The Yeongnam Alps refers to the cluster of nine mountains, with Mt. Gajisan in the center, reaching over 1,000m above sea level. To find more information about this Korean mountain range borrowing its name from the authentic one in Switzerland, we headed to the Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center located near the foot of the mountain range in Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun. The massive complex in fact serves as a culture facility housing a movie theater, indoor/outdoor climbing walls, and the mountain culture hall. The entire six buildings take up 5,000m². The opening ceremony of the Ulju Mountain Film Festival, which marks the 6th year now, is held at the welcome center. The mountains are Ulju’s cultural property and resource. There are two movie theaters, and one of them, dubbed the Alps Cinema, shows the latest releases. It is a special experience to watch a movie there, but you would be tempted to check out the outside. Before hiking, you can look around the mountain theme exhibit hall, imagining in advance the breathtaking view from the Yeongnam Alps.
Address Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center, 103-8 Alps Oncheon 5-gil, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan-si
Inquiry +82-52-204-2931
Hours  09:00-21:00 Daily (Dec-Feb 09:00-20:00), Closed on Mondays

First you arrive at Korea Deer Ranch after a 30-minute car ride from the Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center. The deer ranch is the departure point of the easiest hiking route to Ganwoljae Pass, a gateway to the Yeongnam Alps famous for the silver grass field. (If you consider yourself a semi-experienced hiker, you may choose the route that begins at the Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center and passes Hongryu Waterfalls and Ganwoljae Crossroads.) Also known as the ‘Deer Ranch Route,’ the trail stretches about 6km, and has a gentle slope perfect for novice hikers.

From Ganwoljae, the distance to the peak of Mt. Sinbulsan is 1.6km, and that of Mt. Ganwolsan 0.8km. The trail is well maintained with deck stairs, but for novice hikers it is not easy to resume walking uphill. Nevertheless, you probably instinctively want to reach the summit. Here you may slightly adjust your route to the peak of Mt. Ganwolsan, which is a tad closer. Twenty minutes or so after departing from Ganwoljae and going through both decked and unpaved parts of the trail, you reach the top of Mt. Ganwolsan. A stone monument indicates that you are at ‘Mt. Ganwolsan, 1,069m above sea level’.  Wait for your turn if you want to take a photo in front of the monument. After taking a breather on the mountain top, it’s time to head back down to Ganwoljae. The silver grass field you see on the way back is still enchanting.

Enjoy a late dinner at Japanese restaurant Bom Kyung where you have made a reservation the day before. Sometimes in a travel destination, you need to make a safe choice that guarantees both flavor and efficiency. Especially on a day when you feel exhausted. Famous as a meeting venue among parents of soon-to-be brides and grooms, Bom Kyung offers private rooms of various sizes, accommodating up to 18 guests. The quality of food and the atmosphere are checked off the list. Located on the 24th floor of LOTTE HOTEL ULSAN, the view from the restaurant is stunning. Have a relaxing time while tasting assorted sashimi and seafood dishes and admiring the nightscape of downtown Ulsan and the Onsan Industrial Complex in the far back.
Address 24F, LOTTE HOTEL ULSAN, 282 Samsan-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan-si
Inquiry +82-52-269-8634~5
Hours Lunch 11:30-15:00(last order 14:00), Dinner 17:00-21:00(last order 20:00)
Homepage www.lottehotel.com/ulsan-hotel/dining

LOTTE HOTEL ULSAN is a 50-minute drive from Korea Deer Ranch. LOTTE HOTEL ULSAN is located in the new City Center in Ulsan where tourism and industries coexist. The hotel has 200 rooms and suites overlooking Taehwagang River crossing the city and the Onsan Industrial Complex, one of the 12 scenic spots in Ulsan. It also has various facilities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and a golf range. Among them, SPA EIR is a premium spa inspired by Scandinavian sensibilities, and a perfect place to unwind after a day of hiking. The hotel provides you with a comfortable bedding so that you can fully recharge yourself overnight.
Address LOTTE HOTEL ULSAN, 282 Samsan-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan-si
Inquiry +82-52-960-1000
Homepage www.lottehotel.com/ulsan-hotel

With a 1,241m height, Mt. Gajisan is the tallest mountain in the Yeongnam Alps, and one of the top 100 mountains of Korea according to Korea Forest Service. The four seasons of Mt. Gajisan is considered one of the 12 beautiful scenes of Ulsan, and its fall foliage is to die for. You cannot miss out on Mt. Gajisan if you’re visiting Ulju. Seoknamsa Temple is the starting point of the trail to hike up to Mt. Gajisan. There’s a route that departs from Seoknamsa Temple, passes the main ridge of Mt. Gajisan, and returns to the temple located at the foot of the mountain. The forest trail toward Seoknamsa Temple is full of fall scents. If you find the trail too challenging for yourself, spend time looking around the Seoknamsa Temple and the nearby valley, relax, and enjoy the warm sun.