Majestic natural landscape of Chiaksan mountain peaks and ridges
Chiaksan Playbook

Chiaksan National Park Hiking Playbook

A guide to Chiaksan National Park, one of South Korea's best mountains. Provides detailed routes, real-world maps, and tips for beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses.

Photo byJeonggyusong Nui MALAMA/pexels
Beginner Course Overview
Course Length 6.0km
Duration 2h00m
Highest Altitude 450m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±170m
Estimated Calories ~480
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Guryongsa Temple~Seryeompokpo Waterfall Course (Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot~Seryeompokpo Waterfall Round Trip)

Woljeongsa 600mFir Forest TrailOdaecheon ValleySangwonsa Temple 970m
Overall Course Flow
Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot→Guryongsa Temple→Daegok Safety Center→Seryeompokpo Waterfall→Return to Daegok Safety Center→Return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot

Course Features

  • From Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot (280m), past Daegok Safety Center (350m) to Seryeompokpo Waterfall (450m), a gentle and flat path with almost no stairs continues along the Hwangjangmok forest trail and valley path.
  • ️ Caution: Falling rocks in some sections
  • ️ Caution: Icy conditions on trails adjacent to valleys in winter
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot → Guryongsa Temple
Approx. 1.0km 25 min Uphill

Depart from Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot and head towards Guryongsa Temple (300m above sea level). A thousand-year-old temple. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope can change in the section near Guryongsa Temple, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
2
Guryongsa Temple → Daegok Safety Center
Approx. 0.9km 22 min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Guryongsa Temple and head towards Daegok Safety Center (350m above sea level). Restrooms and rest area. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope can change in the section near Daegok Safety Center, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
3
Daegok Safety Center → Seryeom Waterfall
Approx. 1.1km 27 min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Daegok Safety Center and head towards Seryeom Waterfall (450m above sea level). This is the turnaround point, a 6.7m high, two-tiered waterfall. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Seryeompokpo Waterfall may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
4
Seryeompokpo Waterfall → Return to Daegok Safety Center
Approx. 1.1km 16 min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Seryeompokpo and head back to Daegok Safety Center (350m above sea level). This is the descent route. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near the return to Daegok Safety Center, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
5
Return to Daegok Safety Center → Return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot
Approx. 1.9km 28min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from the return to Daegok Safety Center and head towards the return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot (280m above sea level). This is the endpoint. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near the return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Plenty of drinking water (1L or more)
  • Seasonal windproof/coldproof clothing
  • Simple snacks (chocolate, nuts)

Public Transportation Access

  • Guryongsa Temple Area: Take city bus No. 41 from KTX Wonju Station or Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at Guryongsa Temple terminus (approx. 40-50 minutes, bus interval approx. 30-40 minutes).
  • Hwanggol District: From Wonju Station or downtown Wonju, take city bus No. 82 and get off at Hwanggol Bus Stop. Walk approximately 1.5km to Hwanggol Trailhead. (Bus frequency is low, 7-10 times a day, so taxi use is recommended).

Recommended Seasons & Attractions

  • Autumn foliage of Guryonggyegok Valley and silver grass on the main ridge of Birobong Peak
  • Silver snow scenery and hoarfrost around the Birobong Peak stone pagoda in winter

Course Safety Rules

  • Caution: Falling rocks in some sections
  • Caution: Icy conditions on trails adjacent to valleys in winter
  • During winter, extreme caution is advised for icy conditions and falls on the steep slopes near Sadaribyeongchang-gil and Birobong Peak. Access is restricted during weather advisories, and there is a risk of valley flooding during heavy summer rains.

Nearby Amenities

  • Main Trailheads: Guryong Information Center (262 Guryongsa-ro, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do) or Hwanggol Information Center (360 Hwanggol-gil, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do)
  • Chiaksan National Park is jokingly said to be so challenging that it 'makes your teeth chatter and your spirit rebel,' especially due to the very steep stair sections of the Sadaribyeongchang Course. Therefore, wearing knee pads, hiking poles, and hiking boots with good grip is strongly recommended.
  • The three large stone pagodas (Sansintap, Chilseongtap, Yongwangtap) on Birobong Peak are historic folk cultural heritage sites, meticulously built over approximately 10 years starting in 1962 by the late Mr. Yong Jin-su, a resident of Wonju, who received a divine revelation in a dream.

