“How to go on a maple drive and have fun for free”… A domestic travel destination that becomes more interesting the more you know about it.

From driving, mountaineering, and temple exploration
Muju, the best place to go in fall

Source: Getty Image Bank (Jeoksangsan)

From the end of October, the autumn leaves begin to reach their peak. During this time, many people visit famous autumn foliage driving courses such as Maltijae and Bobaljae to enjoy the autumn foliage driving courses.

However, there are some places that are not yet widely known. One of them is Jeoksangsan Mountain in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do. Jeoksangsan Mountain, with a height of 1,030.6m, is surrounded by cliffs on all sides, and red maple leaves cover the mountain, creating a spectacular sight.

This is an optimal travel destination where you can easily enjoy the beautiful fall scenery for free, as you can reach the top not only on foot but also by car.

Source: Getty Image Bank

In particular, there are traces of Jeoksangsanseong Fortress and historical places such as Anguksa Temple, so you can enjoy the harmony of nature and history at the same time.

Let’s go for a drive and welcome fall in Muju.

Jeoksangsan Mountain and Jeoksangsanseong Fortress

Jeoksangsan Mountain is surrounded by cliffs on all sides, creating an impressive landscape that looks like it is wearing a red skirt. Especially in the fall, red maple leaves cover the entire mountain, creating a wonderful view.

Source: Getty Image Bank

The name of Jeoksangsan Mountain comes from the autumn leaves that resemble a red skirt. This mountain is made up of purple sedimentary rocks formed during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era, giving it a unique charm compared to other mountains.

It is known that Jeoksangsanseong Fortress was built at the suggestion of General Choi Young at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty. This castle is located in a strategically important location and served as a defensive fortress throughout the Three Kingdoms period, Goryeo, and Joseon.

It is also a place where important national documents, including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, are stored, and the architectural style of the time is well preserved inside the fortress.

People visiting Jeoksangsan Mountain can easily reach Sanjeong Lake and the entrance of Jeoksangsanseong Fortress by climbing the mountain on foot or by car.

Source: Getty Image Bank

You cannot miss the many natural attractions of Jeoksangsan Mountain. Cheonil Falls and Songdae Falls create a beautiful spectacle with streams flowing deep in the mountains and the dense trees surrounding them.

In particular, Jangdo Rock and Anryeomdae are places where the legend of General Choi Young resides, proving that Jeoksangsan Mountain is a place with historical and cultural value beyond simple natural scenery. The scenery seen from here is even more beautiful with the autumn leaves.

Anguksa Temple

Inside Jeoksangsanseong Fortress, there is Anguksa Temple, a temple built during the Goryeo Dynasty. Anguksa Temple was founded by Wolinhwasang in the 3rd year of King Chungnyeol’s reign in Goryeo (1277), and is an ancient temple that played an important role in training monks thereafter.

Source: Muju-gun

This place was once used together with the historical archives that stored the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, and was used as a lodging for monks who assisted in the defense function of the fortress.

Regardless of its size and historical value, Anguksa Temple is famous for the tranquility and natural beauty of the temple itself.

The temple is surrounded by dense trees, and in fall, the red leaves add to the tranquil atmosphere.

In particular, the temple has great historical value as it contains the Yeongsan Hoesang Gwaebultaeng, which has been designated as a treasure, and Geungnakjeon, a tangible cultural asset.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization

The scenery around Anguksa Temple combines with the autumn leaves to provide visitors with a peaceful time. In addition, although Sanjeong Lake is an artificial lake, it blends in harmoniously with the surrounding nature, making it the best place to feel the atmosphere of fall.

Easily accessible by car, this is a perfect place to enjoy the fall foliage and relax your mind.