Soyosan Mountain

A short walk from Soyosan Station on Seoul Metro Line 1, Soyosan is a rocky mountain nicknamed the "little Geumgangsan of Gyeonggi". At 587 m it is not high, but six sharp peaks ring the valley like a horseshoe, and the full ridge loop is a proper workout. It is one of the best-known autumn-colour mountains in the capital region, and in autumn the trains fill with hikers.

The name and its stories

The name, meaning roughly "the mountain for wandering", is said to come from the Joseon scholars Seo Gyeong-deok, Yang Sa-eon and Kim Si-seup, who liked to stroll here. Stories of the Silla monk Wonhyo and Princess Yoseok are scattered across the mountain: Wonhyo's cave and waterfall, and the site where the princess is said to have had a residence. Another tradition holds that Yi Seong-gye, founder of the Joseon dynasty, built a temporary palace here in his later years.

Soyosan was designated a national tourist resort in 1981 and was included in the Korea Forest Service's list of 100 famous mountains in 2002.

What to see

• Jajaeam: a temple said to have been founded by Wonhyo in 645. Legend says he met the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara here while meditating. It was burned in the Korean War and rebuilt, but its setting against rock walls and caves is striking.
• Wonhyo Falls and Wonhyo Cave: about 800 m up the valley from the entrance, Wonhyo Falls drops between layered cliffs. Beside the steps up to Jajaeam is the cave where Wonhyo is said to have practised.
• The six-peak ridge: Habaegundae, Jungbaegundae, Sangbaegundae, Nahandae, the summit Uisangdae (587 m) and Gongjubong form a loop. The rocky stretch between Habaegundae and Jungbaegundae is steep and rocky, so take it slowly.
• The autumn valley: the path from the ticket office to Jajaeam is especially colourful in autumn, so even a gentle walk is rewarding.

More about Jajaeam

Jajaeam is said to have been rebuilt by the monk Gakgyu on royal orders in 974, and after a fire in 1153 the monk Gangnyeong restored the main hall and some living quarters the following year. It was rebuilt as three buildings in the late Joseon period, then burned again in the Korean War, so the present halls are modern. What makes it special is the way it uses the rock face and caves around it. From Wonhyo Cave onwards you climb stairs dotted with inspiring quotations, a pleasant excuse for breaks. The monorail up to the temple carries supplies only, not visitors. The name Jajaeam refers to the state of complete inner freedom that Wonhyo is said to have reached after meeting Avalokiteshvara here.

Tripto tips

• Getting there: take Line 1 to Soyosan Station and walk to the entrance. Drivers use the paid car park.
• Choosing a route: allow 1–2 hours for Jajaeam and the falls, and about 6 hours for the full six-peak ridge.
• When to go: azaleas and royal azaleas in spring, peak colour in autumn. On autumn weekends both trains and trails are crowded, so start early.
• Watch out: the rocky ridges get slippery in rain or frost. Wear hiking boots and gloves, and leave plenty of daylight for the descent in shorter months.
• Nearby: the Gyeonggi Children's Museum North sits near the entrance, handy for families.
• Phone: Dongducheon City sports and tourism office +82 31-860-2059.