Baegunsan (Jeongseon) 884m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic beauty situated along the central Donggang River, its expansive viewpoints, and its designation as an ecological conservation area. The name Baegunsan originates from the white clouds that perpetually shroud its peaks. It is renowned for the Donggang River, which gathers the Odaecheon Stream (originating from Odaesan) and Joyanggang River before flowing into the Namhangang River, as well as the Baengnyong Cave (designated as Natural Monument No. 260 in 1979).

About Baegunsan (Jeongseon)

Baegunsan overlooks the Donggang River, an area once central to national debates over a planned dam project. It offers stunning views of dramatic incised meanders, and hikers can enjoy rafting before or after the trek.

The Yongga Ridge extending to the south and the Chiljongnyeong Ridge extending southwest appear to clutch the patchwork fields of Sodong Village and the pseudo-islands shaped by paleochannels across the river. The Yongga Ridge resembles a dog's foot, gradually lowering and narrowing before flattening at the end, while the Chiljongnyeong Ridge features six peaks jagged like glass shards atop a wall.

Standing at the summit, the sweeping meanders of the Donggang River unfold in full view. Hikers can see nearby peaks like Wantaeksan, Gogosan, Gyebong, and Gombong, as well as Hambaeksan in the distance.

However, because it is a limestone mountain, there are many sheer, cliff-like precipices. Known in local dialect as 'ppyeongdae,' these cliffs see occasional slipping accidents, requiring extra caution.

A prime vantage point looking across at Baegunsan is Goseongsanseong Fortress (425m) south of Sodong Village. This stone fortress, believed to have been built by the Goguryeo Kingdom, offers breathtaking views of the area and prompts wonder about why a fortress was constructed deep within such rugged mountain gorges.

Flanked by the Donggang River, Baegunsan carries an aura of primordial mystique and pristine natural beauty, with the river quietly winding deep within Gangwon-do's mountains. Perhaps because of this, hiking Baegunsan can feel like stepping into the realm of an immortal hermit.

A hike on Baegunsan requires crossing the Donggang River, both at the start and at the finish. Alternatively, hikers can descend from Chiljongnyeong Pass to Munhui Village without crossing water on foot, and instead take a boat down to Seobsae to enjoy both the mountain and the river. Nonetheless, starting the hike at Jeomjae Village is the most common route.

Public transport

Unlike its administrative jurisdiction, the practical trailheads start from Sindong-eup, Yeongwol-gun. Take the bus bound for Unchi-ri in front of Yemi Station and get off at the last stop, Jeomjae Ferry. The Taebaek Line train from Cheongnyangni runs to Yemi Station 5 times daily. For Sindong, take the direct bus bound for Taebaek from East Seoul Bus Terminal (11 times daily) or from Yeongwol (28 times daily). Buses connect to Yeongwol from Chuncheon, Wonju, Gangneung, Daegu, Incheon, Suwon, Seongnam, Uijeongbu, Ansan, Goyang, and Cheongju.