Jirisan Hwaeomsa–Daewonsa Traverse 46km Section: A 2-Day, 1-Night Hiking Record from Hwaeomsa Temple to Daewonsa Temple

The Hwaeomsa–Daewonsa Traverse, a representative long-distance course of Jirisan Mountain, is a section that covers approximately 46km from Hwaeomsa Temple to Daewonsa Temple. According to a video released on the YouTube channel 'Freedom and Mountains - Walking Travel Trekking', the appearing couple started from Hwaeomsa Temple and walked 17.9km, traveling for 11 hours and 50 minutes on the first day to reach Yeonhacheon Shelter. During this process, the cumulative elevation gain recorded 2,090m. This 3-day, 2-night grand journey, started to fulfill a long-held wish made every New Year, was carried out amidst a heatwave.

From Hwaeomsa Temple to Nogodan: Steep Slopes and Changes in Unmanned Stores

The hike began in front of Hwaeomsa Temple around 6:20 AM. From Hwaeomsa Temple to Yeongiam Hermitage, the slope was gentle, but a full-scale uphill climb followed after Yeongiam Hermitage. The participant expressed that the very steep section continued until reaching Nogodan Pass, saying, "It feels like my nose will be buried in the ground." After arriving at Koje, they moved toward Nogodan Pass and arrived at Nogodan Jepi-so.

Unlike in the past, the Jepi-so in the video had lost its outdoor tables and was operating as an unmanned store. The participant purchased curry sauce, rice, 2 liters of water, etc., at this unmanned store to have lunch. It took about 10 minutes from Koje to Muneunggi, and they stayed at Nogodan Jepi-so while heading from Koje toward Nogodan Pass. The participant felt relieved while passing the Koje to Muneunggi section, stating that one of the two difficult sections had ended.

Tokkibong's Difficult Course and Yeonhacheon Shelter's Safety Rules

After passing Nogodan Pass, the hiking team moved toward Yeonhacheon, bypassing the Nogodan summit in accordance with their traverse goal. After passing Dwaejiryeong and replenishing drinking water at Imgeollyeong, they arrived at Samdobong around 2:40 PM. Afterward, they passed through Hwagyejae and entered the Tokkibong section, which was the final difficult course of the day. Tokkibong is a section with continuous high stairs, which the participant cited as a difficult section.

After passing Tokkibong, they arrived at Yeonhacheon Shelter around 6:05 PM. At Yeonhacheon Shelter, guidance regarding safety rules was provided. The video conveyed that because Asian black bears are somewhat active around the shelter, one must definitely use a lantern when moving at night, and for walking, one should not leave the vicinity of the shelter but stay within the shelter's fence. Additionally, there was an instruction not to leave leftovers as there is no food waste collection bin inside the shelter.

The Night View of Yeonhacheon and the Second Day's Journey Toward Jeoksuryeong

After spending one night at Yeonhacheon Shelter, the appearing couple began the second day of hiking around 8:10 AM the next day. The participant showed an enthusiastic appearance, saying their condition was better than expected. It took 2 hours and 20 minutes to travel 3.6km from Yeonhacheon to Jeoksuryeong. During this process, Brother Rocks appeared shrouded in clouds, and after arriving at Jeoksuryeong around 10:36 AM and taking a rest, they continued their movement toward Seseok.

The dinner menu at the shelter included gochujang-jjigae (red chili paste stew), raw fish, and seaweed. The participant expressed satisfaction, saying the gochujang-jjigae was "art." The video captures the scenery of the red sunset coloring the area behind Yeonhacheon Shelter and the morning scenery shrouded in fog.