This guide covers Chiaksan National Park hiking trails that’ll test your legs and reward you with a true Korean mountain experience, you’ve come to the right place. Chiaksan — tucked in Gangwon Province near the city of Wonju — is one of Korea’s most dramatic national parks, and its crown jewel, Birobong Peak, stands at an impressive 1,288 meters above sea level. This guide covers before you lace up your boots.
Contents
Quick Facts
| Altitude | 1,288m (Birobong Peak) |
|---|---|
| Distance (Guryongsa–Birobong Trail) | 5.7km one-way / 11.4km round-trip |
| Duration (Guryongsa–Birobong Trail) | 3 hours 30 mins one-way / 6 to 7 hours round-trip |
| Difficulty (Guryongsa–Birobong Trail) | Difficult |
| Trailhead | 구룡사 (Guryongsa Temple) |
| Transport | From Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal (원주 시외버스터미널), Take Bus No. 41, 41-1, or 41-2 to Guryongsa (구룡사) stop. Check Naver Map for current bus numbers and schedules. |
| Entrance Fee | Free (National Park entry) |
| Operating Hours & Seasonal Closures | Sunrise to sunset; night hiking prohibited. Spring: February 15 – May 15 / Autumn: November 15 – December 15, varying annually. |
Getting There
Chiaksan National Park is accessed via the city of Wonju in Gangwon Province, which is well connected to Seoul by express bus and KTX train. Once you’re in Wonju, the main trailhead — Guryongsa Temple (구룡사), is your starting point for the classic Birobong route.
Based on available information, you can take Bus No. 41 from Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal (원주 시외버스터미널) directly to the Guryongsa (구룡사) stop. However, bus schedules do change, so I recommend double-checking the current timetable before your trip. Here’s an important heads-up for international visitors: Google Maps doesn’t work reliably in South Korea. Instead, use Naver Map or KakaoMap, both are free and work brilliantly. To search for the trailhead, copy and paste this Korean text directly into either app: 구룡사. It will take you straight to Guryongsa Temple, your gateway into the park.
Trail Guide: Guryongsa to Birobong
The Guryongsa. Birobong (구룡사, 비로봉) trail is the signature route in Chiaksan National Park and the one most hikers come here to complete. The Korea National Park Service officially rates this trail as Difficult, and that rating is well-earned. Here’s what you need to know about the route:
- Trailhead: Guryongsa Temple (구룡사), a historic Buddhist temple that also offers cultural heritage viewing, a lovely way to ease into your day before the climb begins.
- Distance: 8.7km one-way, making the full round-trip 17.4km.
- Time: Plan for approximately 5 hours to reach the summit, and 10 hours for the complete round-trip. This is a full-day commitment, don’t underestimate it.
- Summit: Birobong Peak (비로봉) at 1,288 meters above sea level, the highest point in Chiaksan National Park.
Because the trail is rated Difficult due to its steep inclines, this route is best suited to hikers who already have experience with multi-hour mountain hikes. If you’re newer to hiking, I’d suggest building up your fitness on shorter trails before attempting this one. That said, with proper preparation, it’s an incredibly rewarding challenge.
One critical rule: night hiking is strictly prohibited in Chiaksan National Park. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset only. Given that the round-trip takes approximately 10 hours, you’ll want to start as early as possible, ideally at or just after sunrise, to ensure you’re safely back at the trailhead before dark.
For full official trail details, distances, and course maps, visit the Korea National Park Service. Chiaksan Trail Information page.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Entrance Fee
Entry to Chiaksan National Park itself is completely free, as all national park entrance fees were abolished as of May 2023. The primary trailhead is located at Guryongsa Temple (구룡사), which also offers cultural heritage viewing.
Seasonal Closures. Check Before You Go
This is one of the most important practical points for planning your trip. Chiaksan National Park enforces seasonal trail closures for fire prevention, typically during two periods each year:
- Spring: approximately March through May
- Autumn/Winter: approximately November through December
The exact dates vary from year to year and are announced on the official KNPS website. I recommend checking the latest closure schedule before finalising your travel plans, there’s nothing worse than arriving at the trailhead only to find it closed. The Korea National Park Service website is your most reliable source for up-to-date information.
Food and Water. What to pack before the trailhead
This is something that catches many first-time visitors to Korean national parks off guard: there are no shops, vending machines, or restaurants on the trail. Once you pass the trailhead, you’re on your own in terms of supplies. Korean mountains follow strict Leave No Trace principles, and commercial facilities simply don’t exist past the entrance area.
- Enough water for the full day, the round-trip is approximately 10 hours, so bring more than you think you’ll need
- Energy snacks: kimbap, triangle rice balls (삼각김밥), energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit are all popular choices among Korean hikers
- A packed lunch if you plan to eat at the summit
Also, and this is non-negotiable on Korean mountains, there are no trash cans on the trail. You must carry all of your waste back down with you. Bring a small zip-lock bag or a lightweight trash bag and pack out everything: wrappers, peels, bottles, all of it. This is standard hiking etiquette in Korea and helps keep these beautiful parks pristine.
What to Wear and Bring
Given the Difficult rating and the full-day nature of this hike, preparation is everything. Here are my top gear recommendations:
- Footwear: Proper hiking boots with ankle support, the steep inclines on this trail make trail runners a risky choice
- Layers: Mountain weather in Korea can shift quickly, especially at altitude. Bring a lightweight windproof or waterproof jacket even on clear days
- Trekking poles: Highly recommended for the descent on a Difficult-rated trail
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, the exposed sections of the trail can be intense on sunny days
- Headlamp: Always carry one as a safety backup, even if you plan to be down before sunset
- Fully charged phone: For navigation via Naver Map and emergency contact
Operating Hours
Chiaksan National Park trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Night hiking is strictly prohibited for both safety and environmental protection reasons. Given the 10-hour round-trip estimate for the Guryongsa. Birobong course, an early start isn’t just recommended, it’s essential.
Final Thoughts
Chiaksan National Park’s Guryongsa. Birobong trail is one of those hikes that earns its Difficult rating, but that’s exactly what makes reaching Birobong Peak at 1,288 meters so satisfying. With a 17.4km round-trip and roughly 10 hours of hiking, this is a serious full-day adventure that demands respect, preparation, and an early start.
The good news? Entry to the national park is free, the trailhead at Guryongsa Temple is accessible by public bus from Wonju, and with the right preparation, water, snacks from a convenience store, proper layers, and a trash bag, you’ll be set for an unforgettable day on one of Korea’s finest mountain trails. Just remember to check the KNPS website for seasonal fire prevention closures before you go, and always use Naver Map (search: 구룡사) rather than Google Maps for navigation in Korea.
Have you hiked in Chiaksan National Park before, or is this on your Korea bucket list? Drop a comment below. I’d love to know which season you’re planning to visit and whether you’re tackling the full Birobong round-trip or planning a shorter route!
* Cover image source: ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-이범수