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Moaksan (Mt.), the middle peak of Noryeong mountain range is 793 m above sea level. It is a noted mountain which is bordered between Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si and Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun. It is the watershed separating plains and mountains. Towering high in the east of Keumman Plain which spreads between Mangyeonggang (River) and Dongjingang (River), it is called the observation platform of Honam.
In Kuemsansaji (shrine record), both¡¸Eommoe¡¹and ¡¸Keunmoe¡¹mean a very high mountain. However, after propagation of the Chinese Characters, it is said that the former was changed to ¡¸Moak¡¹meaning the Mountain of Mother by free translation and the latter was changed to ¡¸Geumsan¡¹by transliterating ¡¸Keun¡¹into ¡¸Geum¡¹and translating freely ¡¸Moe¡¹into ¡¸San¡¹.
Also, according to other people's opinion, it was called Moaksan (Mt.) because there is a big rock which looks like a figure of mother having a baby in her arms on the peak of Moaksan (Mt.).
Once you mount on the mountain, you can find out why Moaksan is called the Mountain of Mother at once. From the top of Moaksan, you can see ¡¸Jinggae Maenggyeong Oeyamideul¡¹, in other words Gimjye Mangyeong plain, the granary of Korea. And also the water of life which makes this place fertile derives from this mountain. Besides, Daegaram Geumsansa (Temple) and many other shrines and new religious groups are embraced here just as babies in the breast of mother. Not only that, but it gives rest and peace to people weary of life with its new face each season. Moaksan (Mt.), as you see, enriches Mangyeong plain with water of life, and is always cozy and friendly to us.
Moaksan (Mt.) is 793.5m. It holds Geumsansa (Temple), Gwisinsa (Temple), Suwangsa (Temple), and Daewonsa (Temple) and stands firmly on the east side of Gimje plain, which enables to see Honam plain at one view. It was designated as a county park in 1971, and it is one of the 4 views of Honam. it has beautiful sceneries and numerous national treasures and cultural assets. Especially, there is Geumsansa (Temple), which was founded in the first year of Beobwang (king) in the Baekje dynasty (A.D. 599) and possesses over 10 various cultural assets so that it shows the beautiful Buddhist art. And over Moaksan there are temples such as Daewonsa (Temple), Suwangsa (Temple) on the southeastern mid-slope, and Gwisinsa (Temple) on the west. Geumpyeong reservoir located at the entrance of Geumsansa is also good for fishing. Especially, Moaksan (Mt.), considered as the base of Mireug religion (Buddha for the future), was popular among new religious groups in the 30's and 40's so it possesses the headquarter of Jeungsangyo (a religion). According to records there were over 80 shrines including Daewonsa (Temple), Gwisinsa (Temple), Suwangsa (Temple) etc. To go hiking, follow the ridge behind Shimwonam (Rock) out of Geumsansa. In spring, azaleas are flourished up to the top, providing a fine scenery.
From the top, Gimje plain and Mangyeonggang (River) come into view and you can also see Jeonju-si (city) and Unjangsan (Mt). Cherry blossom tunnel from the parking lot to Iljumun (Gate) is also a magnificent sight to behold.
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