High above Seoul, awaits a natural wonder. It is called Sangjangbong. Did you know Korean mountains often have multiple names? Sangjangbong is also known as Baegamsan. Both names refer to this 741-meter peak.
Baegamsan is located in Naejangsan National Park. The park itself is one of Korea’s favorites. The park offers remote and unique trails. These trails provide security and convenience without the crowds.
Imagine a run to Sangjangbong. The journey begins before dawn. Climbers summit Bangjangsan at sunrise. They run its long ridge before descending into farmland. The route links up with Baegamsan, passing through Ibamsanseong.
Ibamsanseong is a mountain fortress. To get there, hikers must find a trail. The signage is excellent. Benches line the path. However, few people use this trail. It feels undiscovered.
The trail to Ibamsanseong’s north gate is steep. It goes almost straight up for 1.5 kilometers. Near the top, switchbacks offer views. You can see the train tracks and farms below.
Emerging from the forest, there’s a sign. It commemorates a lost stone gate. The fortress is unrestored. An open route cuts through the middle. It leads down the mountain’s other side.
Ibamsanseong is beautiful in its natural state. Fall colors are spectacular. A river flows south beside the trail. Wooden footbridges cross the stream. Hikers share the trail.
Runners feel happy exploring mountain fortresses in Korea. Namhansanseong and Geumseongsan come to mind. These places are delightful to explore on foot.
The trail winds through a tranquil meadow. It lies between Ibamsan’s two tall ridges. It is hard to leave this scenery. Eventually, the path descends. It leads to Baegamsan.
Another hidden valley appears. It is filled with dazzling fall foliage. Views amaze around every bend. The forest feels glorious and solitary.
As one gets closer to Baegamsan, the crowds return. Tour groups visit Naejangsan National Park. They come to see the famous fall foliage. Some areas have thick bamboo grass.
Approaching Baegamsan, the path becomes steeper. It is also more crowded. Hikers push to reach the peak. They want to see the stele.
Leaving Baegamsan behind, the crowds thin again. The ridge becomes tranquil. The trail leads to a three-way junction. Turning right heads towards Naejangsan National Park.
Another high plateau appears. A babbling brook flows nearby. The forest is quiet and peaceful. Descending a little, the trail climbs again. It is gentle at first. Then, it becomes steeper.
This second section of ridge is busier. It is also hairier. It makes running difficult. However, the reward is another summit. Kkatchibong is one of the peaks. It offers views of parallel ridges.
Descending into the park’s heart, hikers dodge others. The path leads to Naejangsa. The descent is steep at first. Stairs ease the progress. Soon, the trails roll and run smoothly.
The entrance area is very crowded. People admire the foliage. Naejangsan is famous for its fall colors. The mountain seems exclusively maple forest. The sight is beautiful.
Baegamsan or Sangjangbong awaits you. It offers various routes. The easiest starts at Baekyangsa temple. Two trails lead to the peak from there. The right path is direct. The left is less traveled.
Another trail links Ibamsanseong with Baegamsan. Connecting Baegamsan with Naejangsan is longer. Starting on the Naejangsan side involves hiking through the valley. You will pass Naejangsa. Climbing to Kkatchibong leads west. From there, you can go to Sangjangbong.