Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Beopjusa Visitor Support Centre, walk past the temple, one of Korea's great mountain monasteries, and take the Sejo-gil, a level path that follows the reservoir and the stream through the woods. At Sesimjeong the real climb begins: a stony path and steps lead up the valley past the hermitage of Bokcheonam, and then more steeply up to the ridge. The last 500 m is steep, and steel stairs climb onto the top of Munjangdae (문장대), a huge granite boulder with a railed platform and views over the rocky peaks of Songnisan. Return the same way.
It is 13.5 km there and back with 635 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: a long, easy approach, then a steady, rocky climb.
Walkers may set off from Beopjusa until 15:00 from April to October and 14:00 in winter. The Munjangdae route stays open in the spring fire-prevention period, when some of the park's other trails close. The stairs onto the rock are steep; in winter carry crampons.
Buses from Cheongju and Boeun run to Songnisan terminal, about 700 m from the start; there are car parks by the terminal.
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
- Munjangdae, 1,054 m, is a great granite boulder on Songnisan's main ridge, reached by steel stairs
- Beopjusa, at the start, was founded in 553 and is one of the seven mountain monasteries on UNESCO's World Heritage list
- The Sejo-gil, the first part of the walk, is named after King Sejo, who is said to have come here to recover from illness
- A local saying holds that climbing Munjangdae three times earns a place in paradise
Getting there
Start: Beopjusa Visitor Support Centre. 36.53409, 127.82743
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 Chungcheong: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
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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.