Advanced Ridge Hiking
Mt. Jirisan Ridge Traverse – 2 Days
A two-day traverse of the classic Jirisan Main Ridge — from Seongsamjae Pass over Nogodan to Cheonwangbong, Korea's highest mainland peak.
Tour Overview
The Experience
Mt. Jirisan is Korea's first national park and home to its highest mainland peak, Cheonwangbong (1,915 m). This two-day ridge traverse follows the classic Main Ridge across the western half of the massif — a strenuous, rewarding route for experienced hikers.
Day 1 climbs from Seongsamjae Pass to Nogodan and continues over Imgeollyeong and Hwagaejae to Yeonhacheon and the Byeoksoryeong Shelter, where the night is spent. Day 2 resumes at Byeoksoryeong and follows the ridge over Chilseonbong and Yeonhabong to Jangteomok and the summit of Cheonwangbong, before descending to Jungsan-ri.
This is a true mountain traverse with sustained ridge walking, steep climbs and descents, and an overnight at a mountain shelter. Your guide manages the pace, navigation and safety throughout.
Tour Highlights
What makes this traverse special
Cross the heart of Jirisan instead of returning along the same trail, linking Seongsamjae in the west with Jungsan-ri on the eastern side of the mountain.
Finish the high ridge by reaching Cheonwangbong at 1,915 m, the highest summit on the Korean mainland and the defining goal of the traverse.
Stay at Byeoksoryeong Shelter on the ridge, experiencing the quiet atmosphere of Jirisan after day hikers have left the mountain.
Travel through layered mountain ranges, rocky passages and changing highland landscapes across Korea’s first national park.
An experienced English-speaking hiking guide manages navigation, pace and safety while private transportation connects the two distant trailheads.
Hiking Route Map
See the route before you hike
Hiking Route Details
Step-by-step on the trail
Day 1 — Seongsamjae to Byeoksoryeong Shelter
- 1
Seongsamjae Pass
- 2
Nogodan
- 3
Imgeollyeong
- 4
Hwagaejae
- 5
Yeonhacheon
- 6
Byeoksoryeong Shelter
Day 2 — Byeoksoryeong to Jungsan-ri via Cheonwangbong
- 1
Byeoksoryeong Shelter
- 2
Chilseonbong
- 3
Yeonhabong
- 4
Jangteomok
- 5
Cheonwangbong (1,915 m)
- 6
Jungsan-ri
Difficulty: Strenuous
This is a demanding two-day mountain traverse with sustained ridge walking, steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain and an overnight stay at a mountain shelter. Hikers should be fit, experienced and comfortable on exposed, uneven ground for long hours over two consecutive days.
Daily Itinerary
Two days on the Jirisan Main Ridge
Day 1 — Seongsamjae to Byeoksoryeong Shelter
Trailhead start — Seongsamjae Pass
Begin the traverse at Seongsamjae Pass.
Nogodan
Climb to Nogodan, one of Jirisan's three main peaks, with panoramic western ridge views.
Imgeollyeong
Continue along the ridge to Imgeollyeong.
Hwagaejae
Cross Hwagaejae on the ridge.
Yeonhacheon
Descend toward Yeonhacheon.
Byeoksoryeong Shelter
Arrive at the Byeoksoryeong Shelter for the overnight stay on the ridge.
Day 2 — Byeoksoryeong to Jungsan-ri via Cheonwangbong
Byeoksoryeong — start of Day 2
Set off from the Byeoksoryeong Shelter.
Chilseonbong
Follow the ridge up to Chilseonbong.
Yeonhabong
Continue over Yeonhabong.
Jangteomok
Pass Jangteomok on the way to the summit.
Cheonwangbong summit (1,915 m)
Reach the summit of Cheonwangbong, the highest point on the Korean mainland.
Descent to Jungsan-ri
Descend from the ridge to Jungsan-ri, where the traverse ends.
Private Tour Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
This is a private 2-day ridge traverse. The price varies depending on group size, travel date, shelter reservation and transportation requirements.
Contact us for a personalized quote.
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Inclusions
Pricing & What's Included
Included
- Professional hiking guide
- Hiking poles, Crampons
- Roundtrip transfer service with a private vehicle
- Accommodation: 1 night (mountain shelter on the ridge)
- Meals during the tour
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Drinks
- Personal hiking equipment
What to Bring
Pack for the trail
Important Safety Information
Hike safe, hike smart
Mountain weather can change quickly — your guide may adjust the route for safety.
The Jirisan Main Ridge is a demanding two-day traverse with steep ascents and descents, rocky and exposed ridge sections.
The itinerary may be changed due to weather, trail closures, shelter availability or National Park regulations.
The guide reserves the right to shorten or alter the route based on weather and group ability.
Easier Jirisan Option
Pair Jirisan Nogodan with a 2-Day Southwest Journey
Travel from Seoul by KTX for an easy private journey combining short hikes at Wolchulsan and Jirisan with Boseong tea fields, Suncheon Bay and Namwon.
Inquiry
Ready to Traverse Jirisan?
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