ANNOUNCEMENT (Oct. 28, 2010): KOREA IN THE CLOUDS IS MOVING INTO A NEW HOME! My name is Alex and I compiled the information available on this site. I moved away from Korea in 2008 and no longer have any way to augment the info here, but have heard from a lot of people who use this site. I'm shutting this blog down soon, but don't worry--Korea in the Clouds will live on through another blog, managed by a hiker still living in Korea. As soon as that new site is available, you will find links to it from this page. Cheers!
THE PARKS
Korea's National Parks: An Introduction
The Highest Accessible Peaks in South Korea
My Hike Rating System
CHIAKSAN
■ 치악산 CHIAKSAN National Park: The Basics
■ 치악산 Chiaksan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Birobong Loop (NEEDED)
DEOGYUSAN
■ 덕유산 DEOGYUSAN National Park: The Basics
■ 덕유산 Deogyusan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Samgong Complex → Hyangjeokbong - 7.5 km / 2.5 - 3 hours
HIKE 2: Hyangjeokbong → Satgatjae → Hwangjeom Village - 12.6 km / 5.5-6 hours
HIKE 3: Yeonggaksa (Temple) → Nam Deogyusan → Satgatjae - 7.1 km / 3-3.5 hours (NEEDED)
GAJISAN
■ 가지산 GAJISAN Provincial Park: The Basics
■ 가지산 Gajisan Provincial Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Gajisan Ridge Loop - 4 hours
HIKE 2: Seongnamsa → Unmunsa - 5-6 hours (NEEDED)
GAYASAN
■ 가야산 GAYASAN National Park: The Basics
■ 가야산 Gayasan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Haeinsa → Sangwang / Chilbul Peaks - 4.5 km / 3 hours
HALLASAN
■ 한라산 HALLASAN National Park: The Basics
■ 한라산 Hallasan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Eorimok → Witseoreum Shelter - 4.7 km / 2 hours
HIKE 2: Yeongshil → Witseoreum Shelter - 3.7 / 2 hours
HIKE 3: Gwaneumsa Campground → Summit - 8.7 km / 4-5 hours
HIKE 4: Seongpanak → Summit - 9.6 km / 4.5 hours
JIRISAN
지리산 JIRISAN National Park
■ Eastern Jirisan: The Basics
■ 지리산 East Jirisan National Park Trail Map
■ East Entrance (Daewonsa)
■ Southeast Entrance 1 (Jungsan-ni)
■ Southeast Entrance 2 (Georim)
■ South Entrances (Ssanggyesa, Cheonghakdong & Daeseong-ni)
■ Western Jirisan: The Basics
■ 지리산 West Jirisan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Ssanggyesa → Cheonghakdong - 5-6 hours
HIKE 2: East Ridge Hike (Daewonsa → Georim) - 27 km / 9-11 hours
HIKE 3: West Ridge Hike (Hwa-eomsa → Byeoksoryeong Shelter) - 10 hours
HIKE 4: Full Ridge Hike (Hwaeomsa → Daewonsa) - 45 km / 19 hours (over a period of 2 to 3 days)
HIKE 5: Jungsan-ni Village → Cheonwangbong - 5.7 km / 4-5 hours
HIKE 6: Georim Village → Seseok Shelter - 6 km / 2-3 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 7: Cheonghakdong Village → Seseok Shelter - 10 km / 4-6 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 8: Baengmudong Village → Seseok Shelter - 6.5 km / 3-4 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 9: Baengmudong Village → Jangteomok Shelter - 5.8 km / 2-3 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 10: Daesong-ni → Seseok Shelter - 9.1 km / 4-5 hours
HIKE 11: Eumjang → Byeonksoryeong Shelter - 6.7 km / 3 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 12: Banseon Village → Baemsagol Shelter - 9 km / 3-4 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 13: Jikjeon → Imgeolryeong Ridge - 6 km / 3-4 hours (NEEDED)
JUWANGSAN
■ 주왕산 JUWANGSAN National Park: The Basics
■ 주왕산 Juwangsan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Daejeonsa → Juwangsan Peak - 1-1.5 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 2: Daejeonsa → Geumeungwangi - 1.5-2 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 3: Circle-Park Hike (Daejeonsa → Geumeungwangi → Hurimegi → Juwangsan → Daejeonsa) - 6.5-8 hours (NEEDED)
NAEJANGSAN
■ 내장산 NAEJANGSAN National Park: The Basics
HIKE 1: Naejangsa-Naejangsan Loop - 2 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 2: Naejangsa → Baekyangsa (NEEDED)
ODAESAN
■ 오대산 ODAESAN National Park: The Basics
■ 오대산 Odaesan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Sangwonsa-Birobong Loop - 6 km / 2-3 hours
HIKE 2: Sangwonsa → Dongdaesan - 17.3 km / 6.5 hours (NEEDED)
HIKE 3: Sogeum Service Complex → Jingogae - 13.3 / 4.5 hours (NEEDED)
SEORAKSAN
■ 설악산 SEORAKSAN National Park: The Basics
HIKE 1: Seorak-dong → Daecheongbong - 24 km / 8-10 hours
HIKE 2: Seorak-dong → Ulsanbawi (NEEDED)
SONGNISAN
■ 속리산 SONGNISAN National Park: The Basics
■ 속리산 Songnisan National Park Trail Map
HIKE 1: Chungbuk Alps Ridge Loop - 18 km / 4.5 hours
HIKE 2: Beopjusa → Munjangdae Loop - 15.5 km / 3.5 hours
HIKE 3: Beopjusa → Munjangdae Alternate Loop - 17 km / 4.5 hours
HIKE 4: Beopjusa → Munjangdae → Cheonhwangbong Loop - 19 km / 4.5 hours
HIKE 5: Beopjusa → Shinjeong Village (including Cheonhwangbong and Munjangdae) - 29 km / 7-7.5 hours
USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION
○ Busan Dongbu (Nopodong) Intercity Bus Terminal Timetable
○ Busan Seobu (Sasang) Intercity Bus Terminal Timetable
○ Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal Timetable
○ Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal Timetable
○ Useful Korean Language for the Trail
OTHER DETAILED MAPS COMING SOON
Alex Zuccarelli's maps were created by combining information provided by the park service, his own hikes, and existing Korean maps. If he didn't check something personally (such as a bus stop or spring location), he didn't include it on map. Distances were provided by the park service.
치악산 Chiaksan National Park
내장산 Naejangsan National Park
팔공산 Palgongsan Provincial Park
소백산 Sobaeksan National Park
설악산 Seoraksan National Park
태백산 Taebaeksan Provincial Park
OLD KOREAN MAPS
The following are from a set of high-resolution printable trail maps that many Koreans use for hiking. These maps are out-dated and not especially accurate, but for the more obscure parks and mountains in Korea, this is about as good as you'll get. At least you can get a idea of hiking times and access points.
○ Baegunsan (2.0 MB)
Located near Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province
○ Biseulsan / Johwabong (1.6 MB)
Located between Daegu and Cheongdo in North Gyeongsang Province
○ Cheonhwangsan / Jaeyaksan (2.5 MB)
Located near Miryang in South Gyeongsang Province (part of the Yeongnam Alps)
○ Cheonseongsan / Wonhyosan (1.5 MB)
Located near Yangsan in South Gyeongsang Province
○ Chilgapsan (1.7 MB)
Located near Jeongsan in South Chungcheong Province
○ Daedonsan (2.1 MB)
Located south of Daejeon in South Chungcheong Province
○ Deoksungsan / Yongbongsan (3 MB)
Located in Yesan County in South Chungcheong Province
○ Gayasan (not to be confused with the national park) / Seokmunbong (1.7 MB)
Located in Chungcheong Province
○ Geumosan (2.3 MB)
Located near Gumi in North Gyeongsang Province
○ Geumsan (2.5 MB)
Located in Seongju County in South Gyeongsang Province
○ Gyeryongsan (2.9 MB)
Located near Daejeon in South Chungcheong Province
○ Hwawangsan / Gwangryongsan (2.5 MB)
Located in Changnyeong County in South Gyeongsang Province
○ Maisan Provincial Park(2.5 MB)
Located in Jinan County in North Jeolla Province
Welcome to KOREA IN THE CLOUDS
Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal Timetable
UPDATED: November 2007
NOTE: This is not a complete timetable. Only destinations pertaining to the mountain parks are listed here.
GWANGJU Bus Terminal ► BAEKYANGSA (Temple)
This is the southern entrance to Naejangsan National Park.
06:30 ◄ Every 13 minutes ► 19:50
Duration: 1 hour
GWANGJU Bus Terminal ► BUSAN Seobu Sasang Bus Terminal
06:30 ◄ Every hour ► 22:00
Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes
GWANGJU Bus Terminal ► JEONG-EUP Bus Terminal
06:30 ◄ Every 30 minutes ► 21:30
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
GWANGJU Bus Terminal ► NAEJANGSA (Temple)
This is the northern entrance to Naejangsan National Park.
