Peak Pursuit: Hiking Adventure to Gwaneumbong in Gyeryongsan

Nestled 133km south of Seoul, Gyeryongsan National Park boasts 15 stunning summits, with the highest being Gwaneumbong Peak (845.1m). Embark on an 8km trek, approximately a 4-hour journey, offering a fantastic trip to experience the natural beauty of South Korea. A visit to this national park presents a wonderful opportunity to delve into the diverse landscapes of the country during an extended stay!

Gyeryongsan National Park Hike Overview

• Location: Gyeryongsan National Park to Gwaneumbong Peak (highest peak)
• Overall Rating: Intermediate – Advanced
• Total Trail Distance: ~8.5km roundtrip
• Altitude Change: 581 m
• Incline: ~10.6%
• Time: 4 hours
• Cost: 4,000 won for parking, 3,000 won for entrance
• Navigation: Using Naver type in “Gyeryongsan Mountain” it will route you to Donghaksa Valley which is the starting area for the hike

Korean Names

• 계룡산국립공원 – Gyeryongsan National Park
• 은선폭포 – Eunseon Falls
• 동학사 – Donghaksa Temple

About Gyeryongsan National Park

Gyeryongsan National Park, situated 133km south of Seoul, South Korea, is a captivating destination that beckons nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Established in 1968, this national park spans a vast area and is renowned for its 15 picturesque summits, with Gwaneumbong Peak towering as the highest point at 845.1 meters.

Designated as a national park to preserve its rich biodiversity, Gyeryongsan attracts a substantial number of visitors annually who come to marvel at its diverse flora and fauna, lush landscapes, and the rewarding hiking experiences it offers. Whether exploring its serene trails, taking in panoramic views from the peaks, or simply enjoying the tranquility, Gyeryongsan National Park stands as a testament to South Korea’s commitment to conservation and providing a haven for those seeking solace in nature.

The trail to Gwaneumbong Peak

The trail to Gwaneumbong Peak in Gyeryongsan National Park is a captivating journey that unfolds over approximately 8 kilometers, making it an ideal adventure for hikers and nature enthusiasts. As hikers ascend toward Gwaneumbong Peak, they encounter enchanting landscapes, dense forests, and occasional glimpses of wildlife, creating a picturesque backdrop throughout the trek.

The journey typically takes around 4 hours to complete, providing ample time to absorb the serenity of the surroundings and appreciate the changing vistas. Hikers can expect a mix of well-maintained paths and more challenging terrain as they approach the peak, rewarding their efforts with breathtaking panoramic views upon reaching the summit. The trail to Gwaneumbong Peak not only offers a physical challenge but also serves as a rejuvenating experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of Gyeryongsan National Park.

From the parking lot you will walk up to the temple which is a paved road where people are taking relaxing strolls. After the paved road when you get onto the actual trail it starts to incline – however it is fairly gradual up until the Eunseon Falls. Once at the Eunseon Falls, it’s straight up with stairs or climbing rock stairs until the peak.

The roughly 4km trail from the visitor centre to the peak starts out gradual and then leads towards rock stairs and staircases. The length of your climb will depend on how accustomed you are to taking stairs and that will determine really how long it takes you to reach the peak.

However, the downstairs climb can take longer than expected as since portions of the trail are rock formations instead of stairs you have to step a bit more carefully on the way down to ensure you do not slip or step on a loose boulder.

If you want to check out the other trails at Gyeryongsan National Park then click here. All of the trails are considered to be one-day trails meaning that you can complete it in a day trip! Research the different trails and opt for the one that fits your desire. I personally wanted to reach the highest point for the best view out, but there are other trails that have waterfalls or historical relevance.

Views from the Top

The reason this route was selected was due to the fact that Gwaneumbong Peak is the highest peak of this national park which typically means it will offer the best views out over the park. Which was accurate!

To reach the top can take as little as three hours, or up to five hours, depending on your level of fitness and how much you break during the hike up. At the top is a little pavilion to break and take a snack while enjoying the views from either side of the peak.

Note that it is very common in the South Korean hiking culture for hikers to interact while at the pavilions! You will most likely be offered food or drinks by the other hikers. It is just common practice to enjoy a snack together after a long hike.

From here you can see Donghaksa Valley which is where the hike started and the trail runs through before heading up to the peak. As you can see this national park does not have any dramatic mountain tops but is more just tree-covered hills and valleys.

Time to hike Gyeryongsan

As with any hiking endeavour, it will really depend on your overall fitness level. I will say that you can complete this hike in little as three hours, or upwards of five hours. The most difficult part is climbing the rock like stairs to reach to the top.

This means that this trip can still be completed during a day trip – as in you can drive out and drive back after if you have that type of energy!

There is no rush to reach the top, take plenty of breaks and enjoy the views of the National Park.

Recommendations for Gyeryongsan

Here are my recommendations for a trip to Gyeryongsan National Park to ensure that you get the most out of your trip as possible!

Catch Sunset or Sunrise

Take a trail up to the top and have the option of seeing sunset, or sunrise!

