Trail Specs & Details

Distance: ~21km
Trail Type: Point-to-point (Osaek Trailhead → Main Entrance)
Elevation Gain: ~2400m
Starting Elevation: ~400m
Highest Elevation: ~1,708m (Daechongbong Peak)
Time: ~11 hours (steady pace, including plenty of photo stops and snack breaks)
BAC 100 Summit: ✅ Daecheongbong (대청봉)

This was my record for the peak - the closest I got to having the full details tracked since my apple watch battery didn’t last for the entire hike. ㅠㅠ *(Time for a Garmin I think)*

Daecheongbong & Dinosaur Ridge: A Milestone Hike

A Long-Time Dream

For several years, I’ve known about the Daecheongbong and Dinosaur Ridge combo hike. I first came across it on Aurora’s blog, which was super helpful in my own planning. Since then, it’s popped up again and again—on Instagram, Korean blogs, you name it—as a gentle reminder that it was still out there, waiting for me.

For a long time, it felt out of reach. I didn’t think I was fit enough. But everything changed after I overhauled my lifestyle: I began taking care of my body, discovered a love for strength training, improved my nutrition, and ultimately lost 20kg (about 45 lbs) over the last three years. I feel stronger than I ever have before—and it turns out this hike wasn’t the impossible beast I had built it up to be in my mind. Still tough, yes. But totally within reach.
Does this make lil’ ol’ me an “expert hiker” now? I sure hope so!

The Perfect Window

The only thing standing in my way was time off work. Thankfully, there was a three-day weekend in June 2025. I teamed up with two incredible hiking buddies—Mat and Khaled—who are also working their way through the BAC 100 Summit Challenge and always down for an adventure. I’m so glad I invited them—this milestone wouldn’t have been the same without them.

We left Geoje early Friday morning, heading north in Mat’s car. After a long drive, our first stop was Naksan Beach in Yangyang, where we took a dip in the cold sea and soaked in the sunshine—such a perfect start.

Who’s got two thumbs and new sunglasses!?

We stayed in Osaek, just a few steps from the trailhead. I have to plug Yangyang Seorak Hot Spring Motel—a perfect location, fair price, and restaurants right next door. With our 3:00 a.m. start time, we grabbed a quick bibimbap dinner and hit the sack early.

Sunset views from Osaek - at the time we wondered if this was Dinosaur Ridge…it wasn’t.

Summit at Sunrise

2:15 a.m.—my alarm went off and I felt like I barely slept, tossing and turning from nerves. Thankfully, Mat’s hiking breakfast got me going, and by 3:15 a.m., we hit the trail.

Despite starting slightly late, we quickly gained ground—5km and 1,320m elevation gain in 2 hours and 18 minutes. Not too shabby! And finally, I stood before Daecheongbong, my first time ever on this iconic peak.

The wind was insane—I’ve never experienced anything like it. I literally crawled to the summit stone for my photo, too scared to stand up. But I got my pic—with the sun rising behind me. Worth it.

Ridge Dreams Come True

I had been nervous I’d burn out early, but I felt great. We descended a bit and made our way to Huiungak Shelter, where we paused for snacks, a BAC check-in, and bathrooms.

There, we met a fellow hiker from Daegu—BAC nickname “Santa”—who’s already completed the full 100 peaks! It was inspiring to hike with him for a bit.

I’m so glad we got a photo with “Santa” and hope to meet him again on a trail someday!

And then it was time: Dinosaur Ridge. This was everything I had hoped for and more. Jaw-droppingly beautiful, wild, and rugged. The views were endless, and we stopped constantly to take them in (and snap photos, of course).

This type of terrain is my absolute favorite—boulders, scrambling, and just enough ropes to keep it interesting. I was thrilled to still be feeling strong most of the way.

Final Push and Sweet Celebration

Toward the last few kilometers of descent, my knees started to ache a bit, but the vibe with Mat and Khaled kept me going. I never once felt like I was in over my head. I’m so grateful we shared this experience.

We crossed the finish gates after 10 hours and 43 minutes—thank goodness I take photos of trail markers because my Apple Watch died, haha.

From there, we had a gentle walk next to a peaceful stream. Mat and Khaled jumped in for a cold dip while I settled for a foot soak.

We caught a cab back to Osaek easily (₩60,000 split three ways—no complaints there). After cleaning up, we met again for cold beers and an overpriced Korean BBQ dinner. Totally worth it.

Still Thinking About It...

In the weeks since, I keep going back to look at photos and relive the weekend. I had originally thought this would be a one-time thing, but now? I know I’ll be back. The beauty, the challenge, and the personal accomplishment—it all meant too much to be a “one-and-done” hike.

Shoutouts to the squeaky bum club

I can’t thank Mat and Khaled enough. They encouraged me every step of the way, never doubted me, and made it so much fun. Plus, Mat introduced me to cheese and crackers for hiking—absolute game changer! I’ve already got my eye on insulated snack bags now. Oh, and the Deuter backpack and water bladder he recommended? Perfect. They’ll be my go-tos for long and short hikes alike.
Mat, you’re the Gear Guru I didn’t know I needed!

As for Khaled, aka “The Stairmaster”, he hiked the entire course in some very well-loved Hokas, after his new hiking boots turned out too small. And he did it without poles! Machine. He also nearly left his phone behind, but thanks to a kind hiker yelling to us, he was saved from a tragic backtrack. Khaled, you’re a legend!

Final Thoughts

This hike meant so much to me—physically, emotionally, personally. It’s the kind of memory I’ll carry with me for a long time. More than just another summit, this was a reflection of everything I’ve worked so hard for over the last few years. I showed up, and I proved to myself that I could do it.

Daecheongbong & Dinosaur Ridge, I’ll be seeing you again.