geumsusan 금수산

• 1016 Meters

4.2km return

📍trailhead

Trail Specs & Details

• Distance: 4.2km return

• Elevation Gain: 529m

• Starting Elevation: 487m

• Highest Elevation: 1016m

• Time: ~2 hours

• Trail Type: Out-and-back

• Trail Difficulty: Not very technical—gentle grades and mostly wide paths make for an easy, enjoyable hike

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

New Year, Low Energy, Still on the Trail

In January 2026, I started the year with a four day hiking trip through Gangwon-do. The plan was five mountains in four days, but I ended up hiking four. Between recovering from a cold and sleeping poorly after New Year’s Eve, my energy just wasn’t where I wanted it to be.

The night before, I was out with Andrew and friends at the Jangseungpo Fireworks Festival. I didn’t drink, something I’ve mostly cut out since it interferes so much with my sleep, but I still didn’t get into bed until close to 1 a.m. With a 6 a.m. wakeup and plans to be on the road by 6:40, I was already starting the year tired.

As I left the island, cars lined the highway, people pulled over waiting to catch the first sunrise of 2026. I didn’t stop, but I still got to watch the sun rise over the sea as I passed through Gadeok. Not a bad way to begin the year.

Why Geumsusan

Most of this trip was centered around Odaesan National Park in Pyeongchang, but Geumsusan in Jecheon made a perfect first stop. It is technically part of Woraksan National Park so I guess I got to hit up two National Parks during this trip! It broke up the long drive north without taking me far off route.

I followed a narrow road up the mountain and found plenty of parking. I was feeling good until I realized one of my hiking poles was broken. I left it leaning against the trunk, planning to deal with it later. When I came back after the hike, it was gone. Even out in the countryside, it disappeared completely.

Cold Temperatures, Easy Start

Despite a real feel of around -12°C, I was warm enough in my puffy coat and Heat-tech base layer. That said, this trip really highlighted the flaws in my winter hiking setup. I tend to sweat heavily on the way up, soak my base layer, and then freeze once I stop moving.

The trail began wide and forgiving, which I appreciated, especially with only one hiking pole. As the incline increased, the lack of balance made it feel noticeably more strenuous than usual.

Namgeunseok Park (Phallic Stone Park)

I reached Namgeunseok Park sooner than expected, without fully realizing it would be a “penis park” of sorts. According to local folk belief, the shape of Geumsusan mountain resembles a reclining woman. Legends say that the mountain’s strong feminine energy could be dangerous for men…ha! So a male stone figure was placed nearby to balance it. 

Newlywed couples once visited after their wedding night, believing it would help them conceive a healthy son. Women without sons were also said to have prayed here. I took a few photos, had a little chuckle, and continued on.

Steep Stairs and Snowy Rock

Beyond the park, the trail flattened briefly before turning rocky and steep, with a steady mix of stairs. I started seeing patches of snow, enough to slow things down but not enough to justify crampons.

Ridgeline Views

Reaching the ridgeline brought open views that reminded me a bit of Yeohangsan in Haman, which I had hiked the previous summer.

The summit stone is double sided, so I took photos from both directions before heading back down.

The Way Back Down

I had planned to make this a loop hike, but given the snow on the rocks and the unknown conditions of the alternate trail, I decided to retrace my steps. It was the safer and more comfortable option that day.

Just over two hours after starting, I was back at the car, warm again and happy to log BAC hike #29.