Majestic natural landscape of Gayasan National Park mountain peaks and ridges
Gayasan National Park Playbook

Gayasan National Park Hiking Playbook

A guide to Gayasan National Park, one of South Korea's best mountains. Provides detailed routes, practical maps, and tips for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced courses.

Photo byJeonggyusong Nui MALAMA/pexels
Beginner Course Overview
Sorikhil Trail round trip 6km
Duration 2~3h
Highest Altitude Reached 900m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±300m
Estimated Calories ~500
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Hongnyudong Sorikhil Trail (Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot → Hongnyumun Gate Roundtrip)

Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot 700mHongnyudonggyegok ValleyCheongnyangdaeHongnyumun Gate 900mDescend to the starting point
Overall Course Flow
Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot→Haeinsa Temple (Tripitaka Koreana)→Hongnyudong Valley Trail→Cheongnyangdae→Hongnyumun Gate ★→(Return to starting point)→ Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot

Course Features

  • Must include a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Haeinsa Temple and the Tripitaka Koreana
  • Hongnyudong Valley — Korea's best autumn foliage spot where the valley turns crimson with fall colors
  • Gentle valley forest path — ideal for all ages and family hikes
  • Sorikhil Trail: A healing trekking course where you walk to the sound of the valley stream
  • No summit ascent — Trekking/Healing course
  • Haeinsa Temple entrance fee: 3,000 won for adults (includes Gayasan National Park admission fee)
Detailed Route by Section
Exit
Depart from Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot
Elevation approx. 700m 122 Haeinsa-gil, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Depart from Haeinsa Iljumun Gate Parking Lot (Chiin Parking Lot or Haeinsa Parking Lot). Walk for about 15 minutes from the parking lot towards Haeinsa Temple to enter the temple grounds. After paying the entrance fee, visit the Tripitaka Koreana storage halls.

Haeinsa Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasure No. 32) was created during the Goryeo Dynasty in the 13th century, the world's largest and most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures carved on 81,258 wooden printing blocks. Inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Allow 30-40 minutes for viewing.
1
Haeinsa Temple → Hongnyudong Valley Entrance
Approx. 0.5km 10 min Flat Forest Road
Difficulty

Walk along a flat forest path from Haeinsa Temple grounds to the entrance of Hongnyudong Valley. The official starting point of the Sorikhil Trail is where the sound of the valley begins to be heard.

2
Hongnyudong Valley → Cheongnyangdae
Approx. 2.0km 50 min Valley Forest Path
Difficulty

Hongnyudong Valley is the essence of Gayasan National Park. The sound of clear valley water flowing over rocks, and the cool shade of dense deciduous forests.

The autumn leaves dye the valley red, giving it the name 'Hongnyudong' (Red Stream Valley). Take a moment to rest at the Cheongnyangdae rock observatory.

Hongnyudong Valley is most beautiful in autumn (mid-October to early November). The scenery of autumn leaves reflecting red in the valley water is one of the nation's top spots for fall foliage.
3
Cheongnyangdae → Hongnyumun
Approx. 0.5km 15 min Gentle Ascent
Difficulty

A continuous valley forest path from Cheongnyangdae to Hongnyumun. Hongnyumun is the symbolic endpoint of Gayasan Sorigil, a place where, according to legend, Goryeo scholar Choe Chi-won lived in seclusion and enjoyed walking. After taking a certification photo at Hongnyumun, descend back to the starting point.

Hongnyumun Gate is a historic place that Choi Chi-won frequently visited when he retired from the world and lived in seclusion in Gayasan National Park. It's a meditation point where nature and history intertwine.
4
Hongnyumun Gate → Descend to Starting Point
Approx. 3.0km 1 hr Descend the Way You Came
Difficulty

Descend back to the starting point via the valley path you ascended. Enjoy the sounds of the valley, the wind, and the sunlight once more as you go down. If you haven't finished viewing the Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa Temple, you can do so after descending.

Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Sneakers (hiking boots not required)
  • Comfortable Trekking Apparel
  • 1L water (drinkable water available near the valley)
  • Camera (autumn foliage/valley photos)

Autumn Foliage Season

  • Mid-October to early November: Peak autumn foliage
  • Hongnyudong Valley Autumn Foliage — Best in the Nation
  • Parking is extremely congested on weekends during autumn foliage season
  • Shuttle bus or early morning departure

Haeinsa Temple Tour

  • View the Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasure No. 32)
  • Admission fee: 3,000 won for adults
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed 1995
  • Allocate at least 30-40 minutes for viewing

Transportation Information

  • Hapcheon IC → Haeinsa Temple approx. 30 min
  • Daegu Seobu Terminal → Haeinsa Bus
  • Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot (Paid)
  • Gayasan National Park 055-930-8000

Nearby food options

  • Hapcheon Hwangmaesan Pork Soup with Rice
  • Gaya-myeon Sanchae Bibimbap (Wild Vegetable Bibimbap)
  • Makgeolli and Pajeon near Haeinsa Temple
  • Hapcheon Naenaru Catfish Spicy Stew

Useful Information

  • No entry control times (trail)
  • No entry to Haeinsa Temple after sunset
  • Utilize the official Gayasan National Park app
  • Blackyak BAC: Sangwangbong Certification

Hongnyudong Sorikhil Trail Course Map

Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot P 700mHaeinsa Temple·Tripitaka KoreanaHongnyudong Valley CheongnyangdaeHongnyumun Gate ★Choe Chiwon Hermitage 900mNSorikhil TrailDescent Route
All checkpoints
1
Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot Departure
Elevation 700m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Restaurants
2
Haeinsa Temple (Tripitaka Koreana) World Heritage
Elevation 720m Cumulative 0.5km
Amenities: Admission Fee, Restrooms, Viewing
3
Hongnyudong Valley Entrance Valley
Elevation 730m Cumulative 1.0km
Amenities: Valley trail start
4
Cheongnyangdae View
Elevation 850m Cumulative 2.5km
Amenities: Rock observatory
5
Hongnyumun Gate Attractions ★
Elevation 900m Cumulative 3.0km
Amenities: Choe Chi-won's Hermitage
6
Return to Haeinsa Temple Parking Lot End point
Elevation 700m Cumulative 6.0km
Amenities: Parking · Hapcheon Restaurant
Intermediate Course Overview
Round trip distance 11km
Duration 4~5h
Sangwangbong Summit 1,430m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±730m
Estimated Calories ~1,400
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Haeinsa Temple (Chiin Parking Lot) → Tosingol → Sangwangbong Peak → Chilbulbong Peak (Roundtrip)

Chiin Parking Lot 700mHaeinsa Temple·Toshingol EntranceBongcheondaeSangwangbong 1,430mChilbulbong Peak 1,432m ★Return to Chiin Parking Lot
Overall Course Flow
Chiin Parking Lot→Haeinsa Temple Precincts→Tosingol Visitor Support Center→Seokjo Yeoraeipsang→Bongcheondae→Sangwangbong 1,430m→Chilbulbong Peak 1,432m ★→(Return to starting point)→ Chiin Parking Lot

Course Features

  • Gayasan National Park's shortest summit climbing course — 4km one-way from Haeinsa Temple to Sangwangbong Peak
  • Includes cultural heritage exploration of Haeinsa Temple, Tripitaka Koreana, and the Stone Standing Buddha
  • Both Sangwangbong Peak (1,430m) and Chilbulbong Peak (1,432m) can be visited
  • Ridge views — panoramic scenery of Hapcheonho Lake, Gayapyeongya Plain, and Deogyusan National Park
  • Steep iron staircase section after Bongcheondae — knee pads recommended
  • Sangwangbong Peak ~ Chilbulbong Peak section: rocky ridge — caution for steep iron stairs and ropes
Detailed Route by Section
Exit
Depart from Chiin Parking Lot
Elevation 700m Chiin-ri, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Walk approximately 1.5km from Chiin Parking Lot towards Haeinsa Temple to enter the temple grounds. From Haeinsa Temple, the Toshingol Trailhead is to the left (north) in the valley direction.

Chiin Parking Lot is the main parking lot for Haeinsa Temple, it is large and has good facilities. It fills up early on weekends, so an early morning departure is recommended.
1
Haeinsa Temple → Tosingol Trailhead Information Center → Standing Stone Buddha Statue
Approx. 1.5km 40 min Gentle Valley Path
Difficulty

Follow the valley on the left side of Haeinsa Temple grounds to arrive at the Toshingol Trailhead Information Center. After checking the entry time, enter the trail. Approximately 300m further is a Buddhist cultural heritage site with a standing stone Buddha statue from the late Silla period.

