Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the one-pillar gate of Woljeongsa (월정사), walk the avenue of tall firs beside the stream to the temple, with its octagonal nine-storey pagoda. Beyond the temple the Seonjae-gil begins: an old path that follows the Odaecheon upstream through mixed forest, on earth, wooden steps and boardwalks, crossing the stream on bridges. It is almost level all the way, passing the site of a slash-and-burn farmers' village, a stretch of old forest railway and the native plant garden at Dongpigol, before climbing gently to Sangwonsa, home of Korea's oldest temple bell.
It is 10.3 km one way with 237 m of ascent and 8 m of descent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy: a long, gentle forest path, fine for families.
The path stays open in the fire-prevention periods, when Odaesan's high trails close, but heavy rain closes it. Boardwalks and steps weave round tree roots, so there are a few low branches to duck. In autumn the maples make it very popular.
Buses from Jinbu terminal run to Woljeongsa and on up the valley road to Sangwonsa, so you can ride back down; entry to Woljeongsa has been free since 2023.
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
- Woljeongsa, at the start, was founded in the 7th century; its octagonal nine-storey stone pagoda is a National Treasure
- The Seonjae-gil follows the Odaecheon stream along the old path used by monks before the road was built in the late 1960s
- Sangwonsa, at the end, keeps a bronze bell cast in 725, the oldest surviving temple bell in Korea
- The fir avenue to Woljeongsa is about a kilometre long
Getting there
Start: Woljeongsa Iljumun, Odaesan. 37.72533, 128.59712
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps KakaoMap Naver Map
KakaoMap and Naver Map, the maps Korea uses, give public transport from where you are.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Woljeongsa Iljumun: 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.