A Seasonal Walk to Odaesan National Park, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, Where the Breath of a Thousand Years Lingers

The First Feeling of Odaesan(Odaesan), the Heart of Baekdudaegan

2 Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do(Gangwon-do). Throughout the drive with the address entered into the navigation system, the mountain scenery unfolding outside the window is extraordinary. As the 11th national park in South Korea, this place holds an energy that is hard to describe simply by saying the mountains are high and deep. The first thing that greeted me as I got out of the car was the cool, clean breeze that had passed through the dense fir forest. The scent of earth and the fragrance of the forest tickling the tip of my nose seemed to instantly purify my city-weary heart.

True to its role as the center of the Baekdudaegan(Baekdudaegan mountain range), Odaesan embraces vast nature. Walking along the gentle ridges of the Odaesan District, where soft dirt paths continue, one naturally nods in understanding why this place has been revered as a sacred site of Buddhist culture since ancient times. The sight of Dongdaesan(Dongdaesan), Durobong(Durobong), Sangwangbong(Sangwangbong), and Holyeongbong(Holyeongbong) surrounding Birobong(Birobong) peak like a folding screen was, in itself, a massive fortress and a sanctuary.

A Path Where Time Has Stopped, the Breath of Temples and Cultural Heritage

the path up along the Woljeongsa(Woljeongsa) valley is as peaceful as if time had stopped. Perhaps it is because of the story that Jajang Yulsa(Jajang Yulsa) of the Silla(Silla) Dynasty stayed here and enshrined Munsu Bosal(Munsu Bodhisattva), but every step feels weighted with meaning. The sound of the valley water flowing beside the dense forest path is the best ASMR for clearing away stray thoughts. Walking in rhythm with the sound of the water, you will encounter national treasure-level cultural heritages such as the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda(Palgakgucheungseoktap) of Woljeongsa and the Bronze Bell(Dongjong) of Sangwonsa(Sangwonsa). It is not just heritage to be seen with the eyes, but the deep history that has endured a thousand years mingles with the scenery to leave a lasting impression.

The path leading to Sangwonsa and Jeokmyeolbogung(Jeokmyeolbogung) makes one catch their breath a little more. The mountain path, filled only with the sound of stepping on dirt and leaves rustling in the wind, is perfect for getting lost in solitary contemplation. It is said that the mountain range extending to the Gyebangsan(Gyebangsan) district turns into a silver snowy mountain in winter, eliciting admiration, but the current appearance with lush green leaves is simply miraculous as well.

Facing the Splendor of Sogeumgang(Sogeumgang), the Small Geumgangsan

Sogeumgangsan District is a place with a charm that is the exact opposite of the gentleness of the Odaesan District. The magnificent rocky mountains carved from granite make one immediately understand why this place is called 'Small Geumgangsan(Geumgangsan)'. The valley flowing below Noinbong(Noinbong) peak is a hidden gem in itself. The steep rock cliffs and the clear streams winding between them are like a beautiful oriental painting brought to life. Watching the sunlight shining through the rocks and the clear pools(so) accumulated below, I feel the fatigue of the long hike being washed away.

Small Tips for a Trip to Odaesan

To fully enjoy Odaesan, I recommend checking the changes in seasons first. I personally love walking while breathing in the energy of the forest in the early morning; the crisp air around 9 AM is particularly good. The Odaesan District and Sogeumgangsan District have completely different atmospheres, so it is essential to choose a course that suits your physical strength and hiking style. A bowl of healthy Sanchae Bibimbap(mountain vegetable bibimbap) around Pyeongchang(Pyeongchang) is an indispensable pleasure after a hike. There are many restaurants along the way up from Jinbu-myeon(Jinbu-myeon), so try choosing one that fits your taste. Whenever I need the comfort that nature provides, this is a place I want to visit again.