[Joyongjun's Travel Journey] This Mountain Is Fun~ Dynamic and Thrilling Palbongsan

The Majestic Presence of a 327m High Mountain
Eight Peaks Rising by the Hongcheon River, Palbongsan
One of the Top 100 Famous Mountains Selected by the Korea Forest Service
Breathtaking View of the Meandering Hongcheon River from the Third Peak

From the summit of 3bong, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Hongcheon River winding around the mountains and the overlapping mountain ranges.

Hongcheon Palbongsan is a mountain located roughly in the middle of the Hongcheon River. It is called Palbongsan because eight peaks, large and small, rise like brothers. With an elevation of 327 meters, it is not very high. Even hiking beginners might think, 'Oh, this is easy,' and underestimate it. However, the process of climbing the mountain is not that simple. The peaks are close together, requiring repeated ascents and descents. The problem is that the rugged rocky peaks hide dangers in many places. The reward for the tough hike is the spectacular view of the Hongcheon River winding around the mountain and the layered mountain scenery. The Korea Forest Service also selected Palbongsan as one of the '100 Famous Mountains' due to its beautiful appearance. Starting from the easternmost 1st peak and moving westward to the 8th peak, it is quite enjoyable to find each peak in order and take commemorative photos. Life is said to be a series of hardships. Climbing up and down the eight peaks, one can feel the joys and sorrows of life. At the gateway to autumn, let's head to Palbongsan, where you can feel a modest but high satisfaction.

When you enter Palbongsan Recreation Area along the Hongcheon River, the eight peaks clearly unfold before your eyes. This is Palbongsan. Its old name was Gammulaksan. 'Gammul' means spirit, so it was called Gammulaksan, meaning 'a rugged mountain inhabited by spirits,' but at some unknown point, it came to be called Palbongsan.

The Hongcheon River flows gently below the mountain. You might think, 'The mountain isn't high, and since you just follow the ridge from the 1st to the 8th peak, it won't be hard.' Starting from the parking lot, cross Palbong Bridge and head to the ticket booth at the end of the bridge. The hike begins at the ticket booth.

The hiking trail on Palbongsan is very simple. There is only one path going up to the 1st peak. It is essentially a one-way route. The descent path goes between the 2nd and 3rd peaks, between the 5th and 6th peaks, between the 7th and 8th peaks, and continues beyond the 8th peak. Since the hike doesn't take long, most people descend after passing all eight peaks. However, the guide recommends descending between the 7th and 8th peaks, indicating that the 8th peak and the descent path are quite rugged.

Tighten your hiking boots and climb the stairs. The steep ascent starts right away. Your legs feel the strain immediately. After climbing the stairs for about five minutes, the mountain trail appears. You walk on with the hope that it won't be so hard from now on. But it doesn't take long for that hope to turn into disappointment. The uphill remains steep.

About 40 minutes after starting the hike, you arrive below the 1st peak. Since the mountain is low, it doesn't take long to reach the summit. However, you need to stop occasionally to catch your breath. Especially just before the 1st peak summit, you must climb a rugged rocky peak. You have to grab a rope and climb the vertical rock, which gives a thrilling sensation. This section is heavily congested on holidays. Tense hikers carefully hold the rope and move forward.

Scenery of the Hongcheon River as seen from 5bong

Palbongsan is a rocky peak with many difficult routes scattered throughout. The hike is filled with tension as you climb while holding onto ropes or follow iron stairs.

From the 1st peak, the eight peaks spread out behind you. The Hongcheon River winds below the mountain. The perfect harmony of river and mountain looks like an oriental painting. Each peak is close to the next, so the next destination is clearly visible. The journey ahead feels long.

You descend the rocky peak, walk the trail, and climb another rocky peak. A vertical cliff blocks the path. This means you are close to the 2nd peak. There are footholds and ropes installed on the cliff. At the summit, there is a small shrine called Sambuidang. It enshrines three ladies from the Lee, Kim, and Hong families. Since about 400 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty under King Seonjo, local people around Palbongsan have performed rituals here to pray for village peace, a good harvest, and to ward off misfortune.