National Park Information

  • Chiaksan National Park Office: 062-227-1187
  • Summit Certification: Blackyak 100 Famous Mountains (Birobong Peak)
  • Reservation System: reservation.knps.or.kr

Guryongsa Temple~Seryeompokpo Waterfall Course (Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot~Seryeompokpo Waterfall Round Trip) Conceptual Map

Woljeongsa P 600mFir Forest 1kmWoljeongsa TempleMid-course Rest AreaSangwonsa Temple 970mOdaecheon Valley5km →NSeonjaegil Trail (10km)
All Checkpoints
1
Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot Departure
Elevation 280m Cumulative 0.0km
Amenities: Hiking Starting Point
2
Guryongsa Temple Temple
Elevation 300m Cumulative 1.0km
Amenities: Ancient Temple
3
Daegok Safety Center General
Elevation 350m Cumulative 1.9km
Amenities: Restrooms & Shelter
4
Seryeompokpo Waterfall Summit
Elevation 450m Cumulative 3.0km
Amenities: Turnaround point, 6.7m high, 2-tiered waterfall
5
Return to Daegok Safety Center General
Elevation 350m Cumulative 4.1km
Amenities: Via Descent Route
6
Return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot Arrival
Elevation 280m Cumulative 6.0km
Amenities: End Point
Intermediate Course Overview
Course Length 8.2km
Duration 4h30m
Highest Altitude 1288m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±888m
Estimated Calories ~656
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Hwanggol Course (Hwanggol Information Center~Ipdeoksa Temple~Birobong Peak Round Trip)

Sangwonsa Temple 970mJungdaesajaam HermitageJeokmyeolbogungBirobong Peak 1,563mSangwonsa Temple
Overall Course Flow
Hwanggol Information Center→Ipcheoksa Temple→Hwanggolsamgeori Junction→Jwineomijae Observatory→Birobong Peak→Return to Jwineomijae Observatory→Return to Hwanggolsamgeori Junction→Return to Ipsoksa Temple→Return to Hwanggol Information Center

Course Features

  • From Hwanggol Information Center (400m) to Ipdeoksa Temple (720m) is a steep cement forest road. From Ipdeoksa Temple to Hwanggol Samgeori (1040m) is a steep scree slope and a stone staircase 'kkaltakgogae' (a steep, breathless climb). After that, it is a gentle main ridge to Birobong Peak (1288m).
  • ️ Caution: Steep, strenuous climb from Ipoksaseoksa Temple to Hwanggol Samgeori, significant energy expenditure
  • ️ Caution: Risk of knee injury when descending the Ipoksaseoksa Temple section
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Hwanggol Information Center → Ipdeoksa Temple
Approx. 1.6km 40min Uphill

Depart from Hwanggol Information Center and head towards Ipdeoksa Temple (720m above sea level). View the ancient temple from the Silla Dynasty and Ipdeokdae Rock. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Ipsoksa Temple may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
2
Ipcheoksa Temple → Hwanggol Samgeori
Approx. 1.2km 30 min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Ipsoksa Temple and head towards Hwanggol Samgeori (1040m above sea level). This is the main ridge junction and the end of the strenuous climb. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Hwanggolsamgeori Junction may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
3
Hwanggolsamgeori Junction → Jwineomijae Observatory
Approx. 0.5km 7 min Downhill
Difficulty

From Hwanggolsamgeori Junction, head towards Jwineomijae Observatory (elevation 1000m). This is a viewpoint for Wonju city. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Jwineomijae Observatory may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
4
Jwineomijae Observatory → Birobong Peak
Approx. 0.8km 20 min Uphill
Difficulty

From Jwineomijae Observatory, head towards Birobong Peak (elevation 1288m). This is the highest peak of Chiaksan National Park, with 3 stone pagodas. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near Birobong Peak, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
5
Birobong Peak → Return to Jwineomijae Observatory
Approx. 0.8km 12 min Downhill
Difficulty

