Start from 146 Gongwon-gil, Juwangsan-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongbuk. Follow the paved, flat park road to Daejeonsa Temple. Parking fee: 4,000 won on weekdays / 5,000 won on weekends. Daejeonsa Temple was founded by Uisang Daesa in the 12th year of King Munmu of Silla.
Pass Daejeonsa Temple and walk along the Jubangcheon Valley. Yongchu Canyon begins, with bizarre rock cliffs unfolding on both sides. After passing the Jaseong Fortress site, go straight at the Juwanggul Cave fork to reach Yongchu Falls (1st waterfall, drop of approximately 4m).
Proceed upstream to encounter Jeolgu Falls (3rd waterfall, 2 tiers, approx. 6m) and Yongyeon Falls (2nd waterfall, approx. 10m drop). Yongyeon Falls is known as the most beautiful among the three major waterfalls of Juwangsan National Park.
A little further up from Yongyeonpokpo Waterfall is Naewondong (350m). This was once the site of Naewon Village and is the northernmost turnaround point for the beginner course. Rest for a while and then descend via the same route.
Descend by retracing your steps. On the way down, you can admire the waterfalls again and enjoy discovering the details of the strange rock formations that you might have missed on the way up.
- Light trekking shoes or athletic shoes
- At least 1.5L of water
- Rain gear or waterproof jacket
- Hat, sunscreen
- Auxiliary pole (optional)
- Beverages and snacks available for purchase at Daejeonsa Temple snack bar
- No convenience stores inside the valley — bring plenty of water
- Naewondong turnaround point suitable for lunchboxes
- After descending, Cheongsong dak-bulgogi (spicy grilled chicken) and chalborippang (sticky barley bread) are recommended
- Andong → Cheongsong direct bus (approx. 1 h 30 min)
- Cheongsong Bus Terminal → Juwangsan National Park Local Bus 20 min
- Navigation: Juwangsan National Park Sangui Parking Lot
- Address: 146 Gongwon-gil, Juwangsan-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongbuk
- Autumn foliage peak: Late October ~ Early November
- New foliage: May-June (Quiet, clear)
- Summer: Valley retreat, morning use recommended
- Winter: spectacular icefalls, crampons essential
- Trail closed if stream levels rise after heavy rain
- Slippery rocks — caution in rain
- Recommended to turn back 2 hours before sunset
- Do not leave the trail
- Juwangsan National Park Office: 054-870-5300
- Mountain Rescue: 119
- Cheongsong-gun Office: 054-870-6000
- Real-time trail information: knps.or.kr
Flat paved road to Daejeonsa Temple. Thoroughly warm up before departure, and after using the restroom and refilling water, proceed towards Jubong Peak.
Enter behind Daejeonsa Temple, to the right, towards Jubong Peak. A continuous series of steep, stair-like inclines makes this the core challenging section of the course. Enjoy the views of Jubanggyegok Valley and the bizarre rock cliffs from the three observatories while catching your breath. The average gradient is 20.7%.
After passing the observation deck, the slope becomes gentle as you ascend to the ridge. From Jubong Peak Summit (722m), enjoy panoramic views — Cheongsong city to the northwest, Gamebong Peak (882m) to the southeast, and on clear days, even the Uljin coast.
From Jubong Peak, follow the ridge west past Kaldunggogae Pass (fork) and descend to Hurimegisamgeori Junction. This is a ridge descent section where you can enjoy the views before joining the valley.
Follow Jubangcheon Valley downstream. Encounter Yongyeonpokpo → Yongchupokpo again in order and enjoy the beauty of the valley. The loop traverse is complete, 0.9km from Daejeonsa Temple to Sangui Parking Lot.
