A Hike Across Jang San

Jang San (장산) is a mountain located to the east of Busan.  It is possible to hike across the mountain, from BanSong dong (반송동) to the Jang San sector of HaeUnDae gu (해운대구).

BanSong dong (반송동), in north-east Busan.

The trail from 반송동 towards the peak of 장산.

The forest on 장산.

The trail from 반송동 towards the peak of 장산.

Water droplets on a spider's web, on 장산.

Approaching the peak of the mountain, it is possible to see the entire valley that lies to the north of the mountain.  But on a humid summer day, the view can be obstructed by clouds or fog.

Looking towards 반송동, approaching the peak of 장산.

The valley to the north of 장산.

Surprisingly, on the highest part of 장산 lie a number of rather grim reminders of one of the darkest historical periods of the Korean peninsula, namely the Korean war.

A sign, warning of the presence of land mines on 장산.

The land mines lie beyond a razor-wire fence.

The peak of 장산 is fenced-off, and inaccessible to the public.

It seems that 장산 was an important military position during the Korean war, perhaps a defensive position or a surveillance point in the Busan perimeter.  Even today, the peak of the mountain is a restricted military zone, and no civilians can access it. 

This was the first time that I saw first-hand such obvious remnants of the Korean war.  And though the signs clearly indicated that the mines were on the other side of a fence, I was nervous passing so near to this area, as I wondered if heavy rainfall could move landmines out of the region that was fenced-off.


Having climbed as high as possible on 장산, I reached the south face of the mountain.  From there, the view of Busan and the Pacific Ocean is spectacular.  But on a humid day, clouds and mist can significantly obstruct the view.

광안리, as seen from 장산.

해운대구, as seen from 장산.

Thick clouds circling the peak of 장산.

Another view of 광안리, from a lower point on the mountain.

A closer look at the 광안대교.

The 달맞이 고개, as seen from 장산.

I plan on returning to 장산 on a less humid day, as it offers some of the best views of the city of Busan.  Searching the web, I found the web-site of photographer CK (씨케이) who took pictures of the city from 장산 at night and at sunset.  His shots are amazing!