Elevation Profile — Mulhangyegok Valley~Jjoksaegol Valley~Minjujisan Mountain Course (Shortest Round Trip)
Course Features
- Depart from Mulhangyegok Parking Lot, pass Hwangnyongsa Temple, and then at the pine forest three-way intersection, ascend to Jjoksaegol Valley, which is to the right towards the valley. Up to Jjoksaegol Samgeori, which is on the main ridge, there is a steep section mainly composed of rocky paths. Once you reach the ridge, the path to the summit is relatively gentle and short.
- The section just before joining the upper ridge of Jjoksaegol Valley is steep and rocky, so be careful of ankle injuries.
- During heavy snowfall in winter, crampons are essential to prevent slipping on icy valley areas and frozen surfaces.
Depart from Mulhangyegok Parking Lot and head towards Hwangnyongsa Temple (470m above sea level). This is the starting point for the temple entrance and the suspension bridge. Please proceed with caution.
Depart from Hwangnyongsa Temple and head to the Pine Nut Forest (530m above sea level). Phytoncide resting area and three-way fork. Please proceed with caution for your safety.
Start from the Pine Forest and head towards Jjoksaegol Samgeori (1180m above sea level). This is the junction where you meet the main ridge. Please proceed with caution for your safety.
Depart from Jjoksaegol Samgeori and head towards the Minjujisan Mountain Summit (1242m above sea level). Enjoy the summit marker and panoramic views. Please proceed with caution for your safety.
Depart from Minjujisan Mountain Summit and head towards Jjoksaegol Samgeori (1180m above sea level). Return via the descent fork. Please proceed with caution for safety.
Depart from Jjoksaegol Samgeori and head towards Hwangnyongsa Temple (470m above sea level). Return to the temple. Please proceed with caution for your safety.
Depart from Hwangnyongsa Temple and head back to Mulhangyegok Valley Parking Lot (450m above sea level). Round trip completed. Please proceed with caution for your safety.
Essential Gear
- Hiking boots or trekking shoes
- Sufficient drinking water (1L or more)
- Seasonal windproof/warm clothing
- Simple trail food (chocolate, nuts)
Public Transportation Access
- After getting off KTX/regular train at Yeongdong Station on the Gyeongbu Line, take a Yeongdong-gun rural bus (Nos. 640, 642, etc., operating approximately 5 times a day) towards Mulhangyegok Valley from the station square bus stop and get off at the Mulhan-ri terminus (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes travel time).
- Alternatively, if you get off at Hwanggan Station and take a taxi, it takes about 25 minutes to Mulhangyegok (fare approximately 30,000 won).
- Public transportation to Domaryeong is extremely rare, so it is recommended to charter a taxi from Yeongdong Station or Hwanggan Station.
Recommended Seasons & Attractions
- A summer retreat hike to Mulhangyegok Valley, where the water is cold, preserving the mystery of ancient times.
- Silver grass covering the main ridge in autumn and Seokgibong Peak's autumn foliage
- In winter, the immense snowfall and the beautiful scenery of snow blossoms (rime ice) blooming on every branch are comparable to Sobaeksan National Park and Deogyusan National Park.
Course Safety Rules
- The section just before joining the upper ridge of Jjoksaegol has a steep slope and many rocks, so be careful to avoid ankle injuries.
- Crampons are essential during heavy snowfall in winter to prevent slipping on icy valley areas and frozen surfaces.
- As a high-altitude area prone to sudden strong winds and rapid temperature drops in winter, warm clothing and snow safety equipment (gaiters, crampons) are essential for winter hiking.
Nearby Amenities
- Main Trailheads: Mulhangyegok Parking Lot (939 Mulhan-ri, Sangchon-myeon, Yeongdong-gun, Chungbuk) or Domaryeong Parking Lot (San 4-127 Jodong-ri, Yonghwa-myeon, Yeongdong-gun, Chungbuk)
- In April 1998, a memorial stands in front of the unmanned ridge shelter, commemorating six special forces members who tragically died in the line of duty near the summit during a 1,000-ri march, due to a sudden heavy snowfall and severe cold reaching -20 degrees Celsius.
- Just before the summit of Seokgibong Peak, on the west side of the sheer cliff, the Samdumaaebulsang (Maaesamjonbulsang) is engraved, offering a unique cultural sight to enjoy during your climb.
- Mulhangyegok Parking Lot offers free parking and admission, and is well-equipped with amenities such as restrooms. However, public restrooms may be temporarily closed in winter due to the risk of freezing pipes.
National Park Information
- Office: 062-227-1187
- Summit Certification: Blackyak 100 Great Mountains (Minjujisan Mountain)
- Reservation System: reservation.knps.or.kr