Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Established in 1972, Gayasan National Park is a mountainous protected area located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, spanning South Gyeongsang and North Gyeongsang provinces. The park centers around Mount Gaya (Gayasan), which rises to a height of 1,433 meters (4,701 feet), featuring dramatic granite cliffs and ridges that attract hikers and climbers. The park’s dense mixed forests include Korean pine, oak, and maple, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna including some endangered species such as the Asiatic black bear and the Korean goral. One of the park’s crown jewels is the Haeinsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous as the resting place of the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive and best-preserved set of Buddhist scriptures carved onto wooden blocks from the 13th century. Outdoor recreation in Gayasan includes extensive hiking trails of varying difficulty that traverse steep mountain ridges, serene valleys, and scenic waterfalls such as the Cheonyang Waterfall. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and cultural exploration. Its relatively remote and rugged terrain provides a tranquil escape from urban areas, while the interplay of natural beauty and historic heritage makes it an appealing destination year-round. Visitors are drawn by the blend of challenging hikes, spiritual sites, and rich biodiversity.