Tosingol Visitor Support Center entry times: Summer season 04:00~13:00, Winter season 05:00~12:00. Time check required!
2
Seokjo Yeoraeipsang → Bongcheondae
Approx. 1.5km 50 min Gradual Ascent
Difficulty

Ascend a gradually steeper forest path. Bongcheondae is an old altar site built on a wide rock, offering an open panoramic view. Take a short break here to conserve energy.

A steep iron staircase section continues from Bongcheondae to the summit. Proceed after sufficient hydration.
3
Bongcheondae → Sangwangbong (Udusan Peak) Summit
Approx. 1.0km 40 min Steep Iron Stairs
Difficulty

Steep iron staircases and rocky ridges continue from Bongcheondae to Sangwangbong (1,430m, also known as Udusan Peak). From the summit, panoramic views open up towards Chilbulbong, Namsanjeilbong, Hapcheonho Lake, and Deogyusan National Park.

From the summit of Sangwangbong Peak, Chilbulbong Peak (1,432m) is directly visible. It's approximately 0.2km, an 18-minute walk. Chilbulbong Peak is the highest peak of Gayasan National Park, so be sure to visit!
4
Sangwangbong → Chilbulbong → Descend to starting point
Chilbulbong Peak one-way 0.2km + descent 5.5km 2 hours
Difficulty

From Sangwangbong Peak, visit Chilbulbong Peak via Chilbulbong Samgeori, then descend along the original course (Bongcheondae → Tosingol → Haeinsa Temple). Be careful on the iron stairs and rope sections at Chilbulbong Peak summit.

When descending, be careful of damp rock sections on the Bongcheondae~Tosingol trail. Descending consumes more energy than ascending.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (ankle support)
  • Trekking Poles (essential for descent)
  • Windproof jacket (windy summit)
  • Knee protectors recommended

Sunrise/Sunset Spot

  • Chilbulbong Peak sunrise is one of the nation's top spots.
  • New Year's Sunrise: Hiking from 00:00 on 01/01
  • The sunset towards Hapcheonho Lake is also breathtaking
  • Night hiking is possible with a headlamp

Entry Control

  • Summer Season: Entry 04:00~13:00
  • Winter season entry 05:00-12:00
  • Observe Tosingol entry control times
  • No entry after 13:00

Caution: Rocky ridge near the summit

  • Continuous iron staircases from Bongcheondae to Chilbulbong
  • Final Chilbulbong Peak iron stairs + rope section
  • Very slippery when raining or snowing
  • Gloves recommended

Transportation Information

  • Hapcheon IC → Chiin Parking Lot approx. 30 min
  • Daegu Seobu Terminal → Haeinsa Bus
  • Chiin Parking Lot (Paid, Large)
  • Gayasan National Park 055-930-8000

Modified course

  • Tosingol (Haeinsa Temple) → Sangwangbong Peak → Seoseongjae Pass → Baekundong Traverse
  • Car delivery service needed after parking at Baegundong
  • Total distance approx. 10km, 4h 30min
  • BAC 100 Great Mountains Stamp Certification

Haeinsa Temple·Toshingol Course Map

Haeinsa Temple (Tripitaka Koreana)Chiin Parking Lot P 700mTosingol Visitor CenterSeokjo YeoraeipsangBongcheondaeSteep incline beginsSangwangbong 1,430mChilbulbong Peak 1,432m ★NAscent RouteDescent Route
All checkpoints
1
Chiin Parking Lot Departure
Elevation 700m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking · Restroom · Shop
2
Haeinsa Temple Precincts World Heritage
Elevation 720m Cumulative 1.5km
Amenities: Tripitaka Koreana, Restrooms
3
Tosingol Visitor Support Center Visitor Center
Elevation 750m Cumulative 1.8km
Amenities: Check entry control
4
Seokjo Yeoraeipsang Cultural Heritage
Elevation 850m Cumulative 2.5km
Amenities: Silla Buddhist Ruins
5
Bongcheondae Steep incline begins
Elevation 1,200m Cumulative 3.5km
Amenities: Rock Shelter·Viewpoint
6
Sangwangbong (Udusan Peak) Summit
Elevation 1,430m Cumulative 4.5km
Amenities: Summit marker · Observatory
7
Chilbulbong Peak Highest Peak ★
Elevation 1,432m Cumulative 4.7km
Amenities: Iron Stairs·BAC Certification
8
Return to Chiin Parking Lot End point
Elevation 700m Cumulative 11.0km
Amenities: Parking · Restaurant
Advanced Course Overview
Manmulsang Traverse 9.2km
Duration 5~6h
Chilbulbong Peak Highest Point 1,432m
Cumulative Elevation Gain 830m
Estimated Calories ~1,800
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Baekundong → Manmulsang → Chilbulbong Peak → Sangwangbong Peak → Haeinsa Temple (Tosingol)

