HOME > Culture & Tourism > Tourist AttractionsChunggye Mountain has graceful geographical features and a valley lake filled with crystal clear water. Legend has it that a blue dragon emerged from the mountain and climbed up into heavens, making its way through snow white clouds, giving the mountain its original name of "Blue Dragon Mountain." The mountain is well-known, along with Gwanak Mountain, as the two guardian mountains of Seoul.
The gentle gradients of the mountain paths enable an easy family mountain hike, in which they can enjoy the forest, valleys, temples and parks at the same time. You cannot miss the superb view from the top of the mountain, from which the entire surrounding countryside can be seen.
The peak of this mountain-once called "Blue Dragon Mountain" because of the legend of the blue dragon ascending to heaven-is called Manggyeongdae and is where Yun Cho mourned for the end of Goryeo Dynasty while looking at Gaesung, the capital of Goryeo Dynasty. The peaks of some of the other mountains also have interesting stories and features. Maebong has a peak shaped like a hawk, and Oknyeo Bong carries a legend that fairies used to bathe in a pool near its peak.
Baegun Mountain is so called because it is always covered in clouds. Located to the east of Uiwang City, the mountain has deep and rugged geographical features and is the second most renowned mountain in the area after Gwanak Mountain for its popular hiking trail.
It is said that Jeongjo, the 22th king (1777-1800) of Joseon Dynasty, visited this place on the way to the palace after visiting a place of worship at Suwon and Hwaseong. In addition, the household shrine of the Cheongpung Kim clan is located at the foot of the mountain. The Baekwoon Temple, located on the ridge of the mountain, used to have nearly 80 hermitages, but now it is the only remaining temple. The temple is surrounded by compact spindle trees, creating a superb view.
According to a Hamyang Park family history book, the Mountain was endowed the name Deoksung Mountain because the top of the mountain, which is situated to the east of Gyodong Village, was called DeoksungBong.
Currently, 30 percent of the ridge of the mountain is cut off due to the opening of an expressway between Uiwang and Bongdam, but the geographical features of the mountain which extends from Golsageune, Woram-dong, to Doryongmal still offers some easy low walking routes and a resting place for the public. There are also leisure-sports facilities near the mountain.
The summit of this mountain, situated in the middle of Uiwang City and 385m above sea level, offers relaxation and comfort to exhausted citizens. The view extends as far as Anyang, Gunpo, Gwachun, and even Seoul.
There is a stonework fortress of Baekjae Dynasty. The ecosystem is well preserved; disporum sessile grows in the wild only on this mountain.
It is said that Morak Mountain was named after Limyeongdaegun (fourth heir to Emperor Sejong: 1418 to 1469), who climbed this mountain everyday and yearned for Loyang (former capital city of China) after witnessing a murder for the throne within his family. (Sejo, the seventh King of Korea, had murdered his 12 year old nephew to own the throne.)
With a height of 205m above sea level, which is not that high, Obong Mountain is easy accessible since it is located right behind Uiwang City. It is frequently visited by professional mountain climbers and rock-climbing tourists visiting 'Byeongpung Rock', a rock 18m in height and 30m in length. The rock consists of metamorphic rock, is very hard and has many projections on its surface where the rock climbers can hold on to or step on. There is also a place to rest in front of the rock.
There is a tennis court when you make a left turn from the entrance of Uiwang City Hall. From the main gate, walk in the direction of the City Hall, make a left turn and enter the tennis court. From there you can see the forest entrance.
