섬진강을 품고 피어난 하얀 연꽃의 숨은 명산을 찾아서

Baengnyeonsan Mountain, located in Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, is a beautiful mountain with an elevation of 759 meters that forms the boundary between Cheongung-myeon and Gangjin-myeon in Imsil-gun. This mountain has been selected as one of the "100+ Famous Mountains" by the Korea Forest Service, but as it remains a lesser-known gem, I intend to hike it today to share its beauty with others. ■ Origin of the Name and Characteristics A Lotus Flower Blooming in a Pond: Centered around Baengnyeonsan, the mountain is surrounded to the north, west, and south by Guksabong Peak, Okjeongho Lake, and the Seomjin River. It was named Baengnyeonsan because this landscape resembles a single white lotus flower (Baengnyeon) blooming solitarily in the middle of a water bend (pond). Yeongchwisan: In the past, it was also called Yeongchwisan, meaning "Mountain of the Spiritual Eagle," a name signifying that it is a mountain inhabited by a sacred eagle. - A mountain with duality: When viewed from the east, along the national highway in Gangjin-myeon, it appears as a massive and magnificent rocky ridge (rocky mountain) shaped like a white lotus flower. However, when viewed from the west, towards Chilbaekri-goji or Cheongung-myeon, it takes on the form of a giant ship, exuding a distinct charm depending on the viewing direction. ■ Views from the summit and nearby attractions The summit is accessed via a somewhat steep iron staircase. The summit is equipped with a forest fire lookout post, an unmanned weather station, and an observation deck. With no tall mountains blocking the view nearby, standing at the summit offers a clear vista of famous mountains throughout Jeonbuk, such as Moaksan, Mandaksan, Hoemunsan, and Godeoksan. Especially on clear days, it boasts an outstanding view overlooking the blue waters of Okjeongho Lake, famous for Bungeo Island, and the Imsil National Cemetery. - At the foot of the mountain, there are scenic spots such as the site of the former Baengnyeonsa Temple (Old Baengnyeonsa Site) and Yongso Waterfall, where cool valley water flows. ■ Representative Hiking Courses Although Baengnyeonsan Mountain is not particularly rugged, caution is required on the rocky ridge section just before the summit, as it involves using steep iron stairs. The most commonly used courses are as follows: Cheongung Reservoir (Yongchu Park) Round-trip Course (Approx. 7–8 km, takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours): Yongchu 2-je (Reservoir) → Jindeungijae → Three-way Intersection (Sadong Junction) → Iron Stairs → Baengnyeonsan Summit → Return to Starting Point. This is the most popular course, featuring a gentle, forested path that follows the reservoir and surrounding forest roads before entering the ridge. Hakseok Village Course (Traverse and Connecting Course): Hakseok Health Center (Hakseok Village Hall) → Yongso Falls Junction → Baengnyeonsan Summit → Chilbaekrigoji Ridge → Iyun Village or Dubok Village (Over 10km). This course allows you to enjoy the scenery of Yongso Falls. The ridge trail leading from the summit toward Chilbaekrigoji is a comfortable forest path (a forested mountain) with no steep ascents or descents, making it ideal for a leisurely hike. A hidden gem of Imsil, perfect for those seeking a quiet environment where you can fully enjoy the panoramic views of the Seomjin River and Okjeong Lake from the summit. #HiddenGem #100PlusFamousMountain #Baengnyeonsan #WhiteLotus #LotusBud #WhiteLotus #SeomjinRiver #Imsil #Jeonbuk