Hiking To Godangbong Peak From Beomeosa Temple

Even though I love my museums and historical sites, I also have to admit that I absolutely enjoy hiking and spending time in the woods.

I was already planning to visit Beomeosa Temple, as it is the biggest temple in Busan. When I found out that there’s a 3.7-km trail from there up to the highest mountain peak in Busan, of course, I squeezed the hike into my itinerary too.

Hiking from the temple up to Godangbong Peak was not the easiest feat. The elevation and the time it took reminded me of Corcovado Trail in Rio de Janeiro, and I loved every sweaty minute of it.

As a bonus, I also went on a hunt for a 12-meter-tall rock-carved Buddha image from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), and met some super kind local people in the process.

Needless to say, it was a good day.

Table of Contents

Geumjeongsan Mountain Trails

One thing that confused me the most when I was doing research on the trail is how many trails there are up Mount Geumjeongsan. One website gives me one trailhead, another tells me a different thing.

Thankfully, I found the official trail map of the entire mountain and realized that there are 27 trails total. So I forgot about everything and decided on just hiking to the summit.

For the record, I do want to hike the whole Geumjeongsan Fortress one day. But I’ll need much more time in Busan than I had this time around.

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Summit marker at Godangbong Peak engraved with Korean characters and "801.5M" standing among pale granite rocks beneath a bright blue sky. This stone monument marks the highest point of Geumjeongsan and is a common destination for hikers completing the route from Beomeosa Temple.

Getting to Beomeosa Temple

I was staying at Seomyeon, so it was easy to take the metro line 1 straight up to Beomeosa Station. Then I walked five minutes to the bus stop, and took bus 90 up along with a bunch of locals.

View from bus 90 window looking onto a sunny street lined with local businesses and mid rise buildings in Busan. Storefront signs in Korean, overhead utility lines, and a pedestrian on the sidewalk capture an everyday neighborhood scene.

It was clear everyone on that bus was going for the hike. Some of them even had hiking gears. This made me a little less nervous.

Hikers walking up the paved road beside Beomeosa Temple toward the trailhead for Godangbong Peak. Trees arch overhead and provide shade along the approach to the mountain.

Stone entrance markers and a pagoda beside a shaded road leading up to the upper sections of Beomeosa and the Geumjeongsan trailhead. Colorful lanterns hang across the entrance beneath mature trees.

I followed the folks straight up the east side of the temple and was planning to see the temple later. It was already 9 AM at the time, and I’d rather not get burnt to death by the midday heat up there.

The Hike Up to Godangbong Peak

The beginning of the hike looked calm, but I could feel how steep is was even while coming up the road to the trailhead. So I didn’t get my hopes up.

Gently ascending gravel trail lined with green trees and undergrowth near the beginning of the hike from Beomeosa Temple. The broad path offers an easy start before the climb becomes steeper and rockier.

Wide dirt hiking trail winding through a forest of pine and deciduous trees on Geumjeongsan. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a peaceful section of the route to Godangbong Peak.

I was slacking a bit on the road, letting the other hikers leave some distance between us, so there were nobody else around me except one other solo girl in front of me.

Rocky mountain path winding through dense woodland with exposed stones and roots covering the ground. The uneven surface is only the start of the trail's more challenging sections.

As I expected, the trail started getting steeper AND rockier at the same time about ten minutes in. Then I reached a sign that let me know I came about halfway up, leaving only 1.9 km to go. But I also knew that the remaining 1.9 km won’t be as quick or easy.

Hiking signpost mounted beside a large tree showing directions to Godangbong and Beomeosa Temple. Emergency location markers help hikers navigate the forested mountain trails.

I appreciated the many little creeks I found along the way, though. The sound of creeks are always healing, despite the fact that I was panting like a dog.

Small forest creek flowing between rounded granite boulders beneath leafy trees on Geumjeongsan. These shaded streams provide a refreshing break along the hike to Godangbong Peak.

Might be good for you to know that I was half-running up that trail, which is why it may sound more intense than it actually is.

I had things I wanted to do that afternoon, and my time in Busan was running out, so I rushed.

Signage For Goryeo-Era Carved Buddha Image

Trail junction sign in a forest pointing toward the Rock Carved Standing Buddha in Gasaam Hermitage and Beomeosa Temple. An informational panel explains the history and significance of the cliffside Buddha carving.

Several creeks and twenty minutes later, I found another signage letting me know that I only had less than a kilometer to go (half a mile).

To the right of that sign is a turnoff that led pretty steeply up into the thick of the woods. It says that trail would lead me to a rock-carved standing Buddha made during the Goryeo Period.

Said Buddha carving is also 12 meters high and 2.5 meters wide.

Narrow dirt path branching steeply uphill from the main hiking trail through dense forest on Geumjeongsan. This side trail leads toward the Goryeo-era rock-carved Buddha image that hikers can visit near Godangbong Peak.

