Geumjeongsan 801m

A Day Hike Course for Busan Citizens

Easy Moderate Hard Silver grass Sea views Public transport

Geumjeongsan photo 1 — Photo: Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea-부산관광공사

Geumjeongsan photo 2 — Photo: Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea-부산관광공사

Geumjeongsan photo 3 — Photo: Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea-부산관광공사

Location: Geumjeong-gu and Buk-gu, Busan; Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Courses: 37 · 2 h 30 min – 6 h
Distance: 4.9 km – 15.2 km
Facilities: Toilets 42 · Parking 15
Managed by: Geumjeong-gu Office · 051-519-4000

Trail map

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its dense forests, relatively grand topography, and popularity as an urban retreat for citizens. Historically regarded as a mountain protecting the nation, it features the protective Beomeosa Temple and Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, one of Korea's five major mountain fortresses.

It forms the watershed between Nakdonggang River tributaries and Suyeonggang River, and is home to Geumgang Park and Seongjigok Park.

About Geumjeongsan

Geumjeongsan, the guardian mountain of the port city Busan, combines refreshing vistas, scenic fortress walls, and the historic Beomeosa Temple.

The name Geumjeongsan originates from a golden well at the mountain peak. Visited by countless Busan citizens, the mountain offers a splendid retreat with its high peaks and nearby leisure spots such as Dongnae Hot Springs, Geumgang Park, and Sanseong Resort.

It is home to numerous climbing rocks that have nurtured Busan climbers, including Byeongpungbawi Rock, Eunbyeok, and Daeryukbong Peak Crag. In addition, Geumjeongsanseong Fortress is relatively well-preserved, making it an excellent historical educational site.

Located 4 km north of Dongnae Hot Springs in Busan, part of the mountain spans into Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Along with the sea as a boundless treasury, the mountain foothills have served as the foundation of prosperous livelihoods, making it the mother mountain of Busan.

The gentle ridgelines descend smoothly without rugged sharpness. It features crags such as Godangbong Peak, Buchaebawi Rock, Nabibawi Rock, and Daeryukbong Peak. Eulalia grass fields dot the ridgelines, and panoramic vistas overlooking the Nakdonggang River and downtown Busan can be enjoyed from anywhere along the ridge.

Along the ridge connecting Godangbong Peak, Uisangbong Peak, Sanggyebong Peak, and the West Gate stands Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, the nation's largest natural stone fortress built in the 29th year of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty to defend against foreign invasions. The grand Beomeosa Temple and numerous hermitages sit on its eastern slope.

Alongside Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, and Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye, Beomeosa Temple is one of Korea's five major temples, preserving many historical Buddhist relics. Geumgang Park and Dongnae Hot Springs are nearby.

At the summit is a rock about 3 jang (approx. 9 m) high containing a spring with a circumference of about 10 cheok (approx. 3 m) and a depth of 7 chon (approx. 21 cm). Always filled with golden-tinted water that never runs dry even in droughts, it gave rise to the legend that a golden fish descended from heaven riding five-colored clouds to frolic in the well, which is said to be the origin of the mountain's name.

Courses recommended by the Korea Forest Service

Hopo → Godangbong Peak → North Gate → Jeongsuam Hermitage → Geumseong-dong 3 h 5 min
Oesong-ri, Yangsan → Geumnyunsa Temple → Janggunbong Peak → Godangbong Peak → North Gate → Beomeosa Temple 3 h 30 min
Dusil Station → Hoeryongam Hermitage → Uisangbong Peak → Wonhyobong Peak → Godangbong Peak → Mireukbul Marker Stone → Beomeosa Temple 3 h 20 min

Public transport

The starting point is accessible via Busan subway stations.

To reach Beomeosa Temple, take Bus 90 from the Samsin Transportation terminus, located about a 5-minute walk from Exit 5 of Beomeosa Station. To reach Geumgang Park, located 15 minutes from Oncheonjang Station, take Bus 8 or Sanseong Bus 203.

Food, lodging & more (Korea Forest Service data, may change)

● Lodging and Dining Information

Accommodations are available in Sanseong Village, or visitors may stay at Dongnae Hot Springs.

Beomeojang Inn ☎ 051-508-5805

Heosimcheong Spa ☎ 051-555-1121

Sanseongjip ☎ 051-517-7900

● Inquiries

Geumjeong-gu Office ☎ 051-514-5501

Nearby attractions

Times and difficulty are estimates from GPS tracks. Before you go, check the weather, sunset time and any trail closures. Course tracks recorded: 2022-01-06

Text on this page was translated automatically from Korean public data. Place names follow the Revised Romanization; signs on the trail are in Korean.

Data: Korea Forest Service and Korea Hiking & Trekking Support Center (Public Data Portal). Course times and difficulty are estimates from GPS tracks (2022).