v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Cheonwangbong Peak — The highest point in Jirisan (about 1,915 m) and the classic reason people drag a heavy pack up here: sweeping ridgeline views, sunrise blankets, and that high-mountain feeling. Trails converge here from several directions, so it’s a great summit for ridge-walking and photos when the weather cooperates.
- Nogodan Ridge — A favorite for spring azaleas and dramatic ledges, Nogodan gives you expansive views without the technical scramble. It’s especially pretty at dawn or late afternoon when the light hits the slopes and the rhododendrons pop.
- Piagol Valley — A steep, narrow canyon with waterfalls, old-growth forest and some of the park’s best autumn colors. The trail down into Piagol feels wild and dramatic — great if you want gorge scenery rather than just peaks.
- Baemsagol
- Cheonwangbong Peak — The highest point in Jirisan (about 1,915 m) and the classic reason people drag a heavy pack up here: sweeping ridgeline views, sunrise blankets, and that high-mountain feeling. Trails converge here from several directions, so it’s a great summit for ridge-walking and photos when the weather cooperates.
- Nogodan Ridge — A favorite for spring azaleas and dramatic ledges, Nogodan gives you expansive views without the technical scramble. It’s especially pretty at dawn or late afternoon when the light hits the slopes and the rhododendrons pop.
- Piagol Valley — A steep, narrow canyon with waterfalls, old-growth forest and some of the park’s best autumn colors. The trail down into Piagol feels wild and dramatic — great if you want gorge scenery rather than just peaks.
- Baemsagol (Baemsa) Valley — Lush, ferny valley with clear streams and quiet waterfalls; excellent for a cool, shady walk in summer. Fewer crowds than the main peaks, so it’s a good spot to unwind and listen to the water.
- Hwaeomsa Temple — One of Korea’s major mountain temples tucked into Jirisan, with impressive wooden halls, stone pagodas and a peaceful temple complex that contrasts the rugged trails. It’s a cultural highlight and a handy trailhead for several hikes.
- Jirisan Ridge Trail (multi-day traverse) — The long ridge that links several summits is the park’s backbone — multi-day backpacking territory with shelters and steep ups-and-downs. If you’ve got time and a good pack, the ridge gives a real sense of remoteness and continuous alpine scenery.
- Wildlife & biodiversity — Jirisan is a biodiversity hotspot: keep an eye out for Korean goral, abundant birdlife and the park’s conservation work for the Asiatic black bear. Sightings are rare and quiet observation is key, but knowing the park supports these species makes the visit feel meaningful.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Busan Small Group Guaranteed Sky Capsule with Door To Door Pickup
Private DMZ Tour with North Korean Defector + N Korean Lunch
Royal Seoul Cooking Class in a 100-Year-Old Hanok
Seoul Vegan & Vegetarian Gwangjang Market Food Tour (11 Tastings)
Make Traditional Korean Rice Wine (Makgeolli)
Traditional Korean 6-Dish Cooking Class + Hidden Alley Tour Seoul
DMZ 2nd Tunnel, Pocheon Sky Bridge & Waterfall Tour from Seoul
Private Seoul or DMZ Tour
Seoul: Small Group Cheorwon DMZ Tour with Lunch
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.