One look at how sketchy that narrow trail was and I decided to reach Godangbong Peak before I went looking for the carving. I continued along the main trail.

Honestly, who would follow that trail if they were alone? The soil also looked hella loose and slippery. I was not ready to die alone in the woods.

Reaching the T-Intersection

The last 15 minutes was insanely beautiful, with rays of sunlight shining through canopies. I have such a soft spot for wooded trails closer to the peak because of this.

Wide forest trail scattered with large rocks and natural stone steps beneath a canopy of green trees. Sunlight filters through the leaves, signaling the proximity to a clearing.

Steep rocky steps climbing toward a clearing through blooming pink azalea bushes and mountain greenery.

The ground was no longer as crazy rocky as it was earlier either. There were flowers, too!

At this point, I was sure I was close to the end of the trail. As soon as I cleared the canopies, I was gonna make it.

A clearing with a T-intersection on the trail near the summit, with stone steps, low vegetation, and a trail marker beneath a clear blue sky.

And indeed, I made it… to a T-intersection in the clearing. Right in front of me was the actual peak, still quite a bit higher up than where I was.

Godangbong Peak rising above tall grasses and rocky slopes, with the summit observation platform visible at the top. This is the view hikers see after reaching the T-intersection near the end of the climb.

I wanted to die. But was I ready to give up, having come this close? Absolutely not.

The Last Stretch

So I turned left and headed straight for the last section of the trail, which is insanely beautiful, by the way. It was pretty much a pine forest, with ferns covering the ground.

Forest trail winding through tall pine trees and ferns on the slopes of Geumjeongsan. Sunlight filters through the branches onto the soft dirt path.

Then once I reached the last stretch (you know, the really steep one), it became almost like a wild trail. It was super narrow, with rocks and branches everywhere.

Narrow dirt trail winding through dense green woodland with exposed roots and rocks under a leafy canopy on the last stretch before reaching the peak.

Simple handwritten trail sign attached to a wooden barrier indicating directions to Godangbong Peak and Geumsaem Spring. Dense shrubs and trees surround the narrow dirt path at the trail fork.

At this point, I just had to keep an eye out for really small signs pointing towards Godangbong (고당봉), to make sure I didn’t follow the wrong one.

View looking upward through the metal spiral staircase of an observation tower with mountain scenery visible beyond the railings.

Then I reached the wooden stairs, and went up another spiral staircase, and I made it!

The View From Up Top

Panoramic view from Godangbong Peak overlooking rolling green mountains, granite outcrops, and valleys stretching across Busan's outskirts. The summit offers one of the best viewpoints on the Geumjeongsan hiking trail.

In one word, worth it. The lush green landscape of Mount Geumjeongsan, highlighted by the gray rocks and remains of the fortress, was absolutely stunning to see in person.

Hazy panoramic view of Busan seen from Mount Geumjeongsan's Godangbong summit, with forested ridges in the foreground and clusters of high rise buildings stretching across the horizon. — Can you spot Gwangan Bridge way in the distance?

Not to mention the fact that ALL of Busan was visible from up there. I was so far inland, but I could see all the way out to Gwangan Bridge and Igidae Waterside Park. And of course, the luxury high-risers of Marine City also stood out.

Here’s a mandatory “I did it” selfie.

Petra, the author, posing beside the Godangbong summit marker engraved with "801.5M" under a bright blue sky. The photo commemorates reaching the highest point of Mount Geumjeongsan.

There were SO MANY PEOPLE at the top because it was the Friday before Children’s Day, and the whole country was basically off work. I wasn’t in the mood to ask strangers for photo favors.

Hikers gathered among large granite rocks near the viewing platform at the summit of Godangbong Peak.

But of course, I had to sit down and eat a mandatory Gimbap, as this felt like a day-out to me. Samgak Gimbaps also count!

Hand holding a partially eaten triangle gimbap (Samgak Gimbap) wrapped in seaweed with sweeping mountain views in the background.

Trying to Find the Carved Buddha Image

After having summited the peak, it was now time for me to go find that rock-carved Buddha from a thousand years ago.

I really didn’t want to follow that sketchy trail from down below, so I took a guess from my sense of direction that it must be somewhere to the east of Godangbong.

Sunny ridgeline path cutting through low trees and mountain vegetation near the upper slopes of Geumjeongsan. This side trail leads to the Goryeo-era rock-carved Buddha image.

When I reached the T-intersection again, instead of turning right back down to Beomeosa, I went straight first. This well-shaded trail leads to Janggunbong Peak, but I wanted to see if the Buddha was somewhere along the way.

I had seen photos of this rock-carved Buddha before. He was on the side of a massive cliff, so every chance I got, I peaked out to look for cliffs. Ten minutes in, half-running, and still no luck.

