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Maisan Hwaeomgul Cave

Maisan Hwaeomgul Cave

마이산 화엄굴 · Jeonbuk · Parks & nature

Maisan Mountain has two major peaks made of sedimentary rocks; these peaks are said to be ‘couple peaks’ and cannot be found anywhere else. Sut Maibong (alt. 667 meters) is said to be the male peak while the slightly larger Am Maibong (alt. 673 meters) is deemed the female peak. In the early Joseon period the mountain was named ‘Sokgeumsan,’ but began to be called ‘Maisan’ after the 12th year of King Taejong, who commented that the two peaks resembled horse ears (‘maisan’ meaning ‘horse ears’). All along Maisan Mountain, visitors will find small crater-like rock cavities that are formed by prolonged weathering. These unique geological features, called ‘tafoni,’ are of great academic value. · · Inside Hwaeomgul Cave, visitors can observe medicinal water that flows up from underground all throughout the year. It is widely believed that once you drink the water, especially on the days of the Spring and Autumn Equinox, you will soon have a son and be blessed by the mountain spirit. Even today, many women who have difficulty conceiving visit the mountain to pray to the mountain spirits for their heart’s desire—the gift of a child. The region in which Maisan is located is the birthplace of many talented people and national heroes, which some say is proof of the blessings of the mountain and its extremely powerful spirit.

TypeParks & nature
RegionJeonbuk
Address367, Maisannam-ro, Jinan-gun, Jeonbuk-do
Hours09:00-18:00
ClosedN/A (Open all year round)
ParkingAvailable

Getting there

From Korea Tourism Organization open data. Hours and admission change with the season and on public holidays — confirm with the venue before a long trip.

Within walking distance

Maisan Mountain Tafoni Terrain (마이산 타포니지형)
right next door

Maisan Mountain Tafoni Terrain

Tapsa Temple (마이산 탑사)
right next door

Tapsa Temple

Jinan Red Ginseng Spa (진안홍삼스파)
1.9 km away

Jinan Red Ginseng Spa

Haneullae Deulkkot Village (하늘내들꽃마을 [녹색농촌체험])
12.2 km away

Haneullae Deulkkot Village

Jinan Hakdong Village (진안 학동마을)
14.4 km away

Jinan Hakdong Village

Imsil Cheese Village (임실 치즈마을)
17 km away

Imsil Cheese Village

Jangansan County Park (장안산군립공원)
19 km away

Jangansan County Park

Saekjang Rice Mill (색장정미소)
21 km away

Saekjang Rice Mill