Birobong Peak

Fantastic view from Birobong Peak's trail

INtroduction

Birobong Peak is the highest point in Chiaksan National Park. It stands over 1,200 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views from the peak.

The hike to the summit is challenging and can take up to eight hours to complete. There are several rest stops along the route with a variety of amenities such as restrooms and benches for resting.

The challenging climb will reward hikers with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range and countryside. The hike is even more rewarding during the warmer months of April through October when colorful wildflowers are in full bloom.

Birobong Peak is a great place to get away from it all, so be sure to plan some time for yourself and experience all that this majestic peak has to offer!

Birobong Peak is an ideal spot for wildlife observation. The surrounding forests are home to a variety of species such as deer, boar, and even bears.

Hikers should take precautions when travelling in these areas, including following animal tracks and making noise during hikes to avoid startling any potential wildlife.

Birdwatchers will also be pleased - the peak is known to have many species of birds native to the area, including eagles and hawks.

The trails leading up to Birobong Peak are well-marked, making the hike accessible to everyone from experienced hikers to those looking for a leisurely stroll.

Pack plenty of water and snacks, as the peak sits at an elevation of over 4000 feet. The vistas from the top are breathtaking - visitors will be able to enjoy stunning views of the valley below and the mountain peaks beyond.

Birobong Peak is not only beautiful, but also incredibly rich in history. The peak has played an important role in Korean culture for centuries, as it was once home to a long-standing fort from the Joseon Dynasty. This historical significance has been recognized and preserved, making Birobong Peak an important cultural landmark in Korea.

Visiting Birobong Peak is sure to be a memorable experience for anyone looking for a break from their everyday lives. With its picturesque scenery and rich history, it is a place that will be sure to take your breath away.

So, make sure you plan a trip soon and get ready to explore all the beauty that Birobong Peak has to offer.

Thanks for reading about Birobong Peak! We hope this article has inspired you to visit this majestic peak and experience all that it has to offer.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, Birobong Peak is sure to provide the perfect escape. Don't forget to take lots of pictures so you can share your journey with family and friends!

Happy Exploring! :)

One of the waterfalls in Chiaksan National Park. Chiaksan National Park is a beautiful sight to behold! It is located in South Korea and offers a stunning landscape full of picturesque waterfalls, lush forests, and spectacular views.

birobong peak in chiaksan national park

Birobong Peak in Chiaksan National Park is one of the best destinations in Wonju. I am presuming that you can hike to get to the peak.

If not, you can just stay at the foot of the mountain or at the entrance of Chiaksan park to appreciate its beauty in the distance.

Birobong Peak, the highest one in Chiaksan, is approximately 1,288 meters high above sea level. On the top, one will have spectacular vistas of Wonju County and the surrounding areas of Gangwondo Province’s mountain ranges.

By the way, from Seoul, for example, you can get to Wonju City within two hours by bus or regular train, or faster by a bullet train.

There are buses from Wonju City to Chiaksan National Park, and you can also rent a car or book a private tour from either Seoul or Wonju.

Once you arrive at the peak, there is a beautiful and tranquil setting that will surely take your breath away. You can spend time relaxing on the grassland meadows or enjoy the views from natural overlooks.

The best time to visit is during spring, when colorful flowers begin to bloom and the temperature is just right for an enjoyable hiking experience. Even during winter, you can still enjoy a peaceful moment in nature surrounded by the white snow-covered mountains. Either way, it will be a memorable experience that you will never forget.

In addition to the natural beauty, Chiaksan National Park is also home to many local cultural attractions such as traditional temples and museums. These can provide a unique insight into the local culture and history of South Korea.

On top of that, there are plenty of outdoor activities for all ages, from trekking and rafting to camping and cycling, so you can have a truly unique experience!

So if you are looking for an adventurous getaway in South Korea, then Chiaksan National Park is the perfect destination. With its breathtaking views and many opportunities for exploration, it is sure to provide a memorable and enriching day out.

I made it to the peak, whew!

birobong peak's features

Above all, the peak of Birobong does not only have fantastic views of the surroundings and the beautiful peaks around it...

It has space safe enough for hikers (or climbers!) to rest and enjoy your energy-giving food and drinks.

Sansin (mountain god) Pagoda on Birobong Peak, one of the three stone pagodas

Ancient Koreans worship mountain gods (Sansin) as guardians of the land, and have done so for centuries. Many mountain peaks are considered sacred sites, each one with its own unique history.

In addition to their spiritual significance, mountains provide essential resources such as water and soil that help sustain the Korean people. To show their reverence for these powerful forces, Koreans often travel to sacred peaks for pilgrimages, where they make offerings to the mountain gods.

Today, these traditions are still practiced as an important part of Korean culture and a way to connect with nature.

Korean mountains also play an important role in the modern world. They provide a natural refuge from the bustling cities and can be great places for hiking, camping, and exploring.

In addition, many mountain parks across the country are managed by local governments to ensure that these natural resources remain protected for future generations.

