Odaesan National Park Summit and Grand Mountain Scenery / Majestic natural landscape of Odaesan mountain peaks and ridges
Odaesan National Park Playbook

Odaesan National Park Hiking Playbook

A guide to Odaesan 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
Seonjaegil Trail One-way 10km
Duration 3~4h
Sangwonsa Temple highest point 970m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±370m
Estimated Calories ~700
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Seonjaegil Trail (Woljeongsa Temple → Sangwonsa Temple)

Woljeongsa Temple 600mFir Forest PathOdaecheon ValleySangwonsa Temple 970m
Overall Course Flow
Woljeongsa Temple Parking Lot→ Fir Forest Trail (1km)→Woljeongsa Temple Exploration→Odaecheon Valley Trail→Seonjaegil Forest Path→Sangwonsa Temple 970m ★→Bus or reverse direction descent

Course Features

  • Pass through Korea's best fir forest trail (1km, 1,700 trees) — a refreshing forest tunnel in all four seasons
  • Woljeongsa Temple (founded by Silla monk Jajang Yulsa, 643 AD) → 10km Odaecheon Valley trail to Sangwonsa Temple
  • Gentle forest path with almost no incline — includes sections accessible with strollers
  • Suitable for families, children, and the elderly / Best for walks during autumn foliage and snow blossom seasons
  • One-way 10km — Descend in reverse (Sangwonsa Temple → Woljeongsa Temple) or use afternoon shuttle bus
  • Partial exploration time restrictions on the Sangwonsa Temple ~ Woljeongsa Temple section (check seasonally)
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Woljeongsa Temple Iljumun and Parking Lot
Elevation 600m Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Start from the parking lot in front of Woljeongsa Temple Iljumun Gate in Odaesan National Park. Obtain a map at the visitor center, use the restroom, and then enter the fir forest path. After parking, pay the Woljeongsa Temple admission fee (4,000 won for adults).

The Woljeongsa Temple admission fee includes exploration of the Fir Forest Path and Odaecheon Valley. Please be sure to check the map next to the ticket office before departing.
1
Fir Forest Path → Woljeongsa Temple Exploration
Approx. 1.0km 25 min Flat terrain
Difficulty

The 1km fir forest path from Iljumun Gate to Woljeongsa Temple is Korea's best forest tunnel, where over 1,700 giant fir trees canopy the sky. It is refreshing all year round, and the snowy landscape in winter is overwhelming. Explore the Octagonal Nine-story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure) within Woljeongsa Temple.

The light on the Fir Forest Path is most beautiful in the early morning or around sunset. It is also famous as a seasonal photo spot.
2
Woljeongsa Temple → Odaecheon Valley Seonjaegil Trail
Approx. 6.5km 2 hr Valley forest trail
Difficulty

Walk along the Seonjaegil Trail (Path of Enlightenment) that follows the Odaecheon Valley from Woljeongsa Temple to Sangwonsa Temple. This forest path has a gentle incline with almost no steep slopes, making it accessible to everyone. In summer, the sound of the cool valley water is refreshing; in autumn, the fall foliage is spectacular; and in winter, the snowy landscape is superb.

The Seonjaegil Trail is named after the Buddhist 'Journey of Sudhana's Quest for Enlightenment.' Rest areas and benches are provided along the way, allowing for a leisurely walk.
3
Arrive at Sangwonsa Temple, explore, and return
970m above sea level Select viewing return method
Difficulty

Sangwonsa Temple is a famous temple known as a prayer site for Manjusri Bodhisattva since its founding in 720. It houses the oldest existing bronze bell in Korea (National Treasure No.

36) and the Seated Wooden Manjusri Bodhisattva (National Treasure). After exploring, you can descend in the reverse direction (Sangwonsa Temple → Woljeongsa Temple) or use the Sangwonsa Temple shuttle bus.

