hwawangsan 화왕산 756 Meters

4.5km return (approximately)

📍trailhead

Trail Specs & Details

  • Distance: ~4.5km (varies depending on time spent exploring the summit)

  • Elevation Gain: 447m

  • Starting Elevation: 305m

  • Highest Elevation: 757m

  • Time: ~2 hours (steady pace)

  • Trail Type: Loop (3 Course up, 2 Course down)

  • Trailhead: Doseong-am Hermitage

  • Key Highlights: Castle wall ruins, panoramic views, seasonal flowers

Whether you’re chasing seasonal flowers or just looking for a quick but rewarding hike, Hwawangsan is a fantastic stop—especially if you can catch the summit all to yourself!

A Morning Adventure: Hiking Hwawangsan

The second day of Merissa and my hiking trip to Biseulsan, I set out in the morning for a quick solo hike up Hwawangsan (756m) since our motel was just a few kilometers from the trailhead.

A Head Start on the Trail

Since I arrived early, I was able to park in a parking lot a bit higher up the mountain. However, during peak hiking season or busier days, these lots likely fill up fast, leaving a much longer walk up the roadway to the trailhead. Fortunately, I had just about a 10-minute walk to Doseong-am Hermitage, the starting point for the hike.

I took a quick look around the hermitage grounds before heading off on “3 Course”, a short but scenic 1.6km route to the peak.

The Journey Up

The early morning sun filtering through the trees made for a beautiful start to the hike. The trail was straightforward, with just one junction along the way, where I stayed on 3 Course to continue up.

Approaching the ridgeline, I spotted a signed offshoot to a viewpoint just 0.2km off the main trail. Naturally, I had to check it out! Unfortunately, the large wooden platform, offering a view of Changnyeong below, was roped off due to rotten boards—a bit of a letdown, but safety first!

Summit Views All to Myself

After returning to the main trail, it wasn’t much farther to reach the summit stone. To my surprise and delight, I had the entire summit to myself!

The top of Hwawangsan is a wide-open field, famous for its azaleas in spring and silver grass in fall. The mountain’s old castle wall skirts the summit, adding a historical charm to the breathtaking scenery. Even without the seasonal blooms, the tranquil view—with no other hikers in sight—was a perfect reward.

I took my time wandering around the castle walls and open field, soaking in the peaceful moment before beginning my descent.

The Way Down & A Post-Hike Celebration

For my return, I followed 2 Course, eager to get back to Geoje and meet up with Merissa for coffee and a quick post-hike treat before hitting the road.

As a fun bonus, just as we were getting into the car, we got a video call from Stefanie, who had just completed the Danang Marathon—her second 42.2km race! A perfect way to wrap up an already rewarding morning.