Experience the Winter Wonderland: Sofia-Tube’s Deogyusan Journey
Before we dive into the complete guide, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Deogyusan’s winter landscape! Watch Sofia-Tube’s stunning footage of the magnificent ice formations (sanggodae) covering Deogyusan’s peaks, where nature transforms into a mesmerizing frozen wonderland:
Winter Deogyusan: Into the Enchanting World of Snow Flowers and Ice Formations
Deogyusan covered in white during winter is truly spectacular. In particular, the snow flowers and ice formations you encounter near the summit of Seolcheonbong are so beautiful that they create the illusion of being in another world. Many people visit Deogyusan in winter to see this magnificent scenery, and among them, the easiest and most comfortable way to experience this winter kingdom is by using the Deogyusan cable car.
In this post, we will thoroughly guide you through everything from Deogyusan cable car information to the charms of Seolcheonbong and important precautions you must know for winter hiking, all for those who want to fully enjoy Deogyusan’s beautiful snow scenery.
Deogyusan Cable Car: A Convenient Shortcut to Seolcheonbong
The fastest and most comfortable way to experience Deogyusan’s winter snow scenery is definitely to use the gondola, or cable car, operated by Deogyusan Resort. This cable car travels between Jungbong and Seolcheonbong, and on clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-covered ridges beneath your feet and distant mountain ranges.
Deogyusan Cable Car Boarding Information
- Boarding Location: Located within Muju Deogyusan Resort
- Operating Section: From Deogyusan Resort to near Seolcheonbong (approximately 15 minutes)
- Travel Time: Cable car boarding time is approximately 15 minutes. This is one-way, and you’ll use it for a round trip.
- Travel Convenience: Easy for anyone of any age or gender to use, especially useful for children, the elderly, and those unfamiliar with mountain climbing.
Cable Car Fees and Operating Hours
Deogyusan cable car fees vary depending on season and age. It’s best to check the exact fee information on the Deogyusan Resort official website before visiting. Approximate fees are as follows:
- Adult Round Trip Fee: Approximately 20,000-25,000 KRW (subject to change)
- Child Round Trip Fee: Discounted price compared to adults (approximately 16,000-20,000 KRW)
- Operating Hours: Usually operates from 9 AM to 4 PM or 5 PM. However, operating hours may be shortened or close early during winter or bad weather, so you must check on the day of your visit.
Tip: On weekends or during peak season, waiting times can be long due to many users. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning or, if possible, on weekdays.
Enjoying Seolcheonbong After Cable Car Ride
When you get off the cable car, you’re right near the summit of Seolcheonbong. From here, you can enjoy the highlights of Deogyusan: snow flowers and ice formations.
- Seolcheonbong: Located at 1,520m above sea level and close to the cable car station. Great for viewing Deogyusan’s ridges and winter scenery with an open view.
- Hyangjokbong: From Seolcheonbong, if you walk about 15-20 minutes more, you can reach Hyangjokbong (1,614m), Deogyusan’s highest peak. The view from here is even more overwhelming.
After getting off the cable car, take a walk around Seolcheonbong or lightly climb to Hyangjokbong to feel the true character of Deogyusan. Near the summit, there are places selling simple food and beverages, making it good for a short rest.
Seolcheonbong’s Winter Kingdom: The Enchantment of Ice Formations
When you ride the Deogyusan cable car up to Seolcheonbong, if you’re lucky, you’ll encounter a fantastic landscape as if you’ve entered a fairy tale. This is thanks to ‘sanggodae’ (ice formations).
What Are Ice Formations (Sanggodae)?
Ice formations are ice crystals formed when water vapor in the air freezes onto objects like trees, grass, and rocks. They form especially well on days with high humidity and low temperatures when strong winds blow. Deogyusan is recognized as a famous spot for ice formations in winter due to its high altitude, humidity, and topographical characteristics.
The Charm of Seolcheonbong Ice Formations
The area around Seolcheonbong is an optimal place to appreciate the scenery created by ice formations because it boasts relatively flat ridges and an open view. Ice flowers blooming white on every tree branch sparkle in the sunlight, creating a mysterious atmosphere as if countless jewels were embedded.
- Photo Spot: There are many points around Seolcheonbong where you can take wonderful photos with ice formations. If you want to capture a lifetime shot, definitely bring your camera.
