Why Ganwoljae Silver Grass Is Worth the Climb
If you pick one autumn trip in Ulsan, make it Ganwoljae in the Yeongnam Alps. You do not need to summit a peak to see the huge silver grass plain and rolling ridges. October is peak season, but with kids, do not treat it as a casual stroll: even the easiest route is about three hours round trip.
Ganwoljae is a mountain pass between Ganwolsan and Sinbulsan. Ulsan’s official tourism data puts the silver grass field at about 330,000 m², part of the Yeongnam Alps “Sky Silver Grass Trail.” The pass itself is the destination, so with kids there is no need to push to either summit.
- Best time: autumn, especially October
- Admission: free, no reservation for regular hikes
- Kids: best for elementary age and up, used to walking
- Time: about 3 hours round trip plus breaks
The Family Route: Baenae 2 Public Parking Lot
The official parking for Ganwoljae hikers is the Baenae 2 Public Parking Lot (855 Icheon-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun), as stated in the 2026 rules for Sinbulsan National Recreational Forest. Ulsan City calls the “deer farm” route from here the shortest way up, about three hours round trip.
It is not a stroller path; it climbs steadily the whole way. Even with elementary kids, save energy for the descent and treat the pass as the goal. Bring water and snacks.
What to See at the Top
- The silver grass plain: watching it sway in one direction in the wind is the reason to come. The texture shows best while the sun is still up. Stay on marked trails for photos.
- The ridgeline: the Ganwolsan–Sinbulsan ridge stretches out with almost no buildings in sight, a rare mountain view near a big city.
- The Sky Silver Grass Trail: experienced families can continue on Section 1 to Sinbulsan, Sinbuljae and Yeongchuksan (4.5 km, about 2 hours 20 minutes), but that is on top of the climb, so skip it on a first visit.
What Kids Can Do
There are no rides; the mountain is the activity. Kids see silver grass up close, feel the wind and plant changes at altitude and watch ridges unfold. Talk about why grasslands formed here and how the pass was once a route between valleys.
For more structured fun, add the Yeongnam Alps Welcome Center after your hike, with Alps Cinema, a Beongaeman kids’ hall, an international climbing wall and mountain culture exhibits, generally open Tuesday to Sunday.
Climbing requires a reservation, so check available sessions online first.
Things to Know Before You Go
Mountain weather differs from the city, and strong wind makes it feel much colder, so pack windbreakers even in autumn. The recreational forest side is open 09:00–18:00, with hikers not admitted after 4 p.m.; night hiking, camping and cooking are prohibited. With kids, never plan to come down after dark. Climb in the morning and enjoy Ganwoljae silver grass around lunchtime.
Nearby Stops
The hike itself takes most of half a day, so add only one or two more stops. The Yeongnam Alps Welcome Center (103-8 Alps Oncheon 5-gil, Sangbuk-myeon) has indoor activities, perfect for tired kids or bad weather.
Jakcheonjeong is known for its clear stream and broad natural rocks; it is famous for cherry blossoms in spring but pleasant any season.
The amethyst cave area gives kids something different from scenery. Hours and fees at private attractions change, so check before visiting.
Our Family Plan
Ganwoljae is not an amusement park, but kids come away proud of having climbed to the grass plain themselves. Plan three hours round trip, rest at the pass instead of pushing on, and enjoy. Route: Baenae 2 parking → Ganwoljae silver grass plain → descent → Yeongnam Alps Welcome Center → Jakcheonjeong if time allows.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Clam Digging Experience at Mongsanpo and Dalsanpo Beaches: Family-friendly Clam Digging Points and Delicious Clams
- Samcheok Travel: A Great Place to Visit with Kids – Isabu Lion Park
- Yesan Yedang Lake Swing Bridge Musical Fountain Times Boryeong Travel
Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.