Before we start to talk about Manmulsang trail in Gayasan national park, let’s get into the highlights of the park first.
♦ Three Highlights of Gayasan National Park
1. Haeinsa temple(해인사) and Tripitaka Koreana(팔만대장경)
Gayasan is most well-known for both Haeinsa temple, which is one of the top-three temples in Korea, and its Palmandaejanggyeong(Tripitaka Koreana, Buddist Scriptures) which is Memory of the World(세계기록유산). Also the building named Janggyeongpanjeon storing Palmandaejanggyeong is listed on world heritage site too.
Even though Gayasan was selected as one of the eight scenic views of the Joseon dynasty(late 14C~early 20C), since Haeinsa and Palmandaejanggyeong are too famous, the natural beauty of Gayasan has been relatively undervalued.
2. Manmulsang trail
The most beautiful trail of Gayasan in general is Manmulsang trail which was named after Geomgangsan Manmulsang that is considered as the most spectacular trail in the whole Korea peninsula. Manmulsang literally means 10,000 rock formations.
3. Sori-gil trail (a trail along with Hongyudong valley)
Hongyudong valley is one of the top scenic attractions in the region. Several years ago, Sori-gil trail along the Hongyudong valley was constructed which is 7km long. If you don’t want a strenuous hike, this trail would be a great option.
♦ Features of the Manmulsang trail in Gayasan (Baegundong~Manmulsang~Baegundong)
- One of the best rocky vistas in the region
- If needed, you can extend the route up to the summit, Chilbulbong and Sangwangbong.
More information: Gayasan National Park (Baegundong Area) (가야산국립공원-백운동 지구) : VISITKOREA
♦ Trail Introduction
Gayasan National Park is too famous for Haeinsa temple which stores Tripitaka Koreana(a wooden printing blocks). Then the beauty of the hiking trails in the park has been undervalued. Manmulsang trail is the highlight of the trails. If you like rocky vista, this trails is a MUST-GO trail.
- Course Summary: Baegundong Parking Lot -> Manmulsang -> Sangadeum Viewing Platform -> Seoseongjae -> Baegundong Parking Lot
- Total Lenth: 6.9km
- Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
1. Going up to the peak
There is a big parking lot named Baegundong parking lot. You start your hike here however you come.
Right next to the parking lot, there are several local restaurants.
After a few hundred meters past restaurants and the Gayasan Wildflower Botanical Garden, you come to the Baegundong Information Center and the trailhead.
This is the entrance for the Manmulsang trail. Between September 1st and October 31st, advanced reservation is required for this trail. Unfortunately online reservation system is only possible in Korean. Then you can make a reservation by call(1670-9201) or email(csnp@knps.or.kr). If the reservation quota hasn’t been fully occupied on the day of hiking, on-site reservation could be possible.
Now it is time to start real hiking. As soon as you start, it is very strenuous. But after an hour, the ridge hike continues and it is very rewarding for your effort.
2. On the peak (Sangadeum)
After Sangadeom viewing platform, it is only an easy 400m walk to Seoseongjae rest area.
3. Coming down back to the trailhead
Then it is easy to come down back to the trailhead. If you still have enough energy to add extra two hours hike, it would be a good idea to continue your hike to Chilbulbong and Sangwangbong, the summit of the park.
♦ How to get here? (Transportation)
⇒ By Car (Parking lot address)
Address: 가야산국립공원 백운동지구주차장(Baegundong parking lot) / 경북 성주군 가야산식물원길 17
⇒ By public transportation
From Seoul,
Seoul -> Dong-Daegu Station -> Daegu Seobu Bus Terminal -> Haeinsa Intercity Bus Terminal
It takes about 25 minutues from Dong-Daegu Station to Seobu Bus Terminal by subway. After you get on a bus at Seobu Terminal toward Haeinsa, you need to get off the bus at Gaya Bus Stop which is about 15 minutes before Haeinsa. Lastly you need to grab a taxi to Baegundong parking lot which would cost around 12,000won taking 15 minutes.
Route: Seobu Bus Terminal -> Goryeong Bus Terminal -> Gaya Bus Stop -> Haeinsa temple
Frequency: Total 14 buses per day for each way
Fare: 7,500won for adult
Journey: around 1hour and 10 minutes
Phone Number for Taxi: 010-6688-2044
Ok. This is all for Manmulsang trail. Hope that this helps you find your way to get to this trail.
If you want to watch a video clip about this trail, please wait for a week. A video clip is on its way. I will share it here soon.
Updated on 29.Oct. 2024
Written by Hong
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