Minju Mountain

Minjuji Mountain Hiking Experience

Mount Minju is located in the center of the Sobaek mountain range, which extends from the Taebaek mountain range. It is about 20 kilometers southwest of the Chupungnyeong Rest Area. This grand mountain sits at the borders of Yeongdong County in Chungcheongbuk-do, Muju County in Jeollabuk-do, and Gimcheon City in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is home to four peaks over 1,000 meters high.

By hiking from Gakhosan, Minju Mountain, Seokgibong, and Samdobong, you can complete a magnificent trail that stretches from Chungcheong-do through Jeolla-do to Gyeongsang-do.

The name "Minju Mountain" is not related to democracy as discussed in political and social contexts. It is believed to have originated from the mountain’s shape, which was initially called "Mindurum Mountain."

The guide bus twists and turns into the winding Doma-Ryeong pass. A few years ago, when I visited this place, the heavy snow prevented me from properly seeing the surrounding scenery. However, this time, the mountain range along the pass clearly reveals itself. This pass carries a legend that a warrior holding a sword once crossed it on horseback. But today, instead of the legendary warrior, buses full of hikers are winding their way up the mountain. The bus arrives at the parking lot at the top, and hikers disembark. After quickly getting their hiking gear on, they hurriedly head up the mountain. Just like soldiers with a mission, each hiker has their own goal for the day. Some aim to reach Minju Mountain, while others are heading to Seokgibong or Samdobong. I decided to go only as far as Minju Mountain and start my hike leisurely while enjoying the scenery of Doma-Ryeong.

The trail up Gakhosan is a steep uphill path. It is a challenging section that gains about 400 meters in elevation. Even though I’m fully equipped with hiking poles and crampons, I quickly find myself out of breath, and my body feels hot. After shedding an outer layer, I continue my hike, and through the bare tree branches, I begin to catch glimpses of the scenery below the mountain. Compared to the previous time when I couldn’t see anything due to the heavy snow, today’s hiking conditions are much better.

After taking a few breaks and walking a few more steps, the first view opens up before me. The magnificent ridge leading to Minju Mountain stretches out ahead, and in the distance, I can also see the slopes of the Deogyusan Ski Resort. After nearly an hour of strenuous hiking, the first view feels rewarding. This feeling will continue until I reach the summit of Minju Mountain.

A few more steps on the path to the top of Gakhosan, and I quickly reach the summit. There are several hikers taking photos in front of the summit marker. The view behind the marker is even clearer and more beautiful than the first view I saw earlier. Peaks over 1,000 meters high line up in the distance. Such a scene is rare to see in South Korea. The last time I hiked here, I could only see the summit marker through a heavy snowstorm. This time, the experience is completely different. I realize again that the appearance and feelings of a mountain can change depending on the weather and season.

Minju Mountain, which is about two hours away from here, lies ahead. As I walk comfortably, stepping on the accumulated snow and feeling the cool breeze, I will soon reach that peak.

The View of Minjuji Mountain from the Summit of Gakho Mountain

The ridge trail alternates between snowy and dirt paths. Gakhosan is 1,176 meters high, while Minju Mountain is 1,424 meters, so the entire 3-kilometer ridge has a slight upward slope. After walking for about an hour, Minju Mountain's summit seems much closer, and I start to see more hikers along the ridge. I take a sip of water and eat a snack to replenish my energy before continuing.

Before long, I arrive at the shelter. I briefly stayed here during a previous hike to escape the cold and snow. Today, the weather is good, so I only observe from outside. Though the shelter is humble, it provides great help to hikers.

mountain shelter

The story associated with it brings a sense of sorrow to those who pass by. On April 1st, 26 years ago, soldiers from the 5th Airborne Special Warfare Brigade were undergoing a long march training near this area. The weather that day was a bit rainy, but there was no issue continuing the march. The 200 soldiers began their journey in formation, and everything was progressing smoothly without any special issues. However, none of them could predict the terrible situation that would unfold shortly.

As time passed, the weather turned colder, and the soldiers, soaked from the rain, began to feel the effects of fatigue. Despite this, the commanding officer believed that this weather wouldn't be an issue for the strong special forces soldiers, and the march continued.

As they entered the Minju Mountain area, the rain turned into snow, and the temperature dropped even further. By this point, the soldiers were still in good spirits, making snowballs and taking photos.

However, the snow grew heavier, and the temperature plummeted to -30°C. The surroundings darkened, and the situation became urgent. Their energy was depleted, and they lost their sense of direction, stumbling through the snow. Soon, the formation broke apart, and soldiers began to collapse from exhaustion.

The radio batteries died, and communication was cut off. Soldiers who fell behind became lost in the snow and were completely isolated.

The soldiers tried to escape the forest, but their strength was failing them, and they couldn’t find their way out of Minju Mountain’s deep woods. Some fell into hypothermia, their bodies collapsing in the snow, their eyes growing dull. Though they murmured the special forces' motto, "If it can't be done, make it happen," nature’s power was too overwhelming. Their youth, which had barely started to bloom, was extinguished in the freezing snowstorm.

If the shelter had existed back then, that tragedy could have been avoided. That thought fills my heart with sadness. The sorrow of that day has been buried in the passage of time, and only a small plaque in front of the shelter remembers their noble sacrifice.

After leaving the shelter, I continue toward the summit. Only 300 meters remain to reach the top of Minju Mountain. I gather my strength for the final climb. Finally, I reach the summit of Minju Mountain, where the large summit marker warmly greets me. Unusually, the front and back of the marker are identical.

As expected from a summit marker with identical front and back, the view is 360 degrees, with no obstructions in any direction. The view is refreshing and beautiful, a stark contrast to the snowstorm I experienced here a few years ago. In the distance, I can see Samdobong, where the borders of Jeollado, Gyeongsangdo, and Chungcheongdo meet.

It's only a little further to reach, but today I decide to stop here. It’s a good idea to save it for another time, as the peak won’t disappear just because I didn’t visit today.

Summit of Minjuji Mountain

Hiking is about knowing when to stop, even when you want to go further. This is the philosophy of safe hiking that I follow. It is more important to save today for tomorrow than to push forward recklessly. The true meaning of hiking lies in feeling the greatness of nature and reflecting on myself within it.

Seokgibong, Samdobong, and all the peaks and the Baekdudaegan ridge lie right ahead of me. I believe there will be a day when I visit those places again. Grateful that the path I walked today was one I could safely return from, I conclude today’s hike at Minju Mountain.

Reflecting on the accident from 26 years ago, I am reminded once again of the importance of carefully assessing the weather and surrounding conditions to make wise decisions. When facing nature, we must remain humble in the face of its vastness and power. I pray that, through that tragedy, more people can hike Minju Mountain safely and that their sacrifices were not in vain.

Today’s hike will remain deeply etched in my memory. The cold wind, the snow underfoot, and all the moments I passed along the way have become part of my life. This trail wasn’t just a path up a mountain. It was a journey that allowed me to experience the hardships, leisure, joys, and sorrows of life.

Now, as I begin my descent, I will savor the rest of the day. I will reflect on my time alone, preparing for the next hike. Once again, for a safe hike today, and tomorrow as well.