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Chiaksan National Park is one of the easiest major mountain parks to reach from the Seoul metropolitan area — but the mountain itself is anything but easy.
Located beside Wonju, Chiaksan is famous for steep valleys, rugged climbing trails, waterfalls and a summit marked by three unusual stone pagodas.
The classic northern route begins near Guryongsa Temple, follows the cool Guryong Valley to Seryeom Falls, and then changes dramatically.
After the waterfall, the comfortable forest walk ends.
The trail climbs toward the infamous Sadari Byeongchang section, where steep stairs and rocky slopes lead hikers toward Birobong Peak at 1,288 meters.
That contrast is what makes this one of the most memorable hikes in Gangwon-do.
You begin beside a historic temple and mountain stream, but finish on an exposed summit surrounded by mountain ridges and Chiaksan's iconic three stone pagodas.
QUICK ANSWER
π Location: Wonju, Gangwon-do
⛰️ Highest peak: Birobong, 1,288 m
π₯Ύ Classic route: Guryongsa → Seryeom Falls → Birobong
π One-way distance: About 5.7 km
⏱️ One-way hiking time: About 3.5 hours
↔️ Round trip: About 11.4 km
πͺ Difficulty: Hard after Seryeom Falls
π Easy section: Guryongsa → Seryeom Falls
πͺ¨ Hard section: Sadari Byeongchang → Birobong
π Best season: Autumn
❄️ Winter: Beautiful but icy and demanding
⚠️ Important: Check current trail-control status before hiking
π Location: Wonju, Gangwon-do
⛰️ Highest peak: Birobong, 1,288 m
π₯Ύ Classic route: Guryongsa → Seryeom Falls → Birobong
π One-way distance: About 5.7 km
⏱️ One-way hiking time: About 3.5 hours
↔️ Round trip: About 11.4 km
πͺ Difficulty: Hard after Seryeom Falls
π Easy section: Guryongsa → Seryeom Falls
πͺ¨ Hard section: Sadari Byeongchang → Birobong
π Best season: Autumn
❄️ Winter: Beautiful but icy and demanding
⚠️ Important: Check current trail-control status before hiking
π Where Is Chiaksan National Park?
Chiaksan National Park rises immediately east of Wonju in the inland mountain region of Gangwon-do.
It was designated a national park in 1984 and contains several peaks above 1,000 meters.
The highest is Birobong at 1,288 meters.
The mountain's long north–south ridge is surrounded by steep valleys, waterfalls and forests, which explains why Chiaksan has long had a reputation as one of Korea's more physically demanding mountains.
For a first visit, the northern Guryongsa entrance is the most useful starting point because it combines cultural sightseeing, an easy valley walk and access to the classic summit route.
CHIAKSAN NATIONAL PARK / GURYONG AREA
Socho-myeon,
Wonju-si,
Gangwon-do, South Korea
Socho-myeon,
Wonju-si,
Gangwon-do, South Korea
CHIAKSAN AT A GLANCE
✔ Birobong summit at 1,288 m
✔ Historic Guryongsa Temple
✔ Scenic Guryong Valley
✔ Seryeom Falls
✔ Famous Sadari Byeongchang climbing section
✔ Three stone pagodas at Birobong
✔ Excellent autumn foliage
✔ Strong winter snow scenery
✔ Easy lower walk + difficult summit hike in one route
✔ Birobong summit at 1,288 m
✔ Historic Guryongsa Temple
✔ Scenic Guryong Valley
✔ Seryeom Falls
✔ Famous Sadari Byeongchang climbing section
✔ Three stone pagodas at Birobong
✔ Excellent autumn foliage
✔ Strong winter snow scenery
✔ Easy lower walk + difficult summit hike in one route
π― 1. Start at Guryongsa Temple
Before thinking about the summit, spend a little time at Guryongsa Temple.
The temple sits beneath the northern slopes of Chiaksan and is surrounded by forest, streams and steep mountain walls.
