[National Park Stamp Tour] 8. Mt. Sǒgri, Home of the Jeongnip Pine Tree

Natural Monument No. 103. It is about 15m high, with a trunk circumference of about 4.7m at breast height, and the branches extend 19.9m east-west and 19m north-south. Its age is estimated to be 500 to 600 years old. The crown (the part of the tree above the trunk where many branches grow) resembles a hat or an open umbrella, making it look very elegant. It stands in the middle of the road leading to Beopjusa Temple in Sǒgri Mountain. It was given the name Jeong-i-pum Pine due to the following origin. In 1464 (the 10th year of King Sejo's reign), when King Sejo was traveling to Beopjusa Temple, the palanquin he was riding in passed under this pine tree. As the branches were low, someone said, “The palanquin is caught.” Upon hearing this, the pine tree raised its branches to allow the palanquin to pass safely. For this reason, it is also called Yeon-geol-i Pine. Later, King Sejo bestowed upon the pine tree the rank of Jeong-i-pum, giving it the name Jeong-i-pum Pine. Some say that King Sejo took shelter from the rain under this pine tree while passing through this area. The name of the village in front of where this pine tree stands is Jinheo (陣墟), which is said to be derived from the fact that the soldiers who accompanied King Sejo at that time camped and stayed there. This pine tree has endured various damages while living long with a loyal legend. In particular, since 1970, the pine needle blight, which has caused great damage to pine trees in Korea, also affected this tree. In 1982, a large protective area was established, a fence was erected, and the road was slightly diverted to protect it, which helped it regain its vitality.

Source: Naver Encyclopedia

It is a place that carries the meaning of 'a mountain where one leaves the mundane world'.

It straddles Boeun-gun and Goesan-gun in Chungcheongbuk-do, and Sangju-si and Mungyeong-si in Gyeongsangbuk-do.

The main peaks, Cheonwangbong, Birobong, and Mungangdae, connect the Baekdudaegan mountain range,

and Beopjusa Temple is nestled within the lush forest and beautiful nature.

Hwaryang Valley, Ssanggok Valley, and Mansu Valley,

along with peculiar rocks, create breathtaking scenery.

Source: Introduction within the National Park Stamp Tour Passport

I received a stamp at the Beopjusa Visitor Center.

It's been a while since I visited Sǒgri Mountain.

Due to the late time, I decided to only visit Beopjusa Temple.

Isn't the entrance fee supposed to be collected by the National Park, not the temple?

I think it's unfair that people who don't visit the temple have to pay the entrance fee.

Hwaeomsa Temple in Jirisan doesn't charge an entrance fee. What's the difference...?

In any case, I paid the entrance fee to visit Beopjusa Temple.

I walk slowly, taking in the phytoncides.

It seems that there are fewer hikers because it's a weekday afternoon.

I enter Beopjusa Temple.

National Treasure No. 55, Beopjusa Temple's Palsangjeon Hall

It is registered as a World Heritage site

Come and visit Beopjusa Temple, which houses many national treasures and treasures.

National Park Designation Date: March 24, 1970

Highest Peak: Cheonwangbong (1,058m)

Recommended Travel Destinations

Jeong-i-pum Pine, Osong Waterfall, Sejo Trail, Beomok-i Old Trail, Solhyang Park

Food

Sanchae Bibimbap (Mountain Vegetable Mixed Rice), Songi Baekseuk (Pine Mushroom Chicken Soup)

Interpretation Programs

[Nature Story on the Sejo Trail]

-Beopjusa Nature Observation Trail. Daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (Free)

Source: Introduction within the National Park Stamp Tour Passport

1. How to Obtain a Stamp Passport

• Locations: 22 National Parks across the country / 109 park facilities

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

• Call the visitor center of each National Park in advance to check availability!

• Quantity and Price: 20,000 copies / Free passport

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2. How to Get Stamps (Stamping Locations)

• Locations: 22 National Parks across the country / 109 park facilities

(Visitor center of each National Park - Refer to the list below)

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

• Stamping Method: Get a stamp for each National Park at the stamping location

and stamp it on the corresponding page in your National Park Passport to authenticate your visit.

• Commemorative Gifts: Available upon collecting 10 stamps / 21 stamps

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