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Gyeryongsan National Park Hiking Guide & Essential Tips

Hello! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Gyeryongsan National Park, a famous mountain in the Chungnam region known for its powerful "Gi" (spiritual energy). Loved by everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers, let’s dive into the charms of Gyeryongsan.

About Gyeryongsan

Located across Gongju, Gyeryong, and Nonsan, Gyeryongsan was designated as South Korea’s second National Park in 1968. The name "Gyeryong" (鷄龍) literally means "Chicken Dragon," because the mountain ridge is said to resemble a dragon wearing a rooster's crest.

Centered around the highest peak, Cheonhwangbong (845m), the park is famous for its stunning ridges—including Gwaneumbong and Sambulbong—making it a top destination for hikers and photographers alike.

Gyeryongsan National Park

Location: Gongju-si, Gyeryong-si, and Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Highest Peak: Cheonhwangbong (845m)

Key Peaks: Gwaneumbong, Sambulbong, Yeoncheonbong

How to Get There (Parking & Transport)

🚗 By Car

Donghaksa Parking Lot : (185 Donghaksa 1-ro, Banpo-myeon, Gongju-si). This is the most popular starting point, surrounded by restaurants and facilities.

Gapsa Parking Lot : Especially popular during the autumn foliage season. Recommended if you prefer a quieter, more secluded trail.

Tip: Parking gets very crowded on weekends and during peak foliage season. Arriving before 9:00 AM is highly recommended.

🚌 By Public Transport

From Daejeon : Take Bus No. 107 from Daejeon Station or Yuseong Spa Station to the Donghaksa terminus (Runs every 15–20 mins).

From Gongju : Use buses heading toward Gapsa or Sinwonsa from the Gongju General Bus Terminal.

The Four Seasons of Gyeryongsan

🌸 Spring

The entrance to Donghaksa turns into a magical tunnel of cherry blossoms.

Spring in Gyeryongsan

🌿 Summer

Lush greenery and the refreshing mists of Eunseon and Yongchu Waterfalls provide a cool escape from the heat.

Summer in Gyeryongsan

🍁 Autumn

There is a famous saying: "Spring at Magoksa, Autumn at Gapsa." The crimson maples around Gapsa Temple are world-class.

Autumn in Gyeryongsan

❄️ Winter

The rocky ridges covered in snow create a majestic, mystical landscape that feels like a scene from a traditional painting.

Winter in Gyeryongsan

Recommended Hiking Courses

🚩Ridge Traverse Course: The "Real" Gyeryongsan Experience

💡Route: Donghaksa → Nammaetap (Brother-Sister Pagodas) → Sambulbong → Gwaneumbong → Donghaksa

From my personal experience, if you are going to hike here anyway, I highly recommend this course to see the true beauty of Gyeryongsan. Once you pass Nammaetap and climb toward Sambulbong, the rocky ridges and peaks begin to unfold. In the Jayeonseongneung (Natural Castle Ridge) section, you can witness the majestic rocky ridgelines unique to this mountain. While the views along the ridge are spectacular, be prepared for high physical exertion due to the repeated sections of rocky terrain and steep stairs.

Ridge Traverse Course: The "Real" Gyeryongsan Experience

Best For: Intermediate hikers and above, or those who love ridge hiking.
Highlight: The most iconic and breathtaking scenery of Gyeryongsan.
Estimated Time: Approx. 5–6 hours.
Total Distance: Approx. 10 km.
Difficulty: Moderate-High.

🚩 Most Popular Course: The Donghaksa Classic

💡 Route: Donghaksa → Eunseon Waterfall → Gwaneumbong → Return to Start

This is the most popular choice for first-time visitors to Gyeryongsan. The trail starts with gentle dirt paths and valley walks, making it low-pressure at the beginning. However, after passing Eunseon Waterfall, the real hike begins with steep inclines and stone stairs. Once you reach the summit at Gwaneumbong, you are rewarded with a refreshing panoramic view of the Gyeryongsan ridges and the surrounding Gongju area.

Most Popular Course: The Donghaksa Classic

Best For: Beginners to Intermediate hikers.

Highlight: Great accessibility, excellent views, and the most standard route.
Estimated Time: Approx. 3–4 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.

🚩Gapsa Crossing Course: The Scenic Traverse

💡Route: Gapsa → Yeoncheonbong → Gwaneumbong → Donghaksa

This is a traverse course that starts at Gapsa Temple and ends at Donghaksa Temple. It is relatively quieter than the Donghaksa routes and offers particularly stunning scenery during the autumn foliage season. While the section near Yeoncheonbong is relatively gentle, the slope becomes quite steep as you head toward Gwaneumbong. Since this is a one-way crossing, it is important to plan your public transportation or vehicle retrieval in advance.

Gapsa Crossing Course: The Scenic Traverse

Best For: Visitors focused on autumn foliage.
Highlight: The best views for fall colors.
Estimated Time: 5–6 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Note: Requires a transportation plan to return to your starting point/vehicle.

A May Hiking Journal: The Magic of Light Green 🌿

Gyeryongsan is practically in my backyard, so I visit often, but this hike was truly special. Did you know that in May, the mountain isn't just green—it’s "light green"? To capture that fresh, vibrant scenery, I took a loop trail starting from Donghaksa Temple, passing through Gwaneumbong and Sambulbong, and heading down toward the Nammaetap pagodas.

