Overview
Sikjangsan Mountain is the attraction that brightens the morning and lights up the evening of Dong-gu. The mountain stands at 596.7m tall and its night view blending in the city of Daejeon and natural landscape along with sunrise and sunset from the top of the mountain are great sights unique to Dong-gu when compared to anywhere else in Korea. Sikjangsan Mountain is a mountain beloved by the citizens of Daejeon and many citizens visit the mountain during weekends and holidays. The 11.2km walking trail from Secheon Recreation Area at Secheon-dong of Dong-gu to Gosansa Temple of Daeseong-dong is a fantastic hike for people to see the highlights of Sikjangsan Mountain while there are other various hiking trails for people to plan their own hiking course. Feel the purity of the natural habitat conservation forest and the beauty of traditional Buddhist temples such as Gujeolsa Temple and Gosansa Temple and enjoy stunning views at Eagle Peak, Solbat Observatory, and Sunrise Observatory as you hike Sikjangsan Mountain.
Sikjangsan Mountain, located southeast of Daejeon, is 623.3m above sea level and it is the biggest and widest mountain in Daejeon. Thick forests, clean valleys, and ravines full of rare plants are well preserved and its fantastic night view from the observatories are loved by many.
There are 45 subspecies and 224 species of plants from 187 genera of 78 families along with 45 mammal species such as roe deer, squirrels, wildcats, raccoons, bats, and snakes, 100 bird species, reptiles, and amphibians inhabiting this area.
Daejeon Metropolitan City has designated Secheon Park of Sikjangsan Mountain as a natural habitat conservation forest and it is making effort to conserve and restore the natural environment. Sikjangsan Mountain has mysterious and entertaining myths and ruins. This was a Baekjae fortress during the Three Kingdoms Period as it was the border between Baekjae and Silla. People stored a lot of provisions and built a castle here to prepare for the invasion of Silla. Therefore, the stories tell us that the mountain was named ‘Sikjangsan’ as the meaning for a place where provisions are stacked.
Another story tells of a very filial couple who once hiked up the mountain to abandon their young son, who kept stealing food from the old mother. They were digging the ground to bury their son and they found a rice bowl instead. This rice bowl was a strange object which kept producing an endless amount of food. The couple was able to live in prosperity and happiness due to this object and they buried the rice bowl on this mountain again once the old mother had passed away, which is why it is also referred to as “Sikgisan’.
At the foot of Sikjangsan Mountain, there is the historic Gosansa Temple, which was established by Buddhist Monk Doseon during thed Silla Period and expanded by Buddhist Monk Sudeung during the reign of King Injo during the Joseon Period, along with other famous temples such as Gwijeolsa Temple and Gaeshimsa Temple. The harmony of oddly formed stones and old pine trees and valleys with clean water near the temples provide cool resting places for hikers.
Tour Tips
Secheon Park to the northeast of Sikjangsan Mountain is surrounded by a thick forest. The park is home to Secheon Reservoir, which is formed by fresh water flowing from Sikjangsan Mountain. This Secheon Reservoir was the major water source for Daejeon until Daecheong Dam was built. There are over 6,000 plant species including about 800 species of unique native plants growing at Secheon Park. The harmony of the clean and beautiful lake and Secheon Park reminds us of a beautiful landscape painting. Cherry blossoms and azaleas that blossom in April especially create an even more beautiful landscape.
Gaesimsa Temple is located in the middle of the western stem of Mt. Sikjangsan. It is a temple of the Jogye Order, which was established at the end of 1940. The temple has a main building (Daeungjeon), a shrine for the mountain god (Sansingak), and a dormitory building for the monks (Yosachae). In spring, Korean rosebay brightly colors the area from Sansingak to Daeungjeon. Also, the spring water by the entrance of Gaesimsa Temple is refreshingly cold even in summer. The views from the magnificent Daeungjeon are open to downtown Daejeon, unlike the hiking trail of Secheon Park, which is enclosed by a dense and lovely forest.
Gosansa Temple is the oldest temple of Mt. Sikjangsan. Gosansa Temple, located in the western valley of Mt. Sikjangsan, is Daejeon Metropolitan City’s Tangible Cultural Property No. 10. It is assumed to have been established by National Priest Doseon in 886 B.C., the first year of the reign of Silla King Jeonggang, or by High Priest Cheolgam during the reign of King Heondeok, but we are not certain as yet. Located amidst a majestic forest and by pure waters, Gosansa Temple has been a good meditation place for Buddhist monks. Many great priests came here to meditate. The wondrous harmony of unusual rocks, old pines, and the pure waters that flow through them make those who come here want to come back.
This is located about 50m higher than Gosansa Temple and was named after Mt. Sikjangsan. Unlike Gosansa Temple, it is not very old. It has a main building (Daeungjeon), a shrine for the mountain god (Sanshingak), and a dormitory building for the monks (Yosachae). The Korean rosebays that cover the area from Sansingak to Daeungjeon make every visitor feel uplifted. Its surrounding landscape is as beautiful as those of the other temples in the mountain.
Location
Located at the exterior of the southeastern area of Dong-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City (Samjeong-dong, Panam-dong, Daeseong-dong)