Hoemunsan National Natural Recreation Forest

A natural recreation forest located in Anjeong-ri, Gurim-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, managed by the Korea National Natural Recreation Forest Management Office under the Korea Forest Service. Hoemunsan Mountain was the stage for the anti-Japanese armed struggle of the righteous army led by Choi Ik-hyeon, Im Byeong-chan, and Yang Yun-suk, and was a base for partisans along with Jirisan Mountain before and after the Korean War, serving as the setting for Lee Tae's novel 'The South Korean Army.' A natural recreation forest has been created below Janggunbong Peak (elevation 780m) on the northwest side of Hoemunsan Mountain, and a forest bath area has been established on the mid-slope where Noryeong Academy, a former partisan officer training ground, once stood. Spanning 2,876,000㎡ (870,000 pyeong), this natural recreation forest is noted for its outstanding scenery and historical significance, attracting many tourists on weekends. At the entrance of the recreation forest stands Noryeongmun Gate, built like a fortress wall. Next to it is a waterfall, and above a 30m-long cloud bridge, an observatory offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The easiest route to the main peak of Hoemunsan Mountain starts from Anjeong-ri, taking 3 hours along a 5.5km rugged rocky path, with roads opened through dense forests for easier summit access. The main tree species include naturally occurring oaks such as Mongolian oak, sawtooth oak, cork oak, and Japanese emperor oak, along with maple, mountain cherry, and distributed species like royal azalea, akebia, and sumac, offering beautiful flowers and autumn foliage in spring and fall. Birds such as orioles, mountain doves, water rails, hazel grouse, and copper pheasants also inhabit the area. The recreation forest features educational facilities like the Bimok Park and Partisan Command Post, sports facilities including a water playground, fitness equipment, and a volleyball court, as well as shelters, pavilions, a multi-purpose plaza, walking trails, hiking trails, and a suspension bridge. Nearby tourist attractions include Naejangsan National Park, Gangcheonsan County Park, Chuwolsan Mountain, Geumseongsanseong Fortress, Damyangho Lake, and Okjeongho Saseondae National Tourist Site.