Chilgapsan 560m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic beauty, including Baegundong Valley, and its designation as a provincial park in 1973. The valleys are deep and steep, wrapping around the Jicheon Stream, and the name originates from the belief that seven auspicious sites were formed here. It is also famous for Janggoksa Temple, founded by the Buddhist monk Bojo during the reign of King Munseong of Silla, which houses the Seated Iron Bhaisajyaguru Buddha (Treasure No. 174) and other cultural heritage.

About Chilgapsan

Chilgapsan is said to harbor seven auspicious sites along its expansive ridges and deep valleys. Despite being an unassuming, soil-covered mountain under 600 meters in height, it possesses remarkable character. The mountain ridges branching out in five directions and the Ninety-Nine Valleys of Jicheon Stream flowing from the Cheongyang Basin create an extraordinary presence. Cheongyang never heard a single gunshot during the Imjin War or the Korean War, and bordering the renowned scenic retreat of Yugucheon Stream near Magoksa Temple lends credence to its auspicious reputation.

Arriving at Janggoksa Temple, which houses two national treasures and three treasures, deepens this impression. Even if the other six auspicious sites are questionable, at least one holds true. Despite being a small branch temple, it preserves the Seated Iron Bhaisajyaguru Buddha with Stone Pedestal (National Treasure No. 58), the Seated Iron Vairocana Buddha (Treasure No. 174), the Upper Main Hall (Sangdaeungjeon, Treasure No. 162), the Gilt-bronze Seated Bhaisajyaguru Buddha (Treasure No. 337), the Lower Main Hall (Hadaeungjeon, Treasure No. 181), and the Hanging Scroll Painting of Maitreya Buddha on Hemp Cloth (National Treasure No. 300).

While the mountain lacks dramatic rocky peaks or ravines, its panoramic vistas are exceptional. It rivals celebrated peaks of the region, from Oseosan (789.9m), the highest peak in Chungnam north of the Geumgang River, to Seongjusan (677m) to the southwest and Gwangdeoksan (699.3m) to the northeast. To the south, the meandering Geumgang River and Buyeo appear close enough to touch.

Although Chilgapsan is modest in height at 561m above sea level, its terrain is rugged and steep. Because it has remained relatively secluded, it preserves a dense, untouched natural forest. From the summit, the West Sea comes into view, and streams gathering from each valley flow together into the Jicheon and Sacheon streams.

Public transport

The transit base is Cheongyang. Buses bound for Janggoksa Temple operate 8 times daily. Buses to Cheongyang run 7 times daily from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and 8 times daily from Seoul Nambu Terminal. From outside Chungcheongnam-do, buses are available from Incheon, Anyang, and Gunsan. When using Hanchigogae Pass as the trailhead, take one of the 40 daily buses departing Daejeon toward Cheongyang and disembark at the pass.