Deogyusan 1,614m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for forming a grand 17km mountain ridge from Hyangjeokbong Peak to Namdeogyu, serving as the headwaters of the Geumgang and Nakdonggang Rivers, and being designated as a National Park (1975). It is also renowned for the approximately 30km-long Muju Gucheondong Valley flowing to the north, its natural recreation forest, and Baegnyeonsa Temple, founded in 830 (the 5th year of King Heungdeok of Silla) by Master Muyeom.

About Deogyusan

This mountain is widely known for the 33 scenic views of Muju Gucheondong. Starting from the 1st view, Najetongmun Gate, the valley unfolds through scenic spots such as Haksodae, Chuwoldam, Susimdae, Inwoldam, Geumpotan, and Gucheon Falls, spanning an estimated 9,000 winding turns. The 31st view is Isokdae, the 32nd is Baegnyeonsa Temple, and the 33rd is Hyangjeokbong Peak... representing a journey of "leaving the secular world, passing a temple resembling a white lotus, and ascending a peak where exquisite fragrance accumulates like a mountain."

However, the true meaning of its name—a mountain of generous virtue—is best felt on the southeastern foothills toward Geochang. The grand, bow-shaped ridge blocks the northwestern winds while the southeastern winds bring ample rain, resulting in vegetation richer than in any other area. Thanks to this, crops flourish and the scenery is magnificent, dotted with exquisite pavilions like Cheongsajeong, Moamjeong, Yongamjeong, and Suseungdae. It is impossible to truly discuss Deogyusan without seeing Buksang-myeon in Geochang.

Deogyusan spans the borders of Muju-gun and Jangsu-gun in Jeonbuk, and Geochang-gun and Hamyang-gun in Gyeongnam, covering 2 provinces, 4 counties, and 8 townships. It is the 4th highest mountain in South Korea after Hallasan, Jirisan, and Seoraksan, and is a massive mountain boasting more than 20 peaks exceeding 1,000 meters.

The name Deogyu signifies a grand and generous mountain endowed with virtue. It is said that Monk Muhak discovered Deogyusan while searching for a deep, scenic mountain escape away from troubled political regimes.

Public transport

The main base is Muju. Buses to Gucheondong run every 20 minutes. Muju has convenient connections to the Gyeongbu Line, with buses running 54 times daily from Daejeon and 32 times from Yeongdong. Express buses run 5 times daily from Seoul Nambu Terminal, and buses also operate from Daegu, Gwangju, and Cheongju.

For the southeastern trailheads, buses to Songgyesa Temple, Byeonggok, Sansu, and Hwangjeom run from Geochang 9, 3, 3, and 6 times daily, respectively. To Geochang, buses run 8 times from Dong Seoul Terminal and 14 times (including 2 late-night buses) from Nambu Terminal. From outside Gyeongnam, buses run from Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, Jeonju, and Gimcheon.

Toward Yeonggaksa Temple, the southernmost point, local buses run 6 times daily from Hamyang. Direct buses to Hamyang operate 10 times from Dong Seoul Terminal and 10 times (including 2 late-night buses) from Nambu Terminal. From outside Gyeongnam, buses run from Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, Suwon, Jeonju, and Gimcheon.