A Multiple-day Hike on Jirisan 2 – [Gyeongsang][Jeolla]

After the first cold and windy hike on the first day, we could luckily rest and sleep well at Yeonhacheon Shelter. The plan for today was only to reach Jangtomok Shelter, which is approximately 13km away. However, we thought, if we‘d reach the Jangtomok Shelter as early as Yeonhacheon, we should then hike to Cheonwangbong Peak.

Well… why not! That means: starting from Yeonhacheon Shelter → Byeoksoreong Shelter → Seseok Shelter → Jangtomeok Shelter – ~13km, then from Jangtomok Shelter → Cheonwangbong Spitze → Jangtomok Shelter – ~3,5km on the same day.

Our 2nd hiking day on Jirisan – full with Sunshine and Highlights

We woke up at 6 am in the dawn after a long rest. It was still cold. We prepared our “Gourmet breakfast” with rice and porridge, made some coffee, filled the water balloon and thermos, then hit the road with the first sunshine.

From Yeonhacheon Shelter to Jangtomok Shelter

A new hiking day had begun with the sunshine. It was a good sign! ☀️ On the way, the whole stunning view just didn’t stop. Amazing….

The hike was not as steep as the one from yesterday. However, due to the whole rocks on the way, we needed to pay more attention in order not to fall. But look at the mountain! Totally worth it!

We reached the Jangtomok Shelter after about 6,5h.

It was about lunchtime, our stomachs reminded us. We had to ask the receptionist again for food, but the choices here were not really better than at Yeonhacheon Shelter: instant rice, Choco-pie and chocolate bar. Well… ?

We went to the kitchen and saw two Korean Hikers who had just finished there lunch and were wrapping up. I kindly asked them whether we can use there camping stove for some minutes with our own gas bottle. No problem, they said.

Thanks to them we had hot tea and porridge for lunch before heading to our next destination – Cheonwangbong.

To the highest peak of Jirisan – Cheonwangbong (1915m)

Leaving our backpack behind at the shelter, we started to walk to our last destination of today. It should be not very far away from the Jangtomok Shelter – only 1,7km.

The hike began quite steep, got really flat and easy in the middle before getting more difficult and slippery at the end. Some snow and ice could be seen when we were close to the top. But the view was again stunning!

Yeah… And finally we reached the highest peak of Jirisan…

Since this peak was the last destination for today, we relished every step of the hike. We spent a lot of time enjoying the landscape, talking and taking pictures while waking. In total, it took us 2,5h for the 3,5-km-long round trip.

We came back to Jangtomok Shelter when the sunset was at its best.

Our evening at Jangtomok Shelter

From 5 pm, check in to the shelter was possible. We could also rent some blankets, but no mat when we checked in. The sleeping areas were similar to Yeonhacheon shelter: gender separated, made from wood and heated.

After a long day hiking, we were tired and very hungry. You might be able to imagine why: we didn‘t get proper food. At least here we could borrow a camping stove from the shelter’s reception, after explaining out situation. But what to cook now? Again our „Gourmet dish“?

While waiting for the water boiling, we looked around the crowded kitchen. It was 6 pm – time for dinner. I couldn’t trust my eyes when I saw what Korean hikers were cooking and eating there. It felt like they had carried the whole fridge with them: not only rice and instant ramen, but also kimchi, bacon, sausage, spam food, fruit, sweets… ? It smelled so good in there… ?

After watching a while, I dared to ask a Korean couple cooking behind us, whether they had an instant ramen to give away. I would buy it, I said.

Yes, we have one that we don’t need, they said. Here, please take it. Don’t have to pay.

Woww… Besides “Gamsahamnida“ (Thank you!) I didn’t know what else to say. With a big smile I returned to Kerstin and Sven. We finally got something else to eat! ?

While we were talking about how we should spend this ramen, another Korean hiker, who was standing next to the couple I asked for food, came to us and donated us an additional ramen ?! We were all speechless! Because we didn’t ask him. We thanked him so much for his kindness and were as happy as a clam.

In our backpacks we found some Toffiffee that Kerstin and Sven brought from Germany. We shared them with those who helped out to express our gratitude.

We might have caused a lot of attention, because afterwards, other people shared with us their sausage and Korean sweets, too. It was so cool!

We decided to cook both ramen packages and eat them together with our rice. It was the best meal ever for us! Not only because of the ramen taste, it was also because of the kindness, friendliness and warm-heartedness of others hikers.

The 2nd day has passed, filling with a lot of sunshine and love.

Out last hiking day – way down

We started a little bit later today, because the hike down to Jungsanri was only 5,5km long.

The sun was shining.

The way down was a bit steep, hence we needed to watch and walk carefully. A small stream followed us the whole way (actually it was the opposite: we followed the stream), making a relaxing sound.

We passed by a lot of bridges, waterfalls and also a “stone park” with many stone towers.

The lower we got, the warmer it was, so that we could see some colorful foliage of Jirisan.

After about 3h, we arrived at Jungsanri visitor center. From there we took a taxi and reached Jinju KTX station within 45 min. At Jinju station, we bought KTX tickets to Busan and Seoul, browsed through the convenience store and picked up some food.

Outside, under the sun, we sat down, enjoyed our meal, while chatting and laughing about our unforgettable adventure on our tour.

Jirisan – our ??? belong there…

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Wondering how we started? Have a look at Part 1.

If you’re searching for a hiking guide for Korea, check my post Good things to know before go hiking in South-Korea.