The Nakdong river is South Korea’s longest at 510km. Its origins are where the Baekdu-daegan and Nakdong-jeongmaek ridges meet in the counties of Bonghwa and Taebaek. Its mouth is situated at the southeast coast city of Busan. The upper Nakdong is a beautiful stretch of water that pushes and weaves its way through boulders and cliffs between high peaked valleys. In this region, Cheongryangsan Provincial Park offers outstanding hikes. Craggy peaks with ancient remains of mountain fortresses, offer long views of the central Korean interior, and below, the Nakdong River. This land is steeped in culture and history. Goryeo’s King Gongmin (1330-1374) hid in these mountains with his family and staff from Chinese assassins. Confucian scholars came to these mountains to seek higher levels of understanding. There is also a stunning Buddhist temple located high up and right inside the folds of the mountain.