Gyeryongsan, one of Korea's smallest parks, means ‘Rooster Dragon Mountain’, because locals thought the mountain resembled a dragon with a rooster’s head. At the eastern entrance is the temple Donghak-sa ; at the western entrance, Gap-sa . A trail between the two temples runs along streams and small waterfalls (and a few peaks if you wish). The total hike takes between four and six hours, depending on the route. There is excellent English signage throughout.
With its easy access from Daejeon, most people start at the eastern entrance, from where it's a 15-minute walk to Donghak-sa, noteworthy for being one of Korea's few nunneries. Just before the temple, look for the trail that leads you on an easy one-hour trek up to the Brother & Sister Pagodas (Nammaetap; 남매탑) – twin Shilla-era pagodas that are said to represent the brother and sister who founded the original hermitage here.
Continue up to Sambul-bong Gogae (Sambul-bong Ridge), where the trail splits: From here you can decide to continue on to the peaks Sambul-bong (775m), Gwaneum-bong (816m) and Yeoncheong-bong (738m), before wending down to Gap-sa (5.5km, four hours), or to head directly to Gap-sa (2.8km, 1½ hours). The latter route passes the small waterfall Yongmun Pokpo and the hermitage Sinheung-am .
Gap-sa's main hall contains three gleaming Buddha statues, while a smaller shrine houses three shamanist deities – Chilseong, Sansin and Dokseong. From Gap-sa, it's another 15 minutes to the bus stop. The hike is slightly more difficult going in the other direction.