The view is almost 360 degrees meaning that either of the options can work due to the ability to see East or West.

Parks in South Korea are typically open at 4 am in the morning, and close a couple of hours after sunset (there is no published time just “after sunset”). Therefore you have the opportunity to capture either sunrise or sunset at Gyeryongsan National Park. This makes for a more unique visit as dawn and dusk are known to be some of the best photo opportunities.

If you are looking at visiting during dawn and dusk, just ensure to bring a headlamp and flashlight as there are rocky climbing portions to the trail that will require a light. Make sure to plan appropriately as you will be slower moving in the dark with just a headlamp or flashlight, and climbing over the rocky trail will prove much more difficult.

Photo Spots at Gyeryongsan National Park

The best photos you will find will be at the very top of the National Park. As stated, the view from the top is almost 360 degrees which means you can capture great panoramic shots from the platforms at the top.

There are not many views along the trail as you will be primarily enclosed by trees. So you have to reach the top to get a good view out over the treetops.

If you want to check out the other trails and photo opportunities at Gyeryongsan National Park then check out the various courses on the Gyeryongsan National Park website. All of the courses at Gyeryongsan National Park are considered 1-day courses meaning you can make multiple day trips to Gyeryongsan!

Enjoy the Gyeryongsan National Park Year Round

Most importantly, the park offers something special with each season. In the spring Gyeryongsan National Park has Cherry Blossoms. There are a couple of places to see Cherry Blossoms in South Korea – and this one should be added to the list! The Cherry blossoms will be along the road to the temple.

Additionally, in the fall at Gyeryongsan National Park, all the foliage will turn beautiful yellow, orange and reds along the trail up to the top. Making the trail breathtaking all the way to the top. Just keep in mind the leaves on the ground make the rocky trail a bit slippery so step carefully.

During the winter months, the mountain range of Gyeryongsan National Park has snow covering the mountain peaks. This can be a beautiful photo opportunity. Just ensure that you are dressed properly and step carefully as now everything will be slippery due to the snow.

Camping at Gyeryongsan National Park

If you are interested in checking out more of the trails that are offered at Gyeryongsan National Park then camping at the park may be the best option for you!

The park has 22 spots with access to a kitchenette and showers. The camping spot can be booked by telephone. You will pay once you arrive at the campground. Just call in advance to make a reservation and come prepared to camp.

Address: Hakbong-ri Banpo-myeon, Gongju Si, Chungcheongnam-Do

Cost: Off-peak season – 15,000 won. Peak season – 17,000 won.

For more information on booking a camping site at Gyeryongsan National Park check out their booking website here.

Enjoy a Relaxing Stroll

Before reaching the trail to hike the summit there is a paved road and sidewalk up to the Donghaksa Temple. If you are not interested in hiking, then there is the option to take a stroll around the paved area! The path along the stream is well shaded and gradual in elevation making the path accessible to everyone.

You will find couples just taking a walk along this road to the temple. There are some cute photo spots along the stream where you can take photos with the water backdrop.

Check Out Other South Korean National Parks

Check out the Cloud Bridge at the Wolchulsan National Park.

If you want to explore parks closer to Seoul then check out the Parks of Seoul!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Gyeryongsan National Park known for? Gyeryongsan National Park is renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous hiking trails. Gwaneumbong Peak, the highest summit at 845.1 meters, is a popular destination within the park.
• How do I get to Gyeryongsan National Park from Seoul? You can take a bus or train from Seoul to Gongju, and then transfer to a local bus to reach Gyeryongsan National Park. The park is approximately 133 kilometers south of Seoul.
• Are there entrance fees to Gyeryongsan National Park? Yes, there might be a nominal entrance fee to access certain areas of the park. Check with the park authorities for the latest fee information.
• What are the best hiking trails in Gyeryongsan National Park? The trail to Gwaneumbong Peak is one of the most popular routes, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike. Other trails cater to various fitness levels, providing options for both novice and experienced hikers.
• Can I camp in Gyeryongsan National Park? Camping is permitted in designated areas within the park. However, it’s essential to obtain relevant permits and follow park regulations to ensure a responsible and enjoyable camping experience.
• When is the best time to visit Gyeryongsan National Park? The park is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on personal preferences. Spring offers blooming flowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Winter provides a serene, snow-covered landscape.
• Are there facilities like restrooms and eateries in the park? Yes, the park is equipped with facilities such as restrooms and occasionally small eateries. It’s advisable to carry some snacks and sufficient water, especially if you plan an extended hike.
• Is Gyeryongsan National Park suitable for beginners? Yes, there are trails suitable for beginners, providing a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the park without strenuous hikes. Always check the difficulty level of the chosen trail.
• Can I bring my pet to Gyeryongsan National Park? Pets are generally not allowed on hiking trails in national parks in South Korea. It’s recommended to confirm the park’s specific regulations regarding pets.
• Are there guided tours available in Gyeryongsan National Park? Guided tours may be available for certain trails or attractions within the park. Check with the park’s visitor center for information on guided tours and their schedules.