Jirisan

Jirisan is a mountain and national park in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. The mountain ridge runs roughly north–south and is a core part of the Baekdudaegan, the traditional spine of Korea’s landscape. The highest point on the Korean mainland, Cheonwangbong, reaches about 1,915 meters.

Geographically, Jirisan spans parts of several provinces, including Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do. It was designated as Jirisan National Park in 1967, the first national park established in South Korea. The park is managed by the Korea National Park Service.

Ecologically, the area encompasses diverse forest types from broadleaf woodlands at lower elevations to coniferous and subalpine habitats at higher elevations. It supports a wide range of flora and fauna and forms important watersheds for regional rivers.

Jirisan is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers, with a network of trails that includes several routes to the park’s peaks. The landscape also contains temples, historic sites, and cultural landmarks that reflect the region’s heritage.

Conservation and management efforts aim to preserve biodiversity and protect watershed resources while accommodating public access and recreation. Ongoing research and monitoring address environmental changes and the protection of species within the park.