Hwangmaesan 1,113m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic beauty created by the harmony of granite rock formations, pine trees, royal azaleas, and broadleaf forests. It is also called 'Sujungmae' because the reflections of its three peaks—Habong, Jungbong, and Sangbong—in the blue waters of Hapcheonho Lake resemble three plum blossoms in water. Below the peak, Hwangmae Plateau features ranch pastures and high-mountain royal azalea habitats, along with Yeongamsaji Temple Site (Historic Site No. 131), an ancient temple site from the Unified Silla era.

About Hwangmaesan

Passing along the shore of Hapcheonho Lake, a magnificent mountain rises against the southern skyline. Striking rocky peaks reflect in the lake water, leaving visitors in awe that such a high mountain exists nearby. Opening a map reveals Hwangmaesan. Beyond its striking skyline, this county park is famous for silver grass and royal azaleas.

Its dramatic landscape served as the filming location for two major hit movies, hosting battlefield scenes along the Nakdonggang defense line and fantasy martial arts action that highlights its quintessential Korean terrain.

Along the main ridge stretches Hwangmae Plateau, broader than Sinbul Plains. Once home to twelve ranches, only two remain today while the rest lies bare like wild heathland. When spring arrives, clusters of vibrant royal azaleas bloom across this vast plateau.

Hwangmaesan (1,108m), often referred to as 'Sujungmae' (plum blossom in water) because its three peaks—Habong, Jungbong, and Sangbong—resemble plum blossoms submerged in the blue waters of Hapcheonho Lake, is located 20 km southwest of Hapcheon-eup.

Beneath the mountain, Hwangmae Plateau hosts ranch pastures and natural high-mountain royal azalea habitats, along with the historic site of Yeongamsaji Temple Site (Historic Site No. 131) from the Unified Silla era. Designated a county park in 1983, a hiking trail was established from Dunnae-ri in Gahoe-myeon to Yeongamsaji Temple Site. A campsite is also operated at Hageumcheon Stream in Hageum-ri, Daebyeong-myeon, serving visitors to Hapcheonho Lake and the mountain area.

Public transport

Hapcheon serves as the starting point for Gahoe-myeon and Daebyeong-myeon, while Sancheong is the gateway for Chahwang-myeon.

For Gahoe-myeon, take a Jinju-bound direct bus from Hapcheon (14 times daily), get off at Samga, and take a taxi. For Daebyeong-myeon, local buses run at 50-minute intervals.

For Chahwang-myeon, local buses run from Sancheong 15 times daily, including 9 buses bound for Jangbak-ri and 4 bound for Sinchon.