Trail Specs & Details

Distance: 2 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 251 m
Starting Elevation: 1,330 m
Highest Elevation: 1,572.9 m
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Hiking Time: 30–50 minutes (depending on pace and conditions)
Trailhead Location: Starts high on the ridge, accessible by a short 20-minute drive from Taebaeksan area
Terrain: Rocky, with some slippery sections near the summit
Weather Notes: Can be foggy and windy, especially near the peak — dress warmly and be prepared for sudden changes
BAC 100: ✅ Official summit on the Black Yak 100 Peaks Challenge

Gangwon-do Solo Hiking Trip – Day 1

In May 2025, I set off on a solo hiking adventure to Gangwon-do with the goal of summiting four mountains. Despite the long drive north, I was excited to explore a new region and check a few more peaks off my BAC 100 list. My first hike of the day was Taebaeksan (태백산), and it definitely delivered the drama. I wasn’t expecting snow in late spring, but as I made my way up the mountain, I found myself in a full-on winter scene. It was a beautiful surprise, even if a bit of a chilly one!

Onto Hambaeksan – A Foggy Finish to the Day

After Taebaeksan, I drove about 20 minutes to the trailhead for Hambaeksan (함백산), another BAC 100 summit. Fortunately, this hike was short and relatively easy. The trail begins high on a ridge, making the ascent feel more like a ridge stroll than a mountain climb.

At the base of the mountain, the sun was shining and the sky was clearing. But by the time I reached the trailhead, I was driving with hazard lights on through dense fog. Classic mountain weather.

The hike itself is a short 1 km to the peak. In ideal conditions, I imagine it could be done round-trip in 30 minutes, but with slippery rocks and limited visibility, it took me closer to 50 minutes.

A Windy Summit & Kind Strangers

At the summit, I met a friendly couple who asked if I was hiking alone. When I said yes, they kindly offered to wait for me to descend since the weather was so wild. I didn’t want to keep them waiting, so I quickly snapped a summit photo and made my way down.

The trail may be short, but the wind and cold made it feel like an adventure. I do wish I had taken more photos, but I was too focused on not getting blown off the ridge!

Post-Hike Recharge in Taebaek City

That wrapped up Day 1 of my Gangwon-do hiking trip. I checked into a cute little motel in Taebaek City, ordered some pizza, and spent the evening in bed watching Below Deck reruns. After a long day of snow, fog, and steep ridges, it was the perfect way to unwind.

Next Up: Dutasan!

Stay tuned for Day 2, where I take on Dutasan—a mountain I had been curious about for a long time.