What a mountain! We ran up through the seasons to reach the peak of Myeongjisan (명지산). In the valley below, the weather was warm and mild, and we even saw a flower or two peeking up at the sun. But as we ascended the mountain slopes, we were reminded that winter was not over yet! The trails were icy, and Myeongjisan’s ridge was dusted in snow.
Myeongjisan was the second of a two-mountain day! We had embarked on a winter epic: a long run joining two of Gyeonggido’s highest peaks. First up was the working peak of Hwaaksan. After our first big climb, a bit of highway running and a snack smash at a convenience store, it was time to discover Myeongjisan!
We used an official entrance this time, and were delighted to see signs and maps for Myeongjisan. In the valley, we paused to admire bright, happy yellow flowers presenting the first evidence for spring. Soon after, we met an adorable Buddhist dog!
Our chosen route was pretty runnable dirt road, right up until the last one and a half kilometers. Then it was straight up on icy rocks interspersed with big steps! It was a bit of a challenge for tired legs and hungry bellies!
But amazing views soon followed. From the ridge, we spotted Hwaaksan‘s characteristic summit, and gazed down Myeongjisan’s stunning and snowy ridge.
En route to Myeongjisan’s main summit, we visited two other peaks named two and three. This traverse was a playful time. It’s not that it was fast: it most definitely was not. But we were laughing, and the technical conditions made for great training! I was very confident in my new crampons, until at some point I removed them and accidentally left them on the mountain. 🙁
On the opposite side of the summit, we descended a steep valley reach a road, where we once again picked up the pace. We ended our big winter long run stretching at another mart. Then we caught the local bus to Hyeonri, where we feasted and spent the night before going next to Unaksan!
KNOW AND GO! MYEONGJISAN
TRANSPORTATION
Myeongjisan is located in northern Gyeonggido, north of Gapyeong. The best access points are off highways, 75, 368 and 387.
The directions from Gapyeong are similar those taken to reach Hwaaksan, so you really might as well combine the two! If you’re taking public transit, hop on the 15 in Gapyeong near the train station or the bus terminal. At Bukmyeon, transfer to the 50-5, which can deposit you at Myeongji valley. This will be a shorter journey than the one to the main entrance for Hwaaksan – just 55 minutes!
Alternatively, you can take a bus to the village Hyeon (it may involve a transfer or two, depending on where you’re from). From Hyeonri, you can access the west side trailheads in about 15-30 minutes on buses 40-5/8 and 74-2!
Driving or renting a car is definitely an option – although it’s one we chose not to in the metros and surrounding areas. If time is of the essence, you can always take a taxi one or both ways too!
HIKE & RUN
Myeongjisan is a great place to run long or hike all day! This is one high peak among many. Head east, and you’ll find yourself on Hwaaksan. Venture west, and you can connect to Unaksan. Best of all, Yeoninsan is on the very same ridge as Myeongjisan, just slightly south! All of the aforementioned are 100 summits mountains.
And those are just the famous ones! There are about a dozen more summits on Myeongjisan’s numerous ridges. You could easily spend a day, or more, on this mountain alone.
If you’re seeking the summit in a hurry, the most direct route up is from Myeongji valley, just west of highway 75. Slightly more remote – but higher – Imsan valley in the north also has a short trail to the top. But I’d like to encourage you to explore more of Myeongjisan!
Personally, we did a traverse from Dodae village to Sangpan village, after descending from Hwaaksan!
STAY & EAT
There are oodles of options for your stay in this area!
North of Myeongjisan, there are pensions and restaurants in Imsan valley. Pensions, campsites and cafes also line the road to Sangpan village on the west. Although the options are limited in Myeongji valley on the east, just slightly south there are almost uncountable options in the Yeoninsan entrance area at Baekdun village!
If camping is your thing, this is your place! But car camping tends to work best, as the campsites are often far from public transit and resupply options.
Although it’s a little far, Gapyeong is the nearest major center. The most popular spots to stay are the pensions on the river’s edge, but there are some easy-not-so-sleazy motels in town too. There are lots of cafes and restaurants to suit your feed needs too.
Our eating experiences in the immediate area were limited to the convenience store we used as a DIY aid station at the bottom of Myeongjisan! As for sleeping, we stayed in Gapyeong prior to our run, and Hyeonri after.
OTHER NOTES
Myeongjisan is 1267 meters high and commands excellent views of the area. As a result, it was chosen for both of the 100 summits lists! The Korea Forest Service listing is here, and Black Yak listing is here.
Myeonjisan was part of a 35 kilometer run adventure (with over 2600 meters of elevation gain!) in March 2018. We ran over from neighboring Hwaaksan!
The 120 summits main page is your source for more mountains.
Enjoy Myeongjisan and any other adventures you’ve got planned!