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

• Key Highlights: Manggyeongsa Temple, mountain stream, spring wildflowers, summit shrine, unexpected snow

• 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 quiet laugh, 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.

With exposed rock everywhere, I moved carefully and deliberately, focusing on stable footing rather than speed.

Ridgeline Views

Reaching the ridgeline brought open views that reminded me a bit of Dengdeng Mountain 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.

Key Highlights

• Short, accessible winter hike with steady elevation gain

• Unique folklore and cultural stop at Namgeunseok Park

• Open ridgeline views near the summit

• Easy parking and trail access

• A great detour hike when traveling through central Korea

Trail Difficulty

Moderate

While the distance is short, the trail includes steep stair sections, rocky terrain, and winter snow. Comfortable for hikers with basic winter experience and good footing.

Where I Stayed

Starlight Pension, Pyeongchang

Clean, modern, and perfectly located for hiking in Odaesan National Park. The shared kitchen made it easy to meet other hikers, including a couple staying for eight days of outdoor adventures. We even exchanged Kakao IDs in case they ever find themselves in Geoje.

Dinner Stop

경남 식당

I chose it for the name alone. Despite being Canadian, I’ve spent over a decade living in Gyeongnam, so I like to think of myself as a Gyeongnam girl too. Warm buckwheat tea and mountain vegetable bibimbap were exactly what I needed after a cold winter hike.