dutasan 두타산 1353M

13.5km return

📍trailhead

Trail Specs & Details

  • Distance: ~13.5 km loop (varies depending on side trails)

  • Elevation Gain: ~1,409 m

  • Time: ~5–6 hours (including photo stops, detours, and summit rest)

  • Trail Type: Loop

  • Trailhead: Near Danggol Entrance (당골탐방지원센터)

  • Highest Elevation: ~1,353 m

  • Starting Elevation: ~160m

  • BAC 100: ✅ Official summit on the Black Yak 100 Peaks Challenge

🌟 Key Highlights:

  • Battle Rock (베틀바위) – iconic viewpoint with panoramic scenery

  • Beteulbong (베틀봉) – bonus peak off the main route

  • Waterfalls & Streams – multiple flowing sections, especially on descent

  • Rock Formations – dramatic and varied, especially lower down

  • Gwaneumsa Temple (관음사) – peaceful temple with a stream perfect for a foot soak

🥾 Trail Difficulty:

Moderate to challenging — steep sections, especially after Battle Rock. Well-marked, not technical, but requires good endurance.

Dutasan: Battle Rock, Waterfalls, and One of My Favourite Hikes Yet
Gangwon-do Hiking Trip – Day 2 (May 2025)

After a misty, moody day on Taebaeksan and Hambaeksan, I woke up to blue skies on the second day of my solo hiking trip in Gangwon-do. With the sun finally out, I was especially excited to explore Dutasan (두타산), a mountain I’d heard a lot about but hadn’t yet experienced for myself.

Getting There & Fueling Up

I packed up and made the hour-long drive north to Donghae, where I grabbed a second breakfast (because one simply isn’t enough before a mountain day). My plan was a 13.5 km loop with 1,400 m of elevation gain.

Breakfast #1

Breakfast #2

First Impressions: Save Your Legs (or Don’t!)

Spoiler: this turned out to be one of my top 5 hikes in Korea, hands down. But interestingly, the best views weren’t at the top—they were near the bottom, particularly around Battle Rock (베틀바위).

Honestly, even if you have no desire to summit, a hike just partway up to Battle Rock would still be well worth it—and far less strenuous. Plenty of people seemed to be doing exactly that.

Climbing Towards Battle Rock

I set off with the morning crowds, all of us heading toward Battle Rock. The trail was well-marked, with frequent signs, and I was in no rush since I’d already booked a motel at the base of the mountain and had no more driving to do for the day.

After a few scenic turns and plenty of photo breaks, I reached the lineup for that classic Battle Rock photo op. It was every bit as stunning as I’d hoped—a jagged rock formation with a panoramic backdrop that’s hard to beat.

Battle Rock

A Bonus Peak & A Quiet Summit

From Battle Rock, I followed the signs toward the main summit, veering left at one point for a quick detour to Beteulbong (베틀봉)—a bonus peak on the way. Eventually, the trail merged back toward the summit route, and I powered up the last section, full of energy thanks to my double breakfast.

Less than three hours after starting, I arrived at the summit… and truthfully, it was a bit underwhelming after the scenic views from the base of the mountain. I snapped a few summit shots, then opened the BAC app to check in—but of course, no cell signal at the peak.

After a short moment of panic, I walked around the perimeter of the peak until I picked up a weak signal and could log my location.

Waterfalls, Rock Formations & Wandering Home

I grabbed a quick snack and started the descent, now fully focused on dreams of cold beer and crispy pajeon. I retraced my steps (more or less), detouring again to check out a waterfall on the way back. The trail map was a little confusing—some side trails weren’t listed on Naver or Kakao Maps—but the signage kept me on track.

The lower half of Dutasan was truly the highlight: several waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and peaceful forest paths. I’d love to come back just to explore this area more slowly and make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Gwaneumsa Temple & the Perfect Finish

Eventually, I emerged near Gwaneumsa Temple (관음사) and dipped my toes in the stream, joining families and hikers relaxing at the base. But with beer and pancakes still calling my name, I didn’t stick around too long before heading out for some well-earned post-hike fuel.

Final Thoughts

Dutasan really surprised me. From the iconic Battle Rock to the lush lower valleys, it had so much to offer—and despite the so-so summit, it easily landed a spot in my top five hikes in Korea.

One more mountain to go on this Gangwon-do trip: Deokhangsan! Stay tuned for Day 3.