MANISAN MOUNTAIN: BAC 100 PEAKS CHALLENGE

#01

How We Took on the BAC 100 Peaks Challenge: Our Hiking Journey Begins

It all started on our second wedding anniversary when my husband suggested we celebrate in an unusual way—by climbing a mountain. I wasn’t particularly thrilled about the idea, but I agreed, thinking it would be a simple, romantic outdoor activity. We picked Mt. Suraksan in Seoul, standing at 637.7 meters (2,092 feet), and set off with high hopes. What followed was a grueling, painful, and utterly exhausting climb that tested my patience and physical limits. I cried, I complained, and I questioned every life decision that had led me to this point. But somehow, despite my endless protests, we made it to the top.

When we returned home, I felt a strange mix of emotions. There was disappointment in how much I had struggled, but also a flicker of determination. I wanted to do better. The very next challenge we took on was Mt. Dobongsan—only to fail. Instead of discouraging me, that defeat ignited a fire within. I was done with being the weak beginner who barely made it up a mountain. So, we kept going, climbing more peaks around Seoul, slowly building my endurance and mental grit.

Our progress was undeniable, and soon, we set our sights on something bigger—South Korea’s fourth-highest peak, standing at 1,614 meters (5,295 feet). The climb left me with bleeding feet and numb knees, but we reached the summit without the help of a cable car, filling us with immense pride. The rush of accomplishment was intoxicating, and we began to crave even greater challenges. That’s when we decided to attempt Mt. Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea.

Mt. Hallasan, however, broke me. Unlike our failure on Dobongsan, which had motivated me to improve, this defeat left me emotionally wrecked. I returned home feeling crushed, tears streaming down my face as I replayed every grueling moment of that climb. But I wasn’t ready to give up. I started researching ways to get stronger, to train better, and to push my limits further. That’s when I stumbled upon a blog about the BAC 100 Peaks Challenge—a challenge so demanding yet so thrilling that I couldn’t resist. With my husband by my side, we decided to take it on. And just like that, our mountaineering journey officially began.

(Story to be continued in another blog post…)

To ease into this daunting challenge, we decided to start with peaks that were lower in elevation and close to Seoul. Our first official BAC 100 peak would be Manisan, the highest mountain on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, standing at 469.4 meters (1,540 feet). It seemed like the perfect introduction—manageable yet rewarding, with a mix of scenic beauty and historical significance.

Manisan is known for its well-marked trails, each offering a unique experience. We opted to start from the Manisan Ticket Office trail, where multiple routes led to the summit. The most direct yet strenuous route was the Stairway Trail, famous for its steep stone steps that promised a brutal workout but breathtaking views. Then there was the Dangun-ro Trail, named after Korea’s legendary founder, winding through dense forests with a mix of moderate inclines and challenging sections. The Hamheodongcheon-ro Trail, following a gentle stream, seemed ideal for those looking for a more peaceful, less crowded ascent. Lastly, the Jeongsu Temple Trail offered a serene path through the woods, starting near the historic Jeongsu Temple and leading past cultural relics before reaching the summit.

As we climbed, the landscape shifted, the dense forest gradually opening up to reveal stunning panoramic views of Ganghwa Island and the Yellow Sea. On clear days, you can see as far as Incheon city and even North Korea, but unfortunately for us, thick yellow dust and gloomy weather obscured much of the scenery. We had hoped for a breathtaking first peak, but instead, we found ourselves surrounded by an eerie, fog-like haze. It was a little disappointing, yet there was something strangely poetic about conquering our first BAC peak under less-than-ideal conditions.

The highlight of the summit was the Chamseongdan Altar, an ancient structure believed to date back to the Dangun era. Standing there, I felt a deep connection to Korea’s history, as if we were not just climbing mountains but also walking through centuries of culture and tradition. Despite the weather, the sense of achievement was undeniable. We had officially completed our first peak in the BAC 100 Challenge, and there was no turning back now.

Hiking Manisan wasn’t the most difficult climb, but it wasn’t exactly easy either. The steep sections and rocky steps demanded a decent level of fitness, and I was grateful for my hiking stick, which saved my legs from unnecessary strain. Sturdy hiking boots were a must, and I found gloves useful for gripping rocks along the way. We also learned that Manisan sometimes closes during dry seasons due to fire risks, so checking local advisories beforehand is essential. Wildlife encounters were minimal, but the presence of deer and wild boars meant it was always a good idea to stay alert and stick to the trails. The best seasons for hiking Manisan are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the foliage transforms the landscape into a breathtaking masterpiece.

The round trip took about four to five hours, including time spent at the summit soaking in the experience. As we descended, our legs aching but our spirits soaring, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I had come since that first tear-filled climb up Suraksan. What once seemed impossible was now just another step in a much bigger adventure.