Jirisan (지리산, 智異山, wisdom.different.mountain) is a mountain in the south of South Korea. It is often considered one of the three most important mountains in South Korea, with Hallasan and Seoraksan being the other two. The name of the mountain comes from a saying that a fool will be able to become wise after living on the mountain. The mountain has around 800 species of animals.
The mountain rises to 1915 metres and is located in a designated national park. The national park, formed in 1967 as the first national park in the country, spans three provinces: Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do as well as Gyeongsangnam-do. The largest proportion of the national park is in Gyeongsangnam-do. The highest peak of the mountain, Cheonhwangbong is also located in this province. Another popular peak is Samsinbong (peak of the three spirits). The total area of the mountain is 471.758km², with a circumference of 320 km.
Jirisan is considered the southern end of the mountain range Baekdudaegan, the "spine" of the peninsula incorporating the Taebaek and Sobaek mountain ranges. The northern end of the Baekdudaegan is found at Baekdusan. Some people dream of walking along the whole mountain range.
There are seven temples on Jirisan that are considered major Buddhist temples. Hwaeomsa is the largest and best known temple amongst these. It is home to a number of treasures. The mountain is also home to Samseonggung, the place of the Three Sages. It is a recently developed site to celebrate one of Korea's foundation myths.
[edit] Cheonwangbong
Cheonwangbong (천왕봉) is 1,915 meters high and is the tallest point of the mountain. Watching the sunrise here during Seollal is said to bring good fortune for 3 generations.
[edit] Banyabong
Banyabong (반야봉) rises 1,732 meters. It is said that the mountain, when viewed from afar, resembles a woman's chest. Watching the sunset here is one of Jirisan's 10 Sceneries.
[edit] Dogodan
Dogodan (도고단) is the third highest peak of Jirisan, at 1,507 meters.
[edit] Chailbong
Chailbong (차일봉) is 1,356 meters high. According to legend [1], a Buddhist monk stayed here for 9 years, after which a beautiful woman appeared to him. After following her for some time, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy appeared, upon which the monk realized the experience was a test. The monk continued his asceticism once again until finding enlightenment. Since then, the place has carried an aura about it, bringing many tourists and seekers.
[edit] Tokkibong
Tokkibong (토끼봉) is 1,537 meters high.
[edit] Imgulryong
Imgulryong is 1,320 meters high.
[edit] Byeoksoryeong
Byeoksoryeong is 1,350 meters high.
[edit] Chilseongbong
Chilseongbong is 1,576 meters high.
[edit] Seseokpyeongjeon
Seseokpyeongjeon is roughly 1,600 meters high. It is a very large plateau, most famous for the azaleas that bloom here in spring.
[edit] Jangtumok
Jangtumok is 1,650 meters high.