Baegundong 600mManmulsang Rock Ridge StartSangadeomSeoseongjaeChilbulbong Peak 1,432m ★Sangwangbong 1,430mHaeinsa Temple 700m
Overall Course Flow
Baekundong Visitor Center→Manmulsang Rock Ridge ★→Sangadeom 1,300m→Seoseongjae 1,280m→Chilbulbong Peak 1,432m→Sangwangbong 1,430m→Descend Tosingol→ Haeinsa Temple·Chiin Parking Lot

Course Features

  • 'Korea's Best Rocky Ridge Hiking Destination' — Giamgwaeseok Manmulsang Course
  • Manmulsang Ridge: A spectacular series of hundreds of bizarre rock formations
  • Baegundong → Chilbulbong Peak is 4.2km one-way; the Haeinsa Temple traverse is the standard route rather than returning to the starting point.
  • Conquer both Chilbulbong Peak (1,432m) and Sangwangbong Peak (1,430m)
  • Manmulsang Section: Nation's Most Difficult Rock Ridge — Continuous Iron Bars, Ropes, and Steep Slopes
  • September-October: Reservation required for Manmulsang Trail (National Park Reservation System)
Detailed Route by Section
Exit
Depart from Baegundong Trailhead Information Center
Elevation 600m 17 Gayasan Botanical Garden-gil, Suryun-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Depart from Baegundong Trailhead Information Center (near Baegundong Parking Lot, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do). After checking the fork between the Manmulsang Trail and Yonggigol Trail, enter the Manmulsang Trail (left). Advance reservations are required during peak season (September-October).

During peak season from September 1st to October 31st, access to the Manmulsang trail requires advance reservation through the National Park Reservation System (reservation.knps.or.kr). During the off-season, free exploration is permitted.
1
Baegundong → Manmulsang rock ridge begins
Approx. 1.0km 30 min Initial Forest Path Ascent
Difficulty

The first 1km is an uphill forest path, serving as a warm-up section. The forest ends, and the Manmulsang rock ridge area suddenly opens up. Wearing gloves is recommended before the first iron bar section.

The Manmulsang Rock Ridge section is filled with hundreds of rocks reminiscent of bizarre geological formations from around the world. It's fun to find rocks with names like Yukgyobawi (Overpass Rock), Geobukbawi (Turtle Rock), and Bulsangbawi (Buddha Statue Rock).
2
Manmulsang Rock Ridge → Sangadeom
Approx. 1.3km 1 hr 20 min Extreme Rocky Ridge Section
Difficulty

This section is the most rugged and spectacular core section of Gayasan National Park. Iron bars, iron stairs, and ropes appear continuously. Sangadeom (1,300m) is a rock resembling a giant elephant's trunk (tusk) and offers the best viewpoint.

Manmulsang Rock Ridge is one of 'Korea's most difficult rock ridges.' Extremely dangerous in rain, snow, or fog. Weather check is essential. Gloves are strongly recommended.
3
Sangadeom → Seoseongjae
Approx. 0.7km 25 min Ridge Descent
Difficulty

The section descending from Sangadeom to Seoseongjae (1,280m, saddle). Seoseongjae is where the Manmulsang Trail and Yonggigol Trail meet, serving as a junction towards Chilbulbong and Sangwangbong.

It is possible to exit from Seoseongjae towards Yonggigol (descend to Baegundong Parking Lot). If you lack stamina or the weather is bad, consider descending here.
4
Seoseongjae → Chilbulbong Peak → Sangwangbong Peak
Approx. 1.4km 50 min Gayasan National Park Main Ridge
Difficulty

From Seoseongjae to Chilbulbong Peak (1,432m) is the core rocky ridge section of Gayasan National Park. After passing the final iron stairs and ropes, you will reach Chilbulbong Samgeori.

Visit Sangwangbong Peak (0.2km) from Chilbulbong Peak. Certify both summits.

