If you have more time travelling to Naejangsan for the autumn foliage, Seonunsan Mountain is highly recommended. Seonunsan is not far from Jeongup (about 40 minutes by car or one hour by direct bus). It is not as popular as Naejangsan because of it’s accessibility and most tour groups are limited by tight schedule.
Seonunsan Mountain is a renown for the beautiful scenery with camellia blooms in spring, cool valley in the summer and the foliage in autumn. The one time large temple, Seonunsa Temple, is a major establishment on the mountain. Built in 577, Seonunsa Temple was a large temple with over 80 temple buildings and 3,000 monks. Today, only a few temple buildings remaining, including the central Daeoongbojeon (Main Buddha Hall). Seonunsa Temple runs regular temple stay programs, featuring meditation, evening service, preparing monastic meals, Dado (tea ceremony), and making lotus lanterns.
1n 1979, Seonunsan Mountain was designated as a Provincial Park. It is a popular destination for hiking, with a variety of trails in the forest. It is also one of the premier sport climbing destinations in South Korea.
Smart Travel: While you may take an express bus from Seoul to Gochang Intercity Bus Terminal (3.5 hours) then switch a local bus (another 30 minutes), it is best to stay over in Jeongup for a night then take a one hour direct bus to Seonunsa.
Alternatively, if the bus schedule doesn’t work for you, hire a taxi. It costs around 30,000 won (US$30). Then take a bus back (please get the bus schedule from the Tourism Office at Jeongup KTX station). Hiring a taxi for the whole day can be expensive and it is getting more and more expensive due to the increased number of tourists.
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