Palbongsan 328m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected because although the mountain is low and small in scale, its eight rocky peaks link together like eight brothers linking arms, and its scenery bordering the Hongcheon-gang River is beautiful. It is designated as a National Tourist Destination.

About Palbongsan

Palbongsan is a hill barely over 300 meters, hardly seeming like a mountain. Even so, it is more popular and famous than any other mountain with the same name. This is because all eight peaks are rocky, creating a dynamic and thrilling skyline like a circular saw blade.

Because of this, although it is a small mountain, most hikers fail to cross all eight peaks. Even with iron stairs and steel cables installed, many often give up and turn back before the final peak. It is a formidable mountain despite its small size.

Three sides of its foot are surrounded by the Hongcheon-gang River. The river water is deep blue, yet sandy banks stretch along the water's edge. It is akin to a viewing stone sitting in shallow water on a white-sand tray. There could hardly be a better place to enjoy both mountains and waters.

Across the river to the west, dense chestnut groves stand near the oxbow lake known as Neupdunji. Although many trees were cut down recently to build an auto campground, much of its old scenery remains, and patches of the old riverside path are still intact. Because of this famed mountain and sacred water, people visit in all seasons despite the inconvenient transportation past and present.

With a mountain terrain unfolding like a folding screen, its main ridge is beautiful enough to have long been called 'Sogeumgang' (Little Geumgangsan). In addition, the Hongcheon-gang River flows on both sides of the main ridge, offering unparalleled views from the summit, and visitors can also enjoy swimming in the river.

Palbongsan is widely known as a mountain that surprises hikers twice: first by its surprising beauty despite its low elevation, and second by its demanding trails lined with rugged rocky ridges once they start climbing.

Public transport

Buses operate from Hongcheon, but Chuncheon is more convenient as a starting point. Take a bus bound for Bangok (Seo-myeon) and get off at Eoyupo-ri.

- Chuncheon → Eoyupo-ri: Operates at 30-minute intervals