08:10 ◄ Every 5 minutes ► 13:40
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Jinju Bus Terminal Timetable
UPDATED: November 2007
NOTE: This is not a complete timetable. Only major destinations and those pertaining to the mountain parks are listed here.
JINJU Bus Terminal ► BUSAN Seobu Terminal
Fare: W6,900
05:50 – every 10-20 minutes - 21:10
JINJU Bus Terminal ► CHANGWON Bus Terminal
06:35 07:00 07:20 08:30 09:00 09:40 10:30 11:00 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:30 15:20 15:50 16:20 17:00 17:40 18:20 19:00 19:40
JINJU Bus Terminal ► CHANGWON Bus Terminal (via Masan)
22:30 23:30 24:10 01:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► CHEONGGYE-RI / UN-RI
Fare: W3,400
08:20 14:15 16:50 19:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► CHEONGHAKDONG Village
This is one of the southern entrances to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W7,100
07:10 15:50
JINJU Bus Terminal ► CHEONGJU Bus Terminal
8:00 10:10 12:10 14:10 16:10 18:10
JINJU Bus Terminal ► DAEGU Bus Terminal
07:00 07:50 08:40 09:20 09:45 10:30 11:10 11:50 12:30 13:50 14:30 15:10 15:40 16:20 17:10 17:40 18:20 18:50 19:45
JINJU Bus Terminal ► DAEJEON Bus Terminal
06:10 07:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► DAEWONSA (Temple)
This is the eastern entrance to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W4,300
06:30 07:30 08:30 09:30 10:30 11:35 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:35 16:30 17:30 18:30 19:30 20:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GEOCHANG Bus Terminal
06:50 - every 30 minutes - 19:47
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GEORIM / NAEDAE-RI
This is one of the southeastern entrances to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W5,000 (Naedae-ri) / W5,800 (Georim)
06:20 09:20 12:00 17:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GIMCHEON Bus Terminal
06:13 06:50 07:35 09:54 10:51 11:25 13:10 14:04 15:40 18:34
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GIMHAE Bus Terminal
07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GUMI Bus Terminal
09:10 12:10 15:19 18:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GWANGJU Bus Terminal
08:40 09:55 12:50 18:15 18:35
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GWANGYANG Bus Terminal
07:55 08:55 10:25 11:40 14:50 16:10 18:35
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GYEONGJU / POHANG
08:00 10:00 11:20 12:00 14:00 15:20 16:00 18:30 19:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► HADONG Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the south entrance to Jirisan National Park (via Ssanggyesa).
Fare: W4,300
06:35 - every 30 minutes - 21:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► HAEINSA (Temple)
This is the entrance to Gayasan National Park.
09:30 13:10 17:40
JINJU Bus Terminal ► HAMYANG Bus Terminal
Fare: W5,500
06:00 - ever 5-10 minutes - 21:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► HAPCHEON Bus Terminal
This is a transfer point to reach the entrance to Gayasan National Park (via Haeinsa).
07:00 08:20 11:10 12:10 14:10 15:10 16:10 18:40 20:10
JINJU Bus Terminal ► HWA-EOMSA(Temple)
This is the western entrance to Jirisan National Park.
09:50 17:10
JINJU Bus Terminal ► HONGGYE
Fare: W4,300
06:40 08:40 10:30 12:30 14:30 16:30 18:30 19:30 20:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► INCHEON Bus Terminal
16:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► JANGGYE Bus Terminal
08:55 15:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► JEONJU Bus Terminal
06:52 - every 30-40 minutes - 18:28 19:37
JINJU Bus Terminal ► JINAN Bus Terminal
10:58 17:25
JINJU Bus Terminal ► JUNGSAN-NI Tourist Village
This is one of the southeastern entrances to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W4,700
06:20 07:05 08:05 09:20 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:10
JINJU Bus Terminal ► NAMHAE Bus Terminal
06:40 - every 20 minutes - 20:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► SAMCHEONPO
06:00 - every 10 minutes - 22:30 23:00 23:30 24:00
JINJU Bus Terminal ► SANGJUMIJO
07:45 09:45 12:40 13:10 14:25 15:30 16:20
JINJU Bus Terminal ► SEOSANG Bus Terminal
07:07 07:28 11:39
JINJU Bus Terminal ► SSANGGYESA (Temple)
This is one of the southern entrances to Jirisan National Park.
06:35 06:57 08:35 09:25 11:05 12:20 13:25 15:29 16:05 17:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► SUNCHEON Bus Terminal
07:00 07:55 09:00 10:10 11:25 11:55 12:30 13:20 14:25 14:55 16:10 17:50 18:20 19:50
JINJU Bus Terminal ► YEOSU Bus Terminal
12:30 14:50 18:20
Busan Dongbu Nopo-dong Bus Terminal Timetable
UPDATED: August 2007
Busan Nopo-dong Bus Terminal is located at Nopo-dong Subway Station at the northern end of Line 1 (Orange Line)
NOTE: Most metropolitan cities have more than one express bus terminal - Bukbu (North), Nambu (South), Dongbu (East), and Seobu (West)
Special fares are marked with ( )
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► ANDONG Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W13,700
07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:10 12:20 13:20 14:20 15:40 16:50 18:00 19:30
Duration: 3 hours
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► DAEGU East Express Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the entrance to Gayasan National Park (via Haeinsa).
Fare: W8,400 / (W5,800)
(06:25) 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:40 10:20 ◄ Every 30-40 minutes ► 17:40 18:20 (19:00) 19:40 (20:20) 21:00 (21:30) 22:30
Duration: 1½ hours – 1 hour 50 minutes
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► DAEJEON East Express Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the entrance to Songnisan National Park.
Fare: W20,000 / (W13,600)
07:30 09:00 12:00 14:00 (15:30) 17:30 19:00
Duration: 3 hours
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► EONYANG Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point for the entrance to Gajisan Provincial Park (via Seongnamsa).
Fare: W3,200
06:30 ◄ 20 buses per day ► 21:00
Duration: 40 minutes
Alternate Route: City Bus 12 runs to Eonyang Bus Station from Beomosa Subway Station, Yangsan City Hall, or Dongnae Lotte Department Store (W2,300 – 90 min)
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► GWANGJU East Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W21,200 / (W14,400)
06:20 (06:50) 07:20 08:00 08:40 09:20 10:00 10:40 ◄ Every 30-40 minutes ► 17:20 18:00 18:40 19:20 20:00 21:00 22:30 00:00
Duration: 4 – 4 ½ hours
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► GYEONGJU Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W4,500
08:30 09:00 09:30 ◄ Every 30-40 minutes ►
17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:20 20:00 22:30 23:30
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► HADONG Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the southern entrance of Jirisan National Park (via Ssangyesa and Daeseong-ni).
Fare: W11,200
11:20
Duration: 3 hours
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► INCHEON Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W30,800 / (W20,700)
06:25 07:20 (08:35) 09:40 10:50 12:10 13:30 14:40 15:50 17:00 18:00 23:20
Duration: 6 hours
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► JUWANGSAN NAT’L PARK Bus Terminal
Fare: W17,800
07:40 11:30 13:20 15:00 18:00 Duration: 3 hours
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► SEOUL Central Bus Terminal
Fare: W29,400 / (W19,800)
06:00 06:30 (07:00) 07:30 ◄ Every 20-30 minutes ► 20:30 (21:00) 21:30 22:00
22:30 23:00 23:30 00:00 00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00
Duration: 5 – 5 ½ hours
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► TAEBAEK Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W27,500
07:25 11:35 15:30 18:35
Duration: 6 ½ - 7 hours
Busan Seobu Sasang Bus Terminal Timetable
UPDATED: November 2007
Busan Seobu Bus Terminal is located above Sasang Subway Station on Line 2 (Green Line)
NOTE: Most metropolitan cities have more than one express bus terminal - Bukbu (North), Nambu (South), Dongbu (East), and Seobu (West)
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► CHANGWON Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W3,300
06:00 ◄ Every 10-20 minutes ► 21:30
Duration: 50 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► DAEGU East Express Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the entrance to Gayasan National Park (via Haeinsa).
Fare: W8,500
07:00 08:30 10:00 11:30 13:00 14:30 16:00 18:10
Duration: 90 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► DAEWONSA Temple
This is the eastern entrance to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W11,100
06:40 09:40 10:25 13:20 17:50
Duration: 3 hours (Buses stop briefly in Jinju)
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► GEOCHANG Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W12,200
07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► GIMHAE Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W1,800
08:00 08:40 09:20 10:00 10:40 11:20 12:00 12:40 13:20 14:00 14:40 15:20 16:00 16:40 17:20 18:00 18:40 19:20 20:00 21:00 22:05
Duration: 25 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► GURYE / HWAEOMSA Temple
This is the western entrance to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W12,200
07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00
Duration: 3 hours / 3 hours 20 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► GWANGJU East Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W15,800
06:10 06:40 07:20 08:00 08:40 09:20 10:00 10:40 11:20 12:00 12:50 13:30 14:20 15:00 15:40 16:20 17:00 18:30 19:30 20:30 21:30
Duration: 3 ½ hours
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► GWANGYANG Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W10,000
07:20 09:10 09:50 11:00 11:20 12:40 13:30 14:45 16:20 17:05 18:00 19:10 20:00 20:40 21:40
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► HADONG Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the southern entrance to Jirisan National Park (via Ssangyesa or Daeseong-ni).
