Hambaeksan (함백산)

When there’s a choice between an epic hike or a tiny hike, I always choose the longer version. Except this time. This time we were embarking on an adventure at sunset, on the coldest day of the year. After having already spent the day freezing my feet running through fresh snow, this time I was happy that Hambaeksan (함백산) is so accessible!

A photograph of the author in soft, sunset light. She's wearing a long grey parka, a black hat and a colorful buff. All that's visible are her eyes, looking at the summit stele! She has one arm outstretched with one hand touching the summit stele. From this angle, we can't see the text naming this peak Hambaeksan. Beyond are ridges topped with trees and valleys filled with snow. The sky is bright with the pastel glow of the setting sun.

This was our second visit to Taebaeksan National Park (태백산 국립공원), so we already knew the lay of the land. But this time, we had a rental car, so we drove straight up to the high pass just below Hambaeksan.

On the eastern side of the mountains, it was already dark. However on the pass we were bathed in beautiful golden sunlight that belied the wicked cold outside. But we would have to hurry: sunset appeared to be only a few minutes away!

A vertical photograph of the sun setting on the beautiful landscape of Taebaeksan National Park. Taken from near the summit of Hambaeksan, some of the snowy ground is visible in front of a wide view of snowy hillsides. The sky is pastel pink and sherbet orange near where the sun is dropping below the horizon. — Stunning setting for a sunset though!

I was already wearing all of my (slightly wet) winter wear from our earlier excursion. But with the temperature dropping and the wind nearly blowing me over, my running gear wasn’t going to cut it. I knew I looked like a real tourist but…I popped on my parka.

A selfie of the author and her husband, both wearing all of their warmest gear, near the summit of Hambaeksan. Kent is wearing a green a grey waterproof jacket with a hood, which obscures the lower part of his face. He's also wearing a grey sweater and hat under this jacket, To the left, Carrie is wearing a hooded grey parka. Her eyes are just visible between her thick black hat and the Korea 50k buff pulled up high over her cheeks. The rocky, snowy peak forms the background behind the pair.

The peak was just one kilometer away from the pass. A stroll, under any other circumstances. But, racing the sunset, Kent and I hurried up the hill.

A beautiful landscape portrait of the Taebaeksan mountains, seen from Hambaeksan. The setting sun illuminates the mountain slopes in a warm shade of gold. The peaks and valleys of the undulating landscape are fascinating to look at. Looking down from this high vantage point, we can see some of the signs found on the way up and the fence encircling the peak. — Twilight falls on Taebaeksan

We whipped through a shady forest and emerged onto a rocky, windswept platform. The summit stele was just above us, glowing in the orange sunset light!

A portrait of the author in her long parka, holding her hood down against the sides of her face. The wind was tough to capture, but the viewer can see that the author is freezing! Just above her, in the center of the frame, is the rocky stone cairn that tops Hambaeksan. The rocks, fence posts and tufts of grass are all glowing gold in the sunset light.

We snapped only a few photos before the camera decided it was too cold. We snuggled together, bracing ourselves against the fierce wind, to watch the coldest sunset of our lives. Extreme, but excellent!

A portrait of the author standing alongside the summit stele, at the top of Hambaeksan. The sunset behind the photographer casts the scene in a rosy-orange light. There are some telecommunications towers behind the summit to the right. — Hambaeksan!

Know and Go! Hambaeksan

Transportation

Hambaeksan is a little tricky to get to without either a car or a really long lead-in hike! It’s right in the middle of Taebaeksan National Park’s elongated shape. You can hike here from points north or south, but the easiest way to reach Hambaeksan is by car.

From Taebaek city, you can drive straight west (and up!) on local roads, passing by a couple of golf courses. Or, loop around the city to the southwest and meet the trail from a pass on the 414 highway.

Hike & Run

…briefly!

If you’re tagging Hambaeksan on an all-day hike across the park, kudos to you. And, take me, please? This is certainly possible, as the whole of Taebaeksan National Park is open to foot traffic. I bet a long trek would be the best way to explore the park – in the right season and with the right gear. And Hambaeksan is right in the very heart of the park!

The other option is access this peak from a pass right below it. If that’s your plan, it’s a short, 2 kilometer out-and-back to stand on the summit!

Stay & Eat

Taebaek makes a great base for all your Taebaeksan adventures. It’s close, it’s convenient, and its a lovely little town!

For the best mountain vegetable fare, head to the Taebaeksan National Park main entrance and tourist village. And while you’re there…why not climb up to Janggunbong and Munsubong as well?

Other Notes

Hambaeksan is on the Black Yak 100 mountains list, online here.

Kent and I did a very brief, very windy and very cold Hambaeksan summit in February 2018. We did an out-and-back route of just about 2 kilometers!

Hambaeksan is 1573 meters tall – one of Korea’s highest The summit offers incredible views of the rest of the Taebaeksan ridge as well as a panoramic view of other Gangwondo peaks!

Return to the Taebaeksan main page to explore more of this majestic and massive national park.

Want more of Korea’s marvelous mountains? Head back to the 120 summits main page, or check out other national parks!