I was very excited to explore more of Woraksan National Park (월악산국립공원)! This special park is home to the goral antelope (my fave!) and lies at the heart of the Baekdudaegan in South Korea. Woraksan is vast – with small, disconnected segments of hiking. Over a year had passed since our first visit. And this time, we were back to visit some lesser-known corners of the park: namely Doraksan (도락산) and Geumsusan (금수산)!
Doraksan was first on the docket, on this summer Saturday. We woke before dawn and departed from our remote little miracle of a motel (it was kind of our last option) on the edge of the lake. When we reached our destination, we parked just outside the parking lot (because we’re KnC). Then we were really ready to begin, and we began with a run up the right side of the loop trail.
A paved road became a dirt path through a field, and on into the forest. We somehow started at just the right time: there was enough pre-dawn glow to avoid needing headlamps. On the way up, there were steep steps, rocky scrambles and (not so) little stone cairns.
Doraksan’s trail was everything that we love about national parks with its pristine, litter-free forest and helpful steps at crucial places. The NP infrastructure makes everything feel simple and comfortable, even the steepest, gnarliest mountains – of which this was one! It was incredibly thrilling, like its sister peak Yeongbong.
There was one amazing flat rock shortly before Doraksan’s peak which was especially memorable. From this rock we had tremendous views to either side, free of foliage thanks to sudden, plunging drop-offs.
In contrast, Doraksan’s peak was a cozy one, nestled in among low trees and bushes. I felt that this surprisingly peaceful peak, with an inviting wood bench and a friendly picnic area off to one side, really added to the charm of the mountain!
We saw one fellow hiker returning from the peak just before we reached it, but we were blissfully alone on top. We lingered a little, enjoying ourselves at the summit.
Then we lingered a little more on the rocky viewpoint. And there we were not alone! We heard some small singing, and quickly located its source. A groove in the rock had been filled in with water that was thick with algal growth. And here was where we found the frogs of Doraksan!
Eventually, we got moving again. We decided to descend on a new, parallel trail to close the loop. We had terrific views from here, too, as it was another dramatic ridge! The two trails on Doraksan are separated by a very narrow and dramatic valley.
Going down, we met quite a few folks coming up. But our adventure was short and sweet! We were back in the our trusty weekend rental car by 8:30 – more than enough time to tackle another one of Workasan’s peaks! Next up: Geumsusan!
Know and Go! Doraksan
Transportation
Doraksan is a bit in the middle of nowhere, much like the rest of Woraksan National Park! Doraksan is right in the middle of the triangle of cities surrounding Woraksan: Jecheon, Yeongju and Mungyeong. It’s closest to the small tourist town of Danyang (of Sobaeksan fame, actually!) – which is definitely where you should go if you’re using public transit to reach Doraksan.
From Danyang, you’ll want to drive (or direct your driver) south onto highway 5, then on to the winding route 59. After Gasan-ri, turn in and pass Sangseonam.
There are public buses that stop nearby as well. Search on Naver for updated time tables or head to the bus station. We opted not to do this, because we wanted to explore a lot of Woraksan in a little time – but it can be done!
Hike & Run
Luckily, the limited number of trails here makes your choice easy. There are two trails leading up to the summit, so take one going up and the other coming down for variety! Both are beautiful and have similar infrastructure. Similar in length, both are high on ridges above a steep valley.
Stay & Eat
Although I love a good mountain veggie feast, I did not come across one here. So perhaps you’ll be best served eating in Danyang or elsewhere in the park!
In terms of sleeping, Naver notes a guesthouse and pension right at the foot of Doraksan. These places would undoubtedly make a tranquil stay for a Korean-speaking guest with a car and/or provisions – but could be quite isolating if you’re on your own or using public transit. If in doubt, I’d suggest basing yourself in Danyang where there are many motels, restaurants and shops.
If you have your own wheels, you’ve got more options. We wound up staying at a little place on the 36 highway alongside Chungjuho lake. It’s a very scenic area that’s accordingly popular: we almost couldn’t find a room!
Other Notes
Doraksan is on both mountain lists: it’s on the Black Yak list here and the Korea Forest Service list here.
Kent and I climbed Doraksan in early June 2018. We enjoyed a 6.7 kilometer jaunt to and from the peak.
Doraksan is 964 meters tall. While the peak doesn’t have dramatic views, its ridges do. The best panoramas can be had from just before the peak – trust me, you’ll know when you’re there.
Continue on with us to Geumsusan, our second peak of the day! Or, click to return to the Woraksan main page and explore more.
Want more of Korea’s marvelous mountains? Head back to the 120 summits main page, or check out other national parks in Korea!