Departing from Birobong Peak and heading back to Jwineomijae Observatory (1000m above sea level). This is a ridge on the descent. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope near Jwineomijae Observatory on the return path may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
6
Return to Jwineomijae Observatory → Return to Hwanggol Samgeori
Approx. 0.5km 12 min Uphill
Difficulty

From Jwineomijae Observatory on the return path, head towards Hwanggol Samgeori (elevation 1040m). This is a descent fork. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Hwanggolsamgeori Junction may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
7
Return to Hwanggolsamgeori Junction → Return to IpSeoksa Temple
Approx. 1.2km 18 min Downhill
Difficulty

From the return point at Hwanggolsamgeori Junction, head towards the return point at IpSeoksa Temple (elevation 720m). Be careful of the steep descent. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Ipsoksa Temple may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
8
Return to Ipsoksa Temple → Return to Hwanggol Information Center
Approx. 1.6km 24min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Ipsoksa Temple and head back to Hwanggol Information Center (400m above sea level). Loop complete. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope of the section near the return to Hwanggol Information Center may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Plenty of drinking water (1L or more)
  • Seasonal windproof/coldproof clothing
  • Simple snacks (chocolate, nuts)

Public Transportation Access

  • Guryongsa Temple Area: Take city bus No. 41 from KTX Wonju Station or Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at Guryongsa Temple terminus (approx. 40-50 minutes, bus interval approx. 30-40 minutes).
  • Hwanggol District: From Wonju Station or downtown Wonju, take city bus No. 82 and get off at Hwanggol Bus Stop. Walk approximately 1.5km to Hwanggol Trailhead. (Bus frequency is low, 7-10 times a day, so taxi use is recommended).

Recommended Seasons & Attractions

  • Autumn foliage of Guryonggyegok Valley and silver grass on the main ridge of Birobong Peak
  • Silver snow scenery and hoarfrost around the Birobong Peak stone pagoda in winter

Course Safety Rules

  • Steep, strenuous climb from Ipsoksa Temple to Hwanggol Samgeori, requiring significant physical exertion.
  • Caution: risk of knee injury when descending the Ipsoksa Temple section
  • During winter, extreme caution is advised for icy conditions and falls on the steep slopes near Sadaribyeongchang-gil and Birobong Peak. Access is restricted during weather advisories, and there is a risk of valley flooding during heavy summer rains.

Nearby Amenities

  • Main Trailheads: Guryong Information Center (262 Guryongsa-ro, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do) or Hwanggol Information Center (360 Hwanggol-gil, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do)
  • Chiaksan National Park is jokingly said to be so challenging that it 'makes your teeth chatter and your spirit rebel,' especially due to the very steep stair sections of the Sadaribyeongchang Course. Therefore, wearing knee pads, hiking poles, and hiking boots with good grip is strongly recommended.
  • The three large stone pagodas (Sansintap, Chilseongtap, Yongwangtap) on Birobong Peak are historic folk cultural heritage sites, meticulously built over approximately 10 years starting in 1962 by the late Mr. Yong Jin-su, a resident of Wonju, who received a divine revelation in a dream.

National Park Information

  • Chiaksan National Park Office: 062-227-1187
  • Summit Certification: Blackyak 100 Famous Mountains (Birobong Peak)
  • Reservation System: reservation.knps.or.kr

Hwanggol Course (Hwanggol Trailhead~IpSeoksa Temple~Birobong Peak Round Trip) Concept Map

Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot PSangwonsa Temple (National Treasure Bronze Bell)Jungdaesajaam HermitageJeokmyeolbogung 1,400mBirobong Peak1,563m ★Sangwonsa Temple Return PYew Tree CommunityNSummit trailDescent Route
All Checkpoints
1
Hwanggol Information Center Departure
Elevation 400m Cumulative 0.0km
Amenities: Hwanggol District Trailhead
2
Ipcheoksa Temple Temple
Elevation 720m Cumulative 1.6km
Amenities: Ancient Silla-era temple, view of Ipdaeseok
3
Hwanggolsamgeori Junction General
Elevation 1040m Cumulative 2.8km
Amenities: Main Ridge Junction, End of Kkaltakgogae Pass
4
Jwineomijae Observatory Shelter
Elevation 1000m Cumulative 3.3km
Amenities: Wonju City Viewpoint
5
Birobong Peak Summit
Elevation 1288m Cumulative 4.1km
Amenities: Chiaksan National Park's highest peak, 3 stone pagodas
6
Return to Jwineomijae Observatory Shelter
Elevation 1000m Cumulative 4.9km
Amenities: Descent Ridge
7
Return to Hwanggolsamgeori Junction General
Elevation 1040m Cumulative 5.4km
Amenities: Descent分岐点
8
Return to Ipsoksa Temple Temple
Elevation 720m Cumulative 6.6km
Amenities: Caution: Steep Descent
9
Return to Hwanggol Information Center Arrival
Elevation 400m Cumulative 8.2km
Amenities: Round trip completed
Advanced Course Overview
Course Length 11.5km
Duration 6h00m
Highest Altitude 1288m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±1008m
Estimated Calories ~920
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Sadaribyeongchang Course (Guryongsa Temple~Seryeompokpo Waterfall~Sadaribyeongchang~Birobong Peak Round Trip)

Sangwonsa Temple 970mBirobong Peak 1,563mSangwangbong Peak 1,491mDuryeong PassDuryeobong PeakDongdaesan Mountain 1,434mSangwonsa Temple (Dongpigol)Birobong Peak sectionDongdaesan Mountain Section
Overall Course Flow
Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot→Guryongsa Temple→Seryeompokpo Waterfall→Sadaribyeongchang→Birobong Peak→Chilseokpokpo Waterfall→Return to Seryeompokpo Waterfall→Return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot

Course Features

  • From Seryeompokpo (450m), a steep rocky ridge and continuous iron stairs lead through Sadaribyeongchang (900m) to Birobong (1288m), requiring strong physical stamina. The descent returns via a relatively gentle valley path (passing Chilseokpokpo).
  • ️ Caution: Extremely steep slopes and rock cliffs on Sadaribyeongchang-gil, risk of falling
  • ️ Caution: Extreme strong winds and frequent icy conditions near Birobong Peak in winter, risk of falling
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot → Guryongsa Temple
Approx. 1.0km 25 min Uphill

Depart from Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot and head towards Guryongsa Temple (300m above sea level). A thousand-year-old temple. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope can change in the section near Guryongsa Temple, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
2
Guryongsa Temple → Seryeompokpo Waterfall
Approx. 2.0km 50min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Guryongsa Temple and head towards Seryeompokpo Waterfall (450m above sea level). This is the starting point of the main hiking trail, and the fork for Sadaribyeongchang/Valley Path. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope near Seryeompokpo Waterfall may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
3
Seryeompokpo Waterfall → Sadaribyeongchang
Approx. 1.4km 35 min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Seryeompokpo and head towards Sadaribyeongchang (900m above sea level). This is a steep rocky ridge and staircase area. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near Sadaribyeongchang, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
4
Sadaribyeongchang → Birobong Peak
Approx. 1.3km 32 min Uphill
Difficulty

Departing from Sadaribyeongchang, head towards Birobong Peak (1288m above sea level). This is the highest peak of Chiaksan National Park, with 3 stone pagodas. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near Birobong Peak, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
5
Birobong Peak → Chilseokpokpo Waterfall
Approx. 1.5km 22min Downhill
Difficulty

Departing from Birobong Peak and heading to Chilseokpokpo Waterfall (700m above sea level). This is a rest area on the valley trail descent. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope near Chilseokpokpo Waterfall can change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
6
Chilseokpokpo Waterfall → Return to Seryeompokpo Waterfall
Approx. 1.3km 19 min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Chilseokpokpo Waterfall and head back to Seryeompokpo Waterfall (450m above sea level). This is the junction of the valley trail and Sadaribyeongchang. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope near Seryeompokpo Waterfall on the return route may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
7
Return to Seryeompokpo Waterfall → Return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot
Approx. 3.0km 45min Downhill
Difficulty