Korea’s dynamic and diverse landscapes continue to be a source of great pride for the Korean people and an important part of their cultural identity. From extraordinary peaks to lush valleys and winding rivers, the land of Korea has something for everyone to enjoy.

As you explore the country and learn about its unique culture, take some time to appreciate the beauty of Korea’s majestic mountains.

It is easy to see why so many people are drawn to the majestic mountains of Korea. Whether climbing to the top of a peak and taking in the stunning views or simply enjoying an afternoon stroll through a peaceful valley, visitors can find something special when exploring the natural beauty of Korea’s mountain parks.

Many areas offer outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and biking, so you can take full advantage of the area’s natural beauty.

Photography is also great on top. The mountain peaks of its surrounding mountains give your photos fantastic touch as backgrounds. You will notice the gradation of colors which you can always observe in most pictures with such backgrounds.

The air is crisp. The breeze was cool and comforting. I heard some hikers say that wind could be strong that it blew away their paper cups filled up with ‘Makkeolli’ drink.

It was a great feeling to be on top of Birobong. It was an achievement and proud that I made it (that’s because I chose the challenging hiking course!).

Relaxing views on my way to the top of Birobong

I believe that most hiking courses or trails are great… because you will see lots of exciting and beautiful things--streams, rock formations, trees, squirrels, birds, among others.

I tracked this hiking course:

Guryong Information Center -- Guryongsa Temple -- Seryeom Falls -- Sadari Byeongchang (cliff) -- Birobong Peak

Dropping by Seryeom Falls on my way to Birobong Peak

If you ask if I did like it? Yes, I was happy with the course I took. I thought that the steps built on the steep climbs made it possible for me to accomplish the challenge.

If you decide to take this trail, ensure that you have enough liquids and snacks or food to replenish your strength. It was very challenging 3-kilometer climb from Seryeom Falls but very satisfying.

Steps help hikers/climbers go up

the story

Among many ancient stories and legends made about Birobong Peak in Chiaksan National Park, one of the interesting ones is that one inscribed on the peak.

The inscription goes…

Maitreya Buddha Stone Towers at Birobong Peak
The Maitreya Buddha Stone Pagoda erected at Birobong Peak in Chiaksan Mountain Park include the Yongwangtap Pagoda (north), Sansintap Pagoda (center), and Chilseongtap Pagoda (north). It is said that Yong Chang-jung (or Yong Jin-su), the owner of a bakery in Wonju, dreamt that a mountain god commanded him to build by himself three stone towers on the top of Birobong Peak within three years. Thus, Yong erected the five-story stone Pagodas from September 1962 to 1964. However, the pagodas collapsed due to unknown causes in 1967 and 1972 and were restored each time, since 1994, the pagodas have been demolished by lightning three times and restored by the Chiaksan National Park Office.

That’s a direct quotation from the inscription installed near the central pagoda.

Below is a raw video I took with my camera. I hope it helps me describe further the peak and the park...

getting to birobong peak

You have various choices of public transports when deciding to get to Wonju City. There are intercity buses and express buses available from various points in South Korea.

From Seoul, you can take a bus, train, taxi, or rent a car to get there. Here are some of your choices of transports…

Bus +
Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu) to Wonju Express Bus Terminal which will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Then from the Wonju Terminal, you can take a taxi (but a bit costly). Therefore, a bus could be an option.

A bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal is another option when going to Wonju City. Then take a taxi or bus to Chiaksan National Park.

Train +
You can take a train from Cheongnyangni Station to Wonju Station which will take more than an hour. From Wonju station, you can either take a taxi or bus (#41-1) to Chiaksan National Park.

where to stay in wonju

Wonju is the most populated city in Gangwon Province. It used to be the center of the province where the governor resided a long time ago.

Wonju City is a modern city with various public facilities, entertainment establishments, parks, museums, historic sites, educational institutions, shopping areas, and accommodation resources.

As a city, Wonju has modern buildings including hotels, motels, pension houses, room for rents, office buildings/rooms for rent, and other facilities either for sale or rent with various conditions and offers.

Agoda online booking is the chosen provider of this weblog because I know the hotels it offers to travelers, like you and me, are highly recommended by travelers who have been or stayed in those accommodations.

Sky Motel, Wonju City, Gangwondo

Yes, I trust that online booking site’s recommendations BECAUSE I have been using them and I never regretted, not once, for booking its hotels.

I am saying this not because I get something from it but because Agoda hotels offer international standards--safer, clean, friendly, nearby great places, cheaper rates, quick booking, among many positive points.

When I visited Wonju, I stayed at Sky Motel which is located close to the culture street (restaurants, entertainments, etc.) and the historic Gangwon Gamyeong (old office of Gangwon governor which is turned into a sightseeing garden with ponds and great to be explored during evening time).

That’s a long description, alright!

What I am saying is that I enjoyed my travel in Wonju and Birobong Peak because I rested well, and I know that I have a cozy room where I feel relaxed, safe, and well-attended.

Thanks for reading this page and I hope it helps your search.
Until your next visit to my site, please enjoy your travels always!