Gajisan an Ulsan Hiking Gem

Gajisan an Ulsan Hiking Gem

Hiking Gajisan (Gaji Mountain) is one of the most iconic outdoor activities in Ulsan, South Korea. Situated in the Yeongnam Alps, it offers spectacular views on the trail up as well as from the peak. And during each season, the experience is uniquely and wonderfully different!

This hike is ideal for intermediate to advanced hikers. It is quite strenuous. However, ambitious beginners should not shy away, but they should only attempt it with someone who has the ability to guide them up the trail. And everyone should bring sufficient gear. I’ll go into that in a bit.

If you’re a fit trail-runner, plan on this being a 1.5 hour round trip experience. And afterwards, plan on being BEAT! If you’re an average hiker, plan on this taking 3-4 hours. Leisurely hikers should plan 5-6 hours for this experience.

I would recommend starting the hike no later than 9AM, if you want to complete the entire loop in daylight. If you’re keen for a night hike, start whenever you’d like, but bring a headlight (and a backup!). More about that in a minute… Ultimately, no matter when you choose to hike Gajisan, it deserves a spot on your South Korea hiking bucket list, as it’s a spectacular hike!

Getting There

Your best bet for getting to Gajisan is to take the 1713 bus from Eonyang or Ulsan. In either case, ride the bus to the final bus stop, Seongnamsa Temple, and then get off the bus.

Seongnamsa is on this map. I usually start from there.

Once you get off the bus, directly across the street from the final bus stop, you will see Seongnamsa Temple.

As an aside…

The name of the temple is believed to have originated from the fact that it is located in the south of Gajisan or Seokansan. Built in 824 A.D. (during the 16th year of King Heondeok’s reign), the temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1674 (during the 15th year of King Hyeongjong’s reign). Since then, it has gone through rebuilding several times. Consisting of 30 buildings, the temple is home to many Buddhist nuns.

Seongnamsa Three Story Pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Property No. 5) was built in 824 A.D. by Monk Doui, reflecting his wish of protecting the country from foreign invasions. The pagoda was initially placed in front of Daeungjeon, but moved to the current location in 1973. Other notable relics in the temple include the Statue of Monk Doui (National Treasure No. 369), Three Story Sarira Pagoda, and Stone Water Tank (Cultural Property Material No. 4). (Quoted from here.)

Suffice it to say, Seongmansa Temple is certainly worth exploring! But only make this detour if you have enough time to safely complete the hike.

The Gear You’ll Need

I never set out on a hike with less than 2 liters of water and a few hundred calories in snacks. However, everyone has different needs. The bottom line – Make sure you have enough water for a few strenuous hours of hiking. In list form, here is the minimum gear I suggest you bring. This list is not exhaustive, so make sure you bring the things you will need!

• 2 liters of water
• 300-500 calories of snacks
• rain coat (rain pants if you have them)
• a warm shirt (ideally wool, polypropylene or other NON-cotton material)
• ***hat and gloves*** (it can get quite cold on the peak, even in summer)
• first aid kit
• two fully charged mobile phones

Hiking Up

As I mentioned above, Gajisan is a strenuous hike. It will require some scrambling. Generally speaking, the entire hike is comprised of steep uphill terrain. There are a few flat parts, but only a few. Take it slow and steady, and you’ll get there!

Here is a view of the peak!

The view from the top is SPECTACULAR! In the fall, the leaves change to a firey red, and in winter time you can occasionally see a light snow dusting on the surrounding peaks!Spring time on Gajisan can be a bit muddy, so get ready for some slipping and sliding! No matter the time of year, Gajisan is well worth the effort!

Night Hiking

I have hiked up Gajisan a few times at night, and the experience is a real treat. However, this is NOT recommend for anyone except expert hikers. Also, make sure you go with a buddy and ideally bring two charged mobile phones. For each person going at night, you will need a headlight/flashlight and a backup one too. That means each person should have two flashlights. I have had the “joy” of a headlight burning out on me during a night hike, and of course, I had forgotten my backup.  Fool me once shame on me…

Other Nearby Adventures

If hiking Gajisan has simply made you even more keen to hike in South Korea, you should seriously consider some of the best hiking in Seoul, as it’s a mere 2 hour train journey from Gajisan. If you’re looking to get out of South Korea for a bit, and you still want to explore the great outdoors, consider checking out Zamami Island near Okinawa. And, if you want a really big dose of the outdoors, how about cycling around the whole island of Taiwan? Whatever you do, if you have any questions or comments, leave them for us below, and we’ll get back to you in a flash!

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