Mount Seolak Dragon Ridge
Seoraksan’s Dragon Ridge in One Day
On Wednesday, October 14, I hiked Gongnyong Ridge (공룡능선, “Dragon Ridge”) in Seoraksan National Park. It is often called one of the most beautiful and demanding ridge trails in Korea.
I started at Hangyeryeong Pass at 5:00 a.m. and climbed the Seobuk Ridge to the summit of Daecheongbong (1,708 m), the highest peak in Seoraksan and the third highest in South Korea. From there, I descended to Huiungak Shelter and began the Dragon Ridge, a stretch of jagged granite spires with steep climbs, ropes, and rock scrambles. From Madeungnyeong, I descended past Biseondae and reached Sogongwon at 2:30 p.m., about 9½ hours after I started.
Total distance: about 23 km (14 miles), based on trail signposts. GPS readings for this route often run higher.
The autumn colors on the granite peaks made every step worth it. A long day like this is a good test of steady energy, good recovery, and respect for your body’s limits, which is the same balance I work toward with my patients.
