Hiking Dalmasan: A Snowy Lunar New Year Adventure in Haenam

Lunar New Year 2025 brought with it a perfect excuse for another hiking trip, and this time, I found myself in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, taking on the stunning Dalmasan. Having hiked Duryunsan the previous day, I was eager to conquer my second BAC 100 summit challenge on this journey.

A Chilly Morning Start

I woke up to a gentle snowfall—just enough to set the mood but, unfortunately, not enough to blanket the landscape. After a quick breakfast of hard-boiled eggs and a makeshift "coffee" from CU, I geared up for the day’s hike.

The drive to the Mihwangsa Temple trailhead was short, and as I arrived, I noticed a few other hikers preparing for their own treks. One particularly unique sight caught my eye—an enthusiastic hiker carrying a life-sized tiger doll wrapped in a blanket. Perhaps he had a creative photo in mind for the summit? I checked Instagram later, hoping to find proof of his snowy tiger photoshoot, but alas, no luck!

The Hike: A Gradual Start and a Steep Climb

The trail began deceptively easy, with gentle terrain leading away from the temple. However, it wasn’t long before the real challenge began—steep, rocky sections that required careful footing, especially with the slippery dusting of snow. Along the way, I passed a few trail junctions offering alternative routes, but given the conditions, I decided to head directly for the peak rather than risk an extended ridgeline trek.

Despite the hike being relatively short, the reward was well worth the effort. The peak offered stunning views, and while the snow didn’t fully stick, it added a beautiful, serene atmosphere to the climb.

Safety First: Turning Back Early

Though I had initially hoped to explore more of the ridgeline, the slick conditions made it clear that pushing forward solo wouldn’t be the smartest choice. I wasn’t the only one with this thought—every other hiker I encountered was also turning back down. Sometimes, the mountains decide your limits for you, and it's always better to play it safe.

Post-Hike Relaxation

After another successful BAC 100 summit, I headed back to my hotel’s village for a much-needed lunch and hot shower. The rest of the day was spent in a cozy café, unwinding and jotting down memories from the trip—including my search for that elusive Instagram tiger photo.

Would I return? Absolutely! Perhaps next time, I’ll get the full ridgeline experience—but for now, I’ll remember Dalmasan as a beautiful, snowy New Year’s adventure.