Kumgangsan

Established in the year 670. One of the most important Zen monasteries in Korea. Once the temple contained several treasures and valuable cultural assets, however these have been either lost or taken to Japan during Japanese colonial rule.

4 metres wide and with a drop of 74 metres, the falls are an impressive experience. There is a platform, the Kuryong Pavilion, offering a good view. The pond below is called Kuryong Lake. According to the myth, once upon a time nine dragons were there to defend the Kumgang Mountain. From the lake you can walk down a bit, cross Ryondam Bridge and then climb for 700 metres to Kuryong Rock: from here is a spectacular view of a deep valley and several lakes.

Fantastically shaped cliffs and rocks, about a 10-km drive from the Kumgangsan Hotel. Among the peculiarly shaped rocks are Samson (three-fairy) rock, consisting of three rocks standing side by side behind Mansang pavilion at the entrance to Manmulsang. There's also the Kwimyon (Demon-faced) rock, which consists of a small rock standing on a larger one, and the Chonson (Fairies-from-heaven) rock which serves as an observatory. Ten people can stand here and look out at the peaks. According to the myth fairies came here to play. Northwest of the rock, is the Fairies Lake, where the fairies washed themselves before returning to heaven.

According to legend, a king once visited the lake for a day but was so amazed by its beauty that he stayed there for three days; hence the name Samil (three days). You can rent a boat and make a trip on the lake. By the lake is Tanpung Restaurant, where you can rest and have a meal afterwards.