Mindungsan in Jeongseon: The Complete Guide to Korea's Alps of Silver Grass

In fall, Mindungsan in Jeongseon turns its entire ridge silver with grass. Known as the ‘Alps of Korea’ for its nearly 200,000-pyeong field of silver grass, here’s everything you need on where to start and which course to take up the mountain.

Why Mindungsan, the ‘Alps of Korea,’ Is Special

Mindungsan is a 1,118m mountain in Nam-myeon, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. As its name suggests — “mindungsan” literally means “bald mountain” — its summit is covered almost entirely in silver grass and other plants, with hardly a tree in sight. In fall, the whole mountain turns silver, and in spring, its green grass and gentle ridgelines look just like the Alps, earning it the nickname “the Alps of Korea.”

A Fall Destination That Draws 300,000 Visitors a Year

According to Jeongseon County data, the silver grass field around Mindungsan’s summit covers roughly 200,000 pyeong, and more than 300,000 people come to see it every year (Source: Jeongseon County). Walk along the ridge and you’re surrounded on all sides by silver grass taller than head height, so wherever you point your camera, a silver sea fills the background.

The Alps in Spring, Silver Grass in Fall

Once winter ends and new grass sprouts in May and June, the whole rounded ridge turns green. From a distance, it looks just like the soft meadows of the Alps. The fall silver grass is so famous that this spring scenery doesn’t get much attention, but if you want a quiet trek with fewer people, Mindungsan in spring is worth considering too.

If you’re curious about other destinations nicknamed the ‘Alps of Korea,’ check out Ganwoljae in the Yeongnam Alps: Comparing Beginner Routes (Parking and Travel Times) too!

Peak Silver Grass Season and Festival Schedule

Fall silver grass peaks from mid-October to early November. Timed to this window, Jeongseon County holds the Mindungsan Silver Grass Festival every year.

The 2025 festival ran for 45 days, from Thursday, October 2 to Saturday, November 15. The dates shift slightly each year, so it’s worth checking with the Jeongseon County tourism website (jeongseon.go.kr) or the festival committee (033-591-9141) before you visit.

When’s the Prettiest Time to Visit?

• Early to mid-October: The silver grass plumes are just starting to emerge, transitioning from gold to silver
• Late October to early November: Peak season, when the silver color is at its fullest — also the most crowded
• Mid-November onward: The grass fades to brown as it wilts, but recommended if you prefer a quieter atmosphere

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Weekends during the festival get seriously crowded. The parking lot often fills up by 9 a.m., and you may even have to wait in line just to snap a photo at the summit. If you want a relaxed visit, early weekday mornings are your best bet.

Comparing 4 Hiking Courses — Which One Fits You?

Mindungsan’s routes are short and fairly gentle, so even hiking beginners can take them on without much trouble. Depending on where you start, there are four main courses.

First Time? Try the Standard Course

This is the course most people choose. It takes about 2 hours from the parking lot in front of Jeungsan Elementary School to the summit. There’s a steep stretch partway up, but the trail is well maintained, so as long as you’ve got proper hiking shoes, you’ll be fine.

Worried About Stamina? Try the Forest Road or Balgudeok Course

The Forest Road Course follows a forest road (open to vehicles) from Neungjeon Village, so there’s almost no incline — it’s the top pick if you’re traveling with older parents or kids. On the Balgudeok Course, you drive up to Balgudeok Village at 800m above sea level, then it’s just a 30-minute walk to the summit. It’s the fastest option, but the drive up is narrow and winding, so it’s best suited to confident drivers.

Want a Real Trek? Try the Samnae Spring Course

This is the longest and quietest course — about 4.9km from the mineral spring, along the ridge, to the summit. With fewer people around, it’s a great choice when you want to enjoy the fall mountain in peace.

Getting There From Seoul (Transportation)

You don’t need a car to get here — trains from Cheongnyangni Station connect well.

🚆 Train — Most Recommended

Mugunghwa and ITX trains run several times a day between Cheongnyangni Station and Mindungsan Station, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. If you’re traveling for sightseeing, the Jeongseon Arirang Train (A-train) is also a great option — it departs Cheongnyangni Station daily at 8:20 a.m. and runs through Mindungsan Station to Jeongseon Station and Auraji Station. From Mindungsan Station, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the trailhead (Jeungsan Elementary School), so access is excellent.

