Course Flow
Elevation Profile
This course passes Biseonpokpo Falls and Deungnyongpokpo Falls, then returns after viewing only the silver grass fields. It is widely guided as approximately 6.3 km and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the least strenuous option for enjoying autumn silver grass, and you can fully appreciate the representative scenery of Myeongseongsan Mountain without climbing to the summit.
Route Guide by Section
Start from Sanjeonghosu Lake Sangdong Parking Lot and head towards the hiking trail garden. As it's a tourist-oriented trailhead, it gets crowded early on weekends.
The trail gently ascends along the valley, passing two waterfalls in succession. The trail condition is generally good, but caution is advised on wet, rocky paths after rain.
The incline becomes a bit steeper just before the Miscanthus Reed Colony. As your view opens up, a wide, basin-shaped miscanthus field appears.
You will return by the same path. When descending, it is advisable to keep your stride short to prevent ankle sprains on the gravel and scree paths.
Preparation & Gear
- Hiking boots with good grip
- Around 1L of water
- Windproof outerwear in autumn
Recommended Points
Transportation
- Utilize Sanjeonghosu Lake Sangdong Parking Lot
- Heavy traffic congestion during autumn festival season
- Vehicle access possible from Pocheon downtown/Dongsong direction
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The course passing the waterfall and eulalia colony, ascending to Samgakbong Peak, and descending to Jainsa Temple is often introduced as approximately 7.9 km, taking around 3 hours. Although it doesn't go all the way to the summit, it offers a proper experience of the eulalia ridge views, making it a good representative intermediate course for Myeongseongsan Mountain.
Route Guide by Section
The initial section is the same as the beginner course. You can ascend relatively comfortably to the waterfall section and warm up.
The incline increases, but it is still manageable physically. Just before reaching the silver grass field, the view suddenly opens up, revealing the iconic scenery of Myeongseongsan Mountain.
Up to Samgakbong Peak is a highlight section with repeating silver grass ridges and uphill climbs. The perceived difficulty increases as strong winds can blow.
The Jainsa Temple direction has steep sections, requiring concentration during descent. After descending, you should either walk towards Sanjeongho Lake or arrange for vehicle pickup.
Equipment
- Mid-cut hiking boots recommended
- 1 or more trekking poles
- 1-1.5L of water
Caution
- Steep descent to Jainsa Temple
- Slippery during autumn leaf season
- Perceived difficulty increases on windy days
Operation
- Not an out-and-back route, confirm vehicle logistics
- Taxi or Sanjeonghosu Lake return plan needed
- Heavy traffic congestion during peak autumn season
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The course from Sangdong Parking Lot, passing through Biseonpokpo Waterfall, Deungnyongpokpo Waterfall, the Silver Grass Field, Samgakbong Peak, to Myeongseongsan Mountain Summit and Sanan-gogae Pass, is approximately 14.1km and takes around 6 hours 30 minutes. As this is a representative traverse-type course that includes silver grass, ridges, the summit, and a descent valley, both physical stamina and time planning are essential.
Route Guide by Section
This is the first half, passing the waterfall section and ascending to the eulalia basin. It's better to conserve your pace early on for the later sections, including Samgakbong Peak and the summit.
This is the iconic eulalia ridge section of Myeongseongsan Mountain. The scenery is outstanding, but it is quite exposed to wind, and body temperature can drop quickly depending on the season.
This ridge trail continues from Samgakbong Peak to the main peak. This section also features continuous silver grass, and there are still quite a few ascents and descents just before the summit.
Descend along the northwest ridge from the summit to connect to Sanangogae Pass. The views are excellent, but this section can be tricky due to accumulated fatigue.
From the pass, you return towards Sanjeonghosu Lake via the road and valley connecting section. This is a physically demanding final section, so allow ample time for the entire hike.
Essential Gear
- Mid-cut hiking boots, trekking poles, gloves
- Water 1.5-2L
- Plenty of snacks and lunch
- Autumn Windbreaker Jacket
Mountain Operation
- Recommended to depart around 7 AM
- Important to manage energy before reaching the summit
- Aim to pass Sanangogae Pass before sunset
Precautions
- Check for access restrictions due to military training.
- Some sections of Jainsa Temple and the summit area may be restricted depending on the season
- Increased risk during strong winds and icing