[National Park Stamp Tour] 12. Naejangsan National Park, Famous for its Maple Leaves, and the Cable Car

One of the five famous mountains of Honam and considered one of the eight scenic spots representing Korea, it was designated as the 8th national park in Korea in 1971. The area is 80.708k㎡. Naejangsan, with Sinseonbong (763m) as its main peak, has peaks around 700m in height, but the peaks are made up of unique rock formations, so it has been called 'the Geumgang of Honam' since ancient times. Naejangsan was originally called Yeongunsan (靈隱山) after the name of its main temple, Yeongunsa, but it was later called Naejangsan, meaning 'inner' (內) and 'hidden' (藏), because it was said that countless things were hidden within the mountain.

Source: Naejangsan National Park website

After passing the entrance, there is a visitor center in front of the shuttle bus stop.

The free parking lot is located furthest away.

And there are two public parking lots and a private parking lot closest to the mountain.

I parked at the private parking lot.

Today's hiking course is to take the cable car up and visit Sinseonbong.

If you walk a little from the parking lot, you will find the shuttle bus stop.

The line was long, so I walked up, but there were many shuttle buses.

This is the end of the maple leaves.

View of Naejangsan from Yeonjabong after climbing the difficult stairs.

There are no maple leaves.

I didn't feel like hiking, so I decided to descend.

There is an exhibition space at the visitor center.

It was a disappointing hike because the maple leaves were gone.

Due to the climate crisis, the period when you can see maple leaves is getting shorter, and I'm worried if I'll be able to see them next year.

National Park Designation Date: 1971. 11. 17.

Highest Peak Sinseonbong: 763m

Recommended Travel Destinations

Ssanggyeru, Baekhakbong, Seoraebong, Ipamsanseong Fortress, Baekyangsa Temple, Soltisongjuk Village, Maple Tunnel

Food

Soltiae Tteok, Danpung Tofu, Samchae Cuisine

Source: National Park Stamp Tour Passport

1. How to Obtain a Stamp Passport

• Pick-up Locations: 22 National Parks nationwide / 109 park facilities

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

• Call each National Park's visitor center in advance to check availability!

• Quantity and Price: 20,000 copies / Passport acquisition is free

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2. Stamp Authentication Method (Where to get stamps)

• Authentication Locations: 22 parks nationwide / 109 park facilities

(Each National Park's Visitor Center - see list below)

• Check the operating hours and closing days of each visitor center before visiting.

• Authentication Method: Get a stamp for each National Park at the authentication location.

Stamp the corresponding page in your National Park Passport to authenticate.

• Commemorative Gifts: Available after collecting 10 stamps / 21 stamps.

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