Samaksan 656m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its historic significance, encompassing Deungseon Valley formed in ancient times and ruins of a mountain fortress from the Maekguk era, its beautiful landscape of fantastical rocks, and its fine vantage point overlooking Uiamho Lake and the Bukhangang River. The gorge and Deungseonpokpo Falls at the entrance to the southern valley are particularly famous, and there are seven temples on the mountain, including Heungguksa Temple, Geumseonsa Temple, and Sangwonsa Temple.

About Samaksan

Samaksan is a peak connected to Deungseonbong Peak and Cheongunbong Peak. As a signature mountain in Gangchon standing as an independent massif, it is a favored day-hiking destination due to easy accessibility. Hikers can begin at the waterfall trail between sheer cliffs past the Deungseonpokpo Falls ticket office, which evokes a massive fortress, or start from the Uiam Dam ticket office. The waterfall path features iron stairs that allow hikers to view the grand waterfall up close while ascending in warm sunlight. In contrast, the Uiam Dam route is a scenic rocky trail flanked by pristine old pines and striking rock formations.

Standing on the rocky ridge at the summit of Samaksan, Hwaaksan (1468.3m) appears to the northwest, followed to the right by the ridgeline of Bukbaesan (869.6m) and Gyegwansan (736m). To the northeast, Uiamho Lake embracing the Bukhangang River and Soyanggang River spreads beneath one's feet, along with views of Yonghwasan (877.8m) and Obongsan (777.9m).

Samaksan is a renowned mountain whose branch diverges eastward from beneath Baegunsan in Pocheon along the Hanbukjeongmaek Ridge, continues through Seongnyongsan, Hwaaksan, and Gyegwansan, and rises past Seokparyeong Pass—once the gateway overland to Chuncheon—to carve out the Sinyeongang gorge.

Furthermore, the construction of Uiam Dam in the gorge formed a lake that beautifully reflects the mountain peaks in its waters. Ascending the valley from the ticket office reveals various falls including Deungseonpokpo, Biseonpokpo, Seunghakpokpo, and Baengnyeonpokpo. The ridges extending from the three summits—Yonghwabong, Cheongunbong, and Deungseonbong—form scenic rocky crests. The mountain is rich in grotesque rocks, dense with pine and oak forests, and showcases exceptional valley scenery. There are three trailheads for Samaksan: Deungseonpokpo Falls, Sangwonsa Temple, and across the bridge from Gangchon Station. While most hikers start from Deungseonpokpo Falls, beginning at the Sangwonsa Temple entrance near Uiam Dam and descending toward Deungseonpokpo Falls is recommended.

Public transport

The starting point is Gangchon Station. Trains bound for Gangchon can be taken from Cheongnyangni Station.

- Mugunghwa train service: Cheongnyangni Station → Gangchon Station

- Buses run every 20 minutes: Gangchon Station → Samaksan, Deungseonpokpo Falls