This national park is a hiker's playground and home of Deogyusan Muju ski resort . There's a tourist village with an information centre at Gucheon-dong, which marks the start of the park’s best hike (two hours, 6km). The trail follows the river and valley past 20 beauty spots to a small temple, Baengnyeon-sa , where fairies are said to slide down rainbows to bathe in the pools. The hike finishes with a steep, 1½-hour ascent of Hyangjeok-bong (향적봉; 1614m).
A basic hikers' shelter accommodates trekkers overnight. Yew trees, azaleas and alpine flowers adorn the summit. In the northwest of the park is Jeoksangsan-seong , a fortress rebuilt in the 17th century. Encircled by an 8km wall is Anguk-sa , a temple housing a Joseon-dynasty archive. Buses run along the main road to Gucheon-dong, so you must get off at the access road and walk (4km).
The gondola to the peak of Seolcheon-bong (설천봉; 1520m) is open year-round. Mountain bikes can be hired from Muju Deogyusan Leisure Biketel , a cyclist hotel.
