Woraksan National Park

Woraksan rises to 1,097 metres on the northern side of Chungju Lake, and its name - moon rock mountain - refers to the moon appearing to hang in a notch of the summit ridge. The mountain is rocky and the routes are steep, with long sections of steel stairway and cable on the upper slopes; from the top the lake spreads out below with Sobaeksan and Songnisan on the horizon. The Deokjusa valley on the eastern approach holds the ruins of a large temple, a stone flagpole support and, on the cliff above, the Maaebul - a Buddha carved in relief into the rock face, around thirteen metres tall and dating from the Goryeo period. The valley also carries the story of Princess Deokju of the fallen Silla court, who by tradition took refuge here. Songgye valley on the south side has its own trail network and the park's campsites. The park, the seventeenth in the country, was designated in 1984, and some 1,200 plant species are recorded in it.

The landscape

• The Maaebul - the thirteen-metre Buddha carved into the cliff.
• Deokjusa ruins - the temple site in the valley.
• The summit stairways - steel steps and cable on the upper rock.
• The lake view - Chungju Lake below from the ridge.

When to go

May to June and October. Autumn colour is strong here and the park is far quieter than the Gangwon parks. Winter requires crampons on the stairways.

What to expect

The summit routes are steep with long metal stair sections and exposure - a full day and hard on the legs. Park fee applies. Facilities are at the valley gates only.

Nearby

Chungju Lake and its ferries are below; Danyang and Sobaeksan are east.

Key facts