A Mountain of Serenity and Philosophy in Danyang, Korea
Doraksan is a majestic mountain located in Danyang County, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, South Korea. With an elevation of 965.3 meters,
it’s not just a hiking destination—it’s a place rich in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
The name Doraksan stems from the idea of enjoying the “Way” (Do, 道)—a concept often associated with Korean philosophy and the pursuit of wisdom. The mountain has long been a site where monks and spiritual seekers, dating back to the late Silla and early Goryeo dynasties, would retreat to live in harmony with nature and practice self-discipline.
According to legend, the scholar Song Si-yeol (Uam) gave the mountain its name with the belief that “one must have a path to reach enlightenment—and joy must accompany that path.”
Due to time constraints, I chose a shorter hiking route this time. The starting point was a place known as the “Hanutbam Palace Site,” which appeared to be a neatly maintained pension-style lodging area nestled deep in the forest. The quiet, solitary location added to the charm.
Despite being my third mountain hike of the day, I began the ascent with what energy I had left.
I parked near a field and started the trail from a place called Naegunggi. The initial climb was moderate and manageable, with stairs installed along several sections of the path.
As I continued, large boulders began to appear, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Though it’s a rocky mountain, the way pine trees blend with the stones gives Doraksan a uniquely timeless beauty. Personally, I love the aesthetic of rugged rocks and pine trees together—it’s a classic Korean mountain landscape.
At a certain point, you come across open rock areas where you can pause and feel the wind while taking in the view.
Doraksan truly reveals its charm along the way.
Eventually, the stairway leading to the summit came into sight in the distance. Seeing the goal with my own eyes lightened my steps.
From the middle of the mountain, the panoramic views were breathtaking. Danyang is filled with places to explore, and Doraksan is just one of its many hidden treasures. On this clear day, I could even see my car parked far below.
The photo of the final stairway to the summit was taken from a nearby rock ledge—one of the most memorable viewpoints of the hike.
I encountered a young pit viper (salmosa) on the trail—still small and not particularly threatening, but certainly one of the creatures hikers should watch out for in Korean mountains.
The hike from Naegunggi to the summit took about 2 hours one-way.
If you start from the Sangseonam Parking Lot, the trail is longer—about 3.5 hours one-way, so plan accordingly.
There’s something truly joyful about reaching the top of a mountain—perhaps because it’s earned, not given.
Doraksan, just before its peak, offered views that left me in awe.
While descending around 5 PM, I noticed a woman beginning her solo hike. It was getting late, and she seemed to be hiking alone in a quiet, rural area, which raised some concerns.
From my perspective, it’s safer for women (or anyone, really) to hike in pairs or groups, especially in less-trafficked mountains and during late hours. Safety should always come first when enjoying Korea’s beautiful outdoors.
If you’re traveling in Korea and love nature, Doraksan in Danyang is a must-visit. Not only does it offer scenic trails and philosophical history, but it also shows a quieter, deeper side of Korean mountain culture that visitors often miss.
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