Nature Trek: Hiking at Wolchulsan National Park

Hiking at Wolchulsan National Park unveils a journey of natural splendor and breathtaking vistas for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the southwest corner of South Korea, the park boasts an extensive network of trails winding through lush forests, craggy peaks, and panoramic landscapes. Offering a myriad of hiking options, from gentle strolls to challenging ascents, Wolchulsan caters to diverse trekking preferences. The park features an impressive array of trails, each revealing a unique facet of its stunning topography. Among the most popular routes is the iconic Cloud Bridge trail, renowned for its suspension bridge that provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking a challenging climb or a beginner looking for a scenic and accessible trail, Wolchulsan National Park beckons with its natural wonders and promises an enriching adventure for all levels of hikers.

Wolchulsan National Park Hike Overview

• Location: Wolchulsan National Park to Gureumdari (Cloud Bridge)
• Overall Rating: Intermediate-Advanced
• Total Trail Distance: ~3km roundtrip
• Altitude Change: 375 m
• Incline: ~16.5%
• Time: 3 hours
• Cost: 5,000 won
• Navigation: Using Naver type in “Wolchulsan National Park” it will route you to the parking lot right in front of the campground that leads to the hike to cloud bridge.

Korean Names

• 월출산국립공원 – Wolchulsan National Park
• 구름다리 – Gureumdari (Cloud Bridge)

About Wolchulsan National Park

In the southwest corner of South Korea, Wolchulsan National Park stands as a testament to the country’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes. This expansive park is renowned for its captivating mix of lush forests, craggy peaks, and panoramic vistas that beckon outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Wolchulsan boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from gentle strolls suitable for beginners to challenging ascents that cater to experienced hikers. The Cloud Bridge trail, one of the park’s most popular routes, features a suspension bridge offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. With its rich biodiversity, unique rock formations, and cultural landmarks like the famous Cloud Bridge, Wolchulsan National Park is a haven for those seeking an enriching adventure in the great outdoors.

Wolchulsan National Park has a rich history deeply intertwined with South Korea’s cultural and natural heritage. The park’s origins trace back to the Joseon Dynasty, where it was initially designated as a royal hunting ground. Over the centuries, the area evolved into a revered natural sanctuary, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and cultural significance. The park’s mountainous terrain and dense forests played a role in shaping local folklore, becoming the backdrop to stories passed down through generations.

In 1988, recognizing the ecological importance and cultural value of the region, Wolchulsan was officially designated as a national park. This status aimed to preserve and showcase the area’s unique biodiversity, geological formations, and historical landmarks. Over the years, conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives have contributed to maintaining the park’s ecological integrity while allowing visitors to appreciate its natural wonders.

Wolchulsan National Park’s history, therefore, is a tale of preservation, cultural heritage, and the harmonious coexistence of nature and human appreciation for the sublime beauty found within its borders.

The trail at Wolchulsan National Park

With this National Park, you’ll park your vehicle near the entrance to the trail. If you want, there is also the option to camp and you will be only meters away from the start of the trail.

After entering the trail you eventually meet a fork in the road where you will be given the option to decide to climb stairs or to go on a more traditional stair path. Both trails lead to the cloud bridge, it is just a matter of preference on which trail you would prefer to take.

My recommendation is to make a loop out of the trip and start by going to the left or South East. This trail leads up to Cloud Bridge but involves a lot of climbing up a rock filled trail. It is best to do this trail first as you are just starting your journey and full of energy of course – but also because climbing up these rocks is far easier than trying to climb down them.

After your ascent on the rocky trail, and reaching Cloud Bridge, I recommend then going down the other side which is man-made stairs. It’s fun climbing up the rocks on the trail to the left – but not so much fun going down. The stairs will get you to the bottom much faster than following the same route up.

The picture is what the trail looks like on the “rocky trail”. It is a mixture of rocks on a path to create a more nature made stair formation – and then the occasional actual man-made staircase. Keep in mind these are just giant rocks that were put onto a trail – that means they can be slippery or even unstable. Step carefully while taking the rocky trail up.

Another reason to do the loop is to be able to see all the attractions on the trail. Each trail has a different optional stop along the route. The rocky trail to the left has a temple, and the staircase trail has a waterfall. In order to see the waterfall, however, you will have to take a path uphill a bit. I will note though, it isn’t a massive waterfall more like a small trickle of water over the rocks. It is a nice spot to take a break after all the stair climbing. Ultimately though, doing the trail in a loop ensures that you will see all that Wolchulsan National Park has to offer: cloud bridge, Dogapsa Temple and the waterfall.

The rocky route is what earned this hike an “Advanced” Rating. However, if looking for an easier route then the stairs route is probably more of an “intermediate” rating, but it is a lot of stairs!

Views from the Top of Wolchulsan

To reach the top can take as little as two hours and upwards of four hours.

The hike to the top of Wulchulsan National Park isn’t that long of a trail, but the incline is fairly dramatic, especially if you take the rocky route it will grow more difficult the closer you are to the peak which is why it earned an “Advanced” rating.

However, the views from the top and on the bridge are what makes the climb worth it of course! At the top, there are a couple of viewing platforms to take photos of the bridge and the surrounding Wolchulsan Park Area.

Additionally, there is a pavilion to rest in the shade to drink some water and enjoy snacks. This area is a common spot to meet other Hikers and interact. Expect to share snacks! Even if you do not bring your own, there will probably be someone there offering you a slice of an apple.

