This mountain, which received its name from a ridge that looks like a dragon with a crest, was one (the western great mountain) of the 5 great mountains of Old Silla, because of the spirit this place nearly became the capital of Joseon. As a National Park, Gyeryongsan with beautiful scenery keeping historical events and famous temples such as Donghaksa, Gapsa, sinwonsa is the best noted mountain in Chungnam. The Gyeryong 8 sceneries with various climbing course are sunrise on Cheonhwangbong, snow flower on Sambulbong, sunset on Yeoncheonbong, floating clouds on Gwaneumbong, fresh green of Donghaksa valley, maple at Gapsa, cloud and mist at Euenseon falls, bright moon at Nammaetap (pagoda).
Hakbong-ri kiln site and Gyeryongsan ceramic art village
Hakbong-ri kiln sitewas famous as a place for baking ‘Buncheongsagi’ (mainly ‘Cheolhoebuncheong’) from the middle of 15th century to the early of 16th century. But, pottery was destroyed during the Imjinoeran (the Japanese invasion in 1592), and even now there are pieces of grayish-blue-powdered celadon scattered all over the place.
Directions: Tri-forked road to Donghaksa · Gyeryongsan -> 100m to Gyeryongdae -> turn right about 300m to Donghaksa direction
Sangsin-ri Ceramic Art Village has continued the artistic traditions of the ancestors for centuries. Potters have formed a collective village and devoted their souls to restore, inherit, and develop ‘Buncheongsagi’. You can make pottery here and take it home with you.
Directions : Park Jeong-ja tri-forked road -> about 1km to Gongju direction and turn left at the first traffic light then go 3km -> Pottery Village
The 3 greatest temples , Donghaksa, Gapsa, Sinwonsa
Donghaksa Templewas established during Baekje and now it is a lecture room for Buddhist nuns, but the scenery is distinguished, so many tourists visit hear all year round. The woodland path stretches 2km away from the entrance of Donghaksa to Donghaksa along with clean valley like crystal changes the color and shape according to season, it makes ease the weight of life and indulge in the nature.
Gapsa was established during the Baekje period. It is not big but it contains many treasures and distinguished scenery. Especially, the quiet and secluded maple leaves in Gapsa in the autumn frees the spirit so much that it is often called 'autumn gapsa'. There are treasures such as Cheoldanggan and Jiju (Treasure No.256), Budo (Treasure No.478), Wolinseokbopanmok (Treasure No.582).
Sinwonsa(temple) was established during Baekje period, it is most real mountain temple among Gyeryongsan mountain temples. The silent mountain path is suitable for lovers strolling with taking hands each other and the valley along with this temple runs over natural beauty.
From Seoul area
Cheonan -> Gongju -> Gapsa(or Donghaksa)
From Busan · Daegu · Daejeon area
Daejeon -> Yuseong -> Donghaksa(or Gapsa)
From Gwangju·Jeonju area
Nonsan _ Gapsa (western Daejoen IC -> Gyeryong-si -> Donghaksa)
Lodging information · tasty foods / Special products
There are many lodging facilities and private residences such as Donghaksanjang, Gyeryongsanjang at the entrance of Donghaksa the Youth Hostel, Yulgoksanjang, Noksujang, Gyeryong Inn at the entrance of Gapsa, and Sinwonjang at the entrance of Sinwonsa. You can also take a rest at Geumgang Natural Forest Resort.
You can enjoy foods that stimulate the appetite such as mung-bean pancakes, mountain Condonopsis lanceolata, acorn-starch jelly, wild edible green bibimbap (mixed rice) and others at several restaurants in the collective facility area at the entrance of Gapsa and there are restaurants where you can try duck, wild edible greens and various beautiful restaurants and cafes at the entrance of Donghaksa.
