Hwaaksan, Gapyeong: Gyeonggi's Highest Peak and Its Closed Summit
Gyeonggi's highest mountain has a summit you can't stand on.
Hwaaksan (화악산) rises to about 1,468 m on the border between Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do and Hwacheon in Gangwon-do — the highest point in Gyeonggi Province. Its true summit, Sinseonbong (신선봉), is a military installation and closed to the public. Hikers stop at Jungbong (중봉), the middle peak just below it, and that is where this walk ends.
That detail matters more than any other on this mountain. Military areas cover parts of the upper ridge, including the Eungbong (응봉) side to the east, which is strictly off-limits. Stay on signed trails, follow any instructions from soldiers near Jungbong, and do not photograph military facilities.
How high is Jungbong?
Published heights for Jungbong vary between sources, from around 1,423 m to 1,446 m. Whatever the exact number, it is one of the highest points a hiker can legally reach anywhere near Seoul, and the view north across the Gyeonggi–Gangwon ridgelines is wide and empty.
Two routes to Jungbong
From the Hwaak Tunnel — short
The quickest approach starts near the Hwaak Tunnel (화악터널) and climbs past the Siruhyeon pass (실운현) to Jungbong. Korean trail guides put it at about 4 km and 1¾ hours one way. Part of this approach runs close to military facilities — follow the signs exactly.
Through Jomurak Valley (조무락골) — longer and quieter
Starting from Samparkyo bridge (삼팔교), this route follows the Jomurak valley past waterfalls to a viewpoint and on to Jungbong — about 7 km and 3½ hours one way. It is the more interesting walk: water for the first half, open ridge for the second.
Combining the two — up from the tunnel, down through Jomurak — is a traverse of about 11.5 km. It needs a pickup at a different place from where you started.
Distances and times come from Korean trail guides; access rules near the summit can change. Check recent reports or ask the Gapyeong County office before you go.
Getting there
The ITX-Cheongchun train runs from Seoul to Gapyeong Station, which gets you to the county. The trailheads are well beyond the town, up valley roads with limited bus service, and neither the Hwaak Tunnel nor Samparkyo is a place you want to be waiting for a taxi as the light goes.
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When to go
Autumn is the best season — clear air, dry trails and colour on the ridge. Spring is good once the snow is gone from the upper slopes, which can take longer than in Seoul. In winter the ridge is cold and icy; microspikes are essential, and short daylight leaves little margin on the longer route.
Start early, walk up through Jomurak while the valley is still in shade, and turn around at Jungbong — the closed summit will be right above you.
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