- Silence and Peace: The white world created by ice formations provides a quiet and peaceful feeling enough to forget the hustle and bustle of the world.
Tip: Ice formations can melt quickly with weather changes. If you want to see beautiful ice formations, it’s good to check the weather forecast in advance before visiting. They tend to form well on days when sub-zero temperatures are maintained with high humidity, and after snow falls the day before.
Precautions for Winter Deogyusan Hiking
Although using the cable car allows you to climb to Seolcheonbong relatively comfortably, winter hiking should always prioritize safety. Deogyusan requires even more caution because it’s at high altitude.
1. Thorough Clothing Preparation
The most important thing in winter hiking is insulation. Near the summit of Deogyusan, the perceived temperature can be much lower than the actual temperature.
- Layering: Wear multiple thin layers to make temperature regulation easy. Take off outer layers when you sweat a lot, and put them back on when it’s cold.
- Waterproof/Windproof Function: Outer clothing should be products with excellent waterproof and windproof functions to protect your body from snow or wind.
- Cold Weather Items: Hats, gloves, and scarves are essential. Especially since cold hands and feet are prone to frostbite, prepare thick socks and insulated gloves.
- Crampons (Essential): Even using the cable car, the trails around Seolcheonbong or Hyangjokbong are likely covered in ice. To prevent slipping accidents, you must prepare and wear crampons. Crampons can also be rented, so check in advance if you don’t have them.
2. Sufficient Snacks and Warm Beverages
Winter hiking consumes more energy than you think.
- High-Calorie Snacks: Focus on energy replenishment by bringing high-calorie snacks that are easy to carry, such as chocolate, candy, and nuts.
- Warm Beverages: Bringing warm water or tea in a thermos is very helpful for warming your body in cold weather. Warm tea is better than caffeinated drinks.
3. Follow Safety Rules
- Check Weather Information: Always check the weather forecast before departure, and reconsider hiking plans if severe weather such as strong winds or heavy snow is predicted.
- No Solo Hiking: In winter, it’s difficult to get help when you get lost or have an accident. Hike with companions if possible, and be even more careful if alone.
- Use Designated Trails: Paths may not be clearly visible due to snow. Always use designated trails and don’t recklessly pioneer new routes.
- Mobile Phone Battery Management: Mobile phone batteries can drain quickly in cold weather. Bring a portable charger or turn off the power when not in use.
- Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with emergency contact information in advance and bring simple first-aid supplies.
4. Time Planning
Winter days are short. It’s important to plan with plenty of time considering cable car operating hours and descent time. Especially since temperatures drop sharply and visibility becomes difficult after sunset, you should manage your time to descend before dark.
Deogyusan Snow Scenery: Creating Unforgettable Winter Memories
Deogyusan’s winter snow scenery offers beauty that cannot be fully expressed in words. Using the cable car, anyone can easily enjoy this marvelous nature.
Winter Deogyusan is not just about snow-covered mountains. Ice formations covered with pure white snow flowers and delicate ice crystals are like works of art. The scenery you encounter at the summit of Seolcheonbong will provide overwhelming emotion along with peaceful leisure.
However, winter mountains are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. We hope you experience Deogyusan’s winter safely and enjoyably through thorough preparation and compliance with safety rules.
Conclusion
If you want to experience the enchanting snow scenery and ice formations of winter Deogyusan, using the Deogyusan cable car is the most efficient and comfortable method. Check cable car fees and operating hours in advance, and enjoy the wonderful winter scenery from the summits of Seolcheonbong and Hyangjokbong. However, winter hiking requires thorough preparation. Pack warm clothing, crampons, and snacks carefully, and be sure to follow weather conditions and safety rules to create unforgettable winter memories.
3 Things You Can Do Right Now:
- Check Weather and Cable Car Operating Information Before Visiting: Obtain the latest information from the Deogyusan Resort official website or related communities.
- Inspect Winter Hiking Clothing: Prepare warm, waterproof/windproof clothing, hats, gloves, and scarves.
- Purchase or Rent Crampons: Crampons are essential for safety on trails around Seolcheonbong.
EXTERNAL_LINKS: Deogyusan Resort website, National Park Service Deogyusan National Park
