Bobaljae Pass, Danyang

This 540 m pass links Bobal-ri in Gagok-myeon with Baekja-ri in Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang. The road coils up the northern flank of Sobaeksan like a snake, so from the viewing deck at the top you see its S-bends stacked one above the other. In autumn about 3 km of roadside turns red and gold, making it one of Danyang's best-known scenic drives. Its old name is Godeuneomijae.

From mountain pass to foliage road

Bobaljae is a pass between mountain villages, its road doubling back again and again up the northern slope of Sobaeksan. As autumn visitors multiplied, in 2020 Danyang County planted another 500 or so maple trees along the road from the Hyangsan junction in Gagok-myeon over Bobaljae to Guinsa Temple. Even outside the foliage season, the coiling road itself is worth the trip.

What to see

• Viewing deck at the top: the platform at the summit takes in the bends, the foliage and the ridges of Sobaeksan at a glance. This is where most people stop for photos.
• Driving the bends: taking the road slowly up or down, watching the colours change at every curve, is the classic way to enjoy it.
• Sobaeksan Jarakgil: Course 6 of this trail around the foot of Sobaeksan crosses Bobaljae. On foot you see more of the woods and villages that drivers pass by.

Guinsa and Ondal below the pass

Cross the pass towards Baekja-ri in Yeongchun-myeon and, in a valley below Yeonhwabong peak of Sobaeksan, you reach Guinsa, head temple of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism. Founded in 1945 when the monk Sangwol Wongak built a simple hut here, it is unusual for its multi-storey halls stacked like steps up the hillside. Head down towards the Namhangang River and the Ondal Tourist Park, named after the Goguryeo general Ondal, brings together Ondal Fortress, the limestone Ondal Cave and a historical-drama set. Bobaljae lies between the two, so it is easy to plan a day taking in the pass, the temple and the riverside sites.

A different look each season

Autumn foliage is the main draw, but in spring fresh green leaves and wildflowers cover the slopes, and in summer the road winds through dense forest. After snow only the dark S-shaped road stands out sharply on the white hillside. Whatever the season, from the top you see the ridges of Sobaeksan receding layer after layer.

Tripto tips

• Best time: the foliage usually peaks from late October to early November.
• Access and fees: open all year, no admission fee.
• Parking: there is no dedicated car park. Use the open lot about 200 m beyond the top of the pass or pull over briefly at the roadside. Autumn weekends get busy, so a weekday or early morning is more relaxed.
• Time needed: 20–30 minutes at the deck for the view and photos.
• Getting there: about 11 km north-east of Danyang town and less than 1 km from Guinsa Temple. Public transport does not really serve it, so you need a car.
• Combine with: Guinsa, the head temple of the Cheontae Order in the neighbouring valley, and the Ondal Tourist Park on the Namhangang River make a full day.
• Watch out for: there are no toilets. In winter ice lingers on shaded bends, so avoid driving it after snowfall.