Course Flow
Elevation Profile
This is the least strenuous course in Naejangsan National Park, a gentle trail known as one of the first nature observation paths in a national park. It's perfect for families, the elderly, and those looking for a light stroll, as it allows you to explore the Autumn Foliage Tunnel, Naejangsa Temple, and Byeongnyeonam Hermitage together.
Sectional Route Guide
The trail officially begins at Iljumun Gate, past the parking lot, ticket office, and restrooms. From the start, maple trees line a wide trail, making it a suitable warm-up section.
This is the Maple Tunnel section, a symbol of Naejangsan National Park. The slope is minimal and the path is wide, making it suitable for strollers and easy walking.
Enter the temple area along the valley and forest path. The area around Naejangsa Temple is a particularly popular spot for visitors in autumn.
This is the core section of the Nature Observation Trail. Gentle forest paths, streams, and bridges continue, allowing even beginners to walk steadily.
Pass Byeongnyeonam Hermitage and return to the starting point. The final section is gentle, reducing strain on the knees.
Preparation & Gear
- Light sneakers or trekking shoes
- Water 500mL~1L
- Light outerwear for autumn
Recommended Points
Transportation
- After Jeongeup Station, city bus No. 171, etc., are available.
- Check shuttle operation during peak season
- After getting off at Naejangsan Tourist Complex, proceed on foot.
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The Seoraebong Peak Course is a representative trail of Naejangsan National Park, widely known as a 5.9km, approximately 4-hour course connecting Iljumun Gate to Byeongnyeonam Hermitage, Seoraebong Peak, Bulchulbong Peak, and Wonjeogam Hermitage. It is suitable as a representative route for intermediate hikers due to its excellent views of strange rock formations and rocky ridges, while not being excessively long.
Sectional Route Guide
This section involves entering towards Naejangsa Temple and warming up until Byeongnyeonam Hermitage. The beginning is gentle, but it's important to conserve energy before the serious ascent.
The Seoraebong Peak section features a continuous ascent of stairs and rocky ridges. As its name suggests, it is characterized by a rocky ridge resembling a farm harrow.
This is the core section with the most spectacular ridge views. From the rock observatory, you can see the peaks of Naejangsan National Park and the maple ridges at a glance.
The descent section has a continuous slope, but the abundant forest shade slightly reduces the perceived burden. Using trekking poles is advantageous due to the strain on the knees.
The trail ends with a gentle walk. During peak season, there may be large crowds from the descent to Iljumun.
Gear
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- 1 or more trekking poles recommended
- Water 1~1.5L
Caution
- Many rocky and stair sections
- Slippery leaves after rain
- Heavy autumn crowds
Transportation & Parking
- Access via Jeongeup IC or Naejangsan IC
- Parking lots 1-3 are paid, crowded during peak season
- City bus access available from Jeongeup Station
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The Ridge Traverse Course is introduced as an 11.7 km, approximately 7-hour thru-hiking route starting from Iljumun Gate and connecting Seoraebong Peak, Bulchulbong Peak, Manghaebong Peak, Yeonjibong Peak, Kkachibong Peak, Sinseonbong Peak, Yeonjabong Peak, Janggunbong Peak, and Dongguri. As it connects most of the key peaks of Naejangsan National Park, it is suitable for experienced hikers for a day hike.
Sectional Route Guide
This is the first gateway of the Ridge Traverse. It involves a significant elevation gain early on, so pace control is important.
This section involves continuous ridge walking with excellent views, but short ascents and descents are repeated. It's a part where physical fatigue can easily accumulate.
This section offers the strongest sense of traversing Naejangsan's main ridge. The views open up widely around Kkachibong Peak, making it popular for photography.
Sinseonbong Peak is the highest peak of Naejangsan National Park and a highlight of the traverse. The ridge towards the upper cable car station gets closer, but careful walking is still required.
This is a descent section with remaining elevation changes until the end. Accumulated fatigue can easily lead to ankle injuries, so concentration is required.
Essential Gear
- Hiking boots, trekking poles, gloves
- Water 1.5~2L
- Plenty of lunch and snacks
- Headlamp (for emergencies)
Time Plan
- Recommended to start between 6-7 AM
- Recommended lunch timing before/after Sinseonbong Peak
- Aim to descend Dongguri before sunset
Traffic Operation
- Confirm return route from the endpoint in advance
- Check connecting transportation from Jeongeup Station and parking lot
- Check peak season shuttle and parking dispersion information