Hiking Moaksan Mountain: A Day Trip and Makgeolli Ending
616-1 Moaksan-gil, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
모악산
Returning to Moaksan Mountain(모악산) after a long hiatus proved to be a refreshing yet challenging adventure. Starting from the Provincial Art Museum in Wanju and trekking toward the Geumsansa Temple in Gimje, this route offers a diverse landscape of well-maintained wooden decks and lush forest paths that are particularly beautiful in early autumn.
The journey highlights include a heartwarming (and slightly intense) encounter with a local rabbit at Daewonsa Temple, breathtaking summit views under a canvas of white clouds, and a well-deserved feast to wrap up the day. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual climber, the Wanju side's new facilities make the ascent a more comfortable experience for everyone.
Starting the Ascent: Daewonsa Temple and a Furry Encounter
The hike began with a bus ride to the Jeonbuk Provincial Art Museum. Following the trail toward Daewonsa Temple, I was reunited with a familiar face—a local rabbit that lives near the temple grounds. Recalling a time from last year when the same rabbit aggressively approached for a snack of pears, it was a nostalgic moment to see it still thriving under the young trees.
Comparing the Wanju and Gimje Trails
One notable observation during the climb was the difference in trail maintenance. The Wanju side, starting from the Art Museum, features brand new wooden deck stairs that significantly aid the steep climb. These modern facilities contrast with the more traditional and worn-out paths on the Gimje side, making the Wanju ascent feel fresh and safe for hikers.
Reaching the Moaksan Summit and Enjoying the View
The climb was tougher than expected, perhaps due to the late summer heat or a slight decline in hiking stamina, but reaching the summit made it all worthwhile. The sky was filled with magnificent, puffy clouds, and the recent heavy rains had replenished the mountain's water sources, resulting in a vibrant and energetic natural environment at the peak.
Descent Toward Geumsansa Temple
For the descent, I chose the Geumsansa Temple route. This path is favored by many because it features a significant number of decks and gentler slopes, which are much easier on the knees during the way down. The trail leads through peaceful forest sections that eventually open up to the historic temple grounds.
A Flavorful Conclusion: Makgeolli and Deodeok Set Menu
No hike is complete without a local meal. At the base of the Geumsansa route, I enjoyed a refreshing bowl of Makgeolli paired with a savory lunch. Interestingly, the restaurant turned out to be the same one I visited during a winter temple stay. It is highly recommended for its Deodeok (lanceolata) set menu, a regional specialty that I look forward to trying on my next visit.
Have you ever encountered a wild animal while hiking that seemed to remember you from a previous visit? If you are planning a trip to Moaksan, we recommend starting at the Art Museum for the facilities and ending at Geumsansa for the food. What is your go-to meal to celebrate reaching a mountain summit?
No comments yet.
