Mangsan 망산

397 meters

5.8km thru-hike

📍trailhead

On the southern end of Geoje lies Mangsan, known for its spectacular sunsets and ocean views! The shortest trailhead to start from is in Hongpo, which is a steep 1km climb to the rocky peak! However, I strongly suggest taking the 5.8km thru-hike that is laid out like a giant horseshoe.

Starting at the trailhead, you’ll see it’s 4.3km to reach the peak, and a total of 5.8km to complete the trail which finishes near Myeongsa Beach. Typically, when I hike this trail, I park at the beach and walk the 1.4 kilometers to the trailhead so I will finish closer to my car at the end.

You’ll start climbing up immediately and after about 0.5km you’ll be treated to the first view looking back towards the rocky cliff of Garasan and down on Dadae Village. Further to the right you can also see the peninsula with Windy Hill and Woojebong as well.

After catching your breath at the first stopping point, continue along the trail passing two different open rest areas within the forest.

Eventually you will arrive at some stairs to climb. In my opinion, this is where the trail really gets going with lots of amazing views from here on out. At the top of the stairs you’ll look back on Yeocha Village and Cheonjasan.

After few more steps up the rocky trail, you will get your first views looking south towards different islands scattered throughout the ocean. There are a few different outcrops here that are great places to stop for lunch. In fact, this particular area is my favorite of the whole trail, beating out the views from the actual peak itself.

Whenever presented with an option to climb up a bit further I have always taken that route. It’s for this reason that every time I’ve hiked this trail I’ve missed a section of the “proper route” due to climbing a bit higher and then continuing on an alternate trail until joining back up with the main trail. I discovered this oversight on my most recent Mangsan hike, when looking back I noticed a wooden look-off platform on the ocean side of the rocky outcrop. By all means, be sure to climb up to the rocky outcrop mentioned here (and shown above), but you can back track the 5-10 meters to get back on the trail. (Look for blue arrows painted on the rocks).

After enjoying lunch and getting your fill of the ocean views, you will climb along a rocky ridgeline with lots of great little look-offs and pretty trees. There are so many picturesque spots along the way to the peak.

Soon enough you will reach a bunch of wooden stairs to climb down before having to make the final climb up to the peak. This is a great spot to look back and see the horseshoe ridgeline that you’ve hiked so far.

A few more steps and you’ll reach a trail on the left that takes you to Hongpo. (If you took the shortest route up, this is where you would be coming from). It’s only another 0.4km to the peak and the last climb of the day!

Reaching the peak, you will have another great open view. There is a sign close to the summit stone that indicates all of the islands in the close distance. Take a nice break, you’ve earned it!

After the peak, you’ll have another 1.5 kilometers to go before exiting the trail. Along the way, there are a few nice views looking down on Myeongsa Beach.

Once you reach the roadway, hang a right and it’s a short 5 minute walk back to Myeongsa Beach if you are parked there or are catching a bus.

I really can’t recommend this trail enough. If you like ocean views with rocky outcrops this is the trail for you!

video created by andrew risk

My husband, Andrew, is much more talented than I am when it comes to editing videos. He also happens to take some pretty amazing pictures. Check out his instagram to see more.