Gariwangsan 1,562m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its outstanding scenery—famed through the Eight Scenic Views of Gariwangsan—its climax broadleaf forest, and its renown as a nationwide habitat for wild edible greens. Located in the heart of the Baekdudaegan mountain range, it holds great scenic and ecological value with colonies of yew trees, designated as a Forest Genetic Resource Reserve and a Natural Recreation Forest. It is also the headwaters of the Odaecheon and Joyanggang rivers, which flow into the Donggang River, and is known for its limestone joint cave, the Ice Cave. The mountain's name originates from its resemblance to a large 'gari' (a stack of harvested rice or wood).

About Gariwangsan

The Roof of Jeongseon Where Jeongseon Arirang Flows

It is no exaggeration to say that Pyeongchang-gun and Jeongseon-gun in Gangwon-do are defined by rugged high mountain ranges centered around Gariwangsan, which serves as the roof of this region. Gariwangsan, the principal mountain of Jeongseon, was once called Galwangsan because King Gal sought refuge here during a time of upheaval, and came to be called Gariwangsan during the Japanese colonial period.

At Mahangchi Pass, the saddle between Sangbong Peak and Jungwangsan (1,381.4 m) to its west, stands Korea's only stone monument engraved with 'Gangneungbu Samsan Bongpyo' (boundary marker prohibiting ginseng harvesting by the Gangneung Magistrate). This indicates an area where wild ginseng harvesting was prohibited to commoners, revealing that Gariwangsan was a major source of wild ginseng during the Joseon Dynasty. Centered on Sangbong Peak, the massive mountain ridgeline extends gently southeast toward Jungbong Peak (1,436 m) and Habong Peak (1,381.7 m).

Gariwangsan acts as the roof of the Taebaek Mountains and is known for its gentle hiking trails. Along the ridges, various alpine trees such as yews, Korean pines, and maples thrive, along with abundant medicinal herbs such as wild ginseng.

A natural recreation forest with various amenities is established at the entrance of Hoedong-ri, and hiking the trail takes around 6 hours in total. It is designated and planned for development as a county park, and the entrance toward Sugam features a dense 4 km habitat of royal azaleas.

Public transport

Jangpyeong (Jangpyeong Intercity Bus Terminal ☎ 033-332-4209) and Jeongseon (Jeongseon Terminal ☎ 033-563-1094) serve as starting points.

At the Baekildong bus terminus in Haanmi 5-ri, Gapyeong Store (☎ 033-332-8622) can provide detailed information before departure.

- Jangpyeong → Haanmi-ri (bound for Gapyeong): Runs 5 times a day

- Jeongseon → Hoedong: Runs 8 times a day