Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Saebat car park at Eouigok, walk up the lane and over the wooden bridge to the old Eouigok visitor centre, where the trail begins. It climbs steadily up a quiet valley through deep forest of Mongolian oak, on earth paths and stone steps, with few views until the trees thin out near the Eouigok junction on the main ridge. From here a broad path and boardwalk lead south over open grassland to Birobong (비로봉), the summit of Sobaeksan, with views along the Baekdudaegan ridge in both directions. Return the same way.
It is 10.8 km there and back with 996 m of ascent; allow about 6½ hours. The grade is Hard: a long, steady climb through the forest, then an easy, exposed ridge.
Walkers may set off from Eouigok until 14:00 from April to October and 13:00 in winter. Sobaeksan closes some trails in the fire-prevention periods (in spring from 3 March to 30 April), so check that this route is open. The summit ridge is very windy and cold in winter: carry crampons and warm clothes.
Buses from Danyang run to Eouigok (the Eouigok, Saebat stop is by the car park).
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Birobong, 1,439.5 m, is the summit of Sobaeksan, on the Baekdudaegan ridge between Chungcheong and Gyeongsang
- Sobaeksan became a national park in 1987
- The broad, treeless ridge round Birobong is grassland, pink with royal azaleas in late May
- Sobaeksan is known for fierce winter winds on its open summit ridge
Summits on the way
- Birobong 1,439 m
Getting there
Start: Saebat car park, Eouigok. 36.98825, 128.45958
Directions to the start
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KakaoMap and Naver Map, the maps Korea uses, give public transport from where you are.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Saebat car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.