Daegu | Hiking Apsan’s Hidden Azalea Trail

Last spring I discovered a small patch of wild azaleas and a grove of blossoming trees while hiking around Apsan. It took me quite by surprise as it had been weeks since the cherry blossoms had reached peak bloom. The cooler temperatures at the top of the mountain meant the trees and flowers bloomed quite a bit later than the rest of the Daegu.

Thinking it may have been a fluke, this year I skipped the crowded (but beautiful) azalea trails at Biseulsan and hiked the road less traveled to my “secret” field of mountain azaleas.

The hike was even more beautiful than I remembered.

The beginning of the trail was rather flat and easy-going.  I followed the gently flowing stream passing by several Buddhist temples adorned with colorful lanterns in preparation of Buddha’s birthday. Bright flowers in full bloom burst to life around every corner.

After paying respects to the giant golden Buddha, I noticed a larger-than-life swing set across the way. I crossed the bridge over to the other side of the stream and arrived at one of my most favorite sights along the trail: a giant swing. The kid in me immediately jumped right on the swing, pumping my legs furiously until I flew high into the sky. As I swung back down I straightened my body and let my head dip below the wooden seat. Staring up at the trees and the blue sky while swinging through the air felt a little bit like flying. 

After passing the last Buddhist temple, the path diverged. One side of the trail continued straight ahead on the paved trail, while the other detoured to a more rugged path that followed the stream. Both trails eventually led to the same location, however, the path along stream was much more scenic, with gentle waterfalls spilling into shallow pools of water. 

I chose the more scenic route.

At this point, the trail became increasingly more difficult as I climbed steadily uphill until I reached the summit.

After huffing and puffing the steep 5km trail to the top of Mt.Sanseong, I reached the trail signpost, turned left towards Mt. Sanseong, and continued walking down the paved trail through rows of puffy pink blossoming trees.

Had I hiked this trail just a few days earlier I would have probably witnessed the trees at peak bloom but that hardly mattered once I reached the summit. 

Eventually the trail opened up to a grassy field where old stone foundations remain.  I stopped for a while to take in the view, enjoy a snack, and to make a new furry friend. 

This was the second time I encountered a mountain kitty while hiking in Korea although unlike the last kitty I met, this one eyed me very tentatively. I crouched down on his level and tried my best to coax the kitty to come towards me, but he was too much of a wild spirit to let me get too close. Once I backed away and gave the kitty some space, he started following me around the field, showing me the way to the hill of flowers before eventually disappearing down a narrow path.  

To the right of the grassy field a narrow dirt path led me to a patchy hill where wild azaleas bloomed in abundance. From the base of the hill it didn’t look like much, but once at the top one of the most stunning views of Daegu opened up before me, framed by trees, mountains, and rows of bright pink flowers.

In no time at all, I found myself surrounded by blooming wildflowers as butterflies dance gracefully around me. Even though I could see the city down below, it felt as if I was a million miles away.  The best part though? I didn’t have to share the view.

On the way back down the mountain I once again chose to follow the stream. This time I tentatively walked across slippery rocks to the other side of the path and chose a cool, flat rock to lounge on for the rest of the afternoon. 

DETAILS

Apsan Azalea Trail | DESCRIPTION: This off-the-beaten track trail is not as popular as nearby Mt.Apsan, and during azalea season, has nowhere near the crowds that you’ll find at Mt. Biseul.  The trail is approximately 5 km (10 km roundtrip) with about a 550 meter elevation gain. The first third of the trail is flat, easy and paved, the middle third is quite steep, and the final third is moderately steep.  Once at the top you can continue on to Mt. Apsan, which is only 2 km away.  Alternatively, if you’re at the top of Mt. Apsan, continue West along the ridge towards Mt. Sanseong. | BEST TIME TO VIEW AZALEAS: Late April – Early May | TIME: 2-3 hours roundtrip | DIFFICULTY: Moderately strenuous.  Some sections of the trail are steep, but it’s an overall short hike. | FACILITIES: Multiple bathrooms, picnic areas, water (both fountains and fresh spring water), and a couple of outdoor gyms.  Limited parking, as well as some street parking is available, although it tends to fill up rather quickly, especially on weekends. | TIP: Don’t forget to bring some cash!  There is often someone selling ice cream at the top of Mt. Sanseong! | LOCATION: Click here to view map to trail head.