When descending from Sangwonsa Temple to Woljeongsa Temple in the reverse direction, it's the opposite direction of the Seonjaegil Trail, so you don't have to walk the same path again. Alternatively, you can conveniently return via the shuttle bus from the Sangwonsa Temple parking lot.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Sneakers or trekking shoes
  • Windproof jacket (cool in valleys)
  • Winter: Crampons, warm gloves
  • Camera (Fir Forest, Autumn Foliage)

Transportation Information

  • Seoul Dongseoul Bus Terminal → Jinbu Bus
  • Jinbu → Odaesan National Park Bus Service
  • Sangwonsa Temple → Woljeongsa Temple Shuttle Bus
  • Woljeongsa Temple parking 4,000 won, includes admission fee

Seasonal Attractions

—
Spring: Fresh scent of new growth fir trees
A refreshing morning stroll in the light green forest of Woljeongsa
—
Summer: Odaecheon Valley is cool
The sound of rushing waters washing away summer heat along the valley
—
Autumn: Foliage peaks in October (one of Korea's best)
Beautiful autumn colors painting the entire mountain range in October
—
Winter: Spectacular snowfield and fir forest
Serene snow-covered fir forest paths and snow-capped Birobong Peak

Safety Rules

  • No cooking or swimming in the valley
  • Check Odaesan National Park Entry Control Times
  • Entry prohibited outside of exploration areas
  • Maintain silence within the temple.

Food & Amenities

  • Recommended to carry 1L or more of water
  • Utilize restaurants near Woljeongsa Temple
  • Sangwonsa Temple snack bar available
  • Hwangtaegukbap (dried pollock soup) is famous in Jinbu-myeon

Useful Information

  • Odaesan National Park 033-332-6417
  • Woljeongsa Temple 033-339-6800
  • Blackyak 100 Famous Mountains Certification (Birobong Peak)
  • Korea National Park Service reservation.knps.or.kr

Seonjaegil Trail Course Map (Woljeongsa Temple → Sangwonsa Temple)

Woljeongsa Temple P 600mFir Forest 1kmWoljeongsa TempleMid-course rest areaSangwonsa Temple 970mOdaecheon Valley5km →NSeonjaegil Trail (10km)
All Checkpoints
1
Woljeongsa Temple Iljumun Parking Lot Departure
Elevation 600m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking · Restroom · Ticket office
2
Fir Forest Path Entrance Forest Path
Elevation 610m Cumulative 0.2km
Amenities: Information board
3
Woljeongsa Temple Temple
Elevation 630m Cumulative 1.0km
Amenities: Restroom · Octagonal Nine-story Pagoda (National Treasure)
4
Seonjaegil Trail Mid-point Rest Area Rest Area
Elevation 800m Cumulative 5.0km
Amenities: Bench, restroom
5
Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot Entrance Fork in the road
Elevation 940m Cumulative 9.0km
Amenities: Parking · Shuttle bus
6
Sangwonsa Temple (Temple) Temple
Elevation 970m Cumulative 10.0km
Amenities: Restroom · Bronze Bell (National Treasure) · Drinking water
Intermediate Course Overview
Sangwonsa Temple · Birobong Peak 7 km round trip
Duration 3.5~5h
Birobong Peak Summit 1,563m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±593m
Estimated Calories ~1,200
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Sangwonsa Temple → Birobong Peak Round Trip

Sangwonsa Temple 970mJungdaesajaam HermitageJeokmyeolbogungBirobong Peak 1,563mSangwonsa Temple
Overall Course Flow
Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot→Explore Sangwonsa Temple→Jungdaesajaam Hermitage→Jeokmyeolbogung 1,400m→Birobong Peak 1,563m ★→(Return to starting point)→ Return to Sangwonsa Temple

Course Features

  • Odaesan National Park's shortest summit course — starts from Sangwonsa Temple (970m), 3.5km one way
  • Passes through Jungdaesajaam Hermitage and Jeokmyeolbogung (enshrining Sakyamuni's sarira) — exploration of Buddhist holy sites
  • Panoramic view of Sangwangbong Peak, Horyeongbong Peak, Durobong Peak, and Dongdaesan Mountain's Odae Ridge from Birobong Peak summit
  • Nation's best winter snow blossom course — Seokmyolbogung ~ Birobong Peak hoarfrost scenery
  • The steep staircase section from Sangwonsa Temple to Jeokmyeolbogung Temple is very physically demanding
  • Winter Birobong Peak: Beware of strong winds and wind chill
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot
Elevation 970m Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Start from the parking lot in front of the Sangwon Exploration Support Center (approx. 970m above sea level).

Check the course and weather at the Exploration Support Center before entering the mountain. Sangwonsa Temple is about 500m from the Sangwon Exploration Support Center.

Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot is paid (small vehicles 4,000 won). It fills up early on weekends. It is recommended to depart from Jinbu before 7 AM. Pay the entrance fee at the ticket office before entering the mountain.
1
Sangwonsa Temple → Jungdaesajaam Hermitage
Approx. 0.8km 30 min Elevation ↑160m
Difficulty

The section climbing from Sangwonsa Temple to Jungdaesajaam Hermitage is a steep staircase path. You will ascend higher past Jungdaesajaam Hermitage (a central temple of Odaesan National Park). You can take a short break at Jungdaesajaam Hermitage and look down at the Odaecheon Valley.

Be sure to see Sangwonsa Temple's Bronze Bell (National Treasure No. 36) and the Seated Wooden Statue of Manjusri (National Treasure No. 221). It is the oldest existing bronze bell in Korea.
2
Jungdaesajaam Hermitage → Jeokmyeolbogung Shrine
Approx. 0.8km 30 min Elevation ↑270m
Difficulty

The section from Jungdaesajaam Hermitage to Jeokmyeolbogung Shrine is the steepest on Odaesan National Park. Although stairs are well-installed, the incline is considerable.

Jeokmyeolbogung Shrine (approx. 1,400m above sea level) is a sacred site enshrining the Buddha's sarira, visited by many pilgrims and tourists alike.

From Jeokmyeolbogung to Birobong is a gentle ridge. Replenish energy here before starting the final 300m altitude climb.
3
Jeokmyeolbogung → Birobong Peak Summit
Approx. 1.9km 50 min Elevation ↑163m
Difficulty

From Jeokmyeolbogung, a relatively gentle uphill climb continues along the ridge to Birobong Peak. Passing through a yew tree colony, enjoy the beautiful snow blossoms in winter and cool alpine forest path in summer. A 360-degree panoramic view is available from the summit of Birobong (1,563m).

From the summit of Birobong Peak, you can witness the spectacular circular embrace of Sangwangbong Peak, Horyeongbong Peak, Durobong Peak, and Dongdaesan Mountain. On clear days, Seoraksan National Park is visible.
4
Birobong Peak → Return to starting point
Approx. 3.5km 1 hr 20 min Descent
Difficulty

Descend back to the starting point via the path you ascended, heading towards Jeokmyeolbogung → Jungdaesajaam → Sangwonsa. During the descent, you can once again enjoy the view of the Odaecheon Valley from Jungdaesajaam.

Caution: steep, slippery stairs when descending the section between Jeokmyeolbogung and Jungdaesajaam. Trekking poles are essential. Crampons required in winter.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (non-slip)
  • Trekking poles
  • Windproof jacket
  • Winter: Crampons + winter clothing essential

Food & Hydration

  • Carry 1.2L or more of water
  • Energy bar, packed lunch
  • Water fountain near Sangwonsa Temple
  • Winter thermos for hot beverages

Winter snow flower hiking

  • Birobong Peak snow blossoms are at their peak from December to February
  • Crampons required for all sections
  • Summit feels like -20°C or below
  • Winter gloves, hat, and hot packs are essential

Safety Rules

  • Caution: steep slope between Jeokmyeolbogung and Birobong
  • Strictly observe mountain entry control times
  • Caution when moving on the summit during strong winds
  • Solo hiking is not recommended

Spring azaleas

  • Birobong Peak azaleas peak in late May.
  • Azalea colony between Jeokmyeolbogung and Birobong
  • Spectacular scenery continuing to Sangwangbong Ridge
  • Peak crowds in spring — early start recommended

Transportation Information

  • Dongseoul → Jinbu Intercity Bus
  • Jinbu → Odaesan National Park Entrance Bus
  • Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot (paid, 4,000 won)
  • Odaesan National Park 033-332-6417

Sangwonsa Temple·Birobong Peak Course Map

Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot PSangwonsa Temple (National Treasure Bronze Bell)Jungdaesajaam HermitageJeokmyeolbogung 1,400mBirobong Peak1,563m ★Sangwonsa Temple Return PYew tree habitatNAscent routeDescent Route
All Checkpoints
1
Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot Departure
Elevation 970m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking · Restroom · Ticket office
2
Sangwonsa Temple Temple
Elevation 980m Cumulative 0.5km
Amenities: National Treasure Bronze Bell·Restroom
3
Jungdaesajaam Hermitage Temple
Elevation 1,130m Cumulative 1.3km
Amenities: Rest Area·Viewpoint
4
Jeokmyeolbogung Holy Site
Elevation 1,400m Cumulative 2.1km
Amenities: Enshrinement of Buddha's Sarira, Views
5
Birobong Peak Summit Summit
Elevation 1,563m Cumulative 3.5km
Amenities: Summit marker · 360-degree view
6
Return to Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot Terminus
Elevation 970m Cumulative 7.0km
Amenities: Parking · Restaurant
Advanced Course Overview
5 Peaks Loop ~26km
Duration 8~10h
Birobong Peak Summit 1,563m
Cumulative Elevation Change 1,400m
Estimated Calories ~3,200
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Odae 5 Peaks Circuit (Starting from Sangwonsa Temple)

