Huimangbong: The cape of Good Hope 희망봉

448 meters

4.7km Return

📍trailhead

Huimangbong is part of Bukbyeongsan (mountain) although it is separated from the main peak by a road so it feels as though it’s another mountain. This particular peak is actually part of Hakdong Gogae (Pass), but this post outlines a much easier way to get to the highlights rather than hiking the entire pass.

The trailhead is very near to the new building for the Nojasan Cable Car and there happens to a be a parking lot that will get you in great proximity to the trailhead so you don’t have to park on the roadway. Enter the trailhead and continue to walk behind the building construction and scaffolding for the Nojasan Cable Car construction (current as of fall 2020).

The trail starts with a climb, but it’s not overly steep. Nearing the top of the climb you’ll notice a small break in the trees with a view looking out to Nojasan and where the cable car with travel directly across from you. This is a good spot for a quick break, but you can except much better views at the top.

After about 0.6km of climbing, the trail will flatten out and most of the rest of the hike will be quite flat, with the exception of a very small climb near the peak. During my recent hike there were many downed trees due to recent typhoons, but the flat trail made for a nice break from the usual climbing that most Korean mountains demand.

A little over halfway there, you’ll come across a small building to the left of the trail. You can go stand next to the building, which is on a mountain access road, for some nice views of the interior of Geoje, but don’t waste too much time here because you’ll have a similar view later, but of a much better vantage point.

After 2.1 km you’ll have reached Huimangbong which is a very short off-shoot path to the right. Technically, I was here two years ago when hiking Hakdong Gogae Pass, but there was no view at the time. I think I must have missed the off-shoot trail and/or perhaps some trees were cleared. Regardless, it was such a great “find” on a mountain that I thought I knew. Now there is a small summit stone and a pretty great view of Hakdong Pebble Beach below as well as Windy Hill to the left and of course, my favorite…a gorgeous mountain range with Nojasan and Garasan) to the right.

So it’s time to turn back since you’ve seen the summit right? Noooo! There’s another great look-off that you definitely shouldn’t miss! Get back on the trail and continue walking a few more minutes. You’ll see a building for some cell towers (or something along those lines) through the trees to the left. Keep walking and the trail will wrap around the back of the building and go left. Before you know it you’ll see the stairs leading to another amazing view!

This time, you’ll get to see the other side of the island, including Gujora Beach, and inland mountain ranges. Once you get your fill of the view you can head back where you came from.

Sidenote, I hiked this trail two times last week, and both times I hiked it, when I turned back I missed the trail I came on and ended up hiking in front of the building mentioned above. If this happens to you, don’t worry about it, you’ll be back on the trail in just a few minutes. Just enter the roadway and head for the building. You’ll see a path near the building that will lead you back towards Huimangbong.

There’s one bonus site on this trail for the history buffs! It’s not well defined, but If you take the trail behind the building that goes towards the sea, for about two minutes, there’s an old fire beacon site. Fire beacons were used in the old days to quickly send a message to others who were a large distance away.

I hope you enjoy this hike as much as I did!