The Majesty of the Chief: Comfort and Breath Found at Juheulsan (Mountain)

The Feel of Soil Underfoot, A Mountain Holding the Spirit of Yeongnam

I was overwhelmed as soon as I entered Mungyeong. Rising beyond the vast fields of Maseong-myeon, Juheulsan (Mountain) stood its ground like a noble king. Just as its name implies—'the dignified chief mountain'—the heavy energy emanating from it made me hasten my steps. As I rolled down the car window, a clear breeze brushed against my cheeks along with the fresh scent of grass in early summer. The trip truly began when I parked at the 1st Parking Lot of Mungyeong Saejae (Pass) Provincial Park and tightened my backpack straps.

Juheulsan (Mountain) is not just a high mountain. It has long been a sacred, spiritual mountain where the royal court held rituals, considered a pillar of the nation. I felt cautious yet awestruck with every step, feeling as if the sweat and breaths of the ancient scholars who once crossed Mungyeong Saejae (Pass) were embedded somewhere in this dirt path.

Songs of the Forest, the Serenity of Yeogungpokpo (Waterfall) and Hyeguksa (Temple)

At the beginning of the hike, the forest welcomed me with a deeper shade of green. Walking along the sunlight filtering through the leaves, the sound of cool water soon reached my ears. The magnificent stream of Yeogungpokpo (Waterfall), falling from a height of 10m, was enough to wash away the fatigue of the hike at once. The sound of water cascading over the rocks perfectly erased the noise of the city.

Climbing a bit further, Hyeguksa (Temple) reveals itself at an altitude of 520m above sea level. Founded by Buddhist monk Bojo Guksa Chejing during the reign of King Munseong of Silla, this is an old temple that carries the painful history of King Gongmin of Goryeo, who stayed here while fleeing from a rebellion. The scent of old wood, the faint aroma of incense, and the mountain ranges viewed while sitting in the temple courtyard were healing in themselves. As I took a breath and closed my eyes, the sound of the passing wind tickled my ears. In this space, completely filled with the sounds of nature without a single artificial noise, I finally encountered my true self.

A Path Treading on Clouds, The Majesty of Juheulsan (Mountain)'s Main Peak

The path from Hyeguksa (Temple) to the main peak (Jubong, 1,108.4m) of Juheulsan (Mountain) is quite rugged, but the reward is surely worth it. As I reached the summit, the scenery unfolding before my eyes made me nod at why the ancient records stated, 'The mountains and rivers of Yeongnam are a treasure trove of talent that produces great sages.' Looking at the layers of mountain ranges stacked in all directions, I felt a refreshing sensation deep inside my heart.

For the hiking course, there is an 11.3km round trip from the Mungyeong Saejae (Pass) 1st Parking Lot via Yeogungpokpo (Waterfall) to the main peak (Jubong). If you want to enjoy a longer journey, there is a 12.8km course that starts at the 1st Gate (1-gwanmun) and goes through Yeongbong (Peak). Being able to choose a path according to one's physical condition is another great charm of Juheulsan (Mountain). At sunset, the mountain landscape viewed on the way down cast different shadows and lights compared to the ascent, warmly embracing the tired traveler's heart. The day spent in the generous arms of Mungyeong's guardian mountain will likely remain a scene I will not forget for a long time.