Located between Daejeon and Jeonju, Daedunsan Provincial Park is home to Daedunsan Mountain and is defined by the impressive rock peak of Macheondae Summit which is the tallest in the park at 878 meters. It is surrounded by other peaks such as Chilseongbong, Janggunbong, and Ambong peaks. The mountain is also quite popular for its cloud bridge, fall foliage, and easy access by cable car for those who are not inclined to hike. The park is also home to a number of historic temples including Taegosa Temple and Ansimsa Temple. Daedunsan Provincial Park is a 45 minute bus ride from Daejeon’s Seobu bus Terminal, followed by a 15 minute walk to the park’s entrance, or you can drive from Daejeon, directly to the park's entrance.
The Hike
While it is possible to hike from the base of the mountain straight up to the peak, my suggested and preferred route actually starts outside the main entrance of the park along the road that winds down to the main entrance from Daedunsan Rest Stop. This hike takes you along the ridgeline and provides better views of the area, particularly during fall foliage season. It also offers the chance to hit more than one peak before you reach the peak of Daedunsan and the cloud bridge. Trail access is clearly marked with a sign for the Yongmungol Path to Macheondae Summit, and you can often see other hikers accessing it. The first landmark you come to is Sinseon Bawi, which is popular with rock climbers and this part of the hike is fairly easy with a few a picturesque bridges over a stream. Although I have not climbed it myself, Sinseon Bawi has 10 different climbing routes and is frequented by climbers from the local climbing gyms. You have the option of taking the shorter route to Janggunbongand then loop up to the cloud bridge and Macheondae. I prefer to take the longer route which takes you to a quick detour to Yongmungol cave and Chilseongbong Observation Platform which gives you a beautiful view over the mountains. Back on the trail you continue onto Chilseongbong Peak, which provides a
great view of Macheondae Summit and the mountainsides, this is especially gorgeous when the fall foliage is at its peak. At this point in my hike I stopped for a snack and a rest as there were numerous flat rocks over looking the valley to sit on, and the remaining hike up was pretty steep. After leaving Chilseongbong, you head to Macheondae Summit via the ridgeline, there’s a huge monument at the summit and depending on the time of year it can be pretty busy. From here you hike down to reach the cloud bridge and have the options of either taking the cable car or hiking down the mountain; but be aware it’s pretty steep on the way down.
The Cloud Bridge
Known as Geumgang Gureudmari or hanging bridge, the cloud bridge is a 50-meter suspension bridge that stretches between Imgeumbawi Rock and Ipseokdae Pedestal. The bridge is popular with hikers and non-hikers alike as it provides a great backdrop for photos. The bridge is popular with photographers in the winter when it snows and in the fall during peak foliage season. From the Geumgang bridge you take the Samseon stairway up to Macheondae Summit, if you hiked in from the ridge you will need to come all the way down to the bridge and circle around via the Samseon stairway.
At the bottom of the mountain you can find an assortment of restaurants and food stands selling a variety of Korean food to eat before you leave. In addition there is a zip line, adventure course, and rafting available at an outdoor adventure facility across from the park. My first trip to Daedunsan contained a lot of firsts: my first trip to the mountain, My first time drinking makgeolli, and first time eating kimichjeon and hotteok.
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