韓国の絶景の山頂・トップ20

A stunning view from the summit of the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula. Despite the cold November weather, the summit was quite busy.

The highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula, offering correspondingly good views. The climb shouldn't be underestimated, and the temperature is quite cold and windy due to the high altitude. Snow can also linger at the summit for a long time.

Wonhyobong Peak (687m) is the highest peak in the east of Geumjeongsan Mountain. Like blooming apricot bathed in the light of the rising sun in the East Sea, it has a glamorous appearance as if embroidered with multiple hues. It is therefore called Wonhyobong Peak, meaning "the first of dawn". Located above the fourth lookout tower of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, it also serves as a lookout with panoramic views of the boundless East Sea. A story handed down from Wonhyobong Peak tells of General Kim Yushin training the Hwarang (Silla's elite young military). The soldiers urinated on the rocks after standing at attention for a long time, then a Hwarang member planted a small pine tree on that spot. This pine tree boasted its freshness, overcoming rainstorms for many years, so people called the rock on which General Kim Yushin was standing "Kim Yushin Pine Rock". However, its exact location cannot be known.

Beautiful views up there. Easy to reach, just take bus 7 or 7-1 from Sokcho and disembark on the very last stop. The route does not require any special equipment as it's mostly gravel and stairs (with handrail). Leave your poles at home, even sturdy mountain shoes are not particularly necessary. The last part is quite steep, so bring decent fitness. I did this trail in summer which can be very warm. We came early (the first bus from Sokcho runs at ~6.30) and the ascent was in the shadow mostly. Would not recommend to come later in the day as the sun will roast you. As everywhere in Korea, there's an abundance of toilets, the last one before the ascent is clearly marked as such.

The Baekmudong to Cheonwangbong section has many stone steps, so shoes with good grip are essential.

There are restrooms along the way. As is typical in Korea: clean, tidy, and free to use.

Just before the summit, there's a guardhouse. Pass it and take the stairs 200 meters further toward the summit. From the summit, the skyscrapers of Busan don't look so tall anymore. :-)

You can only see it when the weather is good. If it's windy and rainy, you can't see anything because of the clouds and fog.