- Location: 15-5 Songgye-ri, Hansu-myeon, Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
- Website: worak.knps.or.kr
- Mountain system: Sobeksan
- Height: 1097 m
Almost 2/3 of the territory of South Korea falls on the mountain massifs. They can be seen from any city in the country. Most of them are local attractions and serve as the center of national parks and reserves . Among them are the Voraksan mountains , known not only for their rich biodiversity, but also for ancient Buddhist buildings.
Geography of Voraksan
The mountain range serves as a natural boundary between such provinces as Gyeongsangbuk-do and Chunkhon-pukto. On its slopes are also located:
- districts of the city of Mungyong;
- Tanyan county;
- Chungju city and Checheon.
The height of the Voraxan mountains is 1097 m above sea level, and the circumference - 4 km. In ancient times they were known as the "divine peak". The ruler of the 10th century named Kyon Hwon wanted to build a huge palace on their slopes, but his venture failed. Locals call Voraxan "small Kymjonsan ", because they are similar to the famous Diamond Mountains of Korea.
Even in hot weather in the central part of the ridge you can see the snow. Because of this, Voraxan is also called "Hasolsan", which translates as "mountains of summer snow".
Biodiversity of Voraksan
At the foot and along the slopes of this mountain range, there are 1200 plant species, among which pine and Mongolian oaks are the most common. In the pine forests and oak groves of Voraksan live:
- 17 species of mammals;
- 67 species of birds;
- 1092 species of insects;
- 118 species of spiders.
27 freshwater fish species, 10 species of amphibians, 14 species of reptiles and 112 species of invertebrates were recorded in water bodies and on their shores. 16 species of animals inhabiting the Voraxan mountains and in the national park are on the verge of extinction.
What is interesting about the park?In 1984, at the foot of the mountain massif was destroyed the same park. Since then, tourists have come to Voraksan to appreciate the beauty of the majestic green pines, the quaint shape of the rocks and the speed of the streams of the mountain streams. In addition to exploring the natural beauty, visiting this national park is necessary in order to:
- to get acquainted with the historical monuments of Tanyan Chokson;
- descend into one of the numerous caves;
- go for a walk along the Chechehon reservoir;
- to study the Buddhist temples of Tokzhus and Maebul Miryksaji;
- enjoy the beauty of the stone pagodas of Sinnyks and Sachzhabinsinszha.
The mountain range Voraksan is so picturesque that it is often called the Alps of the East. That is why a large number of local and foreign tourists come here to appreciate the richness of its nature and the beauty of numerous historical relics.
Before you go to the national park near the Voraksan mountains, you should know that there are some restrictions on visiting here. They are necessary for the safety of tourists, as well as for preventing fires. The restrictions may vary depending on the route of the excursion . From April to October, the reserve is open until 15:00, and from November to March - only until 14:00.
How to get to Voraksan?
The mountain range is located in the central part of South Korea, about 125 km from Seoul. From the capital you can get here by metro . Trains depart several times a day from Cheongnyangni Station and other Seoul railway stations. After about 7-8 hours, they are staying at the Jecheon station, which is located 30 km from Voraksan. Here you can change to a sightseeing bus or a car.
There is also a direct flight from Seoul to the Voraxan National Park. It lasts just over three hours, and the ticket costs $ 13.