6 Domestic Snowy Hiking Trails You Shouldn’t Miss This Winter

if you’re looking to end the year on a high note or start the new year on a high note, there’s no better ritual than a snowy mountain walk. winter mountains require more preparation, but the snowy views and high altitude rewards as you approach the summit make it all worth it. we’ve compiled a list of six Korean mountain hikes that are especially recommended during the snowy season.

1) Mudongsan Mountain (Gwangju)

mudongsan is a mountain with many gentle sections, making it a great place for beginner winter hikers. however, the high altitude and windy conditions can cause the temperature to drop significantly, so crampons, poles, and cold weather gear are a must.

• recommended route: Wonhyo Plaza → Mokgyo Bridge → Seoseokdae → Ice Boulder → Latejae Samgyo → Wonhyo Plaza
• time required: About 5 hours

2) Mount Taegisan (Hwaseong, Gangwon-do)

this mountain has a wide and well-maintained path, making it relatively easy to climb to the top. the exotic scenery created by wind turbines and snowflakes is a highlight, and some sections of the descent are great for sledding. however, beware of the possibility of falling ice around the wind turbines on frozen days.

• recommended route: Yanggu Dumijae → Pinwheel Mountain → Taegi Bungyo → Taegisan Observatory → Return to the beginning
• time required: About 3 hours 30 minutes

3) Hallasan (Jeju) – Gwaneumsa Temple Course

the first half of the hike is relatively gentle with forest trails, but the difficulty increases significantly in winter due to the steep slopes. crampons are practically mandatory, and you’ll want to be especially cautious in snowy sections, such as before and after the Samgangbong shelter. access control and summit time limits can be strict, so check official announcements before climbing.

• recommended route: Gwaneumsa Trail Entrance → Triangle Peak Shelter → Baekrokdam → Azalea Shelter → Seongpanak Trail Entrance
• time required: About 10 hours

4) Daedunsan Mountain (Wanju, Jeollabuk-do / Geumsan, Chungnam)

this is a good option for those who want to enjoy the snowy scenery, as the cable car reduces the initial burden of entry. the Geumganggurum Bridge, the representative attraction of Daedunsan Mountain, is 81 meters high and 50 meters long [web:2], and the subsequent Samsun Staircase is described as a thrilling section with about 127 steps and steep slopes [web:4]. in winter, freezing temperatures and snow can make it difficult, so safety equipment and good physical fitness are key.

• recommended route: Ticket Office → Cloud Bridge → Samsun Staircase → Macheondae → Return to the starting point
• time required: About 3 hours

5) Deoksansan Mountain (Muju, Jeollabuk-do)

this is one of the most famous winter snowy mountains. it is popular because it is relatively easy to experience the snowy scenery by using a gondola to climb up to Seorcheonbong and then a short climb to Hyanghyangbong [web:9]. depending on the weather on the day, the gondola may or may not be operating, so check the weather and operation information before visiting.

• recommended route: Gucheon-dong Parking Lot → Baekryeonsa Temple → Hyanghyangbong → Seorcheonbong → Gondora Descent
• time required: About 5 hours

6) Jirisan Barae Peak (Namwon, Jeollabuk-do)

barae Peak (1,165 meters above sea level) on the northwestern ridge of Jirisan Mountain looks like a “Frozen” scene in winter, with snowflakes and Sangodae. during the winter season, there is a fixed time to enter the mountain (from 04:00 in summer and 05:00 in winter), so it is safe to check in advance [web:19]. there are sections where the wind gets stronger, so warm clothing and crampons are essential.

• recommended route: Yongsan Parking Lot → Barabong Intersection → Barabong → Barabong → Return to the starting point
• time required: Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes