Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kraggy]

Hi,

There are a group of friends going to Seoraksan on Saturday morning from Seoul. They're gettin a bus around 8a.m and then gonna find a place to stay, drop our bags off and then head on into the park.

By my reckoning we won't be into the park until about 1pm at best. So that leaves 5 hours til the sun starts going down.

Is there any point in going into the park for 5 hours? Is it possible to see some of the nice spots in that time?

Also, is there any English map or guidebook on the net that points out which routes are long and which are short?

Thanks.

[northway]

It might not be enough time for much of a hike, but that's the perfect amount of time to take the cable car up to the top, hang out for awhile, then head down and do the waterfall walk/hike.

[Enigma]

Here's the link for Seoraksan's 1-day hikes on the Korea National Parks page:

http://english.knps.