Jirisan National Park in 2 days, Banyabong and Cheonwangbong peaks, South Korea / 지리산, 반야봉, 천왕봉

Jirisan National Park
Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) is the largest national park in South Korea. Jirisan was the first park to be designated as a national park in the country in 1967. This is a hike along the entire Jirisan ridge running east-west throughout the heart of the park. The noteworthy locations are the following:
- Nogodan peak 1507m
- Banyabong peak 1732m
- Samdobong peak. The name means Three Province Peak as it is located on the border of three Korean provinces.
- Jeonmangbawi panorama
- Cheonwangbong peak 1915 m. It is the highest peak on South Korea's mainland.

Timeline
Day 0.
- 11:00 PM left Dong (East) Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울종합터미널)

Day 1.
- 3:15 AM arrived in Seongsamjae and started waiting at a bus stop. There is a warm area in the same building with an Emart24 shop with benches, tables, and sockets.
- 4:30 AM started hiking at a slow pace
- 5:30 AM reached Nogodan shelter and started waiting about 10-15 mins
- 6:00 AM reached the gate to Nogodan Peak.
- 6:15 AM reached Nogodan Peak and spent some time enjoying amazing sunrise
- 6:50 AM left Nogodan Peak
- 9:20 AM reached Banyabong Peak. Spent about 15 minutes enjoying the view
- 10:20 AM reached Samdobong peak
- 1:20 PM reached Yeonhacheon shelter
- 3:25 PM reached Byeoksoryeong Schelter.

Day 2.
- 6:20 AM left Byeoksoryeong Schelter.
- 9:30 AM reached Seseok shelter
- 10:00 AM left Seseok shelter
- 11:40 AM reached Jangteomok shelter
- 12:00 PM left Jangteomok shelter
- 12:20 PM reached Jeseokbong peak
- 1:10 PM reached Cheonwangbong peak
- 1:30 PM left Cheonwangbong peak
- 2:30 PM reached temple
- 4:05 PM reached the parking lot
- 4:30 PM bought a bus ticket to Wonji
- 5:20 PM bus departure to Wonji
- 7:00 PM took a bus to Seoul in Wonji
- 11:00 PM arrived at Nambu (South) Bus Terminal (서울남부버스터미널)

Alternatives
1) After I did this hike I found out that the default location to start is Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye and finishing at Jungsanri (my finish). Since I started from Seongsamjae Pass, I reduced elevation gain up to the first peak (Nogodan). So, it's 7km from Hwaeomsa Temple to Nogodan Pass which takes about 3.5h based on my research. Elevation from ~200m to ~1400m. You can choose this option if you want to get extra mileage and elevation gain, but based on my research there are no noteworthy locations till you reach Nogodan. So it is up to you.

Difficulty
It is a moderate hike. There is no problem finding a way since there are many signs on the trail. The trail is well organized. There is no boulder hopping, scrambling, climbing, abseiling, exposed walking on edges, etc. Briefly, it is safe and clear as usual in South Korea. The trail is almost 40 km long with 2500+ m elevation gain which requires good stamina. Do not forget it is covered in 2 days.

Transportation
I took a bus from Dong (East) Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울종합터미널) in Seoul at 11 PM to Seongsamjae. To come back to Seoul I took a bus from Wonji to Nambu (South) Bus Terminal (서울남부버스터미널). I bought both tickets using TmoneyGO app. To get from the finish point to Wonji bus terminal, I took a bus at Jungsan-ri Bus Stop (중산리 버스정류소, location 35.293753, 127.754607). You can buy a ticket from a bus driver or in a wending machine next to GS25 in front of the bus stop. I have attached the bus schedule to P-28 point. There are parking lots at P-01 and P-28, if you plan to drive. I am sure both are paid.

Gear
It significantly depends on the season. For the end of October, you need:
1) High-cut hiking shoes
2) 1.5 liters of water, electrolytes. Water is available in shelters. I did not know about it and carried 5 liters.
3) food. My Garmin Fenix 6 said I burned 10K kcal while trekking. At the same time, I had food only for 2000 kcal. Do not make my mistake. Make sure your food covers about 4000 kcal, but you know yourself better.
4) fleece jacket. Mornings are much colder than daytime.
5) windbreaker. Nogodan was super windy and cold as I reached it early morning.
6) warm gloves
7) headlamp. I started in darkness. It is also useful in the shelter.