Departing from Seryeompokpo Waterfall return point, head towards Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot return point (280m above sea level). Round trip completed. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near the return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Plenty of drinking water (1L or more)
  • Seasonal windproof/coldproof clothing
  • Simple snacks (chocolate, nuts)
  • Trekking poles (for long-distance walking assistance)

Public Transportation Access

  • Guryongsa Temple Area: Take city bus No. 41 from KTX Wonju Station or Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at Guryongsa Temple terminus (approx. 40-50 minutes, bus interval approx. 30-40 minutes).
  • Hwanggol District: From Wonju Station or downtown Wonju, take city bus No. 82 and get off at Hwanggol Bus Stop. Walk approximately 1.5km to Hwanggol Trailhead. (Bus frequency is low, 7-10 times a day, so taxi use is recommended).

Recommended Seasons & Attractions

  • Autumn foliage of Guryonggyegok Valley and silver grass on the main ridge of Birobong Peak
  • Silver snow scenery and hoarfrost around the Birobong Peak stone pagoda in winter

Course Safety Rules

  • Caution: very steep slopes and rocky cliffs on the Sadaribyeongchang trail, risk of falling
  • Severe strong winds and frequent ice formation near Birobong Peak in winter, risk of falling
  • During winter, extreme caution is advised for icy conditions and falls on the steep slopes near Sadaribyeongchang-gil and Birobong Peak. Access is restricted during weather advisories, and there is a risk of valley flooding during heavy summer rains.

Nearby Amenities

  • Main Trailheads: Guryong Information Center (262 Guryongsa-ro, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do) or Hwanggol Information Center (360 Hwanggol-gil, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do)
  • Chiaksan National Park is jokingly said to be so challenging that it 'makes your teeth chatter and your spirit rebel,' especially due to the very steep stair sections of the Sadaribyeongchang Course. Therefore, wearing knee pads, hiking poles, and hiking boots with good grip is strongly recommended.
  • The three large stone pagodas (Sansintap, Chilseongtap, Yongwangtap) on Birobong Peak are historic folk cultural heritage sites, meticulously built over approximately 10 years starting in 1962 by the late Mr. Yong Jin-su, a resident of Wonju, who received a divine revelation in a dream.

National Park Information

  • Chiaksan National Park Office: 062-227-1187
  • Summit Certification: Blackyak 100 Famous Mountains (Birobong Peak)
  • Reservation System: reservation.knps.or.kr

Conceptual map of the Sadaribyeongchang Course (Guryongsa Temple~Seryeom Falls~Sadaribyeongchang~Birobong Peak round trip)

Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot PBirobong Peak 1,563mHoryeongbong Peak 1,561mSangwangbong Peak 1,491mDuryeong Pass Escape ↓Durobong Peak 1,422mSinsanmogiChadolbaegiDongdaesan Mountain 1,434mDongpigol → Return to Seonjaegil TrailN5-Peak Ridge Traverse Main RidgeReturn via Seonjaegil Trail (Dongpigol~Sangwonsa Temple)
All Checkpoints (Loop Hike)
1
Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot Departure
Elevation 280m Cumulative 0.0km
Amenities: Starting Point Departure
2
Guryongsa Temple Temple
Elevation 300m Cumulative 1.0km
Amenities: Ancient Temple
3
Seryeompokpo Waterfall General
Elevation 450m Cumulative 3.0km
Amenities: Start of main hiking trail, fork for Sadaribyeongchang/Valley Trail
4
Sadaribyeongchang Temple
Elevation 900m Cumulative 4.4km
Amenities: Steep rocky ridges and stair sections
5
Birobong Peak Summit
Elevation 1288m Cumulative 5.7km
Amenities: Chiaksan National Park's highest peak, 3 stone pagodas
6
Chilseokpokpo Waterfall General
Elevation 700m Cumulative 7.2km
Amenities: Valley Trail Descent Route Rest Area
7
Return to Seryeompokpo Waterfall General
Elevation 450m Cumulative 8.5km
Amenities: Valley Trail/Sadaribyeongchang Junction
8
Return to Guryongsa Temple Parking Lot Arrival
Elevation 280m Cumulative 11.5km
Amenities: Round trip completed

Chiaksan National Park's Four Seasons & Attractions