Reopening of Suraksan Train Rock, a Dazzling Course Climbing via Rock Ropes

Train Rock, the representative rocky ridge section of Suraksan, a famous mountain near Seoul, has reopened for normal use. While there were disappointments in its use in the past due to accidents such as damage to the summit stone and cutting of ropes, the hiking environment has been improved with the recent provision of viewing shelters, allowing people to enjoy rock climbing once again.

The path from Jangam Station through Seongnimsa toward Train Rock

According to a video from the YouTube channel 'Freedom and Mountains - Walking Travel Trekking', this Suraksan hike began at Exit 1 of Jangam Station. After crossing the road opposite the CU convenience store near the station and passing in front of the GS convenience store, one can enter the hiking trail toward Seongnimsa. A restroom is located right in front of Seongnimsa, making it suitable for preparing before starting the full hike.

The path from Seongnimsa toward Train Rock is a well-developed forest path, making it a good section for trekking. However, upon entering the lower part of Train Rock, sections appear where the ground is hollowed out or covered with many small stones, making it slippery. The presenter in the video mentioned that the path may be slippery due to the masato (decomposed granite) composition of the ground and stated that more caution is needed when descending.

The Train Rock rocky ridge section climbed by relying on ropes

Upon entering the Train Rock section, full-scale rock climbing begins. Choosing the right direction at the fork leads to a course for scaling rock faces, where smooth rock walls and precipices continue, inducing high tension. The presenter recommended using leg strength to step up while climbing the rock face rather than relying solely on arm strength.

A viewing shelter is provided at the top of Train Rock. From here, one can look down at the rocky ridge section of Train Rock at a glance, and the scenery of Bukhansan and Dobongsan is also viewable. In the video, the presenter shared the perceived difficulty of the rock section, saying, "When you actually climb it, it feels slightly longer than it looks." From the upper observatory, the wonderful scenery of Suraksan can be seen along with the views of Bukhansan, Dobongsan, and Sapaesan.

Arrival at the main peak of Suraksan, hiking records, and wrap-up

After passing the upper observatory of Train Rock, about 1km remains to reach the main peak of Suraksan (637m). It took approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Seongnimsa to Train Rock, and another 1 hour and 30 minutes from Train Rock to the main peak. The total recorded hiking time after descending to Jangam Station was 5 hours and 6 minutes, with a total travel distance of 6.049km.

After finishing the hike, the cast members visited a restaurant near Jangam Station to wrap up the hike. The restaurant was described as being so popular that there was a long waiting line, and it was a place where various foods such as spicy stir-fried pork and rolled omelets could be enjoyed through a self-bar. The presenter shared their thoughts, saying, "Unlike other hikes, today's hike brings a sense of pride in having accomplished it."