Its setting immediately explains why Buddhist temples were often established deep in Korean mountain valleys.
According to a long-standing local legend, nine dragons once lived in a pond at the site.
The temple's name, Guryongsa, is connected to that story.
The complex contains traditional halls and pavilions, including Daeungjeon Hall and Bogwangnu Pavilion.
You do not have to understand Korean Buddhism to appreciate the contrast between colorful temple architecture and the dark green mountain behind it.
FIRST-VISIT TIP
If you are not planning to climb Birobong, Guryongsa and the valley toward Seryeom Falls still make an excellent shorter Chiaksan visit.
If you are not planning to climb Birobong, Guryongsa and the valley toward Seryeom Falls still make an excellent shorter Chiaksan visit.
π² 2. The First Part Is Surprisingly Easy
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is judging Chiaksan by the beginning of the trail.
The path from the Guryong area toward Seryeom Falls is relatively gentle.
You walk beside the valley through dense forest with the sound of flowing water nearby.
Compared with the upper mountain, this section feels almost like a long nature walk.
That makes it popular even with visitors who have no intention of reaching Birobong.
The lower route is especially attractive in midsummer because the stream and forest provide a cooler atmosphere than exposed mountain ridges.
In autumn, the same route becomes one of the park's most accessible foliage walks.
π§ 3. Stop at Seryeom Falls
Seryeom Falls is the natural dividing point between the easy part of the day and the serious climb.
If your goal is only a relaxed forest walk, this is an excellent place to turn around.
If your goal is Birobong, this is where you should mentally reset.
After Seryeom Falls, the character of the mountain changes quickly.
The trail becomes steeper, stairs become more frequent and the elevation gain becomes much more obvious.
DECISION POINT
Feeling tired at Seryeom Falls? Turn around. The hardest part of the Birobong route is still ahead.
Feeling tired at Seryeom Falls? Turn around. The hardest part of the Birobong route is still ahead.
πͺ 4. What Is Sadari Byeongchang?
This is the part of Chiaksan that many Korean hikers remember.
Sadari Byeongchang refers to a steep rocky ridge section shaped like a ladder running beside a cliff-like mountain formation.
The word byeongchang is a regional expression connected with a cliff or steep rock wall.
The route contains many steep stairs and sustained climbing.
Your pace can become much slower here even if the earlier valley walk felt easy.
The challenge is not technical rock climbing.
You normally stay on a developed hiking route.
The challenge is continuous upward movement.
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS SECTION
A traveler who is comfortable walking 10 km on flat ground may still find Sadari Byeongchang exhausting because of the sustained elevation gain and stairs.
A traveler who is comfortable walking 10 km on flat ground may still find Sadari Byeongchang exhausting because of the sustained elevation gain and stairs.
π₯Ύ 5. Sadari Byeongchang or the Valley Route?
After the Seryeom Falls area, hikers can encounter route choices for reaching the upper mountain.
The famous Sadari Byeongchang side is generally considered the more dramatic and physically demanding option.
Another route follows more of the valley environment.
For experienced hikers, climbing by Sadari Byeongchang provides the classic Chiaksan experience.
For travelers who dislike steep stair climbing, the alternative may feel more manageable depending on current conditions.
ROUTE CHOICE
πͺ Sadari Byeongchang: Steeper, famous, more dramatic
π² Valley-side route: Slightly longer and often preferred by hikers wanting to avoid the steepest stair experience
⚠️ Always follow current park signs and trail-control instructions.
πͺ Sadari Byeongchang: Steeper, famous, more dramatic
π² Valley-side route: Slightly longer and often preferred by hikers wanting to avoid the steepest stair experience
⚠️ Always follow current park signs and trail-control instructions.
A common strategy is to use different routes for ascent and descent so that the experience does not feel repetitive.
⛰️ 6. Birobong Peak — 1,288 Meters
Eventually the trees begin to open and Birobong feels close.
