Hambaeksan, South Korea

Hambaeksan, South Korea

Baekdudaegan Mountain Range

Elevation: 1,572.9 m

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Hambaeksan, standing at 1,572.9 meters above sea level, is one of the highest peaks along the Baekdudaegan, Korea’s main mountain ridge, and ranks as the 6th tallest in the country. It straddles the border between Taebaek City and Gohan-eup in Jeongseon County, Gangwon Province.

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Historically, this mountain was referred to as Itaesan in the Sankyungpyo (a mountain classification record) written by Lee Ik, a Silhak scholar of the Joseon King Yeongjo’s era. Ancient records also mention place names such as Sangrak-am, Jung-hak-am, and Harak-am. The origin of the name “Hambaek” is not entirely clear, though old documents suggest it was once called the “center peak” of the region and regarded as a sacred source of rivers such as Duryu Stream, Munjung Stream, and Ocheon Stream. This rich water system earned the area the old name Haeguk (“Great Nation of Water”). The name Taebaek is also tied to a Silla dynasty general who ruled the region and to ancient myths recorded in the Samguk Yusa, where Hambaeksan was revered as a “mother mountain.”

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In the past, Buddhist temples such as Sanghak-am, Jung-hak-am, and Harak-am were located here. Though they are now gone, many still regard the mountain as sacred.

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In November 1964, thanks to the voluntary efforts of the principal of Munsu Industrial High School and support from Gangwon Province, the first fire lookout tower was built on the northern summit. Since then, road improvements, rest areas, and a yew tree preservation zone have turned Hambaeksan into one of Korea’s most beloved highland eco-tourism destinations.

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Every mid-July, the slopes burst into bloom with vibrant wildflowers, earning it the nickname “Heaven’s Garden.” In spring, azaleas paint the mountainsides pink, while autumn sees rolling fields of silver grass swaying in the wind. The mountain is also home to a rich variety of alpine plants and wildlife, with professional guides offering ecological interpretation for visitors.

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Reaching the Trailhead

If you set your GPS to the Taebaek National Training Center and drive a bit further, you’ll arrive at the trail entrance. On this trip, I stayed at the Taebaek Highland Natural Recreation Forest and visited Hambaeksan before heading to nearby Taebaeksan. I chose the shortest route—perfect for capturing the summit view without a long climb.

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The hike is not dangerous, but entrance hours are restricted:

• Winter (Nov–Mar): 04:00–15:00

• Summer (Apr–Oct): 03:00–16:00

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These rules apply year-round to all trails within Taebaeksan National Park. Violators may face fines of up to 500,000 KRW.

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The trail is well-maintained, and it takes less than an hour to reach the summit—so it’s an ideal hike to enjoy with family. The mountain is rounded and open at the top, with no dense forest, offering expansive views. I could already imagine how spectacular it must look in winter.

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The Mountain of Fire, Water, and Flowers

• The Land of Fire – The area holds abundant coal reserves, and many of Korea’s major coal mines are located nearby.

• The Land of Water – Wangji Pond, the source of the Nakdong River, produces an astonishing 5,000 tons of water a day.

• Heaven’s Garden – Azaleas, wildflowers, and unique alpine species thrive here, especially in the protected ecosystem of Geomdaebong, attracting nature photographers and eco-tourists.

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From the summit, you can see the Taebaek National Training Center—a place where Korea’s top athletes gather. Standing there, I thought, what a perfect location to soak in the energy of the Baekdudaegan.

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If you want to experience Korea’s Baekdudaegan with minimal effort while still enjoying its grandeur, I recommend the short course from the Taebaek National Training Center to Hambaeksan’s summit.

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A Mountain with Character

I once read a webtoon—its title escapes me—about mountain spirits who descend to the human world to earn virtue before becoming dragons. One of them, the spirit of Hambaeksan, was drawn as a striking figure with white hair, almost like a pop idol. Climbing the mountain in person, I thought, that’s actually quite fitting.

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Hambaeksan feels clean, refined, and graceful. If a child were to draw a mountain with soft, round shapes instead of sharp peaks, it would look like this—pure and gentle, yet distinct among the peaks of the Taebaek range.

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Looking out over the wind turbines, I also thought about how renewable energy could be embraced more widely here. Rather than focusing solely on the environmental impact of development, I hope for a bigger-picture approach—one that expands renewable energy while protecting and coexisting with nature.

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