FechTin Go · South Korea · Daejeon

Gyeryongsan National Park

myself · CC BY-SA 3.0

A ridge shaped like a cockscomb on a dragon's back, long held to be the most sacred mountain in central Korea.

The name joins 'chicken' and 'dragon' — the jagged crest looks like a comb set on a dragon's spine. Koreans have long considered this a mountain where energy gathers, so its slopes are dotted with hermitages, temples and the remains of small religious communities that chose it as their ground. Gapsa temple on the western flank is the autumn favourite, while Donghaksa on the east is at its best in spring when blossom lines the stream. The trail linking the two over the pass takes about four hours.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Gyeryongsan National Park?

April and October–November

How long do you need at Gyeryongsan National Park?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Gyeryongsan National Park?

The national park entry-time system applies: ascent opens at 04:00 (March–November) or 05:00 (December–February), and each section has its own turn-back time somewhere between 12:00 and 17:00. Check the trail-closure notices before setting out

Did you know

• Became Korea's second national park in 1968.
• The highest peak, Cheonhwangbong, reaches 845m.
• Gapsa temple was founded in 420, during the Baekje kingdom.
• The area was once considered as a site for a new capital.

Travel tips

• The Donghaksa–Gapsa traverse is the classic walk, about four hours.
• City buses from central Daejeon take about 40 minutes.
• Autumn weekends are crowded — start early.

Source: https://www.knps.or.kr/front/portal/safe/acsCtrDtl.do?menuNo=8000340&rstId=0005

Updated: 2026-08-05