| Hyangjeokbong
Peak 1614m/5295' |
August 1-3,
2006. This is a 3-day trip to Deogyusan National
Park. I took an express bus at Nambu Bus Terminal (Seoul
Line 3) for a 3:45hr bus ride to Muju, Jeollakbuk-Do.
I then took a local bus to Samgong Ticket Booth... my
trailhead.
I ascended Hyangjeokbong Peak (1614m/5295'), which is
the highest peak of Deogyusan National Park for 3hrs.
Then I checked-in at the Hyangjeokbong Shelter. Before
calling the day, I went for a hike down to Solchonbong
Peak (1520m/4987'), the top of Muju Resort ski lifts.
My 2nd day had 9hrs. The longest summit to summit traverse
I've done so far in Korea. From Hyangjeokbong Peak (1614m/5295')
- Jungbong Peak (1594m/5230') - Muryongsan Peak (1492m/4895')
- Sakkatbong Peak (1419m/4656') and finally to Namdeogyusan
Peak (1507m/4944'). This time includes summit stops and
an hour lunch at Sakkatgoljae Shelter. In addition to
9hrs of traversing the ridge, I still had to descend down
to Yeonggak Ticket Booth for another 1:45hrs. |
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| (1) The entrance
to the park was very busy with bathers. Almost every possible
spot was taken. The area is also a good place to have
lunch before starting a hike.
(2) This is Gucheon Pokpo Falls. One of the many small
falls you'll pass along the way. |
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  The
trail from the beginning is by a gravelly road. It is long and
very boring.
The end of this road is Baekyeonsa Temple. It is also the beginning
of the actual trail to Hyangjeokbong.
(2) The trail continues to the left of the temple, after passing
this bridge (sign). |
  On
my way up, I met a gentleman from ottawa with an attitude
problem. After seeing me, he immediately objected about me
carrying a big pack. He then reminded me how steep and tiring
Korean mountains can be. And in my "condition",
I shouldn't be carrying a load. These words are from a guy
who was already pale from sweating buckets and who could barely
stand up and breathe.
I ignored him and just simply smoked his ass.
|
 
This is Hyangjeokbong Shelter. It doesn't offer restaurant food
but it has some noodles, snacks and drinks to get you through
the night, in case you forgot to pack your stove and food to
cook.
This place is well maintained, very clean and presentable. The
best part is, it is only about 100m from the summit. Enjoy the
beautiful view in your backyard. |
  After
signing in at the shelter, I went to the summit.
This is Hyangjeokbong Peak (1614m/5295'). I was surprised to
see that I still made it to an exactly 3hrs ascent time. |
  (1)
This is Solchonbong Peak (1520m/4987'). I still had some time
before the sunset so I went for a short hike and visit the top
of Muju Resort.
(2) Meet Melody. Click here
to see Harmony.
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  The
weather wasn't very nice when I got to this mountain. It even
seemed it was about to rain.
I failed to see the sunset but I was blessed the next day to
witness my very first Korean mountain view sunrise. |
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