Four Seasons of Mt Kuwol

Mt Kuwol, which borders Unnyul, Anak, Samchon and Unchon counties of South Hwanghae Province, is numbered among the six celebrated mountains in Korea. It is also called Sohae Kumgang.

With an elevation of 954 metres (Sahwang Peak), it is noted for its autumnal tints in September, hence the name of Kuwol.

Cone- and pyramid-shaped peaks and steep cliffs that were formed in the highest region of the local province through weathering and erosion over a long period present spectacular beauties of mountains and valleys.

There are ponds and falls, including Ryongyon and Samhyongje falls, in the thickly-wooded valleys.

The mountain has many pools on the northern and western slopes, and among them is Sok Pool halfway up the northern slope of the mountain which is famous for having survived the long drought in the past.

Seen in the valleys are such animals as roe, water-deer, badger, fox, pheasant and owl, and many medicinal herbs including wild insam, astragalus, forest asiabell and Angelica gigas.

It also abounds in historical sites and remains. Typical of them are the remains of the Kuwolsan Fort erected in the days of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668), a kiln site for producing ceramics in the days of Koryo (918-1392), the site of Phaeyop Temple, which is said to be built in the early 9th century, and Woljong, Hungryul, Raksan, Talma and other Buddhist temples and their sites.

Mt Kuwol has now become the best scenic spot in the province, and is frequented by a large number of people.