Fare: W9,900
07:00 ◄ Every hour ► 19:00
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► HAMAN Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W4,300
07:30 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 15:00 17:00 18:30 20:00
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► HAMYANG Express Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the northeastern entrances of Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W12,400
07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► HAPCHEON Bus Terminal
Fare: W9,500
07:00 07:50 08:30 09:10 ◄ Every 40 - 50 min ► 17:20 18:00 18:40
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JANGYU Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W1,600
06:10 06:30 06:50 07:10 07:25 ◄ Every 10-15 minutes ► 20:00 20:15 20:30 20:45 21:00 21:15 21:40 22:05
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JEONG-EUP Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the entrance to Naejangsan National Park.
Fare: W18,200
09:10 11:00
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JEONJU Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W22,100
07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 14:30 16:00 17:30 19:00 22:30
Duration: 5 hours 20 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JINDO Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W15,800
14:50
Duration: 6 ½ hours
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JINHAE Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W4,200
06:00 ◄ Every 15-20 minutes ► 22:00
Duration: 1 hour
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JINJU Express Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the southeastern entrances to Jirisan National Park (via Georim and Jungsan-ni).
Fare: W6,900
05:40 ◄ Every 10-15 minutes ► 20:20 21:05 21:30
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JUNGSAN-NI Bus Terminal
This is one of the southeastern entrances to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W11,600
08:15 11:16 12:15 16:00
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► MASAN Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W3,300
05:40 ◄ Every 8 minutes ► 22:30
Duration: 45 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► MIRYANG Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W5,800
07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► MOKPO Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W24,200
06:30 08:00 09:10 10:40 12:00 13:55 15:40
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► NAMHAE Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W10,400
06:00 ◄ Every 40 minutes ► 18:30 19:20
Duration: 2 ½ hours
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► NAMWON Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the northwestern entrances to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W16,700
08:10 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► NAMYANG Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W9,500
12:00 18:30
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► NOKDONG Bus Terminal
Fare: W18,700
08:50 09:50 10:50 12:40 13:30 15:40
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► SANCHEONG Express Bus Terminal
This is the transfer point to reach the southeastern entrances of Jirisan National Park (via Georim and Jungsan-ni).
Fare: W10,200
05:40 06:20 06:40 07:00 07:35 ◄ Every 15-20 minutes ► 17:28 18:25 19:10 19:41
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► SSANGYESA Temple
This is the southern entrance to Jirisan National Park.
Fare: W11,400
13:00 16:00
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► TONGYEONG Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W9,800
05:40 ◄ Every 10-20 minutes ► 20:10
Duration:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► WANDO Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W26,700
07:10 08:10 11:10 13:00 16:20
Duration: 6 hours 40 minutes
SONGNISAN (속리산) Hiking Routes
HIKE 1: THE CHUNGBUK RIDGE LOOP – 17.9 km / 4.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 3 - Intermediate
From there it took another hour to do the 4 km along the ridge to Munjangdae. The ridge section, which is studded with interesting rock formations like Ipseokdae and Gyeongeopdae, has little in the way of elevation change, so you can move at quite a rapid pace.
Once at Munjangdae, the weather cleared a little and I was able to look north over an impressive collection of small mountains nestled in the clouds. Munjangdae is famous, because King Sejo supposedly recited a poem at the spot. Now a set of steel steps leads up the side of the rock to the top. The top of the rock is fairly small and can become crowded quickly. If I do this hike again, I’ll get there earlier in the morning before most of the pack gets going. There’s a small store just below Munjangdae that sells water and snacks and blares the Korean national anthem at an obnoxious volume from time to time (luckily you can’t hear it at the top).
Ideally, if you had more time than I did, you could continue west for 11.2 km and eventually end up at the end of the Chungbuk Alps in Shinjeong-ri. Getting an early start, it would be possible to do the entire thing in one day and head home from Shinjeong-ri.
The 7.1 km trek from Munjangdae back down to Beopjusa takes about 90 minutes, passing through lush forest areas and by small waterfalls. The entire route has good signage, both in Korean and English.
HIKE 2: BEOPJUSA-MUNJANGDAE LOOP - 15.5 km / 3.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 3 - Intermediate
The route begins at Beopjusa, ascends to Munjangdae, via the (A) Trail, and returns to Beopjusa, via the (B) Trail.
HIKE 3: BEOPJUSA-MUNJANGDAE ALTERNATE LOOP - 17 km / 4.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 3 - Intermediate
The route begins at Beopjusa, ascends to Munjangdae, via the (B) Trail, continues to Shinseondae, and then descends to Beopjusa, via the (C) Trail.
HIKE 4: BEOPJUSA-MUNJANGDAE-CHEONHWANGBONG LOOP - 19 km / 4.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 4 - Strenuous
The route begins at Beopjusa, ascends to Munjangdae, via the (B) Trail, crosses the ridge to Cheonhwangbong, and returns to Beopjusa, via the (D) Trail.
HIKE 5: BEOPJUSA TO SHINJEONG VILLAGE - 29 km / 7-7.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: 5 - Very Strenuous
The route begins at Beopjusa, ascends to Cheonhwangbong, crosses the entire ridge (past Munjangdae, Gwaneumbong, and Myobong), and finishes at Shinjeong Village.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Start early. The earlier, the better. Small national parks like this one are flooded with pushy, noisy local day-hikers from about 10 AM on-ward. If you want to enjoy nature with relative peace and quiet, time it so you can be on your way down by the time the crowd arrives.
(Contributed by Alex)
SONGNISAN (속리산) National Park: The Basics
CLICK here for high resolution printable trail map (1.16 MB).
Songnisan* became a national park in 1970. It’s the 6th largest of Korea’s mountain parks with an area of 275 km2. The name means “Remote from the Ordinary World”—a reference to its somewhat isolated position in the center of South Korea. The mountains belong to the southern arm of the greater Sobaek Range, and the park lies on the border between North Chungcheong and North Gyeongsong Provinces.
In 1999, someone decided to cash in on the name of a famous set of mountains in Europe by dubbing the ridge that connects Gubyeongsan, Songnisan, Gwaneumbong and Sanhakbong the Chungbuk Alps. The name is a little misleading, as the highest mountain here is only a humble 1,058 meters. On the English brochure available at the tourist center in the Songni-dong Bus Terminal building, it states: “A hiking path was opened and transformed into a commercial product.” This perhaps says something about how Koreans view their mountains and is a hint that hiking here might not always be peaceful and relaxing. The park gets about 1.5 million visitors a year.
*Don't be confused by the spelling. The Korean letters spell out "Sokrisan" but the name is actually pronounced "Songnisan."
Songnisan is very scenic. On wet days clouds often catch in the valleys between the mountains, creating a dramatic layered effect. In the spring, the area is known for the brilliant pink azaleas that bloom on the mountainsides. The mountains have a craggy look, with lots of interesting granite out-croppings and cliffs.
The park is great for beginning hikers with lots of nice easy-to-moderate day hikes. The mountain range is shaped like the back of an ampitheater, with the ridge curving around the valley from south to west. Along this boney semi-circle are 8 small peaks. Starting in the south and going northwest they are: Peak 1 (721 m), Hyeongjebong (803 m), Cheonhwangbong (1,058 m), Birobong (1,032 m), Munsubong (1,031 m), Gwaneumbong (985 m), Myobong (874 m), and Sanhakbong (861 m).
GETTING THERE
Take an express bus from Busan Nopo-dong Bus Terminal to Daejeon Dongbu Express Bus Terminal. Cross the street to Daejeon Intercity Bus Terminal and take a local bus to Songnisan National Park.
BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal ► DAEJEON Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W20,000 / (W13,600)
Duration: 3 hours
07:30 09:00 12:00 14:00 (15:30) 17:30 19:00
To get to Daejeon Intercity Terminal from Daejeon Dongbu Express Bus Terminal, exit the building, turn left, cross the street and turn left again. Follow the sidewalk for about 5 minutes.
DAEJEON Intercity Terminal ► SONGNISAN NAT’L PARK Bus Terminal
Fare: W6,300
Duration: 90 minutes
07:00 ◄ Every 40-60 minutes ► 19:00
Get off the bus at Songni-dong tourist village at the entrance to the park.
