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 Mt. 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.

Mt. Manisan is known for its clearly marked trails, each offering a different kind of journey to the summit. We began our hike from the main Manisan Entrance (마니산입구), where a small ticket booth marks the starting point. After paying the ₩2,000 entrance fee, hikers are given a choice between two popular routes. The Gyedan-ro path, often referred to as the stairs route, is the more direct but demanding climb—lined with steep stone steps that challenge your legs while rewarding you with sweeping views early on. In contrast, the Dangun-ro trail takes a longer, winding approach through lush forest, following the gentle rise of the mountain ridge. This route, named after Dangun, the mythical founder of Korea, offers a quieter, more meditative trek for those who want to soak in nature at a slower pace. While these are the two main trails from this entrance, each step up Mt. Manisan still feels steeped in story, whether you push upward with intensity or wander thoughtfully through the woods.

As we climbed, the landscape began to shift—the dense forest slowly opened up, revealing glimpses of the world beyond. On clear days, hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Ganghwa Island, the Yellow Sea, and even distant glimpses of Incheon and North Korea. But for us, the sky wore a heavy cloak of yellow dust, and the gloomy weather veiled the scenery in a thick, fog-like haze. We had hoped for a stunning vista on our first peak, but instead were met with a quiet, almost haunting atmosphere. Oddly enough, there was something poetic about it—conquering our first BAC summit under gray skies felt like a fitting metaphor for beginning this journey from a place of uncertainty and quiet resilience.

The summit’s true highlight wasn’t the view, but the Chamseongdan Altar, an ancient structure believed to date back to the Dangun era. Standing before it, I felt a deep reverence—not just for the mountain, but for the centuries of history it holds. It was a moment that reminded me we weren’t only walking trails, but walking through time. Despite the limited visibility, the sense of achievement was undeniable. Our first peak in the BAC 100 Challenge was complete, and there was no turning back.

Hiking Mt. Manisan wasn’t the most difficult climb I’ve done, but it wasn’t a walk in the park either. The steep ascents and uneven stone steps demanded focus and stamina. My hiking stick became my best friend, saving my legs from extra strain. Sturdy boots were non-negotiable, and I was glad to have gloves when the path required scrambling over rough rocks. We also discovered that Mt. Manisan occasionally closes during dry seasons due to fire hazards, so checking local advisories ahead of time is important. While we didn’t encounter much wildlife, we were reminded to stay alert and stick to the trails—deer and wild boars do live in the area, and nature always deserves respect.

The entire hike, including rest stops and time spent at the summit, took around four to five hours. As we descended, sore but smiling, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come. It wasn’t long ago that I had cried my way up Mt. Suraksan, unsure of my strength and overwhelmed by everything life had thrown at me. But this climb felt different. This time, every step reminded me of why I started—why I chose to rise. Mt. Manisan wasn’t just a hike; it was a beginning. The first page of a new chapter in this challenge, and in myself.