Course Overview
Hambaeksan (1,573 m) is one of the highest mountains accessible by car. Starting from Manhang Pass (1,330 m, Korea's highest paved pass), the forest road to near the summit offers high-altitude scenery from inside your vehicle.
Summer brings cool mountain breezes and wildflowers; autumn features silver grass and foliage.
Section Highlights
Section 1: Taebaek City to Manhang Pass (approx. 10 km)
Climbing from Taebaek to Korea's highest paved pass at 1,330 m with expanding views.
Section 2: Manhang Pass to Hambaeksan Forest Road (approx. 10 km)
Unpaved trails through alpine meadows, wildflower colonies, and wind turbine ridgelines.
Driving Tips
- SUV or 4WD recommended for the forest road sections
- High altitude means cool temperatures even in summer (bring a jacket)
- Small shop at Manhang Pass but bring your own water and snacks
- Forest road inaccessible in winter due to snow and ice