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Mt.Myohyang - the mountain of mysterious fragrance
HOW TO GET THERE | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP EXHIBITION | POHYON | HYANGSAN | RYONGMUN | MAP | HIKING | HOTELS | TOURS | AROUND
The Myohyang Mountains are one of the five celebrated mountains in Korea known as the “granary of the western coast” of Korea. Mt.Myohyang is named after the mystic shapes and fragrances found in the area. It is a sacred site as, according to legend, it was the home of King Tangun, forefather of the Korean people.
In 2009 UNESCO designated Mount Myohyang a world biosphere reserve, citing its cultural significance as well as the spectacular cliffs providing habitat for 30 endemic plant species, 16 plant species that are threatened globally and 12 endangered animal species.
There are many peaks in the Myohyang mountains but the highest is Piro Peak at 6,262 ft. / 1,909 m. There are also many scenic hiking trails through the Myohyang mountain area.
How to Get There
Mt. Myohyang is 93 mi. / 150 km. drive northeast from Pyongyang, it takes about 3h to get there.
International Friendship Exhibition
At Mt. Myohyang there is the International Friendship Exhibition centre, dubbed the world's biggest treasure-house. The unique museum centre was constructed in 1978 in traditional Korean style, it is spanning some 70,000 square metres. The number of rooms and the extent of the construction is quite impressive. Opened on August 26, 1978, the buildings in traditional styles seems to be wooden buildings with windows though no timber was used and no windows are hung up.
On exhibit are gifts received by North Korean leaders over the years. One building stores the presents given to Kim Il-sung, while a smaller one holds those given to his son Kim Jong-il. The gifts are presented by nation states, world leaders, institutions and individuals to both Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il for diplomatic purposes.
Pohyon Temple
Pohyon Temple is one of the five famous temples of Korea. Built nearly 1,000 years ago in 1042, this rebuilt in 1441 and 1765 Buddhist temple is well known throughout the country. Originally it had 24 buildings and pagodas. It was burnt in the Korean War and later it was restored.
Pohyon Temple consists of Taeung Hall, Manse Paviliion, Suchung Temple, Haejang House, Jogye gate, Haethal Gate, Chonwang Gate and the archives of 80,000 wooden blocks containing the complete collection of Buddhist Scriptures. It is divided in 2 sections and consists of the scriptures in the first part, and images, handicrafts and fine art pieces in the second part.
In the territory of the temple there is Sokka Pagoda - the octagonal 13-story Pagoda built at the end of Koryo dynasty. The pagoda is 8.58m high and the side is 1.2m.
Hyangsan
Hyangsan is a town bordered by the Chongchun river on the one side, and the Myohyang stream flows along the other. About 3 mi. / 5 km. past the town is the pyramidal shaped Hyangsan Hotel set amidst the beautiful mountain scenery along the Myohyang River.
Ryongmun Caverns
The Ryongmun cavern is network of underground caves formed 480 million years ago by limestone erosion. The cavern consists of two large grottoes and some 30 branches, and 15 scenic sectors. Its average temperature is 11C and humidity 80.
There is a legend connected with the cavern. Once upon a time, a dragon living in Mt. Myohyang came to Mt. Ryongmun. While travelling from place to place, he lost his way. Rushing about, he fortunately found a way out, which is called Ryongmun Cavern (dragon gate cavern in Korean), and then headed for Kaechon, Ryongdung area at present.
Main Attractions and Map
- International Friendship Exhibition - museum of gifts: on exhibit are gifts received by North Korean leaders over the years
- Pohyon Temple - Pohyon Temple is one of the five famous temples of Korea
- Hyangsan - Hyangsan is a town bordered by the Chongchun river on the one side, and the Myohyang stream flows along the other.
- Ryongmun Caverns - is network of underground caves
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Hiking Routes
In Mt.Myohyang there are 3 major hiking routes: Sangwon Valley, Manphok Valley, and Piro Peak routes
- Route to Sangwon Valley: the name of this route comes from Sangwon Hermitage situated at the height of 565m in Sangwon valley boasting most splendid view in Mt. Myohyang. The route extends 6.3km (round way) and goes through Kumgan gate/falls/pavilion, Inho rock/falls, Sangwon Hermitage, Chosin pavilion/falls, Oson pavilion, Pulyong Hermitage, Poyun Hermitage and others
- Route to Manphok Valley: "Manphok" means in Korean "valley of ten thousands falls", the route is about 8 km (round way), it goes via Hwajang Hermitage, Tangun rock/cave, Kuchung falls, Pison falls/pavilion, Manphok rock, Sogok falls and others
- Route to Piro Peak: Piro is the highest peak in Mt. Myohyang (1,909 m), the route is about 20 km (round way), it goes via Pirobong Campers Lodging, Paegun Rock, Wonman Peak, Chonthae Peak, to Piro Peak, and then goes back via Chilsong falls and others
Hotels
In Myohyang area there are several options:
- Hyangsan Hotel - one of the best hotels in Korea. It features 1 suite, 6 deluxe rooms, 10 standard rooms, 103 economy rooms
- Chongchon Hotel - a two-story traditional building on the shore of Chongchon river: 2 first class rooms, 4 second class rooms, 57 third class rooms
- Chongbyong Hotel
Our Tours including Mt.Myohyang
We have group and individual tours visitng Mt.Myohyang. Drop us a message to check what options are available for you: postmaster@koreakonsult.com
Around Mt.Myohyang
- Pyongsong - is Korean Silicon Valley, city established in December 1969. Today it has a population of 285,000 and it is a scientific and cultural centre.
- Anju city - 80 km northwest from Mt.Myohyang. It is famous with historical relics: Anju Wall - it was built in Koguryo and Ri dynasties; Paeksang Pavilion; Chilsong Park; Songnam Cavern
Other Korean Mountains
There are five celebrated mountains in Korea, and you can check out other four:
- Mt.Kumgang - on the east coast near South Korean border
- Mt.Paektu - on the Chinese border in the north
- Mt.Chilbo - on the east coast near Rason Free Economic Zone
- Mt.Kuwol - on the west coast near Pyongyang
The materials from wikipedia.org, photo courtesy Mr. Sergey Vladimirov