GuideGariwangsan Shortest Route from Balsimsa: Hiking Guide

Gariwangsan is one of the Blackyak 100 Mountains, a peak that captures the raw, deep mountain spirit of Jeongseon. In this post, I'm sharing my hiking experience on the 'Balsimsa Shortest Route' — the fastest way to reach the summit of Gariwangsan.

Trailhead and Parking at Balsimsa

The starting point for the shortest route up Gariwangsan is Balsimsa Temple (28-1 Jangjeon-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do). That said, getting there is no walk in the park.

• Road Conditions: The road to Balsimsa is a single-lane track with stretches of unpaved surface along the way. Passing oncoming vehicles is extremely difficult, so drive with extra caution.
• Parking: There's a small parking area along the road to Balsimsa that fits roughly 4–6 cars. It's best to park here and get ready for your hike.

Check the Trailhead Location

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Hitting the Steep Balsimsa Trail

After parking, I checked the trailhead sign and set off. For this light outing, I kept it minimal — just 500ml of water and one energy gel.

From the very start, the trail gives off a strong "someone forced a path through here" vibe. The route follows a valley with a continuous mix of dirt trail and steep uphill — and the gradient is no joke.

After about 20–30 minutes of breathless climbing, a forest road suddenly appears out of nowhere. I can only imagine what it looked like to the casual walkers strolling along that road — a person suddenly bursting out of what looked like an impassable slope. True to form, this is a rough, rugged route that turns non-trails into trails.

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From the Forest Road to the Summit

Once you reach the forest road, take a breather and head a short distance to the left. You'll find a staircase leading straight toward the summit.

From here, the terrain eases up a bit compared to the brutal slope below — a gentler mix of ups and downs. However, the trail is narrow enough for only one person at a time, so watch out for branches that can scratch you as you pass.

When the final trail marker came into view, I popped my energy gel and pushed through the last stretch. With a quick sugar boost and a final surge of effort, I made it to the top.

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Gariwangsan Summit and Blackyak Certification

Total ascent time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. The wide-open views of Jeongseon greet you at the top.

I snapped my Blackyak 100 Mountains certification photo and took a well-earned rest. After such a demanding route, the break at the summit felt all the sweeter.

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Descent and Hike Summary

I descended the same way I came up. With plenty of steep sections on the way down, be mindful of your knees. Total time including descent: 1 hour 50 minutes — a quick and efficient outing, true to the "shortest route" name.

On the drive back, I was silently praying not to meet any oncoming cars on that narrow road — and that's how my Gariwangsan adventure came to a close. It's a tight, rough route, but if you're looking to efficiently check off another peak on the Blackyak 100 Mountains list, this might just be your best bet.

📌 Hike Summary

• Route: Balsimsa Trailhead → Forest Road → Summit (out-and-back)
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep inclines, narrow trail)
• Tips: Bring energy gels; drive carefully on the single-lane unpaved road

Official Information and Verification Date

The route and parking notes above come from my firsthand hike. Seasonal fire-prevention closures can restrict access, so check the Korea Forest Service Gariwangsan Recreation Forest page before departure. Official information last checked on July 17, 2026.