Despite of the freezing cold weather, winter is the perfect time to get out of bed and see the beautiful side of Korean winter. As the snow doesn't fall so often in Seoul, going out of Seoul to explore mountain areas is definitely a great idea to enjoy winter to the most. Mount Deogyu National Park is a very popular site for many adventurous winter hiking as it offers a flawless view of mountains covered with snow. Even though there are city buses run in this area, the buses don't come often so I came here with a friend who can drive. It takes 3-4 hours from Seoul (depends on the traffic jam) and once we parked the car, we still had to walk a bit to enter the area. Not only hiking, Mount Deogyu National Park is also available for winter sports such as snowboarding and skating. However, me and my friends were here just for hiking and enjoying the view.
It takes around 15 minutes to reach the mountain peak and as you walk up the mountain, the wind blows harder and the temperature falls down. So I recommend you to bring winter hat, mouth and ear cover, gloves, and scarf. If you don't have any, there are some people selling them but it will be overpriced. It takes a lot of effort to reach the peak (due to the freezing weather) but once you reach, you will be speechless as the view is really amazing.
> Address: Sojeong-ri, Buksang-myeon, Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
경남 거창군 북상면 소정리 , 병곡리, 산수 월성리
> Direction:
Bus
Take City Bus bound for Hwangjeom at Geochang-eup. (Run 6 times a day, 50 minute to 1 hour ride) -
Take City Bus bound for Songgyesa Temple at Geochang-eup. (Run 10 times a day, 50 minute to 1 hour ride)
Taxi - From Geochang-eup to Hwangjeom. (30 to 40 minute ride.) - From Geochang-eup to Songgyesa Temple. ( 30 to 40 minute ride.)
> Website:
> Opening Date: open all year round
> Parking Facilities Available (Samgong Parking Lot, Jeoksang Parking Lot, Deongnyudae Parking Lot, Pahoe Parking Lot)
>Parking Fees:
[L] 6,000 ~ 7,500 won
[M] 4,000 ~ 5,000 won [S] 2,000 won
* Regular shuttle buses are free (Not including monthly parking leasers)