I came to Gyeongsang Province for a work-related training program.
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After finishing the schedule, I thought it would be a waste not to go hiking while I was here, so I looked for a nearby mountain and chose Cheonseongsan.
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Since I didn’t have much time before returning to Seoul, I decided to take the shortest hiking route.
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Cheonseongsan Mountain
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At 920 meters above sea level, Cheonseongsan forms the boundary between Soju-dong and Pyeongsan-dong in Yangsan, and the Sangbuk and Habuk-myeon areas.
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The mountain has long been famous for its deep valleys and waterfalls, earning the nickname “Sogeumgangsan,” meaning Small Geumgang Mountain. It is said that the great Buddhist monk Wonhyo preached the Avatamsaka Sutra here to a thousand monks who had come from Tang China, guiding them all to enlightenment. Hence the name “Cheonseongsan,” meaning the mountain of a thousand saints.
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In spring, the mountain is covered with azaleas and royal azaleas in full bloom. The Hwaeom Swamp and Milbat Swamp are ecological treasures home to rare plants, flowers, and insects. The mountain’s wild herbs were once offered to the royal table for their exquisite taste. In autumn, the vast fields of silver grass create a dreamlike hiking landscape.
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Temples such as Wonhyoam, Hongnyongsa, Seongbulsa, and Naewonsa can also be found on the mountain. The summit is famous as one of the earliest points on the Korean Peninsula to witness the sunrise over the East Sea, attracting many visitors from all over the country.
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The Shortest Route to the Peak
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I drove up to the Mitaam Temple parking lot in Yangsan. Since it was around lunchtime on a weekday, there weren’t many cars.
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Because of possible rockfalls, I parked the car on the sloped side facing the mountain. Even from the parking lot, the road to Mitaam was quite steep—it took me about 20 minutes on foot.
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The road itself is well-paved, but I could tell that in winter, if snow falls in Gyeongsang Province, vehicles would probably be restricted because of the incline.
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If Bulgapsan represents a mountain you can drive up in Jeolla Province, then Cheonseongsan would be its Gyeongsang counterpart.
It may not be a long hike to the summit, but it’s still a rewarding one.
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Mitaam Hermitage
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Before starting the climb, I visited Mitaam, a temple built on a cliff. The kind monks and the unique architecture set it apart from other temples—structures were lined up along the rocky slope in an unusual formation.
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I later learned that this hermitage has a long history.
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I entered thinking it was part of the trail to the summit, and it turned out to be a wonderful detour.
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If you visit Cheonseongsan, I highly recommend stopping by Mitaam Hermitage.
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View from Mitaam (Wonhyo Meditation Trail Observatory)
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From Mitaam, the city of Yangsan spreads out below. Looking down, I couldn’t help but recall my younger days—about 20 years ago—when I worked in construction near what is now the Ubora Apartments.
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Behind our dorm back then was Obongsan, a neighboring mountain to Cheonseongsan. It brought back quite a few memories.
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The Wonhyo Meditation Trail Observatory marks one of the many sacred Buddhist sites on Cheonseongsan. Wonhyo is said to have established 89 hermitages during his quest to enlighten a thousand monks, and among them, Mitaam was considered the most spiritually powerful.
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Known as the foremost place of prayer in the Yeongnam region, Mitaam attracts numerous Buddhists and visitors. The Geumsugul Cave on the left and the Great Rock Cave along the right ridge were both known as Wonhyo’s meditation sites. The surrounding trail, including the observatory, has long been referred to as the Path of Wonhyo’s Practice.
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Cheonseongsan Royal Azalea Festival Monument
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“When the sky opened, history began.
In the distant darkness, Cheonseongsan turned green and still embraces us today.
Looking out over the Nakdong River, this proud land of Yangsan has carried forward a radiant culture.
Shall the torch of our heritage ever fade?
Each May, to pass down the beauty of nature and the love of our homeland,
we celebrate the harmony of nature, flowers, and people —
the Cheonseongsan Royal Azalea Festival,
as a festival of culture and the environment.”.
— Cheonseongsan Royal Azalea Festival Committee, May 18, 2008
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It seems Cheonseongsan is also famous for its royal azaleas.
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Since it’s known as one of Yangsan’s Eight Scenic Sites, I’d love to return in May to see the festival for myself.
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The hiking trail runs parallel to a forest road, so on my way down, I followed that path and eventually reached the Azalea Festival Monument.
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At the Summit
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The summit of Cheonseongsan was covered in tightly packed rocks, creating an impressive sight even from afar. Had the weather been clearer, I might have seen all the way to Busan—but with dark clouds gathering, I decided to descend quickly as rain began to fall.
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Even though I took the shortest route and drove part of the way up, the experience was truly satisfying.
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I hope your visit to Cheonseongsan will be just as peaceful and fulfilling.
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