Geumjeongsan hike info

Geumjeongsan is the mountain Busan people treat as their own. It is 800.8 m high, and the top is called Godangbong. From Beomeosa station on Metro Line 1 one bus ride puts you at the trailhead, and about an hour of climbing opens the whole city below. Even this close to a big city the ridge is rough: lumps of grey granite stand out here and there, and a stone wall runs along between them.

The name comes from a story of a golden-coloured spring on a rock near the top, where a fish from heaven was said to play. That spring, Geumsaem, is on a dangerous stretch that is closed to ordinary hikers, so you meet it only as a story. There is plenty else to walk. The Geumjeongsan Fortress is called the largest mountain fortress in Korea, with four gates spread along the ridge, and linking them one by one is a good day out.

In a bowl inside the walls sits Sanseong village, where Geumjeong Sanseong makgeolli is brewed, a drink Busan has talked about for generations. The classic day is up from Beomeosa in the morning, a summit photo at Godangbong, then pancakes and a cup of makgeolli in the village before heading down. Summit wind makes it 5-10 C colder than the street, so pack a layer.

From Seoul (BUS)

From Busan and other cities (BUS)

To the trailhead (LOC)