Gayasan National Park Park

Address: Gayasan National Park (Gaya Mountain), Gyeongsang Provinces, South Korea (Haeinsa Temple near Hapcheon)

Website: https://english.knps.or.kr/GAYASAN/Intro/Introduction.aspx

Hours: Park open year-round (trails accessible 24 hours); park visitor centers typically 09:00-18:00

Admission: National park entry free; Haeinsa Temple complex may request a small donation for museum/temple areas (approx. 3,000-5,000 KRW)

Gayasan National Park protects the slopes and valleys around Gayasan (Gaya Mountain) in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The park is notable for its forested mountains and significant Buddhist heritage sites.

One primary draw is Haeinsa Temple, located within the park and internationally known for housing the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks. The park also offers networked hiking trails, forested ridges, and mountain scenery that attract pilgrims and hikers.

The area has long-standing religious significance centered on the temples that occupy mountain sites; the modern national park designation was made to protect the natural and cultural values of the massif. Haeinsa’s collection of woodblocks dates to the 13th century and gives the site global significance.

Gayasan National Park sits in southern Korea’s southern inland highlands in South Gyeongsang Province, covering mountainous terrain around Gaya Mountain and accessed from nearby towns and trailheads in the region.

• Trails and hiking: The park contains well-maintained hiking trails and long-distance routes connecting temples and ridge viewpoints; trail difficulty varies from short walks to full-day ascents.

What to See#

• Haeinsa Temple: Haeinsa Temple, a major Buddhist monastery within the park that houses the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 13th century.

From Busan or Daegu: intercity buses to Hapcheon or to the Haeinsa area; from Hapcheon, local buses and taxis run to the Haeinsa entrance. By train, use Hapcheon or nearby major stations and transfer to bus. Major access points are the Haeinsa and Sannae entrances.

• Start at Haeinsa Temple to see the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks - arrive before 10am to join smaller guided groups and avoid the midday pilgrimage rush.
• Bring sturdy footwear and a light jacket; trails can be slippery and microclimates change rapidly under the peaks.
• The scenic Palgongsan and Yeongsanjeon trails are steeper but offer dramatic rock formations and panoramic views; pick a circular route to avoid backtracking.