THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A one-day private hike from Seongsam-jae up to Nogo-dan (1505m) with an option to continue the jagged Jiri-san ridge to Banya-bong (1732m), capped by visits to historic mountain temples and a meal of local mountain vegetables.
A one-day private hike from Seongsam-jae up to Nogo-dan (1505m) with an option to continue the jagged Jiri-san ridge to Banya-bong (1732m), capped by visits to historic mountain temples and a meal of local mountain vegetables.
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Operated by Roger Shepherd · Gurye, Jeollanam-do
You step out of the vehicle at Seongsam-jae, a 1,000m road pass where the morning wind presses the clouds against a jagged skyline. The path ahead threads through mixed pine and deciduous forest, then climbs in earnest — an hour of steady switchbacks delivers you to Nogo-dan at roughly 1,505m. From that perch the ridgeline stretches like a spine across Jiri-san, and if you keep going the knobby crest pushes you toward Banya-bong at about 1,732m, where the world opens into long, layered views of the national park.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness: you should be comfortable with steady uphill hiking and several hours on uneven terrain.
From Seongsam-jae it's about an hour of steady ascent with ~500m elevation gain; the trail is well defined but includes rocky steps—suitable for hikers with moderate fitness.
Yes, the tour includes private transportation; typical drive time from the valley to Seongsam-jae is around 45 minutes depending on your pickup point.
Yes, the itinerary commonly includes Hwaeom-sa, Saseong-am or Cheoneun-sa after the hike; be mindful of temple hours and dress/behavior guidelines.
Late spring to early fall offers stable conditions and greenery; autumn provides peak foliage but can be windy and cold at ridge tops.
Jiri-san was designated South Korea’s first national park in 1967 and has been a center for mountain Buddhism for centuries, with temples that date back well over 1,000 years.
Trails are fragile at higher elevations; stick to marked paths, pack out all waste, and avoid disturbing temple grounds or wildlife to help preserve the park.
Roger Shepherd operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Roger Shepherd
Book directly with Roger Shepherd for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now