From the summit of Chilbulbong Peak, the entire Manmulsang rock ridge, Hapcheonho Lake, and the Namhae direction unfold in a panorama. On a clear day, you can even see Hallyeohaesang National Park!
5
Sangwangbong → Tosingol → Descend to Haeinsa Temple/Chiin Parking Lot
Approx. 5.5km 1 hr 50 min Descent
Difficulty

From Sangwangbong Peak, descend along the Tosingol Trail to Bongcheondae → Seokjo Yeoraeipsang → Haeinsa Temple → Chiin Parking Lot. Leave your vehicle at Baegundong and use a taxi or shuttle when descending to Chiin Parking Lot.

Baegundong (start) and Chiin Parking Lot (end) are different. Car delivery service or pre-arranged carpool/taxi is essential.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (ankle support, waterproof)
  • Gloves (essential for rocky ridges)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Helmet (optional, for rockfall on rocky ridges)

Manmulsang Rock Ridge Key Information

  • Korea's highest-level rock ridge section
  • Continuous Iron Bars·Ropes·Iron Stairs
  • Sangadeom: Gayasan National Park's best photo spot
  • September-October: Reservation required during peak season

Vehicle Information

  • Depart Baegundong → Arrive at Chiin (Haeinsa Temple)
  • Baegundong~Haeinsa Temple by taxi, approximately 40 minutes
  • Utilize call taxis in Hapcheon and Seongju areas
  • Recommended to book return transportation the day before hiking

Advance reservation

  • Peak season (September-October) Manmulsang reservation required
  • reservation.knps.or.kr
  • Baegundong Trailhead→Manmulsang→Seoseongjae one way 3km
  • No reservation needed on weekdays during off-peak season

Time Plan

  • Recommended departure from Baegundong between 7-8 AM
  • Target to pass Manmulsang between 10-11 AM
  • Arrive at Chilbulbong Peak before or after lunch
  • Descent from Haeinsa Temple completed by 3-4 PM

Modified out-and-back course

  • Baegundong→Yonggigol→Seoseongjae→Chilbulbong→Sangwangbong→Original starting point
  • Round trip 8km, 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Return to starting point without vehicle shuttle
  • Option to choose Yonggigol Valley instead of Manmulsang

Manmulsang Traverse Course Map (Baegundong → Chilbulbong Peak → Haeinsa Temple)

Baegundong Trailhead P 600mManmulsang Rock Ridge Sangadeom 1,300mSeoseongjae 1,280m (escape → Baegundong)Chilbulbong Peak 1,432m ★Sangwangbong 1,430mHaeinsa Temple·Chiin Parking Lot 700mNManmulsang Ascent RouteSummit → Haeinsa Temple descent route
All Checkpoints (Traverse)
1
Baegundong Trailhead Information Center Departure
Elevation 600m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking · Restroom · Seongju-gun
2
Manmulsang Rock Ridge Starting Point Rocky Ridge ★
Elevation 900m Cumulative 1.0km
Amenities: Start of Iron Bars·Wear Gloves
3
Manmulsang Mid-point Observatory View
Elevation 1,150m Cumulative 1.8km
Amenities: Rock viewpoint and photo spot
4
Sangadeom Attractions
Elevation 1,300m Cumulative 2.3km
Amenities: Elephant Rock, 360-degree views
5
Seoseongjae (saddle) Fork in the road
Elevation 1,280m Cumulative 3.0km
Amenities: Possible to exit via Yonggigol
6
Chilbulbong Peak Highest Peak ★
Elevation 1,432m Cumulative 4.2km
Amenities: BAC Certified, Hapcheonho Lake View
7
Sangwangbong (Udusan Peak) Summit
Elevation 1,430m Cumulative 4.4km
Amenities: Summit marker
8
Bongcheondae Viewpoint
Elevation 1,200m Cumulative 5.5km
Amenities: Rock Shelter
9
Seokjo Yeoraeipsang Cultural Heritage
Elevation 850m Cumulative 6.8km
Amenities: Silla Buddhist Ruins
10
Tosingol Visitor Support Center Visitor Center
Elevation 750m Cumulative 7.5km
Amenities: —
11
Haeinsa Temple Precincts World Heritage
Elevation 720m Cumulative 8.5km
Amenities: Tripitaka Koreana, Restrooms
12
Chiin Parking Lot End point
Elevation 700m Cumulative 9.2km
Amenities: Parking · Hapcheon Restaurant

Gayasan National Park's Four Seasons & Attractions