- 4–8 hrs
Highlights
- 해발 1,000m 이상 봉우리 9개, 최고봉 가지산 1,241m
- 간월재·신불평원·사자평의 억새 평원
- 통도사·석남사·운문사·표충사 등 산자락 사찰
- 얼음골 케이블카
- 8개 봉우리 완등 인증
About this place
On an autumn afternoon, silver eulalia grass bends in the wind on a high mountain pass while lines of hikers file through it. The Yeongnam Alps are not a single mountain: the name compares a cluster of high peaks spread across Ulju County in Ulsan, Miryang and Yangsan in South Gyeongsang, and Cheongdo and Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang, to the European Alps. Together the area covers roughly 255 km².
The peaks
Usually nine peaks above 1,000 m are counted: Gajisan (1,241 m), the highest, plus Unmunsan, Cheonhwangsan, Sinbulsan, Jaeyaksan, Yeongchuksan, Ganwolsan, Goheonsan and Munboksan. Names and heights vary slightly between sources, and Cheonhwangsan and Jaeyaksan are sometimes treated together. The range forms the southern tail of the Taebaek Mountains, and its rocky cliffs are linked to ancient volcanic activity. In 1979 part of the area was designated Gajisan Provincial Park.
What to see
- Eulalia plateaus: autumn is peak season. The Sinbul Plateau between Sinbulsan and Yeongchuksan (about 2 km²), the Ganwoljae pass between Sinbulsan and Ganwolsan (about 0.33 km²) and Sajapyeong east of Jaeyaksan and Cheonhwangsan (about 4.1 km²) turn silver with grass.
- Ganwoljae: the pass between Sinbulsan and Ganwolsan is the most photographed eulalia spot in the range. In winter, snow and hoarfrost turn it into a completely different landscape.
- Temples at the foot: renowned temples are scattered around the base of the range, including Tongdosa in Yangsan, Seoknamsa in Ulju, Unmunsa in Cheongdo and Pyochungsa in Miryang.
- Eoreumgol and the cable car: on the Miryang side, a cable car from the Eoreumgol "ice valley" saves you much of the climb.
- Valleys and waterfalls: Baenaegol valley and Paraeso Falls are popular summer spots.
Good to know
- The name is said to have started with locals calling the Deungeok-ri area of Sangbuk-myeon "Deungeok Alps-ri".
- Ulju County runs a summit certification programme; since 2023 it covers eight peaks, leaving out Munboksan.
- Around 760 plant species and about 100 bird species have been recorded in the Gajisan area.
Nearby
- Tongdosa: the great temple at the foot of Yeongchuksan in Yangsan, an easy add-on to hikes in the southern part of the range.
- Bangudae Petroglyphs: prehistoric rock carvings in the same county of Ulju.
- Seoknamsa and Pyochungsa: Seoknamsa in Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju, and Pyochungsa below Jaeyaksan in Miryang both sit close to popular trailheads.
Tripto tips
- Gateway: the Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center in Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju, is the main starting point. It is open 09:00–22:00 (hours vary by facility) and closed on Mondays.
- When to go: autumn, when the eulalia is in bloom, is the busiest season. Car parks fill early at weekends, so set off at dawn.
- Time needed: a round trip to Ganwoljae takes half a day; the ridge walk linking Sinbulsan and Yeongchuksan takes a full day.
- Be prepared: the ridges have almost no shade and strong winds. In winter you will need crampons, and days are short, so leave plenty of time for the descent.
Plan your visit
Getting there
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