Geumjeongsan Mountain was formed by the uplifted granites from cooled granitic magma generated deep down below 70-60 million years ago. Hence a wide distribution of granite landforms by weathering and historic sites can be found almost everywhere. The granites of the mountain feature a high content of quartz and orthoclase. Although they are standing nicely like a folding screen under the blue sky today, they used to be buried 8-10 km down the earth. The granites were formed 70-60 million years ago by the penetration through sedimentary rocks and volcanic rocks of the Gyeongsang Basin. They came to the earth surface by the erosion on the overlying sedimentary rocks (Geumjungbong area) and volcanic rocks (north of Beomeosa Temple). According to Dongraebuji, the name Geumjeong comes from a legend; three pieces of rocks were around the well which was about 300 cm in diameter, app. 20 cm deep and always filled with water even in drought. The water in it glittered like gold when a golden fish that descended from heaven on a 5 colored cloud swam in the well (Geum means gold). The mountain offers various granite landforms as a result of weathering and erosion: strange-looking cliffs, tors, gnamma, inselberg, and block stream. It also has mountain plants and historic sites like Beomeosa Temple and Geumjeongsanseong (Fortress). Don’t miss a glass of Sanseong Makgeoli (Korean rice wine) enjoyable on a mountain top!