A dragon’s roar echoes through the ages. Doesn’t it? Right here on Yongwangsan Mountain. This isn’t just any hill. This is Yongwangsan. Legend whispers of a man named Park. He yearned to become a dragon king. His children however disobeyed his dying wish. They tied his body with ropes. His tomb was found empty. A dragon was discovered all bound up. It was killed. The villagers spoke of Park’s thwarted ambition. Yongwangsan Dragon King Mountain became its name.
Yongwangsan is small only 78 meters high. It’s also called Umji Mountain. Umji means entrance or beginning. It was the gateway to a vast field. This field could house a thousand homes. Umjimi Village sits behind the mountain.
Another legend weaves a tale of a heavenly official. He fell in love with a fairy. They defied the Jade Emperor. They secretly married and lived on Yongwangsan. The Jade Emperor’s wrath was terrible. He punished them. The official became an imugi. An imugi is a mythical serpent longing to be a dragon. The fairy transformed into Seonyu Peak. The imugi tried to reach her. The Jade Emperor’s foot however blocked his path. The imugi’s tears formed the Anyangcheon River. His claw marks became the pits that held back the flood.
Each New Year Yongwangsan hosts a sunrise festival. The festivities take place at the Yongwang Gazebo. It’s a breathtaking sight. The sun crests over the horizon. It paints the sky with vibrant colors.
Yongwangsan’s stories intertwine history and myth. They reflect the deep connection between people and nature. They demonstrate human desires and the power of nature. The mountain stands as a silent witness. It has stood for centuries. It guards secrets and dreams. It’s more than just a mountain. It is the heart of a legend. It is Yongwangsan.