Ganwoljae & the Yeongnam Alps

SCILLA KIM from Busan, Republic of Korea · CC BY 2.0

A field of silver grass on a nine-hundred-metre saddle, turning silver in October and rolling in the wind.

'Yeongnam Alps' is what Koreans call the cluster of nine thousand-metre peaks around the borders of Ulsan, North and South Gyeongsang. The best-loved spot among them is Ganwoljae, a saddle at about nine hundred metres covered in eoksae silver grass. In October the whole slope turns silver and, when the wind crosses it, the grass falls in waves — which is why thousands climb up here on autumn weekends. The route from Baenaegol takes about two hours and is not hard; there is a shelter on the saddle and a stall selling hot instant noodles.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Ganwoljae & the Yeongnam Alps?

October (silver grass season)

How long do you need at Ganwoljae & the Yeongnam Alps?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Ganwoljae & the Yeongnam Alps?

Open all day (best climbed in daylight)

Did you know

Ganwoljae is a saddle at about 900m within the Yeongnam Alps.
The 'Yeongnam Alps' are nine peaks over 1,000m across three provincial borders.
The eoksae silver grass is at its best in October.
A cable car runs to near the summit of nearby Sinbulsan.

Travel tips

October weekends are packed — go on a weekday or set off at dawn.
The saddle is windy and several degrees colder than the valley; bring a layer.
There is no water on the trail; carry enough with you.

Source: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Updated: 2026-08-05