Horyonggoksan Mountain

Half an hour or so by car from Incheon International Airport, Horyonggoksan rises at the southern end of Muuido Island to about 244 m (some sources say 247 m). Low as it is, it is the island's highest peak, so the summit is surrounded by sea, and on a clear day Incheon Port and the airport look close enough to touch. Rocky ridges and Yellow Sea views have earned it the nickname "the Alps of the West Sea".

About Muuido

The name Muuido (舞衣島) is said to come from the way the island looked on foggy days, like the robes of a general fluttering in a sword dance. For a long time you could only get there by boat, but since the Muui Bridge opened in 2019 you can drive in. Little Somuuido, off Gwangmyeong Port in the south, is linked by a 414 m footbridge, and uninhabited Silmido to the northwest is the island behind the film Silmido. "Hanagae", the name of the beach below the mountain, means "big tidal flat".

The island traverse

Horyonggoksan is linked by a ridge to Guksabong (236 m) to the north, and the classic hike strings the two together. Starting from Gwangmyeong Port opposite Somuuido, you climb over Horyonggoksan, cross Guksabong and descend towards Keunmuri Wharf: about 7.4–7.6 km, or roughly four hours at an easy pace. Climbs are short and the forest gives shade, so it suits beginners. Many people simply walk up from Hanagae Beach to the summit and back.

Rocks and legends

• Tiger Rock: a rock below the mountain carries a legend: a tiger that broke its promise and swallowed a fisherman was struck by the mountain spirit's staff and turned to stone.
• Buddha Rock and Madang Rock: large named rocks along the ridge make natural rest stops.
• Ridge views: from the viewing deck on the ridge you look down on the wide mudflats of Hanagae Beach, Silmido and the islands of the Yellow Sea.
• Coastal boardwalk: an 800 m boardwalk runs from Hanagae Beach along the cliffs at the foot of the mountain, so you can see Horyonggoksan's rocky shore without climbing.

Tripto tips

• Getting there: bus Muui 1 from Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport runs to Hanagae Beach and Gwangmyeong Port. Since the Muui Bridge opened in 2019, you can drive straight onto the island. There is no car park at the trailhead itself; use the car parks at Gwangmyeong Port or Hanagae Beach.
• Time needed: about 2 hours for the summit and back, around 4 hours for the full traverse to Guksabong.
• When to go: April–May for pleasant walking and October–November, when the air is clearest. Descend towards Hanagae late in the day to catch the sunset over the sea.
• What to bring: carry your own water. Some sections are rocky, so wear hiking boots or trainers with good grip.
• Make a day of it: after the hike, cross the footbridge for a loop of Somuuido, or walk over to Silmido at low tide. Always check the tide times for Silmido. Hanagae Beach also has a zip line and mudflat activities, so with children you can shorten the hike and spend more time by the sea.