GETTING AWAY
SONGNISAN NAT'L PARK Bus Terminal ► DAEJEON Intercity Terminal
Fare: W6,300
Duration: 90 minutes
07:00 07:28 08:10 09:05 10:15 11:20 12:10 12:55 13:50 14:30 15:20 16:20 17:20 17:40 18:30 19:10 20:00
DAEJEON East Express Bus Terminal ► BUSAN Nopo-dong Terminal
Fare: W20,000
Duration: 3 hours
07:30 ◄ Every 30-50 minutes ► 19:00
SLEEPING & EATING
Songni-dong, like most national park villages in Korea, is packed with hotels, yeogwon (inns), and minbak (guesthouses). You can find something without difficulty by wandering for a few minutes among the sidestreets. Clean, comfortable single rooms with a private bathroom, TV, and yeo (Korean floor mattress) are easy to find for W20,000/night. If you’re in a group, you can get a shared room and save even more money. The main street is lined with scores of restaurants that don’t seem to deviate much from a set menu of soups, barbeque, and bibimbap. There are dozens of bars. The area around the hotels and minbak is full of noraebang (singing rooms). For the tiny size of the village, it sure seems to be an active place a night, with plenty of drunks staggering around or passed out in the middle of the road (I witnessed both). There are also plenty of small mini-marts, but the range of products is limited. Bring your own snacks and trail food with you.
There’s a fake waterfall off the main street that is lit-up at night and attracts lots of attention. There’s also a nice grassy park, filled with modern art sculptures (the first time I visited Songnisan I spent the night under a bush in this park). That's about the extent of the little "town."
CAMPGROUNDS
A large campground can be found to the east of the village, but it’s only open in July and August. The whole campground thing is quite undeveloped in Korea, and it has been explained to me that this is because the average Korean finds camping too inconvenient and uncomfortable.
BEOPJUSA
Beopju Temple, at the entrance to the park, is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Korea. It dates back to 553 A.D., but like most historical structures in Korea, the actual buildings were burned to the ground by the Japanese during the 1592 invasion. It was rebuilt in 1624. The highlights of this temple are the Daungbojeon prayer hall with three huge golden Buddhas; the 5-floor Palsangjeon, largest of the wooden pagodas in Korea; and the 33-meter bronze Buddha statue. Even though the latter was only constructed in 1990, it is impressive for its sheer size. There’s also a large Buddha image carved into a massive boulder on the grounds.
TRAIL CLOSURES
There are no trail closures in this park.
VIEW OTHER TRAIL CLOSURES ON THE KNPS WEBSITE
CONTACTS
[Park Office] : 19-1 Sangpan-ri Naesongni-myeon Boeun Chungbuk
[Tel] : 82-43-542-5267
OFFICIAL KNPS SONGNISAN WEBSITE (English)
(Contributed by Alex)
ODAESAN (오대산) Hiking Routes
HIKE 1: SANGWONSA-BIROBONG LOOP - 6 km / 2-3 hours
Difficulty Rating: 3 - Intermediate
The trail begins at Sangwonsa and follows well-maintained steps for 1.5 km to the final temple location. From there, it’s a very steep 1.5 km to Birobong, the highest point in the park. Elevation gain is about 1,100 meters. During the winter, the first half of the route is well-shoveled, but the second part is very snowy and slick and requires at least basic crampons. From Sangwonsa, the hike to Birobong took us 90 minutes up and 1 hour down.
HIKE 2: SANGWONSA TO DONGDAESAN - 17.3 km / 6.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: Not rated -
This trek begins at Sangwonsa and hits Birobong (3.5 km) and Durobong (5.4 km) before coming down to Dongdaesan (6.7 km), where the trail currently terminates.
We're looking for someone to write a description of this hike. If you've personally hiked this route and would like to contribute an account of your experience, email me at: jewels.of.tanuki@gmail.com
HIKE 3: SOGEUM SERVICE COMPLEX TO JINGOGAE - 13.3 km / 4.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: not rated -
This hike begins at the Sogeum Service Complex gate, passes a number of waterfalls and climbs over Noinbong, before finishing at Jingogae.
We're looking for someone to write a description of this hike. If you've personally hiked this route and would like to contribute an account of your experience, email me at: jewels.of.tanuki@gmail.com
(Contributed by Alex)
ODAESAN (오대산) National Park: The Basics
CLICK here for high resolution printable trail map (1.5 MB).
Odaesan was designated a national park in 1975 and lies at the intersection of the Taebaek and Charyeongsan mountain ranges, connecting Taebaeksan, Seoraksan, Sobaeksan, and Chiaksan. It's one of the larger national parks in Korea with 303.9 km2, split between Pyeongchang and Hongcheon Counties in the west and Gangneung in the east. The mountain was apparently named after a sacred peak in China, but Koreans have often referred to it by the nickname Sogeumgang ("little Geumgang"), because its scenery compares to the Geumgang Mountains in the North. The mountain topography is said to resemble a crane with wings outstretched, as if about to take flight. About 1 million people visit Odaesan every year.
Major peaks at Odaesan include Birobong (1,563m), Horyeongbong (1,560m), Noinbong (1,338m), Maebong (1,173m), Durobong (1,422m), and Dongdaesan (1,434m). Hikers revere the park for its stunning Mureunggye Valley, waterfalls, and forests, which are made up of fir trees, yews, and Mongolian oaks and sustain populations of roe deer and wild boars. In the spring, royal azaleas bloom on the slopes. During the winter, when snow lies heavy on the ground, Odaesan has a lonely, remote feel to it and a stark, cold beauty worth experiencing. Two beautiful Buddhist temples--Sangwonsa and Woljeongsa--are found near the southwest entrance to the park.
Most of the routes at Odaesan are day hikes. Normally it would be possible to start at Sangwonsa, hike to Birobong (3.5 km), continue to Durobong (5.4 km), head back down to Dongdaesan (6.7 km), and keep going all the way to the Sogeum Service Complex gate (15 km), but currently the segment of trail between Dongdaesan and Jingogae is closed for ecological restoration. This closure effectively separates the eastern and western sections of the park.
GETTING THERE
Gangneung is the primary access point for Odaesan and can be reached from Busan and Seoul via train or express bus. Gangneung Bus Terminal is a 5 minute taxi ride from Gangneung Train Station. From the terminal, take a bus to Jinbu (W3,400). The ride takes about 45 minutes. At Jinbu Terminal, local buses can be found at the back of the complex (pay on the bus). Buses to Woljeongsa stop at the Minbak Village, which has all the lodging options for the southwest entrance. The ride takes about 20 minutes. If you want to go straight to the trailhead, take a bus to Sangwonsa, located about 8.3 km beyond Woljeongsa (50 min).
JINBU Terminal ► WOLJEONGSA
Fare: W1,500
06:20 07:40 10:50 14:20 18:30 19:40
JINBU Terminal ► SANGWONSA
08:30 09:40 11:50 12:50 15:30 16:40
GETTING AWAY
Buses to Sangwonsa and the trailhead return to Jinbu about 50 minutes to 1 hour after their original departure time (see "Getting There"). Exact times are posted in the Sangwonsa parking lot next to the bus stop. From Jinbu, intercity buses go to Dong Seoul (every hour from 07:55 to 20:45), Wonju, and Gangneung. Regular buses run from both Wonju and Gangneung to Busan and Seoul. Wonju is a useful access point if you plan to continue on to Sobaeksan National Park.
JINBU Bus Terminal ► WONJU Bus Terminal
Duration: 2 hours
07:15 08:25 09:15 10:25 10:45 11:55 12:55 14:10 14:25 15:20 15:35 15:55 16:35 17:05 17:25 18:05 19:20 20:05
SLEEPING & EATING
The minbak village about 0.5 km south of the southwest ticket office has a small selection of nice places to stay, including some newer buildings with spacious, spotless rooms, great showers, and cable TV. A room for two should cost between W25,000 and W35,000. There are a few restaurant choices a short walk from the lodgings (an especially good one is not far down the road toward Jinbu) and a scattering of tiny, family-owned stores with very basic inventories.
CAMPGROUNDS
There are two campgrounds at Odaesan:
(1) Across from Odaesan Shelter, about half-way between Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa
(2) At Sogeum Service Complex in the northeastern part of the park.
Call ahead for reservations.
TRAIL CLOSURES
The trail from Jingogae to Dongdaesan is closed to hikers until 2011, to allow regrowth of surrounding habitats.
VIEW OTHER TRAIL CLOSURES ON THE KNPS WEBSITE
CONTACTS
[Park Office] : 75-6 Ganpyeong-ri Jinbu-myeon Pyeongchang Gangwon
[Tel] : 82-33-332-6417
OFFICIAL KNPS ODAESAN WEBSITE (English)
(Contributed by Alex)
JIRISAN (지리산) Hiking Routes
HIKE 1: SSANGGYESA TO CHEONGHAKDONG - 5-6 hours
Difficulty Rating: 4 - Strenuous
This route starts at Ssanggyesa (temple), winds up past Buril Falls 폭포, and ascends to the Samshin Peaks. From there it's either down to Cheonghakdong or back the way you came.