The path to the 3rd peak, said to be the most beautiful among Palbongsan's peaks, is also not easy. The peaks are close together, requiring repeated ascents and descents. The problem is the rugged rocky peaks hiding dangers everywhere. You carefully descend in a precarious posture, only to be blocked repeatedly by vertical rocks. Without the metal ladders installed on the rocky peaks for safety, Palbongsan would be impossible to climb.

Breathless, you stand on the 3rd peak summit. The river winding around the mountain is even clearer. You sit on the rocky peak for a long time, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Hikers take photos for each other, capturing their best shots.

Hikers passing through Haesangul Cave

There is still a long way to go. With five peaks left, you quickly descend from the 3rd peak. The 4th peak offers small pleasures. There is a very narrow rock cave called Haesangul. It is named so because passing through this rock crevice is said to be as painful as childbirth. From above, it unmistakably looks like a baby coming out of a mother's body. There is a legend that passing through the rock crevice multiple times brings longevity, so it is also called 'Jangsugul' (Longevity Cave). It is so popular that on weekends, a long line forms in front of Haesangul. To enjoy the fun of passing through, you have to patiently wait in line. There is no need to worry about passing through, as there is a well-maintained detour.

You have completed half of the hike. However, the remaining 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th peaks are much more dangerous and challenging. The rocky peaks rise vertically, and there are many places where it is difficult to find footholds. You have to climb over rocks that can hardly be called paths. Descending cliffs between the 6th and 7th peaks while relying on ropes resembles military training. Although safety facilities are installed in dangerous places, a moment's carelessness can easily lead to accidents.

Just because the mountain is low doesn't mean it is easy. You fully realize the saying, 'A mountain where you blindly climb, sighing and regretting as you cross the peaks.'

View of the 3rd Peak from the 2nd Peak

When your energy is depleted and your legs weaken, you stand before the last 8th peak. It is also a moment of hesitation. Your eyes naturally fall on the warning sign below the cliff. It states that the 8th peak is the most rugged and accident-prone section, and hikers with little experience or weak stamina should descend here. You hesitate for a moment, but thinking about how hard you have come so far, you feel a stubborn determination not to give up.

The path up to the 8th peak is steep but not much different from the other peaks. Handrails and footholds are installed, making it easier than expected. Without sufficient safety facilities, beginners would not even dare to try. Extra caution is needed when descending. Although there are safety features like steep metal footholds and ropes, the tension reaches its peak.

When you go down 8 bongs, the path continues along the Hongcheon River to the ticket office.

Below the iron stairs, the Hongcheon River begins to appear. The eight peaks you have struggled to overcome come to mind one by one. Below the 8th peak is a riverside path. Trekking leisurely along the Hongcheon River back to the ticket booth where you started feels natural. After the tough hike, the cool river breeze cools your sweat, making you feel refreshed and invigorated. If you take photos and enjoy the scenery, about 3 hours and 30 minutes is sufficient for the hike.

◆Travel Notes

▲Getting There=If coming from the Seoul metropolitan area, take the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway toward Chuncheon. Exit at Namchuncheon IC, head toward Namchuncheon Vivaldi Park, and at Gwangpan Samgeori, go toward Yangpyeong to reach Palbongsan Recreation Area. Navigation systems direct you to Palbongsan and guide you to the recreation area parking lot. Parking is free. The recreation area also has a popular camping site available on a first-come, first-served basis for day use.

▲Attractions=There are Sutasa Temple on Gongjak Mountain, Mugunghwa Theme Park, Vivaldi Park, Alpaca World, Sambong Mineral Spring, Garyeong Waterfall, Baebawi Canoe Village, and more. Especially in October, the Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest opens for about a month.