I spent a few days camping in Byeonsanbando, then spent four days in Jeonju alone, and then with Romana.

DAY 1 OF my 7-day TRIP to Byeonsanbando and Jeonju

Byeonsanbando is a penisula on the west of Korea (translation: Byeon mountain half-island!). It is mostly National Park land and close to the seawall I thought about visiting while in Gunsan earlier this year. The National Park campsite is right on the beach, so that also appealed to me considering the heat.

My first destination was Iksan by KTX to collect a rental car; I got a Kia Morning, compact and cheap. I drove immediately to Byeonsanbando which took about forty minutes. I was too early to be let into the campsite, so I went to get a pretty decent lunch of soup and side dishes at Ilpum Sikdang restaurant (일품식당). I also bought some supplies at the local Lotte mart.

Chaeseokgang CLiffs

I drove a bit south to Chaeseokgang Cliffs (채석강) a very impressive piece of coastline and cliffs. There were quite a few people milling around, Instagramming and enjoying the interesting looking layered rocks. It was very sunny and humid. I grabbed some refreshments at an Emart24, then drove to the campsite.

Gosapo KNPC Campsite

I’d booked a site at the edge of the campsite near the sea. It was lovely. The electricity hadn’t been turned on so I had to visit the office to sort that out. Then I checked out the showers; 500 x2 for 9 minutes, or something like that! Decent enough.

Wolmyeongam Hermitage

It didn’t take long to set up the tent, so I drove about 5 minutes east to a trailhead that leads to Wolmyeongam hermitage (월명암). I was hoping to get in a short hike before dark and before getting some food. The hike was fine but not many view spots on the way. I got to the hermitage in about 30 or forty minutes. There was no one around. I could tell this would be a great spot for watching the sun rise (or go down!) as there were views into the valley and across to the other peaks of the range. The trail lead further east and would join up with other trails that I’d do the next day. For now, however, it was back to camp to eat.

I had a great shower, then walked to a convenience store for beers. I ate some food I’d brought with me (salad, bread) then drank a few beers watching Always Sunny.

Places visited this trip (click the ‘door’ icon to see a list):