Sangwonsa Temple 970mBirobong Peak 1,563mSangwangbong Peak 1,491mDuryeong PassDurobong PeakDongdaesan Mountain 1,434mSangwonsa Temple (Dongpigol)Birobong Peak sectionDongdaesan Mountain Section
Overall Course Flow
Sangwonsa Temple→Birobong Peak 1,563m→Sangwangbong Peak 1,491m→Duryeong Pass→Durobong Peak 1,422m→Sinseonmogi→Chadolbaegi→Dongdaesan Mountain 1,434m→Dongpigol Valley→ Return to Sangwonsa Temple

Course Features

  • Circuit hike connecting Odaesan National Park's 5 major peaks: Birobong Peak, Horyeongbong Peak, Sangwangbong Peak, Durobong Peak, and Dongdaesan Mountain
  • Total 26km completed in one day OR loop hike with vehicle retrieval at Sangwonsa Temple
  • Duryeong Pass · Sinseonmogi Ridge — passes through the core section of Baekdudaegan's Odaesan National Park
  • Descent from Dongdaesan Mountain via Dongpigol Valley → Seonjaegil Trail allows return to Sangwonsa Temple
  • 26km long-distance — Must depart Sangwonsa Temple between 5-6 AM
  • The section from Durobong Peak to Dongdaesan Mountain is rarely traveled and the path is rugged — a team hike of 3 or more people is recommended.
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Sangwonsa Temple at dawn
970m above sea level Recommended departure 5-6 AM

The Odae 5 Peaks Loop is a 26km long-distance hike. If returning via Seonjaegil from Dongpigol, park your vehicle at Sangwonsa Temple or Woljeongsa Temple. A pre-dawn start between 5-6 AM is essential.

Save the course in a GPS app (Ramblr, Trangle) in advance. Signposts are rare on the Durobong Peak ~ Dongdaesan Mountain section, so there is a risk of getting lost without GPS.
Solo hiking is strictly prohibited. There is a 26km ridge section where helicopter rescue is the only means of escape in case of distress.
1
Sangwonsa Temple → Birobong Peak (Intermediate Section)
Approx. 3.5km 1 hr 40 min Elevation ↑593m
Difficulty

Same as the Intermediate Course. Sangwonsa Temple → Jungdaesajaam Hermitage → Jeokmyeolbogung Shrine → Birobong Peak. After a sufficient meal and energy replenishment at Birobong Peak, proceed east towards Sangwangbong Peak.

Headlamp is essential for early morning departures. The Birobong Peak sunrise is the best experience on this course. Arriving at the summit between 6 and 7 AM offers a spectacular view.
2
Birobong Peak → Horyeongbong Peak → Sangwangbong Peak
Approx. 4.5km 1 hr 40 min Ridge traverse
Difficulty

Continue along the ridge from Birobong Peak, passing Horyeongbong Peak (1,561m) to Sangwangbong Peak (1,491m). Horyeongbong Peak is, along with Birobong Peak, the highest peak in Odaesan National Park (1,561m) and offers outstanding views. Begin the descent towards Duryeong Pass from Sangwangbong Peak.

Horyeongbong Peak is a short round trip from the ridge with no separate trail. It is one of the best scenic points in Odaesan National Park. Be sure to visit.
3
Sangwangbong Peak → Duryeong Pass → Durobong Peak
Approx. 5.5km 2 hr 30 min Baekdudaegan section
Difficulty

From Sangwangbong Peak, follow the Baekdudaegan ridge via Duryeong Pass to Durobong Peak (1,422m). This is a sparsely populated section where wild animals (wild boars, Asiatic black bears) may appear. Durobong Peak is a certified Baekdudaegan peak.

An escape route (towards Anseong or Gucheondong) exists at Duryeong Pass. Consider escaping if you experience physical difficulties. The section after Durobong Peak is a point of no return.
4
Durobong Peak → Sinseonmogi → Chadolbaegi → Dongdaesan Mountain
Approx. 7.0km 2 hr 30 min Highest difficulty section
Difficulty

This is the most challenging section, from Durobong Peak, passing Sinseonmogi (ridge saddle) and Chadolbaegi, to Dongdaesan Mountain (1,434m). It is a ridge deep in the forest with wide intervals between signposts. From the summit of Dongdaesan Mountain, you can view the entire ridge of Odaesan National Park.