So when a random hiker came up in the opposite direction, I asked if he knew of the rock-carved Buddha. Turned out he had seen it when he was younger but couldn’t remember exactly where it was. Another uncle came through, and he asked that uncle for help.

Two local hikers carrying backpacks walk uphill through a pine forest on a shaded mountain trail as they help the author search for the rock-carved Buddha.

And so the three of us went back up towards Godangbong. Both of them thought I had come from Seoul to look for the Buddha, which made my heart dance because I’m NOT Korean at all!

The uncle led us out to a viewpoint (which I had stopped at before) and pointed down way lower than when I was looking for it. AND THERE HE WAS.

Petra, the author, pointing toward the distant rock-carved Buddha image visible among granite cliffs and green mountainside vegetation. The ancient carving is located on a side trail below the summit area of Geumjeongsan. — If you do go one day, remember to look down because he’s way down there!

Ancient Buddha figure carved into a sheer granite cliff surrounded by dense green forest on the slopes of Geumjeongsan. The centuries old rock carving is one of the mountain's most notable cultural landmarks hidden along a side trail. — Here’s a closer shot. Can you see the Buddha?! He’s possibly over a thousand years old!

I wanted to know how far from the T-intersection the Buddha actually was, so I timed everything as I made my way back afterwards.

From the T-intersection, if I had gone half-running for eight minutes, he would have been right there at the second viewpoint to my left.

All missions accomplished, so I made my way back down to the temple.

Exploring Beomeosa Temple

I know that every tourist and their mother goes to the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple when in Busan. That was all the more reason why I wanted to look into other temples in the city.

Beomeosa Temple, as the third largest temple in the Yeongnam region and the largest in Busan, got my attention immediately. It was built around 678 AD during the reign of King Munmu. (who was the first king of the Unified Silla, but we can nerd out about that later)

Since this post isn’t strictly about the temple, I’ll keep it simple and only mention what stood out the most in my memory.

Jogyemun Gate at Beomeosa Temple with ornate painted woodwork, stone-and-wood support pillars, and tall pine trees rising behind the roof. This historic gate marks the entrance to the temple’s main precinct.

Jogyemun Gate was one of the most striking elements if you’re used to ancient Korean architecture. It has four supporting pillars, but the pillars are half-wood, half-stone. This is the first gate people pass through on their way up to the main hall.

Daeungjeon Hall at Beomeosa Temple viewed from the stone staircase below, with rows of pink and yellow lanterns hanging overhead for Buddha’s Birthday celebrations. Visitors walk through the temple courtyard beneath the colorful decorations.

Daeungjeon, the main hall, was especially colorful and feeling lively, as the temple prepared for Buddha’s Birthday at the end of May.

Hundreds of colorful lanterns suspended above the main courtyard at Beomeosa Temple cast patterned shadows across the ground below. The lantern display was installed in preparation for Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.

The courtyard in front of the hall was also completely shaded by the wishing lanterns.

Lunch Near the Bus Stop

It was almost 2 PM by the time I was done exploring the temple, so I was starving. Thankfully, I decided to walk one bus stop over and found this inconspicuous restaurant slash convenience store on the way.

Small restaurant near the Geumjeongsan trail area with mountain views visible beyond the sign and surrounding trees. These local eateries are popular stops before or after a day of hiking.

There were only two tables inside, mine and another group of four Korean people. We weren’t sure if this was the right place to sit for service, but after a few exchanges, we agreed to wait.

The place was run by a super kind older man and his assistant. I was craving some Pajeon, so I had to order one, and a Makgeolli to go with that, of course.

Crispy seafood and green onion pajeon served with dipping sauce alongside bowls of makgeolli at a mountain restaurant.

Pajeon was absolutely delicious, although not as good as the one I had in Gukje Market.

Other Activities I Recommend in Busan

I always schedule a food tour as one of the first things I do in a new city. I joined this food tour to Jagalchi and Gukje Market and it taught me so much about the local food scene!

🚌 If you need to see the biggest sights in Busan in a very limited time, I highly recommend joining this small group tour of city highlights. The tour is capped at 12 people and gives you a great mix of all the main attractions in just one day.

🧖‍♀️ For the ultra-cultural way into Korean culture, visiting a Jjimjilbang is the way to go. Centum City Spa Land in Busan is one of the most famous (and fanciest) spas in the country. Give it a try!

If you haven’t decided where to stay, read my guide to the most convenient neighborhoods before booking so you can choose the right area for you.

I personally stayed in Seomyeon, and I highly recommend it for anyone who’s visiting for the first time. It’s the most central area possible, although you’ll always need transportation.

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Hiking to Godangbong Peak From Beomeosa Temple

Geumjeongsan Mountain Trails

Getting to Beomeosa Temple

The Hike Up to Godangbong Peak