[National Park Stamp Tour] 11. Taebaeksan, Beautiful with Snow Flowers

Taebaeksan was designated as a provincial park on May 13, 1989, and was designated as the 22nd national park in Korea in 2016. The total area is 70.052㎢, and it is centered on Yeongbong Peak (1,560m), where Cheonjedan is located, with Janggunbong Peak (1,567m) to the north, Munsubong Peak (1,517m) to the east, and Busaebong Peak (1,546m) between Yeongbong and Munsubong. The highest peak is Hambaeksan (1,572m). Taebaeksan boasts abundant cultural resources, such as Cheonjedan, where sacrificial rites have been held for thousands of years, and Geomryongso, the source of the Han River, as well as diverse and outstanding ecological landscapes, including the Geumdaebong~Daedeoksan section, a wildflower habitat, Manhangjae, the Korean fir grove around Janggunbong Peak, and Baekcheon Valley, the southernmost habitat of the Korean bullhead.

Source: Taebaeksan National Park Website

Stamp before hiking

Danggol Visitors Center 1st Parking Lot

At an elevation of 1,162m, it is one of the peaks of Taebaeksan, which is designated as a provincial park. Taebaeksan is considered a famous mountain, to the extent that it is called the spiritual mountain of the nation. At the summit is Cheonjedan, where sacrifices to heaven have been offered since ancient times. It is a circular altar made of natural stones, with a circumference of 27m, a width of 8m, and a height of 3m.

According to the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), there are records of the king personally offering sacrifices to heaven, and according to the Sejong Sillok Chiriji (Sejong's Annals of Geography), it is said that during the Silla period, sacrifices were offered in the spring and autumn at Taebaeksan, the northern peak among the five sacred mountains (Oaks). During the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, the people offered sacrifices to heaven, and during the Japanese colonial period, it was a historical site where independence fighters offered sacrifices. It was designated as Important Folk Material No. 228 in 1991. Every year on Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day), Taebaek City holds the Taebaek Festival and offers sacrifices to heaven.

About 300m north of Cheonjedan is Janggunbong, the main peak of Taebaeksan, and if you follow the ridge southeast, you will reach Munsubong, which is made up of tens of thousands of rocks. Munsubong, along with Cheonjedan, the Korean fir grove, sunrise, Hwangji, Geomryongso, Gumunso, and Yongyeon Cave, is called the Eight Scenic Spots of Taebaek. Along the path from Cheonjedan to Munsubong, there are groves of Korean fir trees, known for living for a thousand years and remaining for a thousand years after death.

Source: Doopedia

Since it's a winter mountain climb, we start hiking wearing gaiters and crampons.

There is a Coal Mining Museum next to Danggol Square.

Ascending the snow-covered mountain.

A little further up from the Munsubong and Somunsubong fork, the beautiful snow flowers begin.

The snow flowers become more beautiful as you get closer to Munsubong.

Arrival at the summit

Tranggle Hiking Record

A high mountain of 1500m

A mountain where you can encounter a spectacle of snow flowers

A mountain that is good for beginners to challenge

I recommend Munsubong of Taebaeksan.

National Park Designation Date: 2016.08.22.

Highest peak, Janggunbong: 1,567m

Recommended travel destinations

Cheonjedan, Geomryongso, Manhangjae, Janggunbong, Baekcheon Valley, Hambaeksan, Maebongsan, Munsubong

Food

Taebaek Hanwoo, Water Dakgalbi

Interpretation Program

[Geomryongsoya, Please Take Care of Me] - Geomryongso, 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily (Free)

Source: National Park Stamp Tour Passport

1. How to obtain a stamp passport

• Locations to receive: 22 National Parks nationwide / 109 park facilities

(From Wednesday, March 3, 2021, until stocks run out at each park facility)

• Call the visitor center of each national park in advance to check for stock!

• Quantity and price: 20,000 copies / Passport receipt is free

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2. Stamp certification method (where to get stamps)

• Certification locations: 22 National Parks nationwide / 109 park facilities

(Visitor centers of each national park - see list below)

• You must check the operating hours and closing days of each visitor center before visiting.

• Certification method: Get the stamp for each national park at the certification location

and stamp it on the corresponding page in the National Park Passport for certification.

• Commemorative gifts: Available upon application after collecting 10 stamps / 21 stamps.

[Source] National Park Stamp Tour + Passport Acquisition Method, Stamping Locations, and Commemorative Gifts Summary|