Jaeyaksan | Mountain Guide | K-Travel Mate

Jaeyaksan is a mountain corresponding to a point in the Yeongnam Alps, shaped like a left-handed character '下' with an oval ridge surrounding Pyochungsa Temple. It is a deeply hidden mountain within the mountains, with an oval ridge encircling a geomantic site. Pyochungsa Temple houses National Treasure No. 75, a bronze incense burner containing silver, Treasure No. 467, a three-story stone pagoda, and about 200 relics of Saint Samyeong. The mountain seems to have arisen to protect this geomantic site and its treasures. The eight peaks—Pilbong, Sangtubong, Sangbong, Sajabong (1189m), Sumibong (1108m), Elephant Peak (899m), Jaeyak Peak (953.8m), Hyangrosan (976.9m), and Ssangbong (821.8m)—form the shape of a shrimp embracing a womb. Following the 800-meter contour line, it resembles a child in the womb, a subtle natural formation that moves people. It is famous for Sajapyeong, a 1.2 million pyeong silver grass field, though the vast prairie appearance has diminished due to farming and goat grazing. Nevertheless, many people visit in autumn to see the scenery. According to legend, a sick Silla prince was healed by drinking the mountain's medicinal water, hence the name Jaeyaksan. Originally, the mountain belonged to Yeongjeongsa Temple, named after the spring, but after moving Saint Samyeong's relics during the Imjin War, Pyochungsa Temple, whose name means 'loyalty,' became the main temple despite the name not fitting well.