gujeolsan 구절산

564.6 meters

6km loop (approximate)

📍trailhead

After recovering from a badly herniated disc in my neck over the past 8 months. I’ve finally been able to return to hiking along with all of the other things I took for granted before my injury. This weekend, I was so excited to head out on a little day trip to Goseong to check out Gujeolsan and the suspension bridge overlooking Pokpoam Hermitage. Just an hour long drive from Geoje, this was a fantastic hike with views similar to Georyusan, which is also close by.

Most people come to see the hermitage and walk across the suspension bridge, which can be done on its own as a 1km walk. The mountains are where my heart is though, so of course I opted to climb up to the peak.

Approaching the hermitage and parking area, the final few kilometers will have you driving through rice fields, where you’ll be thinking “surely this can’t be right!” but if you follow your navigation, you’ll reach a fork in the road where you’ll be directed to the small dirt parking area.

Start walking up the steep concrete roadway on the left to head towards the hermitage. You’ll get your first views of the suspension bridge along this walk, but the best views of the suspension bridge, as well as crossing it, will cap the end of the hike. When you arrive at the temple area, take the stairs on the right to start the hike to the peak. (If you plan on just crossing the bridge and calling it a day, take the stairs to left and head behind the temple to the left.)

From here, go past the large Buddha statue and the trail will begin by crossing the stream.

You won’t be walking for long until you come across a sign pointing to 백호굴 (White Tiger Cave). I actually went left here since I was eager to just get going, but I ended up passing, only what I can assume, was White Tiger Cave, by the picture on the cave.

It won’t be long before you pass what I assume is White Tiger Cave (백호동굴) based on the tiger picture over it, even if it wasn’t a white tiger.

After passing the cave, you’ll be making your way up the mountain and eventually get some pretty nice views off to the the side of the trail.

Eventually, you’ll reach a fork in the road. Stay to the right to keep heading towards the peak. (You’ll return here later to follow the trail down back to the hermitage).

It won’t be much longer until the trail merges with a mountain access road and crosses a grassy field. You’re almost there!

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to an incredible 360° view!

From the peak, you can see a section a bit further ahead with some rocks and ropes. This type of path is what I’m all about, so I forged on ahead to check it out before turning back.

After I got my little thrill walking over the rocky section, I turned back to make my way back to the hermitage and finally cross the suspension bridge! This time you’ll follow the steep trail down to the hermitage.

It’s a steep climb down, but a shorter distance than the climb up. Eventually, you’ll reach a sign post. Head left to see the bridge.

After you check out the bridge, head back to the last trail sign (pictured above) to go to the hermitage. It is along this path that you’ll get the best view of the hermitage and bridge together (in my opinion).

Overall, this was a great little day trip from Geoje. I can hardly wait for my next adventure!