Korean Job Discussion Forums

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

In particuular, Daechongbong (1708m)?

I've lways vaguely considered it for late summer, going from "osek". I just have no idea how difficult it is or the best way about it.

if you've done it, what equipt. did you take? Do you have to be an experienced climber? Is it dangerous? How long did it take you?

I've climbed insu-bong in bukhansan. But thats only 800m. And that involved plenty of risky scenarios where if I'd slipped alittle I would've been gone. In fact i saw someone slip and break their leg on the day I went up it.

Italy37612 · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Location: Somewhere

It is not really climbing so much as a somewhat strenuous hike. If you are in relatively good shape you won't have any problems. It is by no means a mountain.

Jonephant · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Location: Seoul

I climbed it in the snow and it wasn't difficult. What equipment? Kimbap and makgulli of course.

fugitive chicken · Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Location: Bucheon

Daechongbong isn't a climbing rock, it's for hiking. That path to the summit isn't steep enough..or really rocky enough for rock climbing. I hiked it a couple of years ago. It's just a steep strenuous hike. It's hikeable from all directions.

If you want to go rock climbing in the park I suggest Ulsanbawi. There's a climber's shelter at it's base. When I was there Sept 2008 it cost 5,000 a night.

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

Ok, thanks for the responses. Encouraging to know its mostly a gradual hike- thats all I'm really after.

How long would you allow, e.g. from Osaek village? I've heard anything from 5 hours to 17 hours at a steady pace...

lalartu · Joined: 29 Apr 2008

Kurtz · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: ples bilong me

This is about the only famous peak I haven't knocked off yet in Korea. I'd be interested to know what is the most difficult coarse, and how to reach it. The website I always use doesn't cover this mountain for some reason, and the tour2korea website and the national parks website are very ordinary.

A basic search shows there is a temple reached via Inje, which is the start of a 6 hour hike to the top and back down but I find these times are usually for the unfit.

lalartu · Joined: 29 Apr 2008

Kurtz: imo they are all sort of difficult at some point, but far from being the hardest climb in Korea. but i gotta say, it's a must do if you like hiking

im definitely going to go back and do it again simply because i like seocho and the mountain is very beautiful

i dont remember what the name of the course was, but the one that goes straight up to the big ass boulder (passing the rolling rock thingy)
was probably the most challenging because it becomes a vertical hike up the ladder/stairs/very steep hills at some point and usually not very crowded because families dont go that way

Kurtz · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: ples bilong me

^^ That sounds like Ulsanbawi, the white rocks.

Not to sound like a wanker, but I live on the side of a mountain; I climb on average in the warmer months 2500 to 3500 vertical meters a week so I'm a decent hiker. I like a challenge so I'm after the hardest route up the hill.

I hope to give the main peak a nudge over Chuseok when I have the full week off but I think the place will be swarming with punters.

BTW, I always try to start hiking a daybreak to miss most of the other people who I cop on the way down but I know it's not always possible.

fugitive chicken · Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Location: Bucheon

Kurtz · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: ples bilong me

re:cursive · Joined: 04 Jan 2006

mellinger · Joined: 21 Jan 2007

I did it 2 years ago during the lunar break and it was great fun. I opted for the route from the main entrance of Seoraksan. I think it's better than the side from Osaek as you'll avoid climbing up tons of stairs. I don't think that's an understatement.

When I hiked up it, there was tons of snow up top (more than a foot). I stayed at a lodge near the middle of the hike. Then I left early in the morning to catch the sunrise on the top. The hike down was a pain because of all the snow. I was wearing crampons (a cheap 8 spike that I found at HomePlus) on my boots to better stabilize on the snow.

If you'd like to see some pictures from that trip, you can check them out here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2083400&id=35901820&l=bba23a069b

I'd definitely say give it a try as it was some of the better mountain scenery that I've seen here in Korea.

cobbles · Joined: 23 Dec 2010

Hi guys I just did a search to find this thread....i want to do the Seorak to Osaek route this weekend.

Do you know if there are buses from Osaek back to Sokchu....so i can catch my bus back to Seoul. I would love to do this hike but just dont want to get stranded on the Osaek side.

Also do you have to book shelters along the way or can you just arrive at them and set up camp?

Thanks