Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park at Seongsamjae, take the broad trail east along the slope. It is an old track, wide and fairly level, with a viewpoint at Muneonggi over the valleys to the south. Beyond, the way climbs gently to Nogodan Shelter; a stone stairway shortcuts the track's bends. Above the shelter a short climb leads to Nogodan Pass (노고단), where a stone cairn stands at the start of the main ridge walk, with Nogodan summit just above and the long ridge of Jirisan stretching away east. Return the same way.
It is 5.1 km there and back with 304 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: a wide, gentle track from a high start.
The path from Seongsamjae is open from 03:00 to 16:30 in summer and 04:00 to 16:00 in winter. Nogodan summit, above the pass, has its own hours (05:00 to 16:00), and the ridge beyond closes to walkers starting after midday. The weather at 1,500 m can be cold and windy even in summer.
Buses from Gurye climb road 861 to Seongsamjae, but not in winter, when the road may also close in snow. The car park charges 1,100 won for the first hour, then 300 won for each 10 minutes.
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
- Nogodan, 1,507 m, is one of the three main peaks of Jirisan
- Seongsamjae is a road pass at about 1,090 m, so the walk starts high
- Nogodan Pass is the western start of the Jirisan main ridge walk
- In late spring the slopes below the summit turn pink with azaleas
Getting there
Start: Seongsamjae car park. 35.30631, 127.51084
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 Jirisan: 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.