Chadolbaegi is named after its white 'chadol' (quartzite) rock formations. It's a point to appreciate unique rock formations.
5
Dongdaesan Mountain → Dongpigol Valley → Seonjaegil Trail → Sangwonsa Temple Return
Approx. 5.5km 1 hr 40 min Descent
Difficulty

Descend from Dongdaesan Mountain to Dongpigol Valley (upper reaches of Odaecheon Stream). From Dongpigol Valley, follow Seonjaegil Trail towards Sangwonsa Temple to complete the return to the starting point. Relieve hiking fatigue while listening to the clear water of Dongpigol Valley.

The Dongpigol Valley descent trail is steep. Knee pads are recommended. After connecting to Seonjaegil Trail, it's a 2.7km flat section along Odaecheon Stream to Sangwonsa Temple.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (waterproof, ankle support)
  • 2 trekking poles
  • Knee braces (both)
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Winter: Crampons + winter clothing + hot packs

Food & Hydration

  • Carry 2.5L or more of water
  • Energy bars, packed lunches for 2 meals
  • Caution with drinking water in Dongpigol Valley (verify potability)
  • After arriving at Sangwonsa Temple, head to a restaurant in Jinbu-myeon

Navigation

  • GPS app required (Ramblr, SanGilSaem)
  • Signposts are sparse between Durobong Peak and Dongdaesan Mountain
  • Download GPX file in advance
  • Battery pack essential (for extended use)

Safety Rules

  • Depart at 5-6 AM (early morning)
  • Team hiking with 3 or more people required
  • Familiarize yourself with the Duryeong Pass escape route
  • Asiatic black bear habitat section — maintain noise

Physical Preparation

  • Intermediate course experience 10+ times
  • Long-distance training over 20km
  • Knee and ankle strengthening exercises
  • Get enough sleep and hydration the day before

Ecological Information

  • Asiatic black bear habitat (Odaesan National Park restoration)
  • Lenok and goral habitat protection area
  • No cooking or camping allowed
  • Odaesan National Park: Korea's First Carbon Neutral National Park

Odae 5 Peaks Loop Course Map

Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot PBirobong Peak 1,563mHoryeongbong Peak 1,561mSangwangbong Peak 1,491mDuryeong Pass Escape Route ↓Durobong Peak 1,422mSinseonmogiChadolbaegiDongdaesan Mountain 1,434mDongpigol Valley → Seonjaegil Trail ReturnN5 Peaks Loop Main RidgeReturn via Seonjaegil Trail (Dongpigol ~ Sangwonsa Temple)
All Checkpoints (Loop Hike)
1
Sangwonsa Temple Parking Lot Departure
Elevation 970m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking · Restroom
2
Jeokmyeolbogung Holy Site
Elevation 1,400m Cumulative 2.1km
Amenities: Enshrinement of Buddha's Sarira
3
Birobong Peak Summit ★
Elevation 1,563m Cumulative 3.5km
Amenities: Summit marker · 360-degree view
4
Horyeongbong Peak Peak
Elevation 1,561m Cumulative 5.5km
Amenities: Viewpoint
5
Sangwangbong Peak Peak
Elevation 1,491m Cumulative 8.0km
Amenities: Summit marker · View
6
Duryeong Pass Escape possible
Elevation 1,320m Cumulative 11.0km
Amenities: Fork signpost
7
Durobong Peak Peak
Elevation 1,422m Cumulative 13.0km
Amenities: Baekdudaegan Certification
8
Sinseonmogi Saddle
Elevation 1,290m Cumulative 15.0km
Amenities: —
9
Chadolbaegi Terrain
Elevation 1,350m Cumulative 17.0km
Amenities: Quartzite Geological Attraction
10
Dongdaesan Mountain Peak
Elevation 1,434m Cumulative 20.5km
Amenities: Summit marker · View
11
Dongpigol Valley Valley
Elevation 780m Cumulative 23.0km
Amenities: Odaecheon Valley
12
Sangwonsa Temple (Seonjaegil Trail return) Terminus
Elevation 970m Cumulative ~26km
Amenities: Parking · Restaurant

Odaesan National Park's Four Seasons & Attractions