mangbongsan 망봉산둘레길

83.7 meters

Approximately 0.5km to the peak

📍trailhead

Another one to file under kid-friendly. In fact, I think that this would be pretty awesome for kids and you’ll soon see why!

The trailhead itself starts next to the ferry terminal for Jeodo, the small island connecting Geoga Bridges on the way to Busan.

Sidenote: Jeodo has been recently opened to the public. Apparently it was declared off-limits to the public in 1972 by former president Park Chun-hee (Park Geun-Hye’s dad). He declared it a “presidential retreat” area and it’s been used for that purpose for nearly fifty years.

You’ll see the map at the trailhead showing the different routes and their distances. Although the trail sign posts are all in Korean, you still shouldn’t get lost.

Start up the wooden steps, this is just one of two short “climbs” within this trail circuit. Before you know it, the ground will level out and you’ll arrive at the first trail junction marked with a bench. Continue on straight so you’re hugging the coastline.

Shortly after that, you’ll reach the first wooden platform observatory. This will give a decent view of the sea and looking back towards the Geoga Bridges and the new Hanhwa Resort. Don’t waste too much time here though as you’ll have better views shortly.

Just a few minutes later you’ll reach an “H” junction. continue on straight and to the left. Along the next section of trail, you’ll notice a glimpse of the platform at the peak. It’ll be nestled into the trees not too far above you.

The next junction leads to fun spot for the kids (and those who are young at heart). Head down the stairs towards 슾하늘길 (forest sky trail).

At the bottom you’ll be treated to an “obstacle course” with three different types of bridges to cross. All three sections have full netting that is quite sturdy and there is also grass below in case you drop something.

If you have small children who can’t cross the “obstacles” you can simply follow the walkway that bypasses them. At the end you will arrive at a spiral stairway with another great sea view, and a wooden platform below with the same view.

Next up, head back up the stairs and continue along the trail, soon you will find another set of stairs leading up and to the right. This is the second “climb” of the day, but it is just a mere 92 meters to reach the peak. At the peak of this small peninsula you’ll find another set of wooden platforms and a nice view of the sea.

You can continue straight to head back to where you came from. Head back down the stairs and you’ll loop around the back. I opted to head back down to see what else there was to offer on the rest of the trail. I had already passed the highlights, but it was still nice looping back on the wide path covered with fall leaves.

I really recommend this trail if you’re wanting something a bit easier or want to get the kids out in nature for a bit. There are a few coffee shops near the start of the trail, as well as a campground and a rocky beach making this area a great spot to spend an afternoon.