It's a steep trail in places and a dry one (there aren't any springs in this vicinity beyond the temple), but one of the positives is that it seems to be less frequented than some of the other trails. From the temple, the trail leads 2.3 km up to Buril Falls, which can be impressive after heavy rains and underwhelming at other times. Beyond the falls, the hike has nice coverage, snaking through shaded forest areas and along a small stream. About two thirds of the way up, the tree cover opens up and nice views of the valley can be seen. It's possible to reach Samshinbong, the furthest but not the highest of the two peaks, in 3 1/2 to 4 hours (6.9 km from the Buril Falls junction). The hike down to Cheonghakdong takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, while a return hike back to Ssanggyesa can be completed in 2.5 hours.
(Contributed by Alex)
HIKE 2: EAST RIDGE HIKE (Daewonsa to Georim) - 27 km / 9-11 hours
Difficulty Rating: 5 - Very Strenuous
This monster hike begins at Yupyeong Village (just beyond Daewonsa), ascends to Chibanmok Shelter, crosses the ridge--including Sseoribong (1,642 m), Jungbong (1,875 m), Cheonwangbong (1,915 m), Jeseokbong (1,806 m), Chotaebong (1,704 m), and Yeongshinbong (1,652 m)--and descends from Seseok to the Georim Valley exit.
The hike from Yupyeong Village to Chibanmok Shelter is steep and rocky for the first 2 km or so. Then it levels off for awhile, passing through amazingly lush forest and above a deep river valley. There are gentle ups and downs and some nice views when the clouds lift. The trail is rough, but well-marked most of the time (look for pink ribbons in the trees or periodic cell service markers if you aren't sure). During or after heavy rain, temporary streams form that cross the path or completely replace it (I was here once during a typhoon). The rivers can become swollen and dangerous, in which case it's best to avoid them. The last 2 km again regain a steep incline and include a series of metal steps. The park service estimates hike time to Chibanmok at 3.5 hours, but I was able to do this stretch in 2 hours and 10 minutes at a brisk pace. This ascent is less difficult than the Hwaeomsa trail on the other end of the range.
From Chibanmok to Jungbong, the path goes up and down quite a lot, but there’s nothing terribly steep. There are tiny granite markers at Sseoribong and Jungbong, but not much else to let you know you reached a point of signficance. Cheonwangbong--the highest peak in Jirisan and 2nd highest in Korea--is only another 0.9 km beyond Jungbong (3rd highest). The 4 km from Chibanmok to Cheonwangbong can be accomplished in under 2 hours in good weather. Note that much of the ridge is exposed to brutal northerlies. Even in late September, it was nippy. Two months later, the trails were icy and dangerous, there was a dusting of snow on the ground and trees, and strong freezing winds blasted us from the north whenever we came out into an open place. Appropriate windproof clothing is suggested. A complete white-out is not uncommon on the ridge. Out of three recent trips, there was clear weather on only one, where we got great views from the top of Cheonwangbong. I'm told you're very, very lucky if you get any good views from the top at any time of year. At Cheonwangbong, a 9.7 km trail leads off north through Chilseon Valley to Chuseong Village, but a large portion of this trail is currently off-limits for nature restoration.
From Cheonwangbong, it took only 30 minutes to cross the relatively easy 3.4 km to Jangteomok Shelter (about 1 hour going the other way). There’s quite a lot of downhill along this section going west. Jangteomok is a large, ample shelter that requires reservations, except in cases of emergency. From the shelter, trails go north to Baengmudong Village and south to the Rotari Shelter and Jungsan-ni Village.
From Jangteomok going west, it's more of the same with some ups and downs and fairly good trails for a distance of 3.4 km. It took me about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the third and largest of Jirisan’s shelters, Seseok.
Seseok Shelter is at the junction of several trails. Going west, follows the ridge route 6.3 km to Byeoksoryeong Shelter and eventually to the end of the range at Hwa-eomsa (Temple). Going north takes you 6.5 km to Baengmudong Village. Going south, you can exit the park through Daeseong-ni (9.1 km), Cheonghakdong, or Ssanggyesa (19 km). The latter two trails are very long, following the southern arm of the mountain away from the ridge. Another trail leads southeast 6 km to Georim Village. The Georim trail is extremely steep, rocky, and brutal. There are large sections of jumbled rocks and boulders that hikers must pick their way through. Coming down was hell after already doing 21 km, and I can imagine heading up this trail is pure torture.
The park service estimates this hike at 11.5 hours. I did it in late summer in 9 hours, but without any breaks longer than 10-15 minutes. I packed light and moved quickly--a slower pace would be safer, especially on the downhill sections. The same section of the ridge was hiked in much colder weather going the other direction and it took a couple of hours longer.
(Contributed by Alex)
HIKE 3: WEST RIDGE HIKE (Hwa-eomsa to Byeoksoryeong Shelter) - 10 hours
Difficulty Rating: 5 - Very Strenuous
This route starts at Hwa-eomsa (temple) and ascends steeply to the main ridge near Nogodon Shelter. From there, the trail follows the mountains east.
Hwaeomsa Service Complex is a good 30-minute walk (about 1.5 to 2 km) from the temple up the road. The trailhead is to the right when facing the temple entrance. It starts out with a short walk through a grove of trees and then quickly begins to climb. From that point on expect a steep 7 km slog to the top. This particular approach seemed brutally steep and endless in contrast to the climb from the east, starting at Daewonsa. But maybe I was just carrying more weight. It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the Nogodon Shelter area. Don't be disconcerted by the crowds around Nogodon--many people just do the easy walk from Seongsamjae and then turn around. Everything thins out as you move east.
The 3.2 km from Nogodan to Imgeolryeong (ridge) was characterized by ups and downs, but nothing terribly difficult. At Imgeolryeong, a trail leads south 6 km past Piagol Shelter and out of the park at Jikjeon. Another 1.3 km beyond that, we came to the turn-off for Banyabong. According to the KNPS website, Banyabong is closed to hikers. But not seeing any signs on the trail, we decided to try. We opted to dump our packs for the short 2 km hike to the peak (about 45 minutes round-trip), which turned out to be a great idea. Banyabong is famous for its views, especially around sunset, but we encountered heavy fog and could see nothing below. The peak is marked with a small, inconspicuous granite pillar. There were no signs to indicate that the area was restricted and we saw quite a few other hikers there.
After Banyabong, we moved on to Baemsagol Shelter, which we were surprised to find was closed. People were still using the area for cooking and the drinking water was flowing, but nobody seemed to know why the shelter was closed and if it would be open again in the future. It's located at the bottom of a long series of stairs. From Baemsagol, a trail leads north 9 km to Banseon Service Complex in Namwon County. Not far beyond this, another trail leads south through the Moktong Valley to Chilbuam and eventually the Hadong park exit.
We hurried on past the rather insignificant Tokkibong and Myeongseonbong, stopped briefly to stock up on water at Yeonhacheon Shelter, and finally made it to Byeonksoryeong Shelter by late afternoon (about 7.2 km from Tokkibong). The last little bit before the shelter is quite rough and rocky.
(Contributed by Alex)
HIKE 4: HWA-EOMSA TO DAEWONSA (the entire ridge)- 45 km / 19 hours
Difficulty Rating: 5 - Very Strenuous
Take two monster day hikes and put them together and you have...well, pain. But also a lot of fun! We just completed this hike in mid-November over a period of two days (10 hours from Hwa-eomsa to Byeoksoryeong Shelter and 9 hours from Byeoksoryeong to Daewonsa). It's more typical for people to cross the ridge in three or four days, but a weekend sprint is definately possible from May through November. The rest of the year it's too cold and icy to risk moving that quickly.
We started with a 30-minute walk up the road from Hwa-eomsa to the service complex early in the morning. The trailhead is to the right of the temple entrance. The 7 km to the ridge was the steepest and most challenging part of the whole experience for us, maybe because we weren't warmed up. We got to Nogodon in 2.5 hours, but it was painful.
The next 4.5 km to the Banyabong turn-off was relatively easy, with alternating ups and downs. At this point we stashed our packs in the forest and did a quick sidetrip to Banyabong, which took 45 minutes round-trip. After returning to the main ridge trail, we moved on past Baemsagol Shelter (down stairs north of the trail), Tokkibong, and Myeongseonbong.
We took a short water break at Yeonhacheon Shelter and moved on to Byeonksoryeong Shelter in the late afternoon. The last hour was a bit rough. We were feeling pretty worn out and the trail seemed unusually rocky and uneven. In all, the hike from Hwa-eomsa to Byeonksoryeong took us 10 hours. We stopped there for the night. We didn't have reservations, but they grudgingly put us up anyway. The night was very long and very hot with lots of people snoring loudly all around us. There are no pads or mats on the sleeping platforms, which makes for a sleepless night if you not have your own padding.
