Yonghwasan 878m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its beautiful scenery and excellent views combining dense forests and bizarre rock formations, situated adjacent to Paroho Lake, Chuncheonho Lake, and Soyangho Lake. It is also well-known for the site of Seongbulsa Temple and various lifelike rock formations steeped in legends, such as Gwangbawi Rock, Jujeonjabawi Rock, and Badukbawi Rock.

About Yonghwasan

Yonghwasan is a rocky mountain rising along the border between Sabuk-myeon in Chuncheon-si and Hanam-myeon in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, serving as a natural fortress surrounded by Chuncheon's Uiam Dam, Soyang Dam, Chuncheon Dam, and Hwacheon Dam. Entering Yonghwasan through Yangtonggol Valley in Goseong 2-ri, the usual trailhead, rock peaks are the first sight to catch the eye. Rocky cliffs face Chuncheon-si, and the rugged rock formations around Manjangbong Peak, descending west from the summit—along with distinct rocks such as Saenambawi (named because it resembles a flying bird), Haneulbyeok Chotdaebawi Rock, Cheungcheungbawi Rock, and Deungnambawi Rock—are considered the pinnacle of Yonghwasan. In particular, the view of Haneulbyeok Chotdaebawi Rock from the broad rock of Manjangbong Peak, framed by old pine trees, is outstanding. A rock climbing route was established on Manjangbong Peak in 1976 and is still regularly frequented by climbers.

From the rocky ridge between Manjangbong Peak and the summit, Chuncheon's mountain ranges are clearly visible. Approaching the summit, hikers can see the peaks of Daeryongsan (899.3m) and Samaksan (655.8m), as well as Bukbaesan and Gadeoksan extending northwest from Samaksan, and Satgatbong Peak and Eungbong Peak to the west. In addition, traces of about 10 mountain passes that once served as fortress gates for the ancient state of Maekguk in the Chuncheon area—including Baehuryeong, Seongbullyeong, Sayaryeong, Keungogae, and Moraejae—remain on Yonghwasan.

Standing at 878m above sea level, Yonghwasan spans across Yuchon-ri in Gandong-myeon, Samhwa-ri and Georye-ri in Hanam-myeon, and Gotan-ri in Sabuk-myeon, Chuncheon-si. It is situated at the center of Paroho Lake to the north, Chuncheonho Lake to the west, and Soyangho Lake to the south.

Between the ridge of Yonghwasan and Obongsan lies a pass named Seongbullyeong, which is the site of the former Seongbulsa Temple. Since ancient times, the evening bell of Seongbulsa Temple, the mist and clouds of Yonghwasan, the bizarre rocks, the clear waters of Woncheon-ri Valley, the bright moon over Buyongsan, the autumn leaves of Jungnyeopsan, and the fish of Guunso have been celebrated as the Eight Scenic Views. The mountain features strikingly lifelike rock formations such as Gwangbawi Rock, Simbawi Rock, Kkokjibawi Rock, Jujeonjabawi Rock, Magwihalmibawi Rock, and Badukbawi Rock.

Public transport

Chuncheon is the primary starting point.

Because bus services are infrequent, taking a taxi is an option, taking around 35 minutes.

- Chuncheon Hupyeong-dong → Goseong 2-ri Yangtong Intersection: 5 times daily

- Goseong 2-ri Yangtong Intersection → Chuncheon: 5 times daily

- Chuncheon City Bus No. 37 → Gotan: 6 times daily

- Hwacheon City Bus → Georye-ri via Samhwa-ri: 4 times daily