Geumsusan 1,016m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its location at the northern end of Woraksan National Park, its lush pine forests, and scenic clear streams. It is particularly famous for royal azaleas in spring and colorful leaves in autumn, and is home to Neunggang Valley and Eoreumgol Valley. The summit offers panoramic views of the grand Sobaeksan ridge and Chungjuho Lake.

About Geumsusan

Geumsusan (1,015.8m) boasts beautiful mountain topography, deep valleys, and scenic rocky cliffs that attract hikers throughout the four seasons. It displays beauty in every season, from lush greenery that looks like laid silk, clear flowing streams, cascading waterfalls pouring into stone basins, to seasonal flowers, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes. Geumsusan was originally called Baegunsan. It is said that Toegye Yi Hwang, who served as the magistrate of Danyang-gun, was captivated by its beauty and renamed it Geumsusan, meaning 'mountain as beautiful as embroidered silk.'

Bordering Cheongpungho Lake, Geumsusan features a relatively long ridge extending north toward downtown Jecheon and south to Malmoksan in Danyang. Several peaks measuring 700 to 800 meters above sea level lie along the main ridge, including Jakseongsan, Dongsan, and Malmoksan. Branch ridges extending to the west host striking peaks such as Jungbong, Sinseonbong, Jeoseungbong, and Mangdeokbong.

Geumsusan is shaped like embroidered silk, true to its name. Located at the northernmost point of Woraksan National Park, the mountain was originally called Baegaksan. During the mid-Joseon period, Toegye Yi Hwang marveled at the outstanding scenery during his time as the magistrate of Danyang-gun and renamed it Geumsusan. It is a scenic rocky mountain with exceptional autumn foliage, and a mysterious mountain where you can encounter winter even in spring.

In Eoreumgol Valley, ice forms until early April and does not melt until Cheoseo (late August); turning over rocks to a depth of about 30 cm reveals chestnut-sized ice chunks well into autumn, adding to its natural wonder. The main ridge of Geumsusan features a thrilling rocky crest reminiscent of shark teeth.

Halfway up the mountain, a spring steadily flows from rock crevices through drought and monsoon, quenching hikers' thirst. Walking entranced by the serene scenery at every step leads you to the summit. Looking down from the peak, the open mountain range and the blue waters of Chungjuho Lake blend together like delicate colors on Korean traditional paper.

Public transport

The starting point is Jecheon.

Buses to the Sangcheon-ri Chogyeongdong terminus depart from in front of Geumyong Apartment in Jecheon at 05:40, 06:40 (weekends/holidays only), 12:20, and 16:20.

Departures from terminus to Jecheon: 07:00, 13:40, 17:40. Jecheon to Danyang Sanghak Village: 06:30 to 19:40, runs at 1-hour intervals. Take the bus bound for Hajin, Jeokseong-myeon.