Jugeumsan

Rising to 813 m where the borders of Pocheon, Gapyeong and Namyangju meet, Jugeumsan is known locally as "Silk Mountain". In late April its summit ridge turns pink with azaleas, and near the top stand Dokbawi, a sheer rock tower, and an octagonal pavilion. If you are looking for a quiet ridge hike in the north-east of the Seoul region, it makes a good day out.

Silk Mountain between Seorisan and Cheonmasan

Jugeumsan sits in the middle of the chain of eastern Gyeonggi mountains that links Seorisan, Chukryeongsan, Cheonmasan and Cheolmasan. The rock here is very old Precambrian gneiss, and banded outcrops break through along the ridge. Bigeum Valley on the southern slopes is said to take its name from a story about scholars who once hid a geomungo, a Korean zither, in the hills. Its water is clear, and it makes a good place to rest after a summer hike.

What to look out for

• Dokbawi: a huge rock tower on the ridge close to the summit. From the helipad behind the summit pavilion you can fit the rock and the pavilion into one frame.
• Azalea ridge: in the second half of April the area around the pavilion and the summit is covered in azaleas, and this is when the mountain is busiest.
• Summit views: the ridges of Cheolmasan and Cheonmasan line up to the south, with Chukryeongsan and Seorisan to the east. The villages and fields of Naechon-myeon spread out below.
• Bigeum Valley: flat rock slabs and small waterfalls follow one after another, so it makes a refreshing route down.

Four ways up

There are four main routes to the summit. From the Bears Town resort area on the north-western slopes you can take the ridge path (about 2.4 km) or the valley path (about 2.3 km), the shortest options by distance. The route from the Naechon-myeon township office in Pocheon is about 3.4 km and passes close to Dokbawi, giving you the best of the rocky ridge. From Eumhyeon-ri to the east, a ridge route of about 3.2 km climbs to the top. From the summit you can also descend past Sinseondang to Neunggol, or follow the south-eastern ridge down to Bigeum-ri, so if you came by car you can plan a loop, and if you came by bus you can cross the mountain to the other side.

Tripto tips

• Suggested route: on a first visit, climb from Naechon past Dokbawi and come down towards Bigeum Valley for a rest by the stream. From the Bigeum Valley car park you can also climb to the summit and return along the Sirubong ridge to make a loop.
• Time needed: allow 4–5 hours for the round trip. The upper section is rocky and steep, so bring gloves and boots with good grip.
• When to go: late April for azaleas and mid to late October for autumn colour. In winter the north-facing slopes ice over, so pack microspikes.
• Fees: there is no entry charge.
• Getting there: a car is by far the easiest way to reach the trailheads. By public transport you need a bus towards Naechon-myeon in Pocheon; services can be infrequent, so check times in a map app before you set off.
• Watch out for: there are no shops or water points on the mountain, so carry enough water and food. During the spring and autumn wildfire-prevention periods some trails may be closed.