Hyangjeokbong is the fourth-highest mountain peak in South Korea.
The Muju Resort gondola system transports passengers to an altitude of 1,520 meters at Seolcheonbong, making a high-alpine environment accessible in about 20 minutes.
The summit area features dense colonies of native Korean firs and yew trees that frequently develop rime ice during winter conditions.
Hyangjeokbong shelters a small mountain refuge hut near the summit, providing emergency shelter for long-distance hikers traversing the Deogyusan ridge.
The peak sits on the boundary between Muju-gun in Jeonbuk State and Geochang-gun in Gyeongsangnam-do.
Deogyusan Hyangjeokbong is the highest peak of Deogyusan National Park, standing at an elevation of 1,614 meters in Muju-gun, Jeonbuk State, South Korea. It is uniquely accessible via the Muju Resort gondola, which carries visitors up to Seolcheonbong station just a 20-minute walk from the summit. The peak offers expansive panoramic views across the Sobaek mountain range and forms a crucial watershed divide between the Geumgang and Nakdonggang rivers. The area is renowned for its heavy winter snowfall, transforming the surrounding spruce and yew trees into frost-covered ice flowers. A wooden boardwalk trail connects Seolcheonbong to the summit cairn, making the final stretch manageable for casual hikers. The mountain is part of the Korea National Park system, managed under strict ecological conservation guidelines.
The summit cairn platform at Hyangjeokbong, overlooking the rolling Sobaek mountain range.
Wear layered clothing and windproof outerwear, as summit weather conditions are significantly colder and windier than the base.
Equip your footwear with crampons or ice cleats if visiting during winter or early spring icy conditions.
Check gondola operating status in advance, as high winds frequently suspend service.
Attempting the final ridge hike in standard street shoes during winter ice conditions.
Gondola operations are subject to suspension during severe weather conditions, high winds, or periodic safety maintenance.
Stay strictly on designated wooden boardwalks to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
