Sobaeksan National Park

Sobaeksan (Mt. Sobaek) is part of the Taebaek Mountains, which are called the "backbone of Korea." Historically, these mountain ranges have been tall barriers preventing travel or communication over them, but their rugged height proved to be ideal for many Buddhist monks, who found them to be wonderful retreats away from the material world. Many temples still remain hidden in nooks and crannies of the mountains and several national and provincial parks are part of this range.

Sobaeksan is known for its wildflowers, and their springtime blooms attract visitors from near and far.

The easiest way to get to Sobaeksan is to take a bus from downtown Yeongju or Pung-gi. You can also take an intercity bus from Danyang to Yeongju, which stops at the park's entrance. Entrance to the park is W1,600 adults, W600 teens, W300 children. Fees vary depending on where you enter the park. Additional admission fees for temples and historical sites are included in individual listings.

There are five trails accessible from Gyeongsangbuk-do. Most are long but not too difficult. Among them, the Heuibangsa trail, which passes through the Heuibang Temple and the waterfall, is the most popular and the best one to take with children. Second most frequented is the trail from Samgari to Birobong. The most varied is the trail from Choamsa to Gungmangbong. For more experienced climbers, the roughest course goes from Jungnyeong through Dosolbong to Myojeokbong.

If you want to rough it, you can choose from three campsites, one below Heuibangsa, one below Birosa, and another on the west side between Birobong and the Cheondong-donggul (Cheondong Cave).

Other than the major temples, there are other points of interest in Sobaeksan such as the limestone caves Cheongdong-donggul, Gosu-donggul, and Nodong-donggul.