Seosan Gayasan Mountain (가야산(서산))

📍 Sansu-ri, Seosan-si, Chuncheongnam-do

Overview

Gayasan Mountain has easy and enjoyable hiking trails connecting Gayabong Peak, the main peak, with other peaks and mountains, namely Wonhyobong Peak (677 m), Ogyangbong Peak (621.4 m), Illaksan Mountain (521.4 m), Sujeongbong Peak (453 m), and Sangwangsan Mountain (307.2 m). The trails are as easy and suitable for all hikers including the elderly and young hikers. A distant view of the west sea is even visible from the top of the mountain. Gayasan Mountain offers amazing scenery all year round, most notably in spring when azaleas, royal azaleas, and an array of wildflowers are in full bloom. The mountain also contains the Seosan Rock-carved Buddha Triad (National Treasure), which is considered the best rock-carved Buddha from the Baekje period. The mountain is also home to Bowonsa Temple Site, Gaesimsa Temple, and Illaksa Temple. With one National Treasure, six Treasures, and four cultural heritages preserved on the mountain, it is safe to say that Gayasan Mountain is the heart of Naepo Culture Zone (northwestern region of the province of Chungcheongnam-do), making the entire mountain a cultural asset.