Mt. Sobaeksan is a branch of
what could be called the backbone of Korea - Mt.
Taebaeksan, which spreads 100ri(approximately 3.93 km) long to the
southeast.
In 1987, Mt. Sobaeksan was designated as National
Park No.18. Its whole dimension is 320.50. On the
highest peak, called Birobong, there are many wild flowers and royal
azaleas. Between the 1st Yeonhwabong and Birobong is the
Northwest Samyeon (1,200~1,350 m above sea level) where you can find
the largest thriving yew tree community.
The west side of
Mt. Sobaeksan is steep. Streams from Nakdonggang River
flows to Jukgyaecheon River, which is often used as a mountain
climbing course. From Birobong, follow down Jukgyaecheon and you can
enter the Seokryun Mine. Go further and you will find
Choamsa Temple. If you go still further down from here you will
reach Seokcheon Pokpo Waterfall and Seonghyeolsa Temple. In this
valley you can also see mountain trout, which can only be seen in
clean waters.
If you go 4 km southwest of Birobong there is a
leveled walkway that leads to Yeonhwabong. From the 1st Yeonhwabong
you will pass the National Astronomical Observatory to the 2nd
Yeonhwabong. 4km south of this mountain is a high valley called
Jukryeong. On the east of the Mt. Sobaeksan 2nd Yeonhwabong there
are old temples from the Silla Dynasty, the Huibangsa and Birosa
Temples. At the entrance of Huibangsa Temple there is the Huibang
Pokpo Waterfall, considered the most beautiful waterfall of
Gyeongsangnam-do.
Featuring the valleys and ridgelines, Mt.
Sobaeksan National Park has a fantastic view and is known to have
many animals and plants and trees living on the mountain.
Local
Transportation
1.Yeongju -> Mt. Sobaeksan National Park
-At
Yeongju City Bus Terminal take the bus No.53 for Sunheung,get off at
Choam Parking Lot Entrance. (Approximately 30 minutes ride,bus runs
8 times a day)
-At Yeongju City Bus Terminal take the bus No.25
for Heebangsa Temple. (Approximately 50 minutes ride,bus runs 12
times a day)
2. Punggi -> Mt. Sobaeksan National Park
- In
front of Punggi Station, take City Bus No.25 for Heebangsa Temple
and get off at Heebangsa.( bus runs 12 times a day/takes 20
min.)
-In front of Punggi Station, take City Bus No.25 for
Samgari via Birosa and get off at Birosa.( bus runs 6 times a
day/takes 20 min.)
. On the
highest peak, called Birobong, there are many wild flowers and royal
azaleas. Between the 1st Yeonhwabong and Birobong is the
Northwest Samyeon (1,200~1,350 m above sea level) where you can find
the largest thriving yew tree community. 
