Naejangsan (내장산)

Sinseongbong (신성봉)

This hike was an eight-peak roller-coaster ride around the rim of a natural amphitheater! We absolutely loved it from start to finish. Each new peak was more spectacular than the one before – with Sinseongbong (신성봉) at the top. We may have clocked one of our slowest hike times ever here, but that’s because we were having a fantastic time in Naejangsan National Park (내장산국립공원)!

An image of several peaks along the ridge of Naejangsan mountain. The image is taken from a high peak with a view over three prominent peaks rising above a steep ridge. The peaks are rocky, rising from a mixed forest of bare deciduous trees and green pine trees. — The jagged spine of Naejangsan

From the moment we reached the top of the ridge in the first light of dawn, we had tremendous views. We could see the outline of the semicircle of peaks that lay ahead of us. There were also tremendous, clear views down into deep valleys. The sun rose higher into the sky, painting the tops of the trees we gazed down on and warming our way.

An image taken at the first sign of dawn. The bare branches of trees in the foreground and the shapes of mountains in the background appear black. The sky is bright with pastel hues: coral, peach, cream, lavender and light blue. — Dawn in Naejangsan National Park

We couldn’t maintain a steady pace with so many peaks along the way. Each one warranted a proper greeting and admiration of its views in every direction. Every peak was – and is – always a celebration. And the paths linking these peaks were so varied. Some were logs laid across the forest floor to make steps. Some were steep metal stairs. And some were thrilling knife-edge balancing acts on jagged rocks!

An image of the author's husband walking up some simple steps made of wood and earth. The sunlight is streaming from behind the author, so you can see her shadow as well as the long shadows of the trees in the forest. The tree trunks appear grey, and the forest floor is the light orange shade of fallen leaves. — Trail to Janggunbong peak

An image of the author standing atop the summit stele of Sinseonbong peak. The peak area is bare, and the long ridge of the mountain is visible in the distance. — At Sinseonbong peak – the highest point in Naejangsan National Park!

An image of the author's husband. His back is to the camera, and he is standing on top of some sharp, jagged rocks. There are metal handrails painted orange to either side of the rock. The slope drops off steeply to either side. — Fun section of trail near Kkachibong peak

The sun grew stronger and stronger. It became positively warm! We decided to shed our backpacks and stop to take it all in. We enjoyed a relaxing picnic of sandwiches and fruit atop a bald, rocky peak with awesome views.

On the final few peaks, the climbing got gnarly. So many ladders, ropes, railings and vertical stairs! It was more like a via ferrata course than a hiking trail, and I loved it!

An image of the author's husband descending a steep set of stairs. The stairs are high off the ground and connected to a vertical rock face. There are also long metal supports stretching down to the ground, out of the frame. Another steep, vertical rock face is visible on the right of the frame. The staircase and rocks are in shadow, out of the sun. — Steep stairs near Bulchulbong peak

An image taken from below of a jagged, rocky peak. A set of steep orange stairs with side railings leads to the peak. There are numerous bare tree branches to the right and a few green pine trees to the left. — One way up

An image of the author on some steep stairs. The stairs zigzag down a jagged grey rock face to a forest of naked brown trees. The author is facing the camera and looking upwards, grinning. The valley is visible in the upper right of the image, far below. — Happy climbing!

The final peak was perhaps my favorite. First, we descended down into a cool, dark valley hidden from the sun. There was a sheer rock face to our right, and a sharply sloping forest to our left. Hand-over-hand, we climbed straight up a ladder! After a few minutes, we zigzagged our way over the crest of some rocks, back into the sunlight. A jaw-dropping view opened up before us. We could see all of the other peaks we’d climbed, including Sinseongbong across the valley! We absorbed all the last rays of warm winter sunlight as we enjoyed the final peak.

An image of the author and her husband from Seoraebong peak. Behind them, another peak and the steep steps up to it are visible. The mountain range extends away into the distance. The forested mountain slopes are mainly brown, dotted with some bright green pine trees. — On Seoraebong peak

Climbing down into the evening, all I could think about was how perfect this park was, and how lucky we were to get such a lovely winter’s day to enjoy it! A little temple time completed what was, for me, a perfect day.

An image of a temple building set against the backdrop of a stark brown winter forest. Jagged grey peaks pierce the blue sky, far above. — Serene views from Byeongnyeonam Hermitage

Know & Go! Sinseongbong (신성봉) & friends – Naejangsan National Park (내장산)

Transportation

Naejangsan National Park is located between the big metros of Jeonju and Gwangju in Korea’s southwest. The closest access points are the smaller cities of Jeongeup and Gochang. Getting to this park could involve taking an express bus or high-speed trail to Jeonju, for example, transferring to another bus to Jeong-eup, and finally onto a local bus (or a speedy taxi). Alternatively, if you’re coming from Seoul, you will likely be able to find a direct bus to Jeongeup. From Jeong-eup, there several buses that will take you to the park entrance in 20-40 minutes. It’s a bit of a journey, but this park is well worth the effort!

Hike & Run

There are many ways of getting onto the horseshoe-shaped ridge. But it is definitely worthwhile to get on the ridge and stay on it from start to finish! I would recommend starting early and hiking in the clockwise direction. I think this is the most exciting way to go, and the ridge builds to a grand finale on Seoraebong peak. Plus the main peak of Sinseongbong is located right in the middle of the ridge, so you may as well take a tour of the whole ridge if you’re out to see the top anyways!

You may notice that none of the trails are ‘expert’ level, according to the Korea National Park Service grading system. I suspect that’s because, although there’s some steep climbs, the distances between the peaks are quite short, and there’s always a way down to solid ground in the center. After your hike, Naejangsa Temple and Byeongnyeonam Hermitage are pretty places for photography, against the backdrop of the mountains. Completing this steep circuit will take some time, so bring some snacks for peak picnics!

Naejangsan National Park trail map

Stay & Eat

Naejangsan National Park has a campground and a couple of shops at its main entrance. If you can make it the night before, I’d recommend staying here rather than in Jeong-eup to maximize your day in the park. Getting a head-start always helps in this populous country of hikers!

The usual collection of mountain vegetable restaurants exists here, as well as a popular convenience store and several small coffee shops. As always, plant-based and picky eaters might want to bring along some provisions.

Other Notes

There are 8 pretty peaks along Naejangsan’s main ridge, the highest of which is 763m Sinseonbong. This peak is listed on the Black Yak and Korea Forest Service 100 summits lists.

I visited Sinseongbong and the rest of Naejangsan National Park with my husband in late December 2015. This was the 7th national park we visited during our mountain mission year. One of our favorites, this hike was 18.4 km long.

Staying at a motel in the tourist village at the base of the mountain allowed us to get started at first light. We got to this park via a long string of buses, stopping in both Jeonju and Jeong-eup.

I researched our Naejangsan National Park adventures on the Korea National Park Service website.

Head back to the Naejangsan National Park main page for more of this nice park! I invite you to other other national park and 120 summits adventures next.