루고 있어 광명산, 미지산, 소금강산으로 불리기도 한다. 등산코스는 산불예방 및 자연휴식년제로 인해 통제되는 구간이 있으므로 자세한 사항은 공원관리사무소로 문의해야 한다. 우리나라 대사찰 중의 하나인 법주사를 중심으로 하여 동북쪽으로 주봉인 천황봉을 비롯 입석대, 문장대, 경업대 등 산속의 수많은 고적들과 천연기념물들이 이곳을 등산과 관광의 명소로 만든다.
This 600-year-old pine tree stands at the entrance to Songnisan Mountain in Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do. This old tree, designated as Natural Monument No. 103, is 15 meters in x_height and 4.5 meters in girth. Its branches stretch 10.3 meters to the east, 9.6 meters to the west and 10 meters to the north. Shaped like an open umbrella, this pine tree has long been the symbol of Songnisan Mountain, and has even been awarded the title of a Jeongipum grade official of the Joseon Court.
* Legend
King Sejo visited Onyang Hot Springs and Songnisan Mountain in 1464 to cure an illness. While passing under this tree, he looked up and saw that his royal sedan chair was about to be ensnared in the tree’s branches. As he called for his bearers to look out, the branches suddenly lifted for the royal procession to proceed. On his way to Seoul, King Sejo was also able to take shelter from a rain shower under this tree. Therefore, he bestowed upon the tree the ministerial rank of Jeongipum.
Jeongipumsong of Songnisukri, a pine tree estimated to be over 600 years old, stands in the middle of the path to Beopjusa Temple on Songnisan. It is 15m tall, with a chest circumference of 4.5m, and branch lengths of 10.3m east, 9.6m west, and 10m north, covering a total area of 1158.3㎡. The tree was given the rank of Jeong 2-pum (a high official rank) and is widely known as a symbol of Songnisan. According to legend, in the 10th year of King Sejo's reign (1464), when the king's palanquin passing under the tree got caught on the drooping branch, the tree raised its branch for the king to pass safely. It is also said King Sejo took shelter from rain under this tree. Honoring the tree's loyalty, King Sejo awarded it the Jeong 2-pum rank (equivalent to a ministerial level) and it was named Jeongipumsong. Over time, the tree suffered various damages, notably from pine needle gall midges in the early 1980s, leading to extensive insect netting installation. Originally neat and beautiful with a hat or umbrella shape, the tree's large west branch broke in a strong windstorm in 1993, damaging its form. However, it remains very beautiful overall, biologically and genetically valuable as a large old tree, and culturally significant due to its legend reflecting the era's loyalty to the monarch. For these reasons, it is designated and protected as a natural monument.
This lotus flower complex is located opposite the natural monument Jeongipumsong in Sokrisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungbuk. During the lotus season, beautiful lotus flowers such as white lotus, water lilies, prickly lotus, and water poppies create a spectacular view. Observation paths are established for comfortable viewing. It is suitable as an educational place for children and a picnic area for families. Nearby are Sokrisan National Park, Beopjusa Temple, Solhyang Park, and charming cafes, and parking is available.
