Following the Breath of White Rocks, Finding Comfort in Winter at Baegamsan (Uljin)

A Profound Greeting from White Rocks

Winter in Uljin is exceptionally cold and clear. On the way to Baegamsan (Mountain), located in Deogin-ri, Onjeong-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the mountain range visible through the car window unfolds as generously as a giant folding screen. The name Baegamsan is said to have been given because the rocks at the summit shine white under the sunlight. In person, Baegamsan was as neat and stoic as its name suggested. Standing at an elevation of 1,004m, the mountainside was blanketed in snow from the previous night, and the sound of crunching footsteps echoed through the silent forest.

The winter wind embracing the entire mountain was quite biting, but in turn, the air that filled my lungs was refreshingly clear. Perhaps because the mountain is large and generous, carrying the energy of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, my mind felt calm throughout the hike. As I approached the summit, the sight of the white rocks unfolding before my eyes felt almost mystical. Facing the grandeur of the precipitous cliffs, my small daily worries felt minuscule.

Three Paths Up Baegamsan at Your Own Pace

The paths to climb Baegamsan each have their own unique character. The most familiar course starts at the Oncheon-jang (Hot Spring Complex), passes by Cheonnyangmyo (Tomb), and reaches the summit. Taking just over two hours, this course is perfect for enjoying the fun of hiking while fully soaking in the scent of the dense forest. If you prefer a more dynamic hike, I recommend the path that passes through Baegam Pokpo (Waterfall) and Baegamsanseong (Fortress) before heading to the summit. The sound of the refreshing waterfall provides vitality to tired legs.

If you want to spend a longer time hiking and fully dwell in the embrace of nature, choose the course starting from Naeseonmi Village. As you walk for about 4 hours along the Yongso and Hapsugok stream, you can hear the sound of the winding valley water and the deep breathing of the mountain. Walking while reflecting on the fact that these deep valleys are the starting point of the water currents flowing toward the Nakdonggang (River) and the East Sea, you truly realize the great cycle of nature. Whichever course you choose, the mountain ridges of Uljin looking down from the summit are a painting in themselves.

The Period at the End of the Trip: Complete Relaxation at the Hot Springs

The highlight after the hike is, above all, the Baegam Oncheon (Hot Springs). Located on the eastern foothills, the Baegam Oncheon is the perfect place to melt your cold body. Once you soak in the steaming hot spring water, the muscles tightened from climbing the mountain melt away. With the landscape of the winter mountain visible outside the window combined with the warm heat, could there be a more perfect comfort?

While a trip to Baegamsan is lovely in the lush greenery of midsummer, it has a deeper charm in winter when covered in snow. If you want to enjoy the pure white snow scenery that contrasts with the white rocks of the mountain, I recommend starting your hike early in the morning between January and February to enjoy the mountain before the sun rises high. By dusk, the lights of the hot spring village turn on one by one, creating a cozy atmosphere, so it is best to finish the trip with a warm meal in the hot spring village. Baegamsan was a place that gave me the strength to endure daily life again and provided a profound comfort that only nature can offer.