Embracing the Bosom of Chuncheon: A Journey to Samaksan Mountain (Samaksan) with Uiamho Lake and Hidden Wonders

A Time to Hear the Forest's Breath: Heading to Samaksan Mountain (Samaksan)

As I opened the window, the cool, crisp air of Chuncheon (Chuncheon) rushed into the car. Today’s destination is Samaksan Mountain (Samaksan), a signature mountain that represents Chuncheon. Driving toward 1401-25 Gyeongchun-ro, Seo-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, the shimmering ripples of Uiamho Lake (Uiamho) outside the window looked like sparkling jewels. It is said that Samaksan got its name because it is surrounded by three magnificent peaks like a folding screen: Yonghwabong (Yonghwabong), Cheongunbong (Cheongunbong), and Deungseonbong (Deungseonbong). Standing at the entrance of the mountain after getting out of the car, the heavy scent of earth and the fresh phytoncide emitted by the dense trees tickled the tip of my nose.

Rugged Yet Beautiful: Hidden Wonders of Canyons Carved by Nature

My first impression of Samaksan was much more intense than I had expected. As a mountain with 'Ak (岳, meaning rocky/rugged)' in its name, I already knew the terrain wouldn't be easy, but the rocks I encountered in person had mysterious shapes created by quartzite joints. As soon as I entered the entrance of Deungseon Waterfall (Deungseon Pokpo), the cool sound of rushing water urged me forward. Perhaps because it had rained, the energy of the waterfall felt more vibrant than usual. The stream winding through the strange rocks gave a calm yet grand resonance, as if preserving primordial nature itself. The path leading to Seunghak Waterfall (Seunghak Pokpo) and Juryeom Waterfall (Juryeom Pokpo) boasted scenery so beautiful that it was hard to believe the rugged terrain. Every time I climbed stepping on the rough rocky path, the sound of the wind felt like a cheer from the mountain, making me climb without even feeling the fatigue.

A Panorama of Chuncheon Encountered at the Summit

By the time I was gasping for air, I finally reached the main peak, Yonghwabong (Yonghwabong), at 654m above sea level. A cool mountain breeze brushed against my cheeks, as if washing away the sweat. The view from the summit was a reward in itself. Uiamho Lake (Uiamho) held the downtown of Chuncheon like a giant silver mirror, and the Bukhangang River (Bukhangang) flowed leisurely beside it. I took off my backpack and caught my breath while looking at the charming cityscape of Chuncheon that came into view at a glance. The summit is home to quiet temples like Sangwonsa (Sangwonsa) and Heungguksa (Heungguksa) that capture your attention, making it the perfect place to rest and wash away the fatigue of the hike. The toil of passing through the rough rocky sections felt like it melted away like snow with the wide-open view of Chuncheon.

Tips for Recording Your Journey: How to Enjoy It More

Samaksan has two trail entrances: the Deungseon Waterfall (Deungseon Pokpo) ticket office side and the Uiam (Uiam) ticket office side. The path starting from the Uiam side has a series of quite steep rock sections, so I would recommend the Deungseon Waterfall course to beginners. Since the mountain itself is rugged, wearing hiking boots with good grip is essential, and bringing knee guards is a wise way to go. The best time to visit is definitely early in the morning. A hike while breathing in the cool air before the morning fog of Chuncheon lifts presents a scene you will never forget. After descending, why not wrap up the lingering feelings of your hike with a warm cup of tea at a cafe around Uiamho Lake? Samaksan, where the magnificence gifted by nature and the sentiment of Chuncheon harmonize—a day spent there will likely remain warm in a corner of my heart for a long time.