Course Flow
Elevation Profile
From Gapyeong Parking Lot to Hyeondeungsa Temple is a paved, gentle uphill climb. After Hyeondeungsa Temple, past Jeolgojae Pass to the summit, the path continues with forest trails and stairs. This is a relatively safe course that avoids rocky ridge sections.
Sectional Route Guide
Starting from the public parking lot, follow the gently sloping paved road past Iljumun Gate. The crape myrtle tree-lined path and the sound of the valley add to the refreshing atmosphere.
Slowly walk along the paved, gentle, and wide access road to Hyeondeungsa Temple, a thousand-year-old temple where the stupa of National Preceptor Bojo Jinul is located.
Past Hyeondeungsa Temple, ascend a somewhat steep stone staircase and wooden sleeper staircase forest path to Jeolgojae Pass, a junction on the main ridge.
Follow the main ridge, alternating between stairs and comfortable dirt paths, to reach Dongbong Peak, the highest point of Unaksan Mountain.
Preparation & Gear
- Hiking boots with good grip
- Around 1L of water
- Light windbreaker jacket
Recommended Points
Transportation
- Use Gapyeong Unaksan Public Parking Lot
- Use public transportation: Express Bus 1330-44 from Cheongnyangni.
- Transfer to Gapyeong bus at Cheongpyeong Station and Cheongpyeong Terminal
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
After departing from Pocheon Parking Lot, the trail to Mujichi Falls Observatory is relatively gentle, but the section climbing to Seobong Peak after the waterfall features steep inclines, iron stairs, and rocky ridges, requiring caution.
Sectional Route Guide
Starting from Hwahyeon-ri Parking Lot in Pocheon, you will walk along a gentle trail past the Hongnyongsa Temple site to Mujichi Falls Observatory.
Bypass the upper part of the waterfall and ascend a steep dirt slope, iron stairs, and rocky ridge climb to Sinseondae, an observation rock area.
After passing Seobong Peak Summit (935.5m), follow the ridge along the Gapyeong/Pocheon border and take the last wooden stairs to reach the highest peak, Dongbong Peak Summit (937.5m).
Gear
- Ridge-soled hiking boots
- Hiking gloves
- Around 1.2L of water
Caution
- Steep rock ridge after bypassing Mujichipokpo Waterfall
- Beware of falls due to fallen leaves and winter ice.
- Hiking boots with good grip are essential
Transportation/Operation
- Use Unakgwangjang Parking Lot in Hwahyeon-ri, Pocheon
- Take an intercity bus from Dongseoul Bus Terminal and get off at Unaksan Service Area.
- Descend via the same route when returning from the summit
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
After Nunseopbawi, the rocky ridge area truly begins. The sections around Mireukbawi and Byeongpungbawi observatories are rugged rock ridge trails with iron stakes, ropes, and steep iron stairs. Strong physical stamina and overcoming acrophobia are required.
Sectional Route Guide
After passing the suspension bridge entrance, walk up a steep dirt forest path to the Nunseopbawi Observatory, a uniquely shaped rock resembling an eave.
After passing Mireukbawi, a unique rock pillar, ascend the ridge section with steel stairs and staple-like iron footholds to the Byeongpungbawi Observatory, a vertical, massive cliff.
This is the Mangyeongdae section, the highlight of Unaksan Mountain's rock ridges. It is a very rugged rock cliff section, so carefully use ropes and carabiners to bypass/climb cautiously to reach Dongbong Peak, the highest point.
Essential Gear
- Specialized ridge shoes recommended
- Non-slip hiking gloves are essential
- Prepare to fold and store poles
- 1.5L or more of water
Hiking Tips
- Absolutely beware of overexertion
- One person per safety step
- Refrain from moving while taking photos
Warnings/Restrictions
- Use detour in case of ice or bad weather
- Detour strongly recommended for rocky ridge sections in winter
- Absolutely no entry without crampons