Haneuljae, also known as Gyerimnyeong (계립령/鷄立嶺) is a mountain pass in the Sobaek Mountains of central South Korea. It runs between Chungju-shi in Chungcheongbuk-do and Mungyeong-shi in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Haneuljae rises to about 530 meters above sea level, between the peaks of Poamsan (963 m) and Juheulsan (1106 m).
During the Shilla and Goryeo periods of Korean history, it played a role of critical importance, as the principal pathway between southeastern and southwestern Korea, and in particular between the valleys of the Han and Nakdong rivers. In the Joseon period, this role was taken over by the pass of Mungyeong SaeJae, and Haneuljae fell into disuse. Today only a minor country road traverses the pass.
Seo (2001) contends that the pass played a particularly critical role in the diffusion of Buddhism into Silla from Goguryeo. The first monks bearing Buddhism to Silla came by land from the north, and Haneuljae would have been their most likely route. In addition, the area around Sangju, which would have been the first major city a traveller from the north would come to after crossing Haneuljae, early became a center of Buddhism, in contrast to much of the rest of Silla, which put up stiff resistance to the new faith.
The Chungju side of Haneuljae is currently protected as part of Woraksan National Park. It is a dirt track and gated to keep traffic out. A hike to the bottom brings one to Mireuksa.
[edit] Getting there
One can take a local bus from Jeomchon or from Mungyeong to the junction just past Galpyeong. From there its a goodly hike up a long quiet valley to the pass. From the top one can drop down to Mireuksa, a considerably shorter journey. Along the track between Mireuksa and the pass, there is a nature trail alternative, a bit longer, but it meets again with the track to the top a bit further along. A number of buses go to Mireuksa from Seoul, Chungju and Suanbo.
There's a trail going up Poamsan from the pass. It's only open part of the year, being closed for wildlife considerations.
[edit] References
Seo, Y.-i. (2001). 신라 육상 교통로 계립령 (Silla yuksang gyotongno gyerimnyeong / Gyerimnyeong, land transportation route of Silla.) In Mungyeong Saejae Museum (Ed.), 길 위의 역사, 고개의 문화 (Gil wi-ui yeoksa, gogae-ui munhwa / The history upon the road, the culture of the passes), pp. 129-150. Seoul: Silcheon Munhak.
