Naejangsan National Park

Introducing Naejangsan National Park

The mountainous ridge in this park (538 7875; adult/youth/child W3200/1300/700; sunrise-sunset) is shaped like an amphitheatre. A spider’s web of trails leads up to the ridge, but the fastest way up is by cable car (adult/child one way W3500/2000, return W4500/2000). The hike around the rim is strenuous, but with splendid views on a fine day. The trail is a roller-coaster ride, going up and down six main peaks and numerous small ones before you reach Seoraebong, from where you head back down to the access road.

There are metal ladders, bridges and railings to help you scramble over the rocky parts. Give yourself four hours to hike around the amphitheatre, with an hour for breaks and a picnic. If you find the hike too difficult, turn right at any time and follow one of the many trails back down to Naejangsa.

An easy and picturesque 2km walk from Naejangsa goes through Geumsong valley, which becomes a steep ravine before leading to a cave, a natural rock arch and a waterfall.

A tourist village clusters around the entrance, but it’s not usually busy except in October. Camping (small/large tent W3000/6000) is available before the tourist village. A shuttle bus (W900, 9am to 6pm) runs between the ticket office and the cable car terminal, saving a 2km, 20-minute walk.

The tourist information centre (537 1330) has free internet access, and across the road is a bicycle hire stall (011-9449 4383; per hr W3000; 9am-6pm). Cycle up to the temple or back out of the park and around the nearby farms and villages.

Buses (W3000, one hour, every 15 minutes) run from Jeonju to Jeong·eup. From just outside the bus terminal on the left, local bus 171 (W1000, 30 minutes, every 20 minutes) runs to Naejangsan.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009