In the morning we got up early and were on the trail by 4:30 AM. It took us about 90 minutes to do the 6 km to Seseok, where we took a bathroom break, before sprinting on to Jangteomok. Strong, cold winds were blowing a light snow on the northern side of the ridge. When the trail snaked over to that side we had to bundle up, but the south side was quite comfortable and without wind. The section from Seseok to Jangteomok seemed to be gradually uphill the whole way, so this part took us as long as the former portion even though the distance was much shorter. We reached Jangteomok about 7:45, took a breather, and struggled toward Cheonwang Peak. We got to the summit about 8:30 and spent about a half hour there. Again, the north side of the summit was cold and blustery with a thin layer of ice and snow, while the south side was mild and dry.
Once beyond Cheonwangbong, the trail was more or less downhill, which was less of a cardio workout but really hammered at the knees and ankles. We only took a couple of 5 minute breaks between there and Daewonsa, reaching the end around 1:30 PM--a total of 9 hours. The last section from Chibanmok to Daewonsa was pretty brutal downhill stuff, especially on tired legs. We both would have preferred a little more climbing to the high impact slamming you get from moving downward.
(Contributed by Alex)
HIKE 5: Jungsan-ni Village → Cheonwangbong - 5.7 km / 3-5 hours up
Difficulty Rating: 4 - Strenuous
This hike begins at Jungsan-ni Tourist Village, passes Kalbawi, and continues steeply for 4 km to Jangteomok Shelter. From there it's another 1.7 km eastward along the ridge to Cheonwang Peak.
We set out on the trail around 1 PM, which we discovered was much too late to be starting a hike like this. We were in reasonable shape but not athletic really. It took those of us in our 20s and 30s about 5.5 hours to reach the summit, while those in their 40s took about 6.5 hours. The sun went down about thirty minutes before we got to the top (a good reason to start earlier). Hiking in the dark was not especially fun. The one person in our group who had done the hike before made it up to the top in 3 hours. The trail is quite steep--it's like climbing stairs for the whole way. I'd recommend leaving in the morning to better enjoy this hike, rather than trying to race the sun. Note that we did this hike in April, and there was still some snow and ice near the summit. The air was very cold. Some warm clothes are advised.
(Contributed by Kathleen)
HIKE 10: Daesong-ni → Seseok Shelter - 9.1 km
Difficulty Rating: 4 - Strenuous
I recently hiked from Daeseong-ni to Cheonwangbong and back the way I came. The hike was beautiful and we were on the trail for 6 hours without seeing another person. However, unlike the main ridge, the Daeseong-ni trail has no place to refill your waterbottles. There is a little village about an hour from the start of the hike. Be aware that this the last place to get water before you get to Seseok Shelter. Make sure you pack enough H20.
(Contributed by Val)
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are plenty of potable springs 분수대 along the ridge for refilling water bottles, so it's not necessary to carry large amounts of water. You should plan to drink 4-5 liters during a full-day hike (more in hot weather).
The shelters 대피소 don't sell enough food to make a full meal. They have things like ramen, canned meat, pre-cooked rice, canned coffee, cookies, and crackers. There's also no way to cook anything unless you bring your own stove. Packing in plenty of food is important (3,000-4,000 calories a day during the warmer seasons / 4,000-5,000 calories for winter). About 75% of your calories should come from carbohydrates.
Camping on the mountain is illegal, but possible in extreme emergency situations. I've encountered Koreans tenting it in various places on the ridge. In such a case, you'd need a tarp or tent to keep you dry and a good sleeping bag to stay warm.
Baemsagol Shelter was closed to overnight hikers, as of November 2007, though you could still cook outside the shelter structure and get water at the spring.
The use of gas backpacking stoves is limited to the shelter grounds and illegal in all other areas.
Pack out ALL your trash, rather than make it a burden for the shelter caretakers.
(Contributed by Alex)
WESTERN JIRISAN (지리산) National Park: The Basics
CLICK here for high resolution printable trail map (1.27 MB).
The western half of Jirisan National Park, which lies mostly in Gurye and Namwon Counties, is lower in elevation than the eastern half and less rugged, but no less beautiful. The major peaks along the western ridge include: Nogodan (1,507 m), Banyabong (1,733 m), Tokkibong (1,534 m), Myeongseonbong (1,586 m), and Samgakbong (1,462 m).
Nogodan and Banyabong are the big local attractions on the ridge, while the Piagol Valley hike is extremely popular in autumn.
ENTRANCES TO THE PARK
The western half of Jirisan National Park currently has five entry points:
(1) Hwa-eomsa (temple) in the southwest
(2) Seongsamjae Village in the northwest
(3) Jikjeon / Yeongoksa (temple)in the south
(4) Moktong / Chilbuam in the south
(5) Banseon Village in the north
SLEEPING & EATING
The same is true of the west as of the east--there are plenty of lodgings and places to eat at most of the major entry points, including Hwa-eomsa Service Complex, Seongsamjae Village, Yeongoksa Service Complex, and Banseon Service Complex. Expect to pay between W20,000 and W30,000 for a single room and W6,000-8,000 for a decent meal. Gurye has shops near the bus terminal with basic hiking equipment, stoves, maps, gas, and some food items.
CAMPGROUNDS
Campgrounds are located at four locations in Western Jirisan:
(1) Near Hwa-eomsa Service Complex
(2) Near Banseon Service Complex
(3) In the Hwajom Valley
(4) In the Waun Valley
Campgrounds cost W3,000-7,000 per night. Facilities vary. Call the park office to make reservations.
MOUNTAIN SHELTERS (대피소 Daepiso)
Going east from Hwa-eomsa, there are four mountain shelters (3 on the ridge):
(1) Nogodan Shelter
(2) Piagol
(3) Baemsagol Shelter
(4) Yeonhacheon Shelter
With the exception of Nogodan, the western shelters are quite small and simple. When we were there in mid-November, Baemsagol Shelter was closed to hikers and there was no information about when it would be re-opened. With the exception of Piagol and Baemsagol, the rest of the shelters require reservations. Bring your own food, cook stove, and sleeping pad. Blankets can be rented for overnight use.
Simply click on the link below and follow the directions on the page to make reservations at any of the shelters at Jirisan. The park service will confirm your reservation by email within 1-2 days. Reservations can be made 2 weeks in advance.
MAKE SHELTER RESERVATIONS HERE
NOGODAN DAEPISO
W7,000 pp (June, September, December-March) / W8,000 (all other months)
The largest of the western shelters, Nogodan accommodates about 100 people. This shelter is located not far from civilization (Seongsamjae Village), so expect plenty of company. Make your reservations early.
PIAGOL DAEPISO
W5,000 pp
This small shelter is about 2 kilometers down the Piagol Valley trail from the ridge and does not require reservations. At peak times of the year, you'd have to get there early to get a spot to sleep. This shelter was deserted and appeared to be not operational in August 2008. Call before you start your trip.
BAEMSAGOL DAEPISO
W5,000 pp
Baemsagol is another small, simple shelter, located at the bottom of a long series of steep stairs, leading north from the ridge. As mentioned above, it was closed when we passed by in mid-November 2008. Call the park service before making any plans to stay there. Even when closed, you can cook in the area around the shelter and there's a freshwater spring right outside the building.
YEONHACHEON DAEPISO
W5,000 pp
Yeonhacheon accommodates about 35 people. There's a freshwater spring not far from the building.
TRAIL CLOSURES
Despite what it says on the KNPS website, both Nogodan and Banyabong peaks were open to hikers as of November 10, 2007. There are no other closures that I know of that would affect people on the western trails.
GETTING THERE
From Busan, buses depart for Gurye and the Hwa-eomsa entrance:
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► GURYE Bus Terminal / HWAEOMSA Temple
Fare: W12,200
07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00
Duration: 3 hours / 3 hours 20 minutes
For the Seongsamjae entrance, take a bus from Gurye. Buses are marked with the final destination "Nogodon," but you still have a short walk up to the peak from the village where they stop:
GURYE Bus Terminal ► SEONGSAMJAE Village
04:00 06:00 08:20 10:20 11:40 13:40 15:40 17:40
VIEW OTHER TRAIL CLOSURES ON THE KNPS WEBSITE
CONTACTS
[Park Office] : 922-18 Sari Sicheon-myeon Sancheong Gyeongnam 666-934
[Tel] : 82-55-972-7771
OFFICIAL KNPS JIRISAN WEBSITE (English)
JIRISAN (지리산) - South Entrances (Ssanggyesa / Daeseong-ni / Cheonghakdong)
This is the access point if you’re interested in climbing the Samshin Peaks---9.2 km from Ssanggyesa. You can also go up from the Cheonghakdong Village side. The nice thing about this trail is that you don't meet many people. It's not the best way to get to the main ridge, however, as it lies so far south. Seseok Shelter is 8 km beyond Samshinbong. The area near Ssanggyesa is crowded with minbak (민박), motels (모텔) and restraurants, some quite decent. You should be able to get a single room for W20,000.
GETTING THERE
From Busan, there are several options for reaching Ssanggyesa, via Hadong and Jinju:
(1) Take an intercity bus to Hadong Bus Terminal and then transfer to a local bus for Ssanggyesa.
