Oseosan (오서산) was our second mountain of the day and the fourth of our Lunar New Year trip! But our Oseosan outing was anything but simply ticking another summit off the list. In fact, we especially enjoyed this mountain and felt really lucky to be there!
In fact, we were rather lucky – and well-equipped. The climb started with an extremely steep and icy trail. Midway up, we saw another couple and a family turn back. What made it especially crazy is that this slightly scary climb was so unlike the character of the top of the mountain. While this ridge was jagged and slick, up top Oseosan has a long, gentle and undulating summit ridge.
When we finally reached this safe, surprisingly snow-free area, we found a small weather station. Kent made me laugh by giving it the title ‘My First Military Antenna!’ for it’s fun size and put-together-from-a-kit appearance.
The long ridge of Oseosan is fun and mostly flat but with exciting rock outcrops and lovely golden grass. There are various steles – including a huge one! There was also a massive observation deck: basically a chillin’ platform. I was feeling really joyful, just skipping around this mountaintop!
On the platform, we actually sat down. The warm rays of the sun emboldened us to stay awhile. That made Oseosan the site of our first peak picnic in ages! And what a place to linger! There were wonderful expansive views in all directions of flat farmland and smaller peaks. We could even see the Yellow Sea!
Finally persuaded to leave in the late afternoon, I was delighted that the fun was not over. We were surprised when our downhill route turned out to be a road run that included a stop at a cave.
Having had our fill of traditional good times on Oseosan, we decided to go for some ‘type two’ fun for the remainder of our run. Guided by an outdated map, we headed off-trail and into the forest. We were full of confidence until we hit the deep snow. There were no footprints or trail signs. The forest was silent, and we were alone.
Having committed to this course of action, we read indications of trail where perhaps there were none. We continued uphill until we the increasing angle of the slope forced us to scramble. Then scramble we did! Right up and over a high ridge.
To our complete delight, there were flags at the top of the ridge. And, slightly further along an obvious trail, an Oseosan trail map and some signs.
To close our Oseosan loop, we were treated to a nice final descent on stairs and then roads! Despite – or perhaps because of – our snowy, somewhat sketchy slog in the middle, Oseosan stands out in my memory as a truly excellent adventure.
KNOW AND GO! OSEOSAN
TRANSPORTATION
Oseosan provides another excellent opportunity to get out and explore the little known wilds of Chungcheongdo. Yes, there is wilderness, and I think it’s underrated compared to the big names of the Gangwon and Gyeongsang provinces. Go see for yourself!
One landmark you might recognize nearby is Boryeong – home, of course, to the perennial foreigner favorite Boryeong Mud Festival. You could definitely make this your home base (for beach access!), but for direct trail access, get off a little earlier at Gwangcheon or Wonjuk station. The former is a bigger center (it also has a bus terminal), but the latter is closer to the peak. The benefit of both places is that you can simply walk a short distance through town and directly onto a trail.
Alternatively, you can take an intercity bus to Cheongyang on the inland side of the mountain. From here, to reach Oseosan, you’ll want bus 907 to Hwaam village (and nearly two hours of spare time). From there you’ll need to walk a decent amount on quiet country roads: just keep making the major left turns and keep your eye peeled for signs about Oseosan Natural Recreation Forest.
We skipped all of the above by renting a car. It was extremely convenient for our Lunar New Year ‘new mountains’ road trip – and for Oseosan!
HIKE & RUN
Another (not so) little mountain with many, many options. From Oseosan Natural Recreation Forest, it’s possible to make multiple loops of various sizes. And if you’re looking for more and not tied to a car, you could do a great point-to-point route here!
STAY & EAT
As mentioned above (see transportation), you’ve got west coast and inland options. Cheongyang is the biggest town in the area, but Boryang’s on the sea and is really set up for tourists. Where you stay and eat might depend on how you’re getting to this mountain, and which trail you follow. Note that camping is also available on the eastern side of Oseosan, in the natural recreation forest.
What we did…won’t be especially relevant for you. But if you’d like to know, we stayed in nearby(ish) Gongju, because it’s one of our favorite places on the entire peninsula.
OTHER NOTES
Oseosan’s 791 meters command an excellent view of the area. It was a favorite of mine, and of many a Korean hiker too – as indicated by its inclusion on the Black Yak 100 summits list! Check out the Oseosan listing right here.
Oseosan was one of our Lunar New Year ‘new mountains’ in February 2018. On this road trip, we also climbed Cheontaesan, Gayasan (Chungnam), Gwanaksan, Gwangdeoksan and Yongbongsan. We had a great, snowy and wild 10k run on this mountain.
Get more mountain inspiration on the 120 summits main page! And I hope you love Oseosan as much as I did. Happy trails!
