Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)
At
an altitude of 1,577 m above sea level, Gyebangsan Mountain, which faces Odaesan
Mountain on the eastern part of the Taebaeksan Mountain Range, is the fifth
tallest mountain in South Korea, after Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain,
Seoraksan Mountain, and Deogyusan Mountain. On the west side of Gyebangsan Mountain
is Unduryeong (1,089 m), of which has vehicle accessible road. Asiatic black beers are
said to habitate in the deep valleys on the north side, and there is Bangadari
mineral water and other mineral water sources on the south side. With many varieties
of herbs and wild flowers growing naturally in the area, it is also well known
as a place to dig for wild ginseng. It's rare Japanese yew trees and royal azalea
combined with it's similar terrain to Seoraksan Mountain's Daecheongbong Peak
has caused the mountain to be a highly protected ecological environment.Gyebangsan
Mountain is particularly popular for winter hikers, who can get beautiful views
of the snowy landscapes of the mountain even until March. On top of that,
since the difference in evelation from Unduryeong to the top of Gyebangsan is
only 488 m, it welcomes even novice hikers as well. From the summit, one can
see the backboone of Baekdudaegan Mountain, and with its panoramic views of
Seoraksan Mountain to the north, Odaesan Mountain and Daegwallyeong to the east,
and Taegisan and Hoegisan Mountains to the west, it is one of the best views
in the area.
