Cheontaesan 714m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its magnificent scenery, often referred to as the Seoraksan of Chungbuk; renowned for Yeongguksa Temple founded by National Master Daegak Uicheon during the Goryeo Dynasty, an approximately 500-year-old ginkgo tree (Natural Monument No. 223), a Three-story Stone Pagoda (Treasure No. 533), and the Stele of National Master Wongak (Treasure No. 534).

About Cheontaesan

Cheontaesan (715.2m) is a mountain showcasing spectacular scenery formed by bizarrely shaped rocks everywhere. With multiple hiking trails including rock-climbing routes using ropes along beautiful rock faces, it attracts continuous visits from hiking enthusiasts and is popular as a family hiking destination.

Notably, Yeongguksa Temple marks the first scenic site of the Eight Scenic Views of Yangsan, and numerous cultural heritage sites add to the mountain's mystique. The valley scenery leading to Yeongguksa Temple is very beautiful, where Yongchu Falls (three-tiered) tumbling down dramatic rocky cliffs and a ginkgo tree estimated to be around a thousand years old welcome hikers visiting Cheontaesan.

Cheontaesan is also a place where history breathes, boasting 4 national treasures, 2 local tangible cultural properties, and 1 natural monument. In addition, it preserves historical heritage alongside the thousand-year-old Yeongguksa Temple, including Oksaebong Peak, where King Gongmin was said to have hidden the royal seal, and Yukjogol Valley, where government offices were established.

Forming the border between Yangsan-myeon in Yeongdong-gun, Chungbuk, and Jewon-myeon in Geumsan-gun, Chungnam, Cheontaesan harmoniously blends rocky cliffs with forests and is often called the 'Seoraksan of Chungbuk.' The hiking trails feature rocky terrain equipped with route guides and ropes, offering the thrill of rocky scrambling alongside outstanding natural vistas.

With well-known attractions scattered around, it makes a great family hiking destination. Though the valley is short, it holds refreshing Yongchu Falls and Jinju Falls, while azaleas and cherry blossoms blanket the mountain in spring, and vibrant autumn foliage enchants in fall.

Cheontaesan is home to Yeongguksa Temple, the first among the Eight Scenic Views of Yangsan, with spots like Yeouijeong Pavilion, Gangseondae Terrace, and Yongam Rock located within 10 km, providing plenty to see. At the trailhead entrance in front of Yeongguksa Temple stands a ginkgo tree over a thousand years old, designated as Natural Monument No. 223.

This grand tree reaches a height of 18m and a circumference of 6m. Yeongguksa Temple, whose name means 'making the country peaceful,' is said to have been founded and named to commemorate the 31st Goryeo monarch King Gongmin, who prayed here for a thousand days while seeking refuge during the Red Turban Invasions and successfully pacified the rebellion.

Public transport

Starting point is Yeongdong.

Yeongdong - Cheontaesan: Local bus runs 6 times daily (06:20–19:10, ☎043-742-3971). Takes 50 minutes. Last bus from Cheontaesan to Yeongdong at 19:50. Sinansa Temple - Geumsan: 3 times daily (last bus at 20:20).