Manisan & Chamseongdan
Hike to an ancient altar atop Manisan, steeped in Korean legend and offering breathtaking panoramic views. A challenging yet profoundly rewarding expe...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Manisan & Chamseongdan
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to an ancient altar atop Manisan, steeped in Korean legend and offering breathtaking panoramic views. A challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience.
"Much more difficult hike than anticipated, but worth it for the powerful ki and ancient history."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The hike is challenging with many stairs and rocky paths. Wear good hiking shoes for grip and support.
💧 Hydration & Snacks
Bring plenty of water and snacks. There's a CU convenience store at the base, but options are limited higher up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chamseongdan Altar
Summit of Manisan
An ancient altar steeped in legend, offering a profound connection to Korea's mythical origins and celestial worship.
The 1004 Stairs
Ascent path
A formidable, paved staircase leading to the summit, testing your endurance and offering a sense of accomplishment.
Scenic Descent Route
Alternative path down
A longer, less stair-heavy route with breathtaking views, providing a different perspective of Manisan's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging Ascent
Understand the Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The hike is challenging with many stairs and rocky paths. Wear good hiking shoes for grip and support.
💧 Hydration & Snacks
Bring plenty of water and snacks. There's a CU convenience store at the base, but options are limited higher up.
⏰ Start Early in Summer
To avoid the intense summer heat and large crowds, begin your ascent in the early morning.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee of 2,000 won per person at the parking facility.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The hike is challenging with many stairs and rocky paths. Wear good hiking shoes for grip and support.
💧 Hydration & Snacks
Bring plenty of water and snacks. There's a CU convenience store at the base, but options are limited higher up.
⏰ Start Early in Summer
To avoid the intense summer heat and large crowds, begin your ascent in the early morning.
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a small entrance fee of 2,000 won per person at the parking facility.
🐈 Meet the Mountain Cats
Keep an eye out for friendly cats near the altar at the summit; they're local residents!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Manisan & Chamseongdan for its historical significance and the rewarding, albeit challenging, hike. The Chamseongdan altar is a highlight, offering a deep connection to Korean legends. While the ascent is strenuous, the scenic descent and summit views are highly appreciated.
"Much more difficult hike than anticipated. We parked at the Manisan parking facility and it is 2000 won at the entrance per person. There are many bathrooms at the beginning, and a CU to stock up on supplies and water before heading to the top. The first part of the hike was shaded and paved, while walking past the campgrounds. The middle section of the hike was more challenging, a mix of many stairs and steep climbing. After reaching the first peak, you can breathe the
fresh air and feel the powerful ki of this mountain. Then it is still another while to go crossing a treacherous mountain pass climbing over large boulders to get to the sign, the altar, and old tree. There are some cats who live near the altar that you may meet. Many do this hike in a much shorter time. For us very inexperienced hikers, it was quite challenging but worth it, and took us about 3 hours each way. I recommend starting in the early morning to beat the heat if you are going in the summer months."
Janice L
"We were amazed to find such a large stone construction at the top of a steep walk up Manisan peak. From internet sources:
"According to Korean legend and historical texts, this altar is believed to have been built by Dangun Wanggeom, the legendary founder of Gojoseon (the first Korean kingdom, said to have been established in 2333 BCE).
It was used for rituals to the heavens (called cheonje rituals), praying for national peace, prosperity, and good harvests.
It represents Korea’s ancient shamanistic and celestial worship traditions, and it's a potent symbol of Korean identity and mythic origins.""
Vincent Oliver
"Amazing place for climbing. Climbing up is 2.4 km with stair way and there are 1004 stairs until top. And for the climbing down there is also another way too. This way is longer. Its about 3.2 km but less stair and more beautiful views. Climbing up is taking around 1hour and down taking 33 min (long way). You must bring some drink with you, even food too. On the way to climbing up there are few restroom. At the enterance there is a GS25, coffee shop, few restaurants, few restrooms and air-gun for cleaning your clothes and shoes, also they have spray for mosquito. Enterance fee is 2.000 won for per person. Enjoy your climbing!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manisan is located on Ganghwa Island. The most common way to reach it is by car, with a dedicated parking facility at the base. Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming, often involving multiple bus transfers. If driving, use GPS to navigate to 'Manisan Parking Lot' (만산 주차장).
Yes, there is a parking facility at the base of Manisan. The fee is typically 2,000 won per person for entry.
While possible, it's not the most convenient. You'll likely need to take a bus to Ganghwa Bus Terminal and then transfer to a local bus heading towards Manisan. Check local bus schedules in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee of 2,000 won per person, payable at the parking facility.
Manisan is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. The facilities at the base, like the CU store, will have specific operating times.
No, advance booking is not required for Manisan. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the parking lot.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
For inexperienced hikers, the round trip can take around 6 hours (3 hours each way). Experienced hikers might complete it faster. The ascent via stairs takes about an hour.
The hike is considered challenging due to the steep inclines and the 1004 stairs on the main ascent. The path involves significant stair climbing and some rocky sections.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the beginning of the hike near the parking lot and CU store. There are also a few restrooms along the ascent path.
Comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended. Layers are advisable as the weather can change.
Generally, pets are not allowed on the hiking trails to preserve the natural environment and for the safety of other visitors. It's best to check local regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
At the base of Manisan, you'll find a CU convenience store for snacks and drinks, as well as a few restaurants. Options are limited once you start the hike.
It's best to buy water at the CU store at the base before you start hiking. There are limited opportunities to purchase refreshments higher up.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit with Chamseongdan altar offers iconic shots. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. The scenic descent route also provides beautiful photo opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset can be stunning from the summit, offering dramatic light over the landscape. However, ensure you have adequate lighting and a headlamp if hiking outside of daylight hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the scenic descent route for a less intense way down, offering more varied views. The historical significance of Chamseongdan can be a great educational talking point for kids, connecting them to Korean legends. Be prepared for a significant time commitment, as the hike can take several hours round trip.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider timing your visit to coincide with cooler months for optimal performance. The scenic descent route provides a different kind of physical engagement, focusing on balance and varied terrain. The powerful 'ki' of the mountain is often cited as an invigorating aspect of the climb.
🧘 Spiritual & History Buffs
Take time to appreciate the historical context of the altar and its role in ancient celestial worship. The challenging hike itself can be seen as a pilgrimage, enhancing the spiritual experience. The panoramic views from the summit add to the sense of awe and connection to the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike: Ascent vs. Descent
For the descent, there's an alternative route that is longer (approximately 3.2 km) but features fewer stairs and more varied terrain. This path is often described as more scenic, winding through different parts of the mountain and offering different vistas. While it takes longer, it's generally considered less strenuous on the knees and provides a more relaxed way to experience the mountain's natural beauty.
Choosing your path depends on your fitness level and what you want from the experience. Some hikers opt for the stair-heavy ascent and the scenic descent, or vice versa, to experience both aspects of Manisan. Remember to wear appropriate footwear regardless of your chosen route.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Chamseongdan
The altar was historically used for cheonje rituals, ceremonies performed to the heavens. These rituals were prayers for national peace, prosperity, and bountiful harvests, reflecting the ancient shamanistic and celestial worship traditions of Korea. Visiting Chamseongdan offers a unique opportunity to connect with these deep-rooted cultural practices and understand their significance in shaping Korean heritage.
The powerful 'ki' (energy) of the mountain is often felt by visitors at the summit, adding to the spiritual and historical resonance of the site. It's a place where history, myth, and nature converge, offering a profound experience for those who make the climb.
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