Recommendations for Wolchulsan National Park

Based on my experience with my hike up to Wolchulsan National Park, this is what I would recommend for those looking to make a trip to the top to enjoy the Cloud Bridge.

Choose Your Route Based on Experience

This trail earned an advanced rating, and as stated before it is not due to the length but because of the incline. If you are not as physically fit, or a real hiker type, stick to the stair route. While you are going up far more rapidly than taking the rocky trail, it is easier to break on the stairs. In the end, take as many breaks as you need there is no rush to get to the top.

You will find more people are on the stair route for this reason as well. There are platforms during the staircase transition, and people will be standing there to take a break between staircases.

If you want to completely avoid other people, then the rocky trail is the best option. Due to the staircase being easily available, not many people opt for the rocky trail route.

Time Necessary for Wolchulsan National Park

This can easily be a day trip.

If determined a hiker can be to the top and back down within four hours – and this is with the generous time given. The longest part is the hike up due to the incline. The descent down the staircase can be completed in roughly an hour as it is just stairs.

The hike can be completed in less time if necessary if the hiker takes the staircase option up, and back down, and spends limited time at the peak. However, I recommend taking the time to enjoy the park.

Cloud Bridge at Wolchulsan National Park

This bright red bridge is what attracts most to Wolchulsan National Park. You can actually see the bridge while you are driving up to the park as it stands out in the green and brown backdrop between the two peaks.

The bridge connects two of the peaks and offers a view out over the Wolchulsan National Park.

Some great photo considerations at the bridge are:

• Approaching the Wolchulsan National Park, take a photo of the bridge between the two peaks.
• At the top, use the end of the bridge to frame yourself.
• Snap a photo of yourself crossing the famous bright red bridge.
• Take a panoramic of the bridge against the mountain peaks and over the valley.
• Catch a photo of the bridge against the peaks from the viewing platform

As I previously stated, the bridge is never too crowded so you will most likely not have to wait for people to clear the bridge in order to take photos on the bridge. However, this means that there also may not be anyone there to snap your photo if you are hiking alone. So consider taking a tripod if necessary as there is also nowhere to really prop the phone or camera up for a timer setting.

Enjoy Sunrise or Sunset at Wolchulsan

Due to the location of the bridge, you can enjoy a sunrise hike with the mountains as a backdrop. Or do a sunset hike and view the sun setting over the valley. Both are great photo opportunities, and South Korean National parks are scheduled to open at 4 am daily, and close a couple of hours after sunset.

Just make sure you come properly prepared for a sunrise or sunset hike which means packing a flashlight. There is no lighting system on the trail, so once the sun is gone there will be nothing to light the path.

If you opt for taking a sunrise, or sunset, hike then I recommend taking the staircase trail to ensure safety. The rock formations are far to difficult to navigate in the dark, and tripping will be an increased hazard then. Additionally, climbing down rocks while holding a flashlight will be incredibly difficult.

Packing List for Wolchulsan National Park

• Plenty of water – humidity in South Korea is rough. If you are taking this hike during the summer months you will be sweating a lot. Bring plenty of water – or drinks with electrolytes so that you can replenish your body. The hike up is what is going to get to you the most – fortunately the staircase down is nothing compared to climbing up.
• Bug Spray – Mosquitoes can be found on numerous hikes across South Korea. While this one is not as bad as some of the hikes in the Busan area, it is always better to prevent them.
• Sun Screen – While most of the trail is shaded, it is always handy! The top area offers shaded pavilions but the main area of the bridge is in the sun.
• Snacks – bring some fruit, granola bars, or whatever you fancy! If you stay at the pavilion at the top, you may have some locals offer you some food. South Koreans enjoy hiking and especially enjoy embracing the hiking culture with other hikers. Except to interact with others while on the trail.
• Proper Hiking Attire – hiking boots / athletic shoes, athletic attire. This isn’t a hike you can do in flip-flops.

Ethical Hiking Tips for Wolchulsan National Park

To protect Wolchulsan National Park, here are some tips to make sure that this park can be enjoyed for many future generations:

• Pack out – if you bring any food, water bottles, or anything disposable with you then ensure that you take it back down the mountain with you as well. Do not leave a trace is the common term used when hiking. If you bring it up, bring it back down.
• Pick up items you find – if unfortunately, someone else does not pack out then do the park a favor and bring the items down with you. I have unfortunately brought down many empty water bottles that are just tossed on the trail.
• Stay on the trail – this is not only to preserve nature, but also to keep you safe while hiking. The rocky trail will offer enough excitement so you should not feel the need to venture off the track. But ultimately, stay to the path!

Getting to Wolchulsan National Park

The easiest way to get to Wolchulsan National Park is by driving.

• Driving. Plug in “Wolchulsan National Park” into Naver, and it will guide you to where you need to be. This is the fastest way most likely.
• Bus. If you do not have a vehicle then it will be a bit longer of a journey:
  • Seoul Central City Terminal, take an intercity bus to Mokpo.
  • From Mokpo Intercity Bus Terminal, take a local bus to Yeongam.
  • From Yeongam Terminal, take a local bus or a taxi to Cheonhwangsa Temple.

Check Out Other South Korean National Parks

If you are looking for other South Korean National Parks to hike and explore, then check out some of my other posts about them:

• Hiking at Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원) – Gwaneumbong Peak

If you are new to hiking and just want to explore some smaller parks in the Seoul area to get a taste of the outdoors, then check out my post about Seoul Parks:

• The Parks of Seoul, South Korea