At 1,288 meters, it is the highest summit in Chiaksan National Park.
The summit is not enormous, but it gives wide views across the surrounding mountain ridges and toward the Wonju area on clear days.
And unlike most Korean summits, Birobong has something immediately recognizable waiting at the top.
Three large stone towers stand together on the summit.
πͺ¨ 7. Why Are There Three Stone Pagodas at the Summit?
The stone towers are known as the Chiaksan Mireukbultap.
They are among the most recognizable symbols of Wonju and Chiaksan.
The towers were originally built beginning in the 1960s by a local resident who, according to the story preserved by Wonju City, believed he had received a spiritual instruction to construct three stone towers on the summit.
The towers were damaged and rebuilt more than once over the following decades.
Today the three structures are traditionally known as:
THE THREE BIROBONG STONE PAGODAS
πͺ¨ Yongwangtap — Dragon King Tower
πͺ¨ Sansintap — Mountain Spirit Tower
πͺ¨ Chilseongtap — Seven Stars Tower
πͺ¨ Yongwangtap — Dragon King Tower
πͺ¨ Sansintap — Mountain Spirit Tower
πͺ¨ Chilseongtap — Seven Stars Tower
Seeing them after several hours of climbing creates a very different feeling from arriving at an ordinary summit marker.
πͺ 8. How Difficult Is the Guryong–Birobong Route?
This should be treated as a proper mountain hike.
The official route is approximately 5.7 km one way, with a typical ascent time around 3 hours 30 minutes.
A return hike therefore requires substantially more time than the one-way figure suggests.
REALISTIC DIFFICULTY
π’ Experienced Korean mountain hiker: Moderate to hard
π‘ Fit traveler new to Korean hiking: Hard
π‘ Older active traveler: Possible, but allow significant extra time
π΄ Poor knees or limited stair fitness: Not recommended via Sadari Byeongchang
π΄ Casual tourist expecting a simple park walk: Stop at Seryeom Falls instead
π’ Experienced Korean mountain hiker: Moderate to hard
π‘ Fit traveler new to Korean hiking: Hard
π‘ Older active traveler: Possible, but allow significant extra time
π΄ Poor knees or limited stair fitness: Not recommended via Sadari Byeongchang
π΄ Casual tourist expecting a simple park walk: Stop at Seryeom Falls instead
The difficulty comes primarily from elevation and steep stairs rather than extreme distance.
⏱️ 9. How Long Should You Allow?
Do not plan your day around the 3.5-hour one-way figure alone.
You need time for photographs, food, short rests and descent.
REALISTIC FIRST-VISIT TIMES
π² Guryongsa + Seryeom Falls only: 2–3 hours
⛰️ Fast experienced summit hike: About 5–6 hours round trip
π₯Ύ Comfortable first-time summit hike: 6–7 hours or more
π² Guryongsa + Seryeom Falls only: 2–3 hours
⛰️ Fast experienced summit hike: About 5–6 hours round trip
π₯Ύ Comfortable first-time summit hike: 6–7 hours or more
If you hike slowly, visit the temple properly and spend time at the summit, Chiaksan can easily become a full-day activity.
π 10. Start Early
Morning is strongly recommended.
The reasons are practical.
You have more daylight, cooler temperatures, more time for unexpected delays and a larger safety margin if the descent takes longer than expected.
Chiaksan also operates under the Korea National Park Service's entry-time control system.
Entry limits can differ by season and trail section.
MY FIRST-VISIT RULE
If Birobong is your goal, begin in the morning rather than treating the hike as an afternoon activity.
If Birobong is your goal, begin in the morning rather than treating the hike as an afternoon activity.
⚠️ 11. Check the Current Trail Status
This is essential at Chiaksan.
Individual sections can be temporarily restricted because of heavy rain, construction, trail damage, wildfire risk, snow or other safety conditions.
The Korea National Park Service publishes real-time control information for Chiaksan.