🚗 Driving

• Seoul → Yeongdong Expressway → Jungang Expressway → Jecheon IC → National Route 38 → Mindungsan
• About 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
• Search your navigation for “Jeungsan Elementary School” or “Mindungsan parking lot”

🚌 Shuttle Bus (Festival Period Only)

During the festival, a shuttle bus runs three times a day between Mindungsan Stadium and Balgudeok Village. If you want a quick way up via the Balgudeok Course, the shuttle is your most convenient option. Schedules change every year, so check the Jeongseon County tourism website ahead of time.

Parking and Shuttle Bus Tips

If you’re driving, brace yourself for a parking battle. Knowing the lay of the land ahead of time can save you a lot of time.

Main Parking Lots

• Parking lot in front of Jeungsan Elementary School: Starting point for the Standard Course, the most popular option
• Public Parking Lot No. 2: Across the street from Jeungsan Elementary School, a backup when Lot No. 1 is full
• Neungjeon Village parking lot: Starting point for the Forest Road Course, relatively quiet
• Balgudeok Village parking lot: For the Shortest Course; the access road for vehicles is narrow

💡 Parking Tips

On festival weekends, you need to arrive before 8 a.m. to get a spot in Lot No. 1. Arrive late, and you’ll be directed to a temporary lot further away, meaning another shuttle ride. Even on weekdays, the third and fourth weeks of October get busy, so arriving early is always the right call.

Recommended Restaurants in Jeongseon: Gondre Rice and Kotdeungchigi Noodles

Coming down off the mountain works up an appetite. Jeongseon is known for local dishes like gondre rice, kotdeungchigi noodles, and memil-jeonbyeong (buckwheat crepes). Here are a few restaurants worth checking out near Mindungsan.

Hoedongjip — The Standard for Gondre Rice

This spot has been featured on TV several times. Its signature dishes are gondre rice cooked fresh in a pot and kotdeungchigi noodles, and its assorted savory pancakes (modeum-jeon) are popular for being generous for the price. Expect a long wait at lunchtime.

Jeongwon Gwangjang — Right in Front of Mindungsan Station

This is the most convenient spot for train travelers. It serves gondre rice as a pot rice dish, and braised pollock is also a popular menu item. It’s great for a quick meal right after your hike before catching the train.

Yeongseonine — A Full Spread of Local Food

Kotdeungchigi noodles, gamja ongsimi (potato dumpling soup), memil-jeonbyeong, and gamjajeon (potato pancake) — all of Jeongseon’s local dishes in one place. It’s located on Jeongseon’s local food street, so the atmosphere is a plus too.

Arirang Sikdang — Inside the Jeongseon Five-Day Market

If your visit lines up with the Jeongseon Five-Day Market (held on dates ending in 2 and 7), this is a great stop after browsing the market. Its signature dishes are olgaengi haejangguk (freshwater snail hangover soup), gondre rice, and ongsimi (potato dumplings).

Pre-Visit Checklist & FAQ

Mountains in fall see big swings between day and night temperatures, and the wind at the summit can be strong. Underestimate it, and you might have a rough time.

✅ Pre-Departure Checklist

• Wear hiking or trekking shoes (sneakers get slippery)
• Windbreaker or a light padded jacket — the summit runs 5–7 degrees colder than the flatlands
• Gloves and a hat — the ridge wind is strong
• At least 500ml of water and a light snack
• Camera or a phone power bank — taking lots of photos drains your battery fast
• Sunglasses — sunlight reflecting off the silver grass can be glaring
• A little cash — some restaurants and stands don’t take cards, or are slow to

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can hiking beginners handle this?
Yes — the Forest Road Course or the Balgudeok Course get you to the summit in 30 minutes to 2 hours, which is manageable even for beginners. Just note that the second half of the Standard Course is a bit steep, so pace yourself.

Q. Is it okay to bring kids?
We’d recommend the Forest Road Course (from Neungjeon Village) or the Balgudeok Course. The incline is so gentle that even toddlers can walk it hand-in-hand with a parent.

Q. Can I bring my dog?
Mindungsan is a regular hiking trail, so you can bring your dog along as long as you have a leash and waste bags. During the festival, though, the crowds can be stressful for pets.

Q. Can I catch the sunrise or sunset there?
Yes — the summit is open on all sides, making it a well-known spot for both. Just be sure to bring a headlamp for safety if you’re hiking before dawn or after dark.

Q. Is there an admission fee?
Mindungsan itself is free to enter. During the festival, though, a separate parking fee may apply.

Once you’ve seen the silver grass on Jeongseon’s Mindungsan, you’ll find yourself looking forward to next fall already. Pick the right course and the hike won’t feel like a burden at all — so this fall, get up early and see that silver sea along the ridge for yourself.