gadeokdo galmaetgil 가덕도 갈맷길

• yeondaebong 연대봉 459.4 meters

• maebong 매봉 357 meters

• eungbongsan 응봉산 314 meters

• ganggeumsan 강금산 199 meters

6 km thru-hike

📍trailhead

A first hiked on Gadeok-do, the island between Geoje and Busan, a few years ago. During my first visit I discovered that there was more to this hike than just the main peak, Yeondaebong. It turned out this island has a hiking course called Galmaet-gil. There are several different courses you can take, including a 22km course.

This time, I settled on my own course which would take me about 6km across the island, hitting up four peaks. (Followed by a taxi ride back to my car at the start.) The main reason why I chose this route was because I really wanted to check out Eungbongsan. I always noticed this rocky peak on my way home from Busan and wondered how to get there since naver and kakao maps didn’t show a connecting trail.

There are two large parking lots for this hike, which kind of indicates the popularity of this trail.

The first part of the trail that leads to the peak is quite wide. The majority of folks I saw hiking seemed to just hike the 1.55km to the peak and head back down so this is an option if you’re short on time or don’t feel like continuing on.

Once at the peak, you’ll have some great views looking back towards Geoje and Busan.

This is a great spot to see the Gadeok Tunnel leading under the sea and the bridges to Geoje.

The trail continues on behind the fire beacon at the top of the wooden platform (pictured above). From this point, there were not many people on the trail so it was a refreshing change from the first part You’ll get a couple of more views out to sea before climbing down, down down into the valley.

At the bottom of the valley, you’ll reach an open area where the trail will fork in different directions. From here, continue straight and prepare to climb back up.

You’ll have another steep climb to recover most of the elevation that you just came lost. This time, the entire section of trail is wooded so you won’t have any views to the sea on this leg. Once you reach Maebong, which is to the left of the main trail, you’ll be rewarded with a rest and a view inland towards the rest of the island.

This peak was empty so I was able to take off my mask for my selfie. ^^

I really liked this summit area with the traditional wooden carvings.

From the summit area, head back to the trail. Once again you’ll have another steep climb down into the valley. You’ll arrive at another open section with a wooden gazebo where the trail forks in different directions again. Head straight and get ready for the last climb of the day.

You’ll have one final climb to reach the last two peaks, Eugnbongsan and Ganggeumsan. Nearing the top, the trial will get much rockier and you’ll also get a view looking back from where you started.

After reaching the summit sign. the trail will continue ahead. What came next was probably the highlight of the day for me, as it was so unexpected. The trail lead to a cave, which upon approach, you can’t see the exit. I was quite uncertain about entering it as I was alone and didn’t know what to expect. However, as soon as you approach the entrance you can see the exit up and to the left.

Next you’ll find one more Eungbongsan summit sign hanging from a tree. (I’m not sure why there are two.)

Continue to follow the trail and head towards the last peak of the day, Ganggeumsan.