Never assume an old route map means every section is open today.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Check:
✔ Real-time trail status
✔ Entry-time restrictions
✔ Mountain weather
✔ Heavy-rain or wind warnings
✔ Winter ice and snow conditions
Check:
✔ Real-time trail status
✔ Entry-time restrictions
✔ Mountain weather
✔ Heavy-rain or wind warnings
✔ Winter ice and snow conditions
π 12. What Is the Best Season?
Spring
Spring brings fresh forest growth and flowering plants, but national parks can impose seasonal wildfire-prevention restrictions.
Always check the current trail notice.
Summer
The lower Guryong Valley is excellent in summer.
The forest is intensely green and the flowing water creates a cooler atmosphere.
The upper climb, however, can feel hot and humid.
Autumn
This is the classic Chiaksan season.
Red, orange and yellow foliage spreads across the valleys and ridges while cooler temperatures make climbing more comfortable.
Peak foliage weekends can be extremely busy.
Winter
Winter offers snow-covered mountain scenery and clearer views, but the steep route becomes substantially more difficult.
Icy stairs around the upper mountain require traction equipment and careful foot placement.
BEST OVERALL
π Autumn: Best combination of scenery and temperature
πΏ Late spring: Good hiking conditions when trails are open
❄️ Winter: Beautiful, but recommended only with proper equipment
π Autumn: Best combination of scenery and temperature
πΏ Late spring: Good hiking conditions when trails are open
❄️ Winter: Beautiful, but recommended only with proper equipment
❄️ 13. Winter Hiking Requires More Preparation
Chiaksan's stairs and rock surfaces can become dangerous when covered by compacted snow or ice.
Ordinary sneakers are not enough when the upper route is frozen.
WINTER ESSENTIALS
⛓️ Microspikes / traction devices
π₯Ύ Waterproof hiking boots
𧀠Insulated gloves
π§₯ Layered winter clothing
π§’ Warm hat
☕ Warm drink
π Fully charged phone + battery pack
⛓️ Microspikes / traction devices
π₯Ύ Waterproof hiking boots
𧀠Insulated gloves
π§₯ Layered winter clothing
π§’ Warm hat
☕ Warm drink
π Fully charged phone + battery pack
The national park has specifically reminded visitors to prepare traction equipment for high-altitude winter sections.
π 14. What Should You Bring in Normal Weather?
HIKING CHECKLIST
π Proper hiking or trail shoes
π§ Enough water
π₯ͺ Lunch or energy snacks
π§₯ Lightweight outer layer
π§’ Hat
𧴠Sunscreen
π± Charged phone
π Battery pack
π©Ή Small first-aid kit
πΊ️ Offline map / Korean navigation app
π Proper hiking or trail shoes
π§ Enough water
π₯ͺ Lunch or energy snacks
π§₯ Lightweight outer layer
π§’ Hat
𧴠Sunscreen
π± Charged phone
π Battery pack
π©Ή Small first-aid kit
πΊ️ Offline map / Korean navigation app
There is no convenience store waiting for you near the summit.
Carry what you need and carry all waste back down.
π¨π©π§ 15. Is Chiaksan Good for Families?
Yes — but choose the correct section.
Families with young children do not need to climb Birobong to enjoy Chiaksan.
The Guryongsa and Seryeom Falls section provides forest, flowing water and temple scenery without the hardest upper climb.
Teenagers or older children with hiking experience may enjoy the summit route.
Young children who dislike steep stairs are better kept on the lower valley course.
FAMILY CHOICE
π¨π©π§ Young children → Guryongsa + Seryeom Falls
π₯Ύ Active teenagers → Consider Birobong
π΄ Older family members → Lower valley route is usually more comfortable
π¨π©π§ Young children → Guryongsa + Seryeom Falls
π₯Ύ Active teenagers → Consider Birobong
π΄ Older family members → Lower valley route is usually more comfortable
π 16. Getting There and Parking
Chiaksan is considerably easier to reach than many remote Gangwon mountain parks because it sits close to Wonju.
