Bangtaesan 1,446m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its high and rugged surrounding peaks, including Gachilbong Peak (1,241.1 m), Eungboksan (1,156 m), Guryongdeokbong Peak (1,389 m), and Jugeokbong Peak (1,444 m), and for its dense primeval woodlands, regarded as one of the largest natural forests in Korea. It is ecologically rich with rare plants and fish species and is noted in the prophetic text Jeonggamnok as a secluded haven during national turmoil. It is also well-known for its natural recreation forest, Jeokgarigol Valley with the 10 m-high Yipokpo Falls and 3 m-high Jeopokpo Falls, and the Bangdong and Gaein mineral springs.

About Bangtaesan

This mountain provides an ideal habitat for plant life. Covered in deep soil like Goraetjae Pass, this gentle, earthen mountain resembles a living showcase of flora with bush clover, Korean trifoliate maple, pine, wild cherry, rhododendron, as well as ferns, ostrich ferns, umbrella plants, Fischer's ragwort, Korean chive, fawn lilies, broadleaf trillium, barren strawberries, and solitary windflowers.

On the northern slopes of the broad, horse-back-like ridge lie scenic sanctuaries known as Jeokgari and Achimgari. In the inner sanctuary of Jeokgari, shaped like an abalone shell enclosed by Yipokpo and Jeopokpo Falls, a flat plateau unfolds. The bow-curved valley of Achimgari is virtually inaccessible except via the mountain pass behind Bangdong Mineral Spring.

To the south, the winding Naerincheon Stream laps the foot of the mountain. The funnel-shaped Eoduuni Valley remains dim and shadowy even years after past logging ceased. The clear waters emerging from this dense canopy flow into Naerincheon Stream, twisting west, turning north, and continuing southwest to create the historic eight remote settlements known as the '3-Dun and 5-Gar.' Though not dramatically rugged, it is a profoundly serene and life-sustaining mountain with pristine waters.

Featuring Korea's largest natural recreation forest by area, Bangtaesan sits on the border of Inje-gun and Hongcheon-gun. Thanks to its remote location, it preserves pristine, unpolluted valleys.

Stepping into this untouched forest, it is hard to believe it is only a few hours away from urban centers. Looking up through the dense canopy while resting among the trees, one can truly sense the immense depth of a forest that barely lets a single ray of sunlight through.

Public transport

The transit hub is Hongcheon. Local buses bound for Hyeon-ri (near Jeokgari) run 15 times daily, with express buses departing every hour. To reach Misan-ri, disembark at Sangnam midway and take a taxi. When using Saldun as the trailhead, take a bus bound for Nae-myeon (8 express, 4 local daily). Buses to Hongcheon run 52 times daily from Dong Seoul Terminal and 41 times from Sangbong Terminal. Intercity buses to Hongcheon also depart from Busan, Ulsan, Pohang, Daegu, Andong, Daejeon, Jeonju, Incheon, Suwon, Ansan, Goyang, and Uijeongbu.