In September 2026, Mount Mindungsan in Jeongseon, Gangwon State, begins turning into a sea of shimmering silver grass. Rising 1,118.8 meters above sea level, its treeless summit blankets in vast expanses of silver grass, making Mindungsan one of Korea's premier autumn pink muhly and silver grass destinations. As the 31st Mindungsan Silver Grass Festival gets underway, here is an essential guide to hiking trails, parking, and transit options.
The silver grass colony on Mindungsan sprawls over roughly 660,000 square meters along the summit ridgeline. During the festival, support facilities operate to ensure hiker safety and convenience, while local food stalls pop up in the village at the base of the mountain.
Mindungsan features four official hiking trails. From beginners to seasoned trekkers, hikers can choose the route best suited to their stamina and schedule.
| Trail | Starting Point | One-Way Distance | Est. Time | Difficulty | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | Jeungsan Elementary School | 2.6 km (steep) / 3.2 km (gentle) | Approx. 1h 30m – 2h | Beginner | Most popular route; choice between gentle and steep ascents |
| Course 2 | Neungjeon Village | 2.7 km | Approx. 1h 20m – 1h 30m | Beginner | Forest road route, slightly shorter than Course 1 |
| Course 3 | Samnae Mineral Spring | 3.5 km | Approx. 2h | Advanced | Intermediate and above, featuring steep ridge paths |
| Course 4 | Hwaam Mineral Spring | 7.1 km | Approx. 6h – 6h 30m | Expert | Long-distance ridge traverse designed for seasoned hikers |
During the festival season, parking lots fill up early in the morning, so plan accordingly. All official parking lots are free of charge.
Main Parking Lot (Lot 1)
Alternative Parking Lot
Taking a train from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul to Mindungsan Station makes for a hassle-free trip without a car. From Mindungsan Station, it is about a 15- to 20-minute walk to the trailhead at Jeungsan Elementary School.
Mugunghwa-ho Train (Cheongnyangni Station → Mindungsan Station)
Jeongseon Arirang Train (A-train)
The silver grass on Mindungsan is at its most breathtaking when bathed in the golden light of dusk. If you are planning a sunset hike, be sure to pack the following gear for a safe trek:
Before or after your hike, consider stopping by Jeongseon Arirang Market in Jeongseon-eup. Here, you can sample regional specialties such as gondre-bap (seasoned thistle rice), kotdeungchigi-guksu (buckwheat noodles), and memil-jeonbyeong (buckwheat crepes). The market is about a 30- to 35-minute drive from Mindungsan.
Q. Is there an admission fee for Mindungsan or the festival? A. No. The hiking trails in the national forest area of Mindungsan are open free of charge year-round, and the Silver Grass Festival has no entry fee. Official parking lots, including the public lot across from Jeungsan Elementary School, are also free.
Q. When is the best time of day to see the silver grass? A. The silver grass fields change character depending on the angle of sunlight. Visiting during the "golden hour"—from 4:00 PM until sunset—rewards hikers with breathtaking, undulating waves of shimmering gold and silver. To catch this window, it is best to start your hike no later than 3:30 PM.
Q. I am a beginner hiker. Which trail should I choose? A. Course 1, departing from Jeungsan Elementary School, is the top recommendation. Near the trailhead, the path splits into a gentler route (3.2 km) and a steeper shortcut (2.6 km). Opting for the gentler trail requires less stamina and allows beginners to reach the summit with relative ease.