Driving is still the simplest option for an early-morning summit hike.
Parking and visitor facilities are available around the Guryong entrance area.
On autumn weekends, arrive early because popular entrance areas can become crowded.
Without a Car
Public transportation from central Wonju toward the Guryongsa area is possible.
However, bus frequency and routing can change, so use Naver Map or KakaoMap on the actual travel day rather than following an old timetable.
If you are attempting Birobong, also check your return transport before starting the climb.
πΊ️ 17. My Recommended First-Time Route
CLASSIC CHIAKSAN DAY
1️⃣ Arrive early at the Guryong area
2️⃣ Visit Guryongsa Temple
3️⃣ Follow Guryong Valley
4️⃣ Reach Seryeom Falls
5️⃣ Check your energy and weather
6️⃣ Continue toward Sadari Byeongchang
7️⃣ Climb the steep upper section slowly
8️⃣ Reach Birobong at 1,288 m
9️⃣ See the three stone pagodas
π Eat, rest briefly and begin the descent early
1️⃣ Arrive early at the Guryong area
2️⃣ Visit Guryongsa Temple
3️⃣ Follow Guryong Valley
4️⃣ Reach Seryeom Falls
5️⃣ Check your energy and weather
6️⃣ Continue toward Sadari Byeongchang
7️⃣ Climb the steep upper section slowly
8️⃣ Reach Birobong at 1,288 m
9️⃣ See the three stone pagodas
π Eat, rest briefly and begin the descent early
πΈ 18. Best Photo Moments
Guryongsa
Photograph the temple with the forested mountain rising behind the tiled roofs.
Guryong Valley
Use slower water compositions around rocks and forest rather than photographing only the trail.
Seryeom Falls
Vertical framing works well because it emphasizes the waterfall and forest together.
Sadari Byeongchang
A photograph looking upward along the staircase shows the steepness better than a flat side view.
Birobong
Do not photograph only the summit marker.
Include the three stone towers and distant ridges to show what makes Chiaksan different.
❓ BEST 3 QUESTIONS
1. Is Chiaksan harder than Odaesan?
The classic Guryong–Birobong route generally feels steeper and more physically demanding than many popular Odaesan routes, especially after Seryeom Falls. The large number of stairs around Sadari Byeongchang is a major reason.
2. Do I have to climb Birobong to enjoy Chiaksan?
No. Guryongsa, Guryong Valley and Seryeom Falls create a worthwhile half-day trip without the difficult summit section.
3. What is special about the Birobong summit?
Besides being Chiaksan's highest point at 1,288 meters, the summit is famous for three stone pagodas that have become symbols of the mountain and Wonju.
π‘ A Local's Final Advice
Chiaksan has a useful way of revealing whether you chose the right route.
The first part gives you time to decide.
You can enjoy Guryongsa, walk beside the stream and reach Seryeom Falls without immediately committing to an exhausting summit climb.
At Seryeom Falls, check yourself honestly.
Do you still have enough energy?
Is the weather stable?
Do you have enough daylight?
If the answer is yes, continue toward Birobong.
If not, turning around still gives you an excellent Chiaksan experience.
For hikers who continue, the steep Sadari Byeongchang section makes reaching Birobong feel earned.
And when the three stone pagodas finally appear at 1,288 meters, you understand why this summit has become one of Wonju's most recognizable landscapes.
π Official Information
Place: Chiaksan National Park (μΉμ μ°κ΅λ¦½κ³΅μ)
Location: Wonju-si / Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do
Highest peak: Birobong, 1,288 m
Classic trail: Guryong → Guryongsa → Seryeom Falls → Birobong
Official park office: +82-33-740-9900
Guryong visitor information: +82-33-732-4113
National park admission: Free
Trail status: Check Korea National Park Service before hiking
Trail closures, entry times, weather restrictions and parking conditions can change. Always confirm current KNPS information before beginning a summit hike.
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