byeonsanbando national park 변산반도 국립공원
gwaneumbong 관음봉 474meters
5.2km loop
📍Trailhead
On the May long weekend of 2020, I set off for a solo hiking trip to cover Naejangsan and Byeonsanbando National Parks. I saved the easier route on Byeonsanbando for the second day, and I’m glad I did because my legs were feeling a bit tired from the previous day’s hike.
I chose another “horseshoe route” following the blue line.
Arriving at the park early, I was able to easily find parking; giving me a head start on the trail so I had the mountain to myself for a while. When you arrive at the park, turn right before the temple entrance and walk a short way past the buildings before seeing the trail entrance on the left.
Turn right before passing through this gate.
Enter the trail here.
As with the majority of hikes, it’ll be a bit steep starting out. Before long though you’ll emerge from the trees, with the temple visible below and the rest of the route, where you’ll soon be hiking, to the left.
Some pretty flowers along a flatter section of trail.
You’ll soon be hiking along the cliffs in the foreground as well as the higher ones further back.
Although this is a shorter hike than most routes I’ve chosen for national parks, it really was quite beautiful. Once up on the ridgeline there were so many amazing open areas along the way.
Once you reach the first junction, hang a left and, before you know it, you’ll be at Sebong Peak.
Sebong Peak
From Sebong Peak, you only have another kilometer to go to reach Gwaneumbong. There will be lots of areas where the trees open up and you can see the trail filled with stairs and rocks ahead.
…and lots more pictures below because I just couldn’t help myself.
FUN!
And more stairs!
As you are approaching Gwaneumbong you will get a great view of the peaks behind the mountain on the other side of the park. I definitely plan to return to Byeonsanbando to explore more of the park’s trails.
So many more routes to explore along those peaks.
After a final push you’ll reach the highest accessible peak in this park: Gwaneumbong.
Enjoy the last of the open views as you start heading back down the mountain.
Be sure to check out the temple area below as you exit the trail, it’ll be to your left.
This was such a pretty trail that I can hardly wait to return and see what else this park has to offer!