Course : Donghaksa > Eunseon Waterfall > Gwaneumbong > Natural Castle Ridge (Jayeonseongneung) > Sambulbong > Nammaetap > Keunbaejae > Cheonjeong Information Center > Finish

Total Distance : Approx. 10km
Duration : 5 hours 30 minutes

🌿 Lotus Lanterns and a Symphony of Light Green

As I passed the restaurant area, where the sound of the valley stream fills the air, I was greeted by long rows of colorful lotus lanterns. They were put up in preparation for Buddha’s Birthday and felt so warm and welcoming. Following that lovely path, I soon reached Donghaksa Temple.

Donghaksa Temple: A Thousand-Year Legacy and Sanctuary for Bhikkhunis

The whole way up was filled with lush greenery that made it feel like summer had already arrived. This dazzling light green is a gift that only this specific season grants us. Unlike the deep, heavy green of midsummer, this "fresh green" feels soft and youthful. Just looking at it makes my heart feel light and fuzzy.

Now, the real hike begins! As I climbed higher, the rocky valley narrowed, and just as I started to lose my breath, the stone stairs appeared. While the trails in Gyeryongsan are generally well-maintained, there are many rocks and stone steps, so you must protect your knees. The rocks, worn smooth by countless footsteps over the years, are surprisingly slippery. Make sure your laces are tight and stay alert!

The Serene Forest Path: From Donghaksa to Eunseon Waterfall

💦 The Luck of Eunseon Waterfall and Steep Stone Steps

I finally reached Eunseon Waterfall! The water cascaded down the high cliff like a sheet of white silk. Usually, this waterfall is hard to see if the weather is even slightly dry because it lacks a large water source at the top. Luckily, thanks to the recent intermittent rain, I was fortunate enough to witness this beautiful flow.

The Refreshing Cascades of Eunseon Waterfall

🚩 The "Idling Clouds" of Gwaneumbong: Walking on Air

I finally made it to Gwaneumbong Peak (766m)! Perhaps because the weather was so clear, the mountain range unfolded before me like a panoramic painting. The sight of white clouds scattering like mist across the blue sky was spectacular. The "Idling Clouds" (Haneun) of Gwaneumbong are famous as one of the 8 Scenic Views of Gyeryongsan. Because of this, the line of people waiting to take a commemorative photo at the summit stone was quite long!

The Heart of Gyeryongsan: Gwaneumbong Summit

The Gyeryongsan Ridge View from Gwaneumbong Peak

After Gwaneumbong, I entered the Natural Castle Ridge (Jayeonseongneung) section. The view of the craggy cliffs over the railings is breathtaking every time, but the rocky surface can be slippery, so you must step carefully. This is the most thrilling yet dangerous section of the mountain. If you're not feeling 100% or have a fear of heights, I highly recommend taking the safe detour path nearby.

Caution: The Treacherous "Natural Castle Ridge"

Scenery from the "Natural Castle Ridge" (Jayeonseongneung)

🌄 Sambulbong: Facing the Three Buddhas

Next was Sambulbong (775m), a rugged, rocky peak. Even from a distance, it has an extraordinary presence, and the summit itself is made entirely of jagged rocks. By this point, your breath is at your throat and your legs start to feel like jelly. It’s the time when you’re most likely to lose focus, so you must stay sharp to avoid any missteps!

The Rugged, Rocky Summit of Sambulbong

🏯 Passing the Legend of Nammaetap on the Way Down

Descending carefully down the steep steps of Sambulbong, I arrived at Nammaetap (Brother-Sister Pagodas). Their formal name is the "Five-story Stone Pagoda of Cheollyangsa Temple Site," but most people know them by the more intimate name, Nammaetap. There are plenty of benches and decks around the pagodas, serving as a perfect rest area for hikers to cool off and recharge their energy.

Nammaetap: The Mid-Mountain Sanctuary of Gyeryongsan

Near the summit, there were still many bare branches, but as I descended, the light green shade grew thicker and cooler. Moving my heavy feet slowly, I found myself cheering myself on: "Just a little bit more!"

Passing the Legend of Nammaetap on the Way Down

The hike ended peacefully at the Cheonjeong Information Center, where the silence was broken only by the chirping of nameless mountain birds and the gentle gurgling of the stream. Though my body is tired, my eyes and mind feel completely purified by the clear sky, fresh air, and vibrant scenery. I feel like I have enough energy now to take on the coming week!

Practical Tips for Hiking Gyeryongsan

💡 Knee Braces: A "Must," Not an "Option" for the Ridge Section
While the Natural Castle Ridge (Jayeonseongneung) offers world-class views, it involves repetitive, steep stairs and rocky scrambles. The impact on your knees during the descent is significant, so please pack knee braces. It is the easiest way to protect your precious joints!

💡High-Traction Hiking Boots are Essential
Many rocky sections on Gyeryongsan have been worn smooth over time, making regular sneakers extremely dangerous. You need hiking boots with excellent grip and ankle support to prevent slips and accidents.

💡Prepare for Unpredictable Summit Weather
Even if it feels warm and cozy at the base, the peaks of Gwaneumbong and Sambulbong are often hit by biting "razor winds." Your body temperature can drop rapidly once your sweat starts to cool, so always tuck a lightweight windbreaker into your backpack.

💡Check Trail Info Like a Pro
During peak seasons like the autumn foliage period or Buddha’s Birthday, massive crowds can make parking nearly impossible, and certain trail sections may be restricted. Show some savvy by checking the Korea National Park Service website in advance to see if any trails are closed or restricted!

Gyeryongsan National Park is the representative mountain of Chungnam, where accessibility, breathtaking scenery, history, and culture all come together. It’s a mountain that reveals a different charm in every season—perfect for a light stroll or a challenging ridge traverse.

If you want to recharge your soul with nature's energy this weekend, how about a hike up Gyeryongsan? 🌄

Korea Hiking, Gyeryongsan National Park Hiking Guide & Essential Tips