The Manmulsang Rocks consist of cliffs and strangely shaped rocks scattered around Obongsan Mountain and constitute one of the most scenic spots at Geumgangsan Mountain. The name of the rocks, Manmulsang, literally means, "10,000 shapes," because it seems like all kinds of rocky forms and shapes are combined in one place. The rocks are grand and look mysterious at the same time, as they stand tall in the sky.

The rocks are made of granite that was formed when magma from deep within the Earth slowly cooled. After eons of weathering and erosion, the granite on the surface has now been exposed. Horizontal and vertical granite joints are often formed and the joints lead to the strange shapes of the rocks.



The Guimyeonam Rocks, just northwest of the Samseonam Rocks in Outer Geumgangsan Mountain, stand tall and look like a strangely-shaped pillar. The rocks are located in Goseong-gun Country, Gangwon-do Province, and seem to have the face of a goblin on their torso.

They stand around 40-meters and there are many peaks, including Uibong and Sejibong, around the rocks. The Guimyeonam Rocks stand face-to-face with the Samseonam Rocks, which have a huge round rock on top that looks like it's about to tumble downward. The granite was formed after eons of weathering, ever since the Mesozoic Period. There are nut pines, pine trees, maples and oaks growing around them.

By Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Korea Post
jun2@korea.kr