Best trails in Palgongsan National Park

Palgongsan - Birobong - Gwanbong (팔공산-비로봉-관봉) Palgongsan was designated as South Korea's 23rd national park in 2023 and is centered on the highest peak, Birobong (비로봉), with East and West Peaks on either side. Palgongsan has long been a center of Buddhist culture and is home to many temples like Donghwasa (동화사) and Eunhwasa (은화사). The highest peak, Birobong, has a Cheonjedan Shrine (천제단) where sacrifices were made to the heavens, while the second highest peak, Dongbong (동봉), has a...

Palgongsan Cable Car - Palongsan East Peak (팔공산 케이블카 - 팔공산 동봉) On this course, you can take the Palgongsan Cable Car (팔공산 케이블카) and hike up to East Peak/Dongbong (동봉), where you can get a great view. When you get off the cable car, there is a restaurant serving local Korean with outdoor seating where you can enjoy the mountain view while eating. There is also a famous Wish Rock (소원바위) and a walking path called Love Road in the Love Garden, where you can enjoy a light stroll. There are two...

Sutaegol Valley - Palgongsan Summit (수태골 - 팔공산 비로봉) It is a straightforward trail to the summit of Palgosan, starting from Sutaegol Valley (수태골), a popular trailhead of Palgongsan Mountain (팔공산). On this course, you will also stop by East Peak (동봉), which offers a great view. The trail from Sutaegol has a stream running alongside it, making it a great place to hike in the summer. At the beginning of Sutaegol, there is a huge rock wall that is popular with rock climbers. The trail mostly...

Palgongsan Loop (팔공산) Palgongsan was designated as South Korea's 23rd national park in 2023 and is centered on the highest peak, Birobong (비로봉), with East and West Peaks on either side. This trail starts from Sutaegol (수태골), which has a cool stream flowing down the mountain. Locals love this area during summer. The highest peak, Birobong, has a Cheonjedan Shrine (천제단), where sacrifices were made to the heavens.

Gwanamsa Temple - Gatbawi Rock (관암사 - 갓바위) This is a hiking trail that climbs to Gatbawi (갓바위), located at the top of Gwanbong Peak (관봉) on Palbongsan Mountain (팔공산). It is home to a large stone Buddha statue and is where many believers come to offer prayers. During the hike, you will pass by Gwanamsa Temple (관암사), and from here, there are the famous 1365 stone steps to the peak. There are rest areas along the way. You can start this course from the Gatbawi Information Center.

Donghwasa Temple - Yeombulam - Palgongsan Summit (동화사 - 염불암 - 팔공산 정상) This course passes by three temples, Donghwasa (동화사), Budoam (부도암), and Yeombulam (염불암), before heading to Birobong (비로봉), the summit of Palgongsan Mountain (팔공산). The largest of the three, Donghwasa Temple, is visited by many for its beautiful architecture and a giant Buddha statue. Yeombulam is a small hermitage with a serene atmosphere with two rock-carved seated Buddha statues. You can park at the Donghwasa Temple...

Palgongsan Gatbawi Rock (팔공산 갓바위) This is a hiking trail that climbs to Gatbawi (갓바위), located at the top of Gwanbong Peak (관봉) on Palbongsan Mountain (팔공산). It is home to a large stone Buddha statue and is where many believers come to offer prayers. During the hike, you will pass by temples such as Gwanamsa Temple (관암사) and Yongdeoksa Temple (용덕사). You will climb the famous 1365 stone steps on the way up to Gwanbong Peak. There are rest areas along the way. You can start this course from...

Palgongsan Birobong Peak's Shortest Trail (팔공산 비로봉 최단코스) This is the shortest route to Birobong Peak in Palgongsan Mountain, which offers spectacular views. You can start this route from the Palgonsan Sky Garden (팔공산 하늘정원) parking lot. However, if this parking lot is closed, you can use the parking lot near O-Eunsa Temple (오은사). Restrooms are only available in this parking lot. The trail starts with deck stairs, and you will pass Wonhyogul Cave (원효굴) on the way. Walking on forest roads,...

Palongsan East Peak - Yeombulbong - Donghwasa Temple (팔공산 동봉 - 염불봉 - 동화사) There are various routes to climb Palgongsan Mountain (팔공산), and you can start at the parking lot of Bonghwangmun Gate (봉황문), Donghwa Temple (동화사). Along the way, you will pass by the unique rock formations, rock-carved Buddha, and the Budoam Temple (부도암). There are many stairs on the trail, and the section from East Peak/Dongbong (동봉) to Yeombulbong (염불봉) is particularly rocky, so please take extra care.

Gasansanseong Fortress - Hanti Rest Stop - Donghwasa Temple (가산산성 - 한티휴게소 - 동화사) It is an interesting course that passes many peaks of Gasan (가산) and Palgonsan (팔공산) and temples. It starts from the parking lot at Jinnamun Gate (진남문) of Gasanseongseong Fortress (가산산성). There is a restroom at the trailhead. From the entrance, it's a steady climb to Gasanbawi Rock (가산바위) and continues up and down before the Hanti Rest Stop (한티휴게소). Hanti Rest Stop has a cafe, restrooms, and other amenities....