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Gyeryongsan National Park
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Gyeryongsan Overview

Gyeryongsan National Park, known as 계룡산국립공원 in Korean, is one of South Korea’s oldest and most culturally significant national parks. Located in the central region of the country, near Daejeon and Gongju in Chungcheongnam-do Province, the park spans 24 square miles (62.1 square kilometers). Gyeryongsan, meaning “Rooster Dragon Mountain,” derives its name from the ridgeline’s resemblance to a dragon with a rooster’s crest. The park was established in 1968 and is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

The terrain of Gyeryongsan National Park is dominated by the dramatic peaks and ridges of Gyeryongsan Mountain, with its highest point, Cheonhwangbong Peak, reaching 2,772 feet (845 meters). The park’s landscape is characterized by rugged granite cliffs, dense forests, and pristine valleys. Majestic waterfalls like Eunseon Waterfall and Yongmun Waterfall enhance the area’s natural charm, while streams and picturesque ponds dot the valleys. The vegetation varies from temperate deciduous forests to mixed coniferous woods, featuring species such as pine, oak, and maple trees. In autumn, the park transforms into a vibrant display of red, orange, and gold foliage, attracting countless visitors.

Gyeryongsan National Park is home to diverse wildlife, offering a haven for various species of mammals, birds, and amphibians. Visitors may encounter mammals such as raccoon dogs, weasels, and squirrels. Bird enthusiasts are drawn to the park for its avian population, including species like the Korean magpie, goshawk, and oriental turtle dove. The park also supports a variety of smaller creatures, including frogs and insects that thrive in its moist forested areas. The biodiversity of Gyeryongsan underscores the park’s ecological significance.

One of the park’s key attractions is its cultural heritage. Gyeryongsan is deeply intertwined with Korean Buddhism, and several historic temples, including Donghaksa, Gapsa, and Sinwonsa, are nestled within the park’s boundaries. These temples offer serene spaces for meditation and exploration, and their centuries-old architecture adds to the park’s allure. Additionally, Gyeryongsan is considered a sacred mountain in Korean shamanism, and its mystical ambiance attracts spiritual seekers.

Visitors to Gyeryongsan National Park can enjoy a wide range of activities. Hiking is the most popular way to experience the park, with well-maintained trails leading to various peaks, temples, and scenic viewpoints. The Gyeryongsan Mountain Ridge Trail is particularly famous for its panoramic vistas. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can explore the temples or enjoy picnics in the serene forested areas. Seasonal festivals, such as the Gyeryongsan Maple Festival, celebrate the park’s beauty and cultural significance.

Despite its beauty, Gyeryongsan faces conservation challenges, including the pressure of increasing tourism and environmental degradation. However, the park’s management has implemented measures to mitigate these issues, including habitat restoration projects and strict regulations on visitor activities. These efforts have helped preserve the park’s natural and cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a treasured destination for future generations.

 

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Gyeryongsan National Park Highlights

Popular

Gyeryongsan National Park in South Korea is renowned for its lush forests, diverse ecosystems, and cultural significance. It is home to a wide range of plant and animal species that thrive in its mountainous terrain and temperate climate. Below are some of the popular species you may encounter in the park.

Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora)
This iconic tree dominates much of the park’s forest landscape with its reddish bark and graceful, spreading canopy. It plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem, providing shelter and resources for many wildlife species.

Siberian Chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus)
A small, agile rodent, the Siberian chipmunk is commonly seen scurrying through the underbrush in search of nuts, seeds, and berries. Its striped coat makes it easily recognizable.

Asian Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)
Although elusive, the Asian black bear is an important resident of Gyeryongsan. These bears inhabit the remote areas of the park, and conservation efforts are in place to protect their declining population.

Korean Goral (Naemorhedus caudatus)
This small goat-antelope is adept at navigating the rocky cliffs and steep slopes of Gyeryongsan. It is a rare and protected species that adds to the park’s biodiversity.

Korean Salamander (Hynobius leechii)
Found in streams and damp areas, this amphibian is notable for its smooth skin and vital role in the aquatic ecosystems of the park.

Korean Fir (Abies koreana)
A stunning evergreen tree, the Korean fir is known for its symmetrical shape and vibrant purple cones. It thrives in the higher altitudes of the park.

Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
This small wild cat is a nocturnal predator, preying on rodents and birds. It is an elusive but essential part of the park’s ecosystem.

Korean Wild Boar (Sus scrofa coreanus)
Roaming the dense forests, this wild boar is a powerful and adaptable animal that plays a critical role in seed dispersal and soil aeration.

Japanese Tree Frog (Dryophytes japonicus)
Known for its vibrant green coloration, this tree frog is often spotted near ponds and wetlands. Its distinct call adds to the park’s serene atmosphere.

Amur Hedgehog (Erinaceus amurensis)
This small, spiny mammal is commonly found in the park’s woodlands and grasslands. It helps control insect populations and contributes to ecosystem balance.

Birds

Gyeryongsan National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a variety of habitats that attract an array of avian species. From songbirds to raptors, the park provides a home for many beautiful and fascinating birds.

Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata)
With its vivid blue back, white chest, and striking black cap, this bird is often seen near streams and rivers, hunting for fish and insects.

Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis)
A graceful bird with a soft cooing call, it is commonly spotted in the park’s open woodlands and fields.

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
Recognizable by its striking blue wing feathers and raucous calls, this bird is an intelligent and curious resident of the park.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
This black, white, and red woodpecker can be heard drumming on tree trunks as it searches for insects.

Eastern Crowned Warbler (Phylloscopus coronatus)
A small, active bird with a greenish-yellow plumage and a faint crown stripe, it flits through the forest canopy in search of insects.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A powerful bird of prey, the northern goshawk is an apex predator in the park, hunting small mammals and other birds.

Varied Tit (Sittiparus varius)
This colorful and sociable bird is a common sight, known for its black head, orange breast, and distinctive calls.

Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
One of the most beautiful waterfowl species, the Mandarin duck is admired for its ornate plumage and is often found in the park’s ponds and rivers.

Pallas’s Rosefinch (Carpodacus roseus)
This striking pink-colored finch inhabits the park during the colder months and is often seen in open areas near shrubs.

Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker (Yungipicus kizuki)
A tiny woodpecker with a barred back and subtle plumage, it can be seen clinging to tree trunks as it searches for food.

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