Geumseongsan (South Jeolla)

Geumseongsan, the guardian mountain of Naju, stands at 451m. Although it is a low mountain, it is the highest in Naju, which has many plains and low hills, and consists of four peaks. The eastern peak is called Nojeokbong, the western peak Odobong, the southern peak Dabokbong, and the northern peak Jeongnyeongbong. Geumseongsan was also a sacred mountain deeply connected to the Goryeo royal family. The Goryeo government held annual rituals at ten sacred mountains across the country. King Chungnyeong bestowed the title Jeongnyeonggong on Geumseongsan and ordered rituals to be held there, and later Geumseongsan was recognized as one of the eight famous mountains in the country. Geumseongsan is famous for two reasons. First, it has 'Geumseongsanseong Fortress,' which defended against foreign invaders. Geumseongsanseong was also a battlefield between Gyeon Hwon and Wang Geon in the early Goryeo period, and a fierce battleground where a life-or-death struggle took place against the Sambyeolcho's attack on Naju. The second reason Geumseongsan is famous is due to the sacred and efficacious mountain god of Geumseongsan and the village ritual. Until recently, countless shamans gathered in the valleys below Geumseongsan to offer devotion to gain the mountain god's spiritual power. These are the reasons why Geumseongsan is recognized as a propitious site and a famous mountain nationwide. Geumseongsan is home to the Naju National Forest Healing Center, Geumseongsan Ecological Forest, and Dabosa Temple.