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► HADONG Bus Terminal
Fare: W9,900
Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes
07:00 ◄ Every hour ► 19:00
HADONG Bus Terminal ► SSANGGYESA
Fare: W2,200
Duration: 50 minutes
08:00 09:50 10:50 11:40 12:40 13:50 14:50 15:30 16:45 17:30 18:20 20:40
(2) Take the direct bus from Busan Seobu Terminal to Ssanggyesa (there are only 2 buses per day).
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► SSANGGYESA
Fare: W11,400
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
13:00 16:00
(3) Take an intercity bus from Jinju Bus Terminal to Hadong or directly to Ssanggyesa.
JINJU Bus Terminal ► SSANGGYESA
06:35 06:57 08:35 09:25 11:05 12:20 13:25 15:29 16:05 17:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► HADONG Bus Terminal
Fare: W4,300
06:35 ◄ Every 30 minutes ► 21:00
TO DAESEONG-NI
At the Ssanggyesa Bus Stop, you can hop on a local bus that continues up the road and stops before and after Daeseong. Either way, you have to walk some distance to the ticket office and trailhead, but this is perhaps preferable to hiking the 17 km from Ssanggyesa to Seseok. From the Daeseong trailhead, it's 9.2 km to Seseok Shelter.
TO CHEONGHAKDONG
Cheonghakdong Tourist Village can be accessed directly from Jinju Bus Terminal. There are only 2 buses per day.
JINJU Bus Terminal ► CHEONGHAKDONG Village
Fare: W7,100
07:10 15:50
You can also get to Cheonghakdong via Hadong Bus Terminal.
HADONG Bus Terminal ► CHEONGHAKDONG Village
08:30 11:00 13:00 15:20 19:00
GETTING AWAY
You can buy tickets back to Hadong Bus Terminal, Jinju, Busan, or Daegu from the restaurant next to the stone bridge, leading to Ssanggyesa (temple).
SSANGGYESA ► HADONG Bus Terminal
Fare: W2,200
Duration: 50 minutes
07:20 07:45 08:40 09:10 10:00 11:10 12:10 12:40 13:35 14:10 15:20 16:10 17:35
HADONG Bus Terminal ► BUSAN Seobu Terminal
Fare: W9,900
Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes
07:30 ◄ Every hour ► 19:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► BUSAN Seobu Terminal
Fare: W6,900
05:50 ◄ every 10-20 minutes ► 21:10
JIRISAN (지리산) - Southeast Entrance 2 (Georim)
This is a small, lonely access point, reached via Jinju, Sancheong, or Deoksan. There are plenty of guesthouses (민박) and motels (모텔) along the road. The bus stop (버스 정류장) in Naedae-ri, however, is quite a ways from the trailhead (at least 2 km). Seseok Shelter, almost exactly in the middle of the ridge, is 6 steep and rocky kilometers from Georim trailhead.
GETTING THERE
Take a bus to Jinju (90 min) and then transfer to a local bus for Georim (about 90 min). Get off at the last stop and hike up the road 30 minutes to the ticket booth (매표소) and trailhead.
BUSAN Seobu Terminal ► JINJU Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W6,900
Duration: 70-80 minutes
05:40 ◄ Every 10-15 minutes ► 20:20 21:05 21:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► GEORIM / NAEDAE-RI
Fare: W5,000 (Naedae-ri) / W5,800 (Georim)
06:20 09:20 12:00 17:00
GETTING AWAY
Hike down the road from the trailhead to the first bus stop in Naedae-ri. Catch a local bus to Jinju and then transfer to a bus for Busan.
I forgot to get return bus times from Georim to Jinju when I was there in September. If anyone goes out there, let me know the schedule so I can post it here. granpomadora@hotmail.com
JINJU Bus Terminal ► BUSAN Seobu Terminal
Fare: W6,900
05:50 – every 10-20 minutes - 21:10
JIRISAN (지리산) - Southeast Entrance 1 (Jungsan-ni)
A huge thank you to our friend Carina for providing most of the following information!
This entrance provides the quickest access to Jirisan’s highest peak, Cheonwangbong. From the bus stop(버스 정류장) and parking lot, it's a 40-60 minute walk to the campground and Kalbawi (Rock). Guesthouses (민박) and restaurants (식당) abound in the vicinity not too far from the parking lot. From Kalbawi, a steep, but scenic, 4.1 km trail leads north past the Rotari Shelter to Cheonwangbong. This is a very popular trail with Koreans who want to conquer the top without exerting themselves too much. Expect plenty of company. Another trail goes northwest 4 km to Jangteomok Shelter.
GETTING THERE
From Busan there are two options:
(1) Take an intercity bus directly to Jungsan-ni Village from Busan (3 hours). There are only 4 buses a day.
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JUNGSAN-NI Tourist Village
Fare: W11,600
08:15 11:16 12:15 16:00
(2) Take an intercity bus to Jinju Bus Terminal from Busan and then transfer to a bus for Jungsan-ni.
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► JINJU Express Bus Terminal
Fare: W6,900
Duration: 70-80 minutes
05:40 ◄ Every 10-15 minutes ► 20:20 21:05 21:30
JINJU Bus Terminal ► JUNGSAN-NI Tourist Village
Fare: W4,700
06:20 07:05 08:05 09:20 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:10
From Seoul, take a bus from the Nambu Bus Terminal to Wonji and then transfer to a bus for Jungsan-ni:
SEOUL Nambu Bus Terminal ► JUNGSAN-NI Tourist Village
Fare: W18,400 (W20,000 after 10 PM)
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:30 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:00 14:00 14:20 14:40 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:10 23:00 00:00
From Incheon Terminal, buses depart twice daily for Wonji, stopping in Jinju:
INCHEON Bus Terminal ► WONJI Bus Terminal
Fare: W15,400
Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes
10:20 16:30
GETTING AWAY
Buses run from Jungsan-ni to Wonji, Georim, Jinju, and Busan:
JUNGSAN-NI Tourist Village ► BUSAN Seobu Sasang Bus Terminal
06:15 10:05 13:05 18:00 19:40
These buses stop in Wonji (W3,000) and Jinju en route to Busan.
JUNGSAN-NI Tourist Village ► JINJU Bus Terminal
06:15 06:55 07:25 09:05 10:05 11:05 12:05 13:05 14:05 15:05 16:05 17:05 18:00 19:10 19:40
These buses stop in Wonji (W3,000) en route to Jinju
JUNGSAN-NI Tourist Village ► GEORIM Village
07:25
From Wonji, there are buses to Seoul Nambu Terminal and Incheon Bus Terminal:
WONJI Bus Terminal ► SEOUL Nambu Bus Terminal
05:50 06:20 06:50 07:50 08:50 09:40 10:20 10:40 11:20 12:20 12:50 13:20 14:20 15:20 16:20 16:50 17:50 18:50 19:20 20:00 20:40 21:20 22:50 24:20
WONJI Bus Terminal ► INCHEON Bus Terminal
Fare: W15,400
Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes
10:20 10:40 16:30 16:50
NOTE: If you can't read Korean, be prepared for unpredictable English spellings on bus timetables, such as Chungsanli and Jungsanri.
JIRISAN (지리산) - East Entrance (Daewonsa)
This is the primary entrance to Jirisan in the east, providing access to the main ridge. The Yupyeong Village trailhead begins 45 minutes walk from the bus stop and parking lot. The Saejae Village trailhead begins 3.6 km further up the same road. Both trails lead to Chibanmok Shelter and the rest of the ridge.
The bus drops passengers in a large, lonely parking lot next to a small convenience store. If you're planning to arrive after dark, bring a flashlight---it's absolutely pitch dark when there's no moon. There isn't much in the way of lodgings or food (or anything) in the vicinity, just a single shabby minbak 민박 and shikdang 식당 (restaurant) a minute up the road, offering small, filthy rooms; unwashed bedding; wet moldy walls; and mosquitos for a ridiculous W20,000. Don’t waste your time.
Continue up the road. After a 15 minute walk there's a fork. The left route slopes down, while the right one heads uphill. Take the left route, marked “Daewonsa.” It's a 10 minute walk to the temple. Another 15 minutes beyond that (1.8 km) will bring you to Yupyeong Village, a small collection of run-of-the-mill minbak and restaurants, ranging in price from W20,000 to 30,000 per night. There's nothing special here, but at least you can find places with clean rooms and decent food. It's also right next to the trailhead, which is convenient. Note that the last bus from Busan arrives at the parking lot around 8:30 PM. You can make it to Yupyeong Village by 9:00 if you hustle, but the restaurants will probably be closed by then, making it necessary to find a minbak owner that will be willing to cook you up some dinner on the spot.
There's also a small tourist village with minbak and restaurants at Saejae Village another 3.6 km up the road. Public buses do not run to Saejae.
GETTING THERE
Take an intercity bus from Busan to Daewonsa (3 hours). All buses to and from Busan stop briefly at Jinju Express Bus Terminal. You can also catch a bus to Jinju and then transfer to a different bus for Daewonsa.
BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal ► DAEWONSA Bus Stop
Fare: W11,100
06:40 09:40 10:25 13:20 17:50
It's also easy to reach Daewonsa from Jinju (90 min).
JINJU Bus Terminal ► DAEWONSA Bus Stop
Fare: W4,300
Duration: 70-80 minutes
07:30 09:40 11:30 13:30 15:30 17:30
GETTING AWAY
Intercity buses depart from the Daewonsa Bus Stop (parking lot) for Busan and Jinju.
DAEWONSA Bus Stop ► JINJU / BUSAN Seobu Sasang Terminal
Duration: 70-80 minutes (to Jinju) / 90 minutes (Jinju to Busan)
06:35 07:20* 08:00* 08:40* 09:45 10:40* 11:35* 12:40 14:40* 15:30 16:40 17:30 18:35 19:05*
Only buses marked with (*) continue on to Busan Seobu Sasang Terminal. The rest terminate in Jinju and you have to transfer to another bus to go on to Busan.
EASTERN JIRISAN (지리산) National Park: The Basics
CLICK here for high resolution printable trail map (1.38 MB).
Jirisan is the largest and oldest of Korea's national parks. Founded in 1967, the park has an area of 440 km2. The mountains of Jirisan are part of the Great Baekdusan Mountain Range which extends all the way into North Korea. The primary ridge in the park runs East-West from Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province to Gurye County in South Jeolla Province. Traditionally, the mountain was thought to be one of the three places in which God dwelled. Fourteen of the highest peaks in Korea are located along the ridge at Jirisan. Cheonwangbong (1,915 m) is the highest peak in the park and the second highest in South Korea. Other major peaks in the eastern area of the park include Sseoribong (1,642 m), Jungbong (1,875 m), Jeseokbong (1,806 m), Chotaebong (1,704 m), Yeongshinbong (1,652 m), and Deokpyeongbong (1,522 m). The eastern half of the ridge is higher on average than the western half.
Jirisan's large area accommodates a lot of hikers without it feeling as cramped as the smaller parks. Even so, you will probably never get a peak to yourself for longer than a few minutes. The park is a popular destination with serious hikers and those who wish to do multi-day treks. It's possible to hike the entire ridge in 2-3 days, spending one or two nights in shelters on the mountain. The weather on the ridge is unpredictable and the area is frequently enveloped in low clouds. Since it's nearly impossible to predict if there will be good views from the top, the only way to find out is to climb up and take a look. Korea's winters are drier than the rest of the year, so there's a greater chance of clear skies during that season.
The park is famous for its blooming royal azaleas in the spring, best seen on the hillsides around Seseok Shelter. The Daeseong Valley and the road to Ssanggyesa (temple) are both known for their cherry blossoms. Jirisan is also a popular winter hiking destination.
ENTRANCES TO THE PARK
The eastern half of Jirisan National Park currently has seven entry points:
(1) Daewonsa (temple) in the east
(2) Jungsan-ni Village in the southeast
(3) Georim Village in the southeast
(4) Cheonghakdong Village in the south
(5) Ssanggyesa (temple) in the south
(6) Daeseong-ni in the south
(7) Baengmudong Village in the north.
A trailhead also exists at Chuseong Village in the north, leading south to the ridge via the Chilseon Valley, but a portion of this trail is currently off-limits to allow restoration of the natural environment, making it impossible to reach the ridge.
SLEEPING & EATING
All of the tourist villages at the entrances listed above have minbak 민박 and shikdang 식당 (restaurants). Some have small motels (모텔), inns (여권) or hotels (호텔). The Hadong area around Ssanggyesa is probably the most developed, but it's also the farthest from the main ridge. Rooms (방) in minbak typically run between W20,000 and W30,000. Don't just accept the first offer. Try to bargain down the price, especially if the room looks shabby. Insist on clean bedding. Many minbak owners don't bother to wash the quilts and blankets between guests.
The food in most national park villages in Korea is nothing to write home about. Often a locale is famous for a particular dish and that dish will be the focal point of every single restaurant in the vicinity with little or no variation. It's not uncommon for a string of restaurants all to offer exactly the same menu. In general, though, one should be able to get a decent meal for W6,000-8,000.
CAMPGROUNDS
Campgrounds are located at five locations in Eastern Jirisan:
(1) Near Daewonsa
(2) Near the Jungsan-ni Ticket Office
(3) Near Buril Falls (beyond Ssangyesa)
(4) Opposite the turn-off to Daesong-ni
(5) Near Baengmudong Service Complex
Campgrounds vary from a rough patch of dirt with an outhouse to nicer spots with picnic tables, cooking areas, and rest rooms. Campgrounds at Jirisan cost W3,000-7,000 per night. Call the park office to make reservations.
MOUNTAIN SHELTERS (대피소 Daepiso)
Camping anywhere inside the national park, other than in designated campgrounds, is illegal, punishable by fines of up to W500,000. As an alternative, the Korean National Park Service retains a number of mountain shelters where hikers can stay the night. There are 5 shelters in the eastern half of Jirisan. Going west from Daewonsa, they are:
(1) Chibanmok Shelter
(2) Rotari Shelter
(3) Jangteomok Shelter
(4) Seseok Shelter
(5) Byeonksoryeong Shelter
Shelters vary in comfort level and the services they provide. You must pack in your own food and bring your own backpacking stove and fuel if you plan to cook. A Thermarest or sleeping pad is definately nice to have, but a sleeping bag isn't necessary. Ear plugs are advisable if you are bothered by snoring (which can be absolutely horrible). With the exception of Chibanmok--the smallest and simplest of the shelters--reservations are required 2 days to 2 weeks in advance. The park service is trying to crack down on people who show up unnannounced and request sleeping space. Foreigners can get away with it, but it's not really fair to the shelters who have to find places for you to sleep on the spot. The on-line reservation system has recently been updated to accommodate English-speaking foreigners. Simply click on the link below and follow the directions on the page. The park service will confirm your reservation by email within 1-2 days. Some of the large shelters, such as Jangteomok, often have space even at fairly busy times, so it may be possible to stay there without making reservations.
MAKE SHELTER RESERVATIONS HERE
CHIBANMOK DAEPISO
W5,000 pp
Chibanmok is a small, simple shelter with a sleeping room that accommodates about 20 people comfortably and perhaps up to 40, if necessary. It has simple wooden bunks without mattresses or pads. Blankets are available for rent for W1,000 each. There is an enclosed porch area for cooking and eating (bring your own stove). Three outhouses and a compost disposal area for food waste are nearby. Fresh drinking water is available at a tank about 100 meters from the shelter. There is no phone at this shelter, but the caretaker has a walkie-talkie that he uses to communicate with the park service below. Chibanmok runs on solar electricity, so during long periods of cloudy weather, the shelter is without power. This shelter is first-come, first-serve. No reservations are required.
ROTARI DAEPISO
W7,000 pp (June, September, December-March) / W8,000 (all other months)
Rotari is a small, basic place with room for only about 35 people.
JANGTEOMOK DAEPISO
W7,000 pp (June, September, December-March) / W8,000 (all other months)
Jangteomok is a large facility, accommodating as many as 135 people. The shelter sells basic snack foods, rice, canned meat, coffee, stove fuel, and other necessities, and rents bedding. Blankets are not washed very often due to the cost of taking them down the mountain for laundering. The shelter is heated--often excessively so. It's useful to have a change of really light clothing to sleep in, otherwise you will bake. Drinking water is located at a spring on the slope below the shelter. Most people, who want to see the sunrise from Cheonwang Peak, stay overnight at Jangteomok. Most lodgers awake early to make it up to the peak before dawn, so taking an alarm clock is probably unnecessary. The commotion will wake you up.
SESEOK DAEPISO
W7,000 pp (June, September, December-March) / W8,000 (all other months)
Seseok is the largest and nicest shelter in the park and looks like a mountain lodge. The facility sleeps as many as 190 people. There are substantial bathroom facilities and a store. Drinking water is located at a spring down some steps below the shelter.
BYEOKSORYEONG DAEPISO
W7,000 pp (June, September, December-March) / W8,000 (all other months)
This shelter is slightly smaller than the previous two, accomodating about 120 people in three sleeping rooms. There's a small lobby area where additional people can crash if no beds are available. Guests sleep on wooden bunks without mattresses or pads. Blankets can be rented for W1,000 each. Drinking water is located at a spring around the right side, just down the slope from the shelter.
TRAIL CLOSURES
The Chilseon Valley Trail from Biseondam to Cheonwangbong is closed until 2015 to allow the "last virgin forest" in Korea to recover from the environmental impact of careless hikers.
VIEW OTHER TRAIL CLOSURES ON THE KNPS WEBSITE
CONTACTS
[Park Office] : 922-18 Sari Sicheon-myeon Sancheong Gyeongnam 666-934
[Tel] : 82-55-972-7771
OFFICIAL KNPS JIRISAN WEBSITE (English)