Daedunsan Provincial Park | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Daedunsan (878m) is the main mountain (jinsan) of Jinsan, as written in Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam, and belongs to Geumsan land, so it can be called the mountain of Geumsan. Just as Beopjusa Temple belongs to Sogrisan, the old temple Taegosa, which has Daedunsan as its main mountain, is also located in Geumsan. Although the part of Geumsan within the entire Daedunsan area is small, the root of Daedunsan lies at Taegosa—famous for Manhae Han Yongun's quote: "Do not speak of scenic spots of the world without seeing Taegosa." In the past, Daedunsan was recognized as Geumsan’s mountain, but with large developments on the Wanju side attracting visitors, it has come to be seen as Daedunsan of Jeonbuk or Wanju. It may not be possible to call it solely Geumsan’s Daedunsan, but it is hoped to establish joint recognition as "Daedunsan of Geumsan and Wanju." It is a mountain with two provincial parks. Administratively, the Jeonbuk side belongs to Wanju-gun alone, but the Chungnam side is divided between Geumsan-gun and Nonsan-si. Daedunsan has many oddly shaped rocky peaks with beautiful and clean rock formations. Though not large, it has a grand taste and a charming, intricate appeal. One side features dense forest and beautiful valleys. In autumn, the fall foliage combined with the bizarre peaks is enchanting. It is also a historic site of the Imjin War, and on a cliff in front of the world-famous Taegosa Temple engraved with the words 'Seokmun [石門]' written by scholar Song Si-yeol of the Joseon Dynasty, various legends are associated. The scenic and excellent Daedunsan has distinct characteristics depending on whether you are in the Geumsan, Nonsan, or Wanju areas, making it interesting. Geumsan has the Imjin War historic sites and the renowned Taegosa Temple; Nonsan features good forests, valleys, and streams; Wanju has bizarre peaks rising like a forest and various conveniences. Hiking trails include ascending from Jinsan-myeon Hyangjeong or crossing the mountain slope from Baetijae to Taegosa and then to Nakjodae. On the Nonsan side, starting from Surak-ri, passing the victory monument and observing Hwarang, Geumgang, and Biseon Falls along Surak Valley, climbing 196 stairs to Gosrak (a pure Korean word meaning 'summit') offers great views; on the Wanju side, ascending from the group facility area and crossing the cloud bridge over Geumgang Bridge is enjoyable. There is also a steep path from Ansimsa Temple. Daedunsan, praised by Wonhyo Daesa who spent three days wandering it yet could not leave, is truly a beautiful mountain.