MANISAN MOUNTAIN: BAC 100 PEAKS CHALLENGE

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Short Backstory: What led us to undertake the BAC 100 Peaks Challenge?

–It all began on our second wedding anniversary when my husband suggested we hike one of the peaks in Seoul. We chose Mt. Suraksan, standing at an elevation of 637.7 meters (2,092 feet). The hike was both successful and painful. As a beginner who isn’t particularly fond of extreme activities, I found it incredibly challenging. I cried a lot during the climb, and my complaints echoed throughout the journey up and down the mountain.

When we got home, I was a mix of disappointed and determined. Something ignited within me—a desire to conquer that peak with greater efficiency. We decided to try again, tackling another challenging peak: Mt. Dobongsan. Unfortunately, we didn’t succeed, but this setback fueled my resolve. With a bruised ego but a newfound drive, we began climbing other nearby peaks in Seoul to build my hiking stamina and adapt to the demands of the trails.

As my skills improved, so did my ambition. Our next big challenge was South Korea’s fourth-highest peak, standing at 1,614 meters (5,295 feet). Despite enduring bleeding feet and numb knees, we successfully climbed it without using the cable car, which filled us with immense pride. This success only fueled my ambition further, leading me to set my sights on South Korea’s highest peak, Mt. Hallasan.

Mt. Hallasan, however, humbled me profoundly. The emotional pain of this defeat was different from our first failure on Mt. Dobongsan. We returned home feeling defeated and saddened, with tears streaming down my face. Determined to improve further, I began researching how to get fit and properly prepare for hiking bigger mountains.

In my search, I stumbled upon a blog about the BAC 100 Peaks Challenge. Inspired by the stories and the challenge, I convinced my husband to join me in this new adventure. And the rest, as they say, is history. Our mountaineering journey had begun, and it all started with that blog.

(Story to be continued in another blog post…)

We meticulously planned our approach, deciding to tackle peaks based on their elevation and proximity to Seoul. To ease into this daunting challenge, we started with peaks that had lower elevations and were conveniently located near the city.

As we began our BAC 100 Peaks Challenge, we chose Manisan mountain as our starting point. Located in Incheon, South Korea, this mountain is the highest peak on Ganghwa Island, standing at an elevation of 469.4 meters (1,540 feet). Manisan offered us the perfect combination of challenge and natural beauty for our first hike.

Manisan boasts several well-marked trails, each offering a unique perspective of the mountain’s lush landscape. We started our hike from the Manisan Ticket Office trail. Here’s a brief overview of the main trails:

Stairway Trail, Blue Line

• Duration: (2.4km one way/ travel time 1 hour 15 minutes)
• Info: Known for its steep, stone steps, this trail is a direct but strenuous route to the summit. It offers a good workout and rewarding views along the way.
• Parking: Free parking is available near the trailhead.
• Admission Fee: 2,000 won
• Bathroom: Clean bathrooms are located at the trailhead.
• Crowd: Weekends can be quite crowded, so plan for an early start.
• Nearby Restaurants: Several local restaurants offering traditional Korean food are within a short drive.

Dangun-ro Trail, Yellow Line

• Duration: (3.6km one way/ travel time 1 hour 50 minutes)
• Info: Named after the legendary founder of Korea, Dangun, this moderate trail winds through dense forests and offers a mix of gradual inclines and steeper sections.
• Parking: Free parking is available near the trailhead.
• Admission Fee: 2,000 won
• Bathroom: Clean bathrooms are located at the trailhead.
• Crowd: This trail is less crowded than the Stairway Trail, even on weekends.
• Nearby Restaurants: You can find several cozy eateries nearby that serve delicious Korean BBQ and other local dishes.

Hamheodongcheon-ro Trail, Orange Line

• Duration: (2.8km one way/ travel time 1 hour 30 minutes)
• Info: This trail follows the path of a gentle stream, providing a serene and picturesque hike. It’s less crowded and ideal for those looking for a quieter route with a gradual ascent.
• Parking: Free parking is available near the trailhead.
• Admission Fee: 2,000 won
• Bathroom: Bathrooms are available at the trailhead but might not be as clean as the other trails.
• Crowd: Generally quiet, even on weekends.
• Nearby Restaurants: There are a few quaint cafes and traditional restaurants in the vicinity offering a relaxing meal after your hike.

Jeongsu Temple Trail, Purple Line

• Duration: (1.7km one way/ travel time 1 hour 40 minutes)
• Info: Starting near the historic Jeongsu Temple, this trail is known for its peaceful environment and cultural landmarks. It offers a more gentle climb through scenic woodlands and past ancient relics.
• Parking: Free parking is available near the Jeongsu Temple.
• Admission Fee: 2,000 won
• Bathroom: Clean bathrooms are located at the temple and trailhead.
• Crowd: This trail is popular on weekends due to its cultural significance.
• Nearby Restaurants: Nearby, you’ll find a few restaurants serving temple food and traditional Korean cuisine.

As you approach the summit, the scenery transforms. The dense forest opens up to panoramic views of Ganghwa Island and the Yellow Sea. On clear days, you can see as far as Incheon city and even parts of North Korea. Aside from the stunning natural scenery, Manisan is rich in cultural heritage. The summit itself is marked by the ancient Chamseongdan Altar, where you can take in the 360-degree views and feel a sense of accomplishment.

The ancient Chamseongdan Altar, believed to date back to the Dangun era, and sits at the peak. This historic site adds a spiritual element to the hike, connecting you with Korea’s ancient past.

Unfortunately, the day we hiked was marred by gloomy weather and severe yellow dust, which significantly reduced visibility. We couldn’t see the sea clearly, which was a bit disappointing. However, we could tell that on a clear day, the scenery would be truly spectacular.

For a hike up Manisan, we recommend the following gear:

• Hiking Stick: Useful for stability on steep and rocky sections.
• Proper Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential.
• Gloves: Handy for gripping rocks and protection in colder weather.

• Mountain Closure: Manisan may be closed during the dry season because of forest fire warnings. Check local advisories before planning your hike.
• Wild Animals: Be aware of potential wildlife encounters. On Manisan, you might come across deer, wild boars, and various species of birds. Stick to the trails and make noise to avoid surprising animals.
• Best Season to Visit: The best seasons to visit Manisan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the scenery is most beautiful.