Seonjasan 선자산

507 meters

3.86km return

📍trailhead

I’ve been to the peak of Seonjasan several times, but it has usually just been as part of the G.R.T. so I had used the Gyeryongsan trailhead previously. Recently, on a cloudy Sunday morning I decided to hike up Seonjasan as it’s own destination.

Sidenote: The G.R.T: The Geoje Ridgeline Trail is a 30km hike that takes you over many peaks as you work your way from Geoje City, in the middle of the island, all the way to Nambumyeon in the south.

At the trailhead, there is a tiiiiiny bit of parking at the side of the road, but be sure not to block the dirt roadway that’s still in use.

Enter the dirt road, and after about twenty steps, you will see the trail begin on the left.

There is a fork almost immediately next to a grown-over burial mound. Make a right here.

After making this initial turn, there are a series of steep switchbacks climbing up the mountain and you’re likely to be out of breath at first. After about 0.7km of climbing, you’ll reach a small rocky opening where you can see the surrounding area.

Re-enter the trail at the top of the open area. The hardest part of the hike is finished. You’ll still have some climbing to do, but it will be broken up by some flat areas, making for a more leisurely hike. At one point, you’ll be hiking alongside an old fortress wall.

You’ll have one more fork along this trail before reaching the peak. Make a right!

Once at the top, you’ll have some views around you, but they are not the usual wide open views in comparison to some of Geoje’s other mountains. To be honest, this trail isn’t one of my favorites, but it does have it’s merits. I rarely come across other hikers on this mountain, so if you’re looking to get away from the hiking crowds for some time alone in the woods, this trail is for you!

If you’re not in too much of a hurry, I’d recommend following the trail to the right heading towards Gyeryongsan. After about 1km you’ll reach a nice gazebo with some great views along this ridgeline as well. This gazebo is actually my favorite part of the hike and shouldn’t be missed!