Obongsan 778m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic beauty where rocks and trees harmonize despite its modest scale, Obongsan derives its name from five consecutive rock peaks. It is famous for Guseong Falls and Cheongpyeongsa Temple, said to have been founded by monk Ado during the Silla Dynasty, as well as Treasure No. 164, Hoejeonmun Gate, located within the temple grounds.

About Obongsan

Blessed with outstanding peak and valley scenery, Obongsan is situated in a scenic spot overlooking Soyangho Lake to the south and Paroho Lake to the north. It is home to Cheongpyeongsa Temple, renowned for its Goryeo-era landscape design, and the uniquely named Hoejeonmun Gate (Revolving Gate). Located at 38 degrees north latitude, there are no further mountains open to hikers directly north of here. It brings together all the qualities of a celebrated mountain while sparking curiosity.

Starting from Baehuryeong Pass on National Route 46, which connects Chuncheon and Yanggu, makes the hike relatively easy. Hikers will not miss the mountain's core highlights: Peak 1 (Nahanbong), Peak 2 (Gwaneumbong), Peak 3 (Munsubong), Peak 4 (Bohyeonbong), and the summit, Birobong Peak. Descending into the scenic Seondong Valley, one can view Guseong Falls, said to produce nine distinct sounds, and visit Cheongpyeongsa Temple to see Treasure No. 164, the Hoejeonmun Gate. On the return to Chuncheon, enjoying a boat cruise on Soyangho Lake, often called an inland sea, makes the journey even better.

Not only the rocky ridge stretching from Peak 1 through Peak 5, but also the southern ridge is covered in rocks. Steel posts and iron cables are thoroughly installed along hazardous sections, yet hiking with the elderly or physically weak is discouraged. This is especially true during snowy winter conditions.

Named Obongsan because of its five jagged peaks jutting into the sky, it originally had a different name: Gyeongunsan.

Rising to 779 m on the border between Buksan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, and Gandong-myeon, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, Obongsan is named for its five peaks. Its dramatic rocky cliffs and ancient pine trees evoke a traditional landscape painting, and it preserves historic Cheongpyeongsa Temple.

Starting from Baehuryeong Pass, hikers encounter Peak 1 (Nahanbong), followed by Peak 2 (Gwaneumbong), Peak 3 (Munsubong), Peak 4 (Bohyeonbong), and the summit Peak 5 (Birobong Peak). Among these, the rocky ridge descending from the summit toward Cheongpyeongsa Temple offers especially spectacular views. Descending along this ridge while gazing out over Soyangho Lake is the true highlight of an Obongsan hike.

Public transport

The starting point is Chuncheon. From downtown, regular bus No. 11 and seat bus No. 12-1 run to Soyang Dam every 30 minutes, and passenger boats to Cheongpyeongsa Temple operate at similar intervals. From the intercity bus terminal, buses bound for Baehuryeong Pass run 14 times daily. Direct buses to Chuncheon depart every 15 minutes from Dong Seoul Terminal, 47 times daily from Sangbong Terminal, 14 times daily from Busan Central Bus Terminal, and Gyeongchun Line trains run 20 times daily. From regions outside Gangwon-do, buses are available from Daegu, Ulsan, Pohang, Andong, Jeonju, Daejeon, Onyang, Cheonan, Cheongju, Seongnam, Suwon, Ansan, Incheon, Goyang, and Uijeongbu.