Attractions and Places To See in the T'aeback-Sanmaek - Top 20

This watchtower, located on the slope between two boulders about 1 km to the north of the eastern gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, consists of a stone platform and a wooden building with a gable roof. The current structure was rebuilt in 1979 after the original, established in 1707, had fallen into disrepair in the early 20th century. A rock-carved inscription, located about 10 m to the west of the watchtower, identifies this place as an outpost named Beonwidon, meaning "Outpost of Abundant Prestige." Together with the surrounding rocks of Ge-umjeongsan Mountain, including the renowned Nabibawi ("Butterfly Rock") and Buchaebawi ("Fan Rock"), the watchtower stands in harmony with the outstanding natural landscape.

Wonhyobong Peak (687m) is the highest peak in the east of Geumjeongsan Mountain. Like blooming apricot bathed in the light of the rising sun in the East Sea, it has a glamorous appearance as if embroidered with multiple hues. It is therefore called Wonhyobong Peak, meaning "the first of dawn". Located above the fourth lookout tower of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, it also serves as a lookout with panoramic views of the boundless East Sea. A story handed down from Wonhyobong Peak tells of General Kim Yushin training the Hwarang (Silla's elite young military). The soldiers urinated on the rocks after standing at attention for a long time, then a Hwarang member planted a small pine tree on that spot. This pine tree boasted its freshness, overcoming rainstorms for many years, so people called the rock on which General Kim Yushin was standing "Kim Yushin Pine Rock". However, its exact location cannot be known.

The North Gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress is located 1.6 km west of Beomeosa Temple, at the spot where the main ridge, descending southward from Godangbong Peak, rises again toward Wonhyobong Peak. The North Gate exhibits the crudest appearance of the four gates of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, has no arch-shaped decoration and is smaller than the other gates. The upper part of the foundational facility, measuring one kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) at the front and one kan at the sides, is a one-story watch tower with a half-hipped roof with a double-wing bracketing system. The gate measures 2.5 meters at the front, and 3.5 meters at the sides. The area around Sesimjeong Pavilion, situated in front of the gate, used to be known as 'Hwaeombeol' because the venerable Korean Buddhist priest Wonhyo (617-686) preached the Hwaeomgyeong, or Avatamsaka Sutra, there. It was also a training camp for monk-soldiers, including Buddhist monks from Beomeosa Temple, Gukcheongsa Temple, and Haewolsa Temple. The North Gate is known to be the passageway used by independence activists when they carried the Korean Declaration of Independence and the documents related to the independence movement and the March 1st Movement in 1919 at Beomeosa Temple, got off at Mulgeum Station on the Gyeongbu Line, by crossing Godangbong Peak of Geumjeongsan Mountain, and went to the Cheongnyeonam Hermitage.

Geumjeong "Chongrim" (lit. Comprehensive Training Monastery), Beomeosa Temple was named from the legend which a "fish from the Brahma heaven" (Kor. Beomeo) swam in a "golden well" (Kor. Geumjeong). Beomeosa Temple was built by Great Master Uisang, a leading monk at that time, in the 18th year of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty (678 C.E.). It is one of 25 major temples in Korea and has 11 hermitages on the mountain and more than 200 branch temples around the nation. It is also Korea's major temple of Seon practice as well as a Comprehensive Training Monastery.

This stone structure is presumed to have been built during the reign of Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647), the 27th ruler of the Silla kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE). Its name Cheomseongdae means "Platform of Gazing at the Stars," and it is widely acknowledged to be the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. In ancient societies, tracking the movement of celestial bodies was of great political importance because astronomical observations served as a guideline for farming as well as a means to foresee the country's fortune.

Beautiful views up there. Easy to reach, just take bus 7 or 7-1 from Sokcho and disembark on the very last stop. The route does not require any special equipment as it's mostly gravel and stairs (with handrail). Leave your poles at home, even sturdy mountain shoes are not particularly necessary. The last part is quite steep, so bring decent fitness. I did this trail in summer which can be very warm. We came early (the first bus from Sokcho runs at ~6.30) and the ascent was in the shadow mostly. Would not recommend to come later in the day as the sun will roast you. As everywhere in Korea, there's an abundance of toilets, the last one before the ascent is clearly marked as such.

Namhansanseong is a historic fortress located about 25 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The fortress was built in the 17th century and served as the temporary capital of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The history of Namhansanseong began in 1636, when the Korean King Injo decided to build a fortress to protect himself from attacks by the Qing Dynasty from China. The fortress was built on a mountain and surrounded by a wall over 7 kilometers long. The fortress was strategically important and served as a refuge for the king and his government during wars with the Qing. Over time, however, the fortress also became an important cultural and religious center. Today, Namhansanseong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. The fortress is well-preserved and offers visitors a variety of historic buildings and structures, including temples, palaces, and fortifications. The fortress is also known for its impressive architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the fortress and experience Korean history and culture. Overall, Namhansanseong is an important part of Korean history and culture and a must-see for any visitor to Seoul. The fortress offers a unique opportunity to experience Korea's past and admire the beauty of Korean architecture. ‎<This message has been edited. The descent towards Seoul is truly beautiful, but you have to be careful because of the long curves.

There are restrooms along the way. As is typical in Korea: clean, tidy, and free to use.