From Sosu Seowon Perimeter Trail to Birobong Peak, a Challenge to Traverse 7km of Sobaeksan

Episode 1055 of Video Album San>

Climbing the Mountain of Wind – Traversing Sobaeksan National Park

A challenge to traverse Sobaeksan National Park, where the Baekdudaegan mountain range unfolds in a panorama

Broadcast: September 13, 2026 (Sun) 6:55 AM KBS 2TV

Sobaeksan National Park is the fourth largest in South Korea, following Jirisan, Seoraksan, and Odaesan. While it possesses several peaks exceeding 1,000 meters, it is a mountain that unfolds with gentle terrain without a single sharp rocky peak. Walking along the main ridge from Je-2 Yeonhwabong to Birobong, one can encounter the scenery of the Baekdudaegan spreading in all directions along with a refreshing breeze. Oh Hyeong-gu and Shin Hee-gyeong, a couple, set out on a traverse of Sobaeksan National Park to cool off the intense heat of summer and fill themselves with the good energy of the forest.

Before the hike, they walk the Sosu Seowon perimeter trail. Sosu Seowon is the first saegeukseowon (a Confucian academy with a royal title) in Korea, a place that serves as the root of the scholar spirit where numerous great scholars and literati explored academic studies and maintained upright integrity. Listening to the sound of the Jukgyecheon stream flowing at the entrance of Sosu Seowon, one can almost feel the spirit and integrity of the scholars who once contemplated deeply here to refine their clear minds.

They begin their hike starting from the Jukryeong Trail. As the altitude rises, a cool sensation gradually touches the skin. They arrive at the Je-2 Yeonhwabong Shelter by following a steep forest road. Oh Hyeong-gu prepares a delicious dinner for his wife, who walked silently by his side. As pitch-black darkness falls, the couple builds a new memory in their hearts. In the early morning, the red sun emerges through the clouds. Carrying the ecstatic and dazzling sight created by the sunrise in their hearts, they head toward the ridge.

Sobaeksan, located in the middle of the Baekdudaegan, displays its gentle ridges in a warm and generous manner. It is also a treasure trove of an ecosystem where various flora and fauna live. Walking while admiring the ridges shrouded in thick sea of clouds, they arrive at Yeonhwabong before they know it. At this moment of gazing far into the distance from Yeonhwabong, the time spent sharing joy with his wife feels even more special. They move forward vigorously, trusting and relying on each other as life partners and reliable supporters.

They walk while fully feeling the living nature in the dense forest paths. After exiting the forest path and climbing the endless stairs leading to the summit, their breathing becomes heavy. Nevertheless, because there is someone guarding their side, they challenge their limits and climb one step at a time slowly. When they stop in the middle to look around, the path they have walked seems distant. Finally arriving at Birobong (1,439.5m), they enjoy the sense of accomplishment that can only be felt at the summit while looking at the same scenery together. Meet Sobaeksan National Park, where the wide-open ridges cool the mind, in Video Album San>.

◆ Cast: Oh Hyeong-gu / Dentist, Shin Hee-gyeong / Housewife ◆ Route: Jukryeong Trail entrance – Je-2 Yeonhwabong Shelter / approx. 4.5km, approx. 2 hours; Je-2 Yeonhwabong Shelter – Yeonhwabong – Birobong / approx. 7km, approx. 3 hours

(Photo provided = KBS 1TV ‘Video Album San’)

◆ At a Glance

· Publishing Institution: KBS

· Category: Video Album San

· Distribution: September 11, 10:36

Source: KBS Press Release

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