Woraksan National Park Trek Haneuljae Trail and Crocodile Peak

Woraksan National Park

Seoul to Woraksan, Jecheon. It takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to reach the destination by private vehicle. We will visit a highway rest area once during the trip. In 1984, Woraksan was designated as the 17th national park in South Korea, covering an area of 287.571 square kilometers. It is situated in the middle of Baekdudaegan, connecting Sobeksan to Sobaeksan. Woraksan is characterized by steep cliffs and rugged terrain, long revered as a sacred mountain. Its main peak, Yeongbong (1,097m), stands prominently among more than 22 large and small peaks including Mansubong, Geumsusan, Sinseonbong, and Doraksan. Located near major cities like Jecheon and Chungju in Chungcheongbuk-do, and Mungyeong in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Woraksan National Park is a popular destination year-round, offering scenic views combined with Chungju Lake, attracting visitors from across the country.

Haneuljae Walking Path

After trekking Haneuljae, we will have lunch. The Haneuljae Trail in Wolak Mountain holds significant historical importance, marking several notable events in Korean history. It was where On Dal, a prominent figure in Goguryeo, departed with the vow, "I will not return until I reclaim Geryeup-hyeon and Jukryeong in the west." It was also the path taken by Prince Ma, the son of King Gyeongseong of Silla, and his younger sister Princess Deokju, carrying the sorrow of a collapsing kingdom. Additionally, during the Goryeo Dynasty, King Gongmin crossed this mountain pass while fleeing from the Hong Geonjeok Rebellion to Mount Cheongryang in Bonghwa. The Haneuljae Trail thus stands as an indispensable place in Korean history, rich with historical significance and stories.

According to legend, Mireuk Daejeonji Temple is associated with a story from the Silla Dynasty, involving Prince Ma, the son of King Gyeongseong. Distraught over the kingdom's collapse, Prince Ma traveled to Geumgangsan (Mount Geumgang), where his sister, Princess Deokju, built Deokjusa Temple on Wolak Mountain. She placed a stone with a Maitreya Buddha statue facing south, while Prince Ma constructed Seokgul Temple with a statue facing north, looking towards Deokjusa Temple. This unique temple site in Korea is the only one with a structure specifically designed to face north. While its construction resembles Seokgulam Grotto in method, Mireuk Daejeonji Temple holds its own distinct interpretation and significance.