- Ankle-supporting hiking boots (essential)
- 2 trekking poles — steep descent
- Knee protectors (20.7% gradient)
- At least 2L of water + energy snacks
- Waterproof jacket, extra socks
- Recommended to depart before 9 AM
- Allow at least 30 minutes at Jubong Peak summit
- Begin descent 3 hours before sunset
- Trail may be closed during rain — check in advance
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Observatories — Canyon panorama
- Jubong Peak Summit Marker
- Upper Rock of Yongyeonpokpo Waterfall
- Daejeonsa Temple and bizarre rock cliffs framed shot
- Daejeonsa Temple ~ Jubong Peak steep incline — proceed slowly
- Causes knee pain during descent — trekking poles are essential
- Caution: Strong winds at the summit
- Rockfall risk: Rocky area directly below the observatory
- Jusanjee — Royal Willow Pond, Film Location
- Dalgi Mineral Spring — Iron-rich mineral water
- Cheongsong Folk Museum
- Juwangsan Hot Springs
- Dakbulgogi (Cheongsong local dish)
- Cheongsong Apples (Harvested Oct-Nov)
- Chalborippang (Barley Bread) (Juwangsan National Park Entrance Direct Sales Store)
- Sanchae-bibimbap (restaurant area at park entrance)
Jeolgolbunsan Ranger Station is about a 20-minute drive from Sangui Parking Lot. Since this is an A→B traverse course, pre-arrange a vehicle at Sangui Parking Lot or use a taxi.
Follow the cool sound of the water in Jeolgol Valley along a flat forest road. The sheer cliffs of Jeolgol Canyon unfold on both sides, and you cross stepping stones multiple times. Rest sufficiently and replenish your water at Daemundari Plaza.
After a gentle 0.2km section from Daemundari Bridge, this is the most challenging part of the course. A steep 1.5km section with a mix of rocks and tree roots. Gamebong Peak (882m) is the highest peak in Juwangsan National Park, offering panoramic views in all directions.
From Gamebong, it's a continuous descent to Hurimegi Samgeori. Especially to the three-way intersection, the steep slope and rocky path put a significant strain on the knees. Focus on your footing and move slowly.
Follow Jubangcheon Valley downstream. Enjoy Yongyeonpokpo (2nd) → Yongchupokpo (1st) in order. The traverse is complete, 0.9km from Daejeonsa Temple to Sangui Parking Lot.
Traverse complete! After descending, stretch and rehydrate sufficiently. We recommend restoring your energy with Dalkiyaksu chicken baeksuk or Cheongsong hot springs.
- Gore-Tex hiking boots (waterproof·ankle support)
- 2 trekking poles — essential
- Knee protectors (steep descent)
- At least 3L of water (no replenishment available in the valley)
- Headlamp (in case of delay)
- Plenty of emergency food, energy bars
- Method ①: Park at Sangui Parking Lot, then take a taxi to Jeolgol
- Method ②: Disperse parking for 2 or more vehicles
- Method ③: Use Cheongsong Bus (Jusanje-bound) in the reverse direction
- Cheongsong Taxi: 054-874-2222
- Recommended departure from Jeolgolbunso between 7-8 AM
- Target Arrival at Gamebong Peak: 11 AM - 12 PM
- Begin descent before 1 PM after reaching the summit
- Aim to arrive at Sangui Parking Lot by 4 PM
- Just before Gamebong: extremely dangerous on wet paths.
- Hurimegi Descent: Most frequent knee injuries occur here
- Jeolgol Course immediately closed during heavy rain
- Avoid solo hiking — 2 or more people recommended
- Must check 119 signpost numbers
- Jusanjee — Royal Willow Trees and Morning Mist
- Dalgi Mineral Spring — Iron-rich mineral water·Dakbaeksuk (Chicken Soup)
- Cheongsong Eoreumgol Valley — Summer Glacier
- Banghojeong Pavilion — pavilion near Juwangsan National Park
- Korea National Park Service App (Real-time Trail Information)
- Jeolgol Trail operates on a reservation system during peak season
- Advance reservation required at knps.or.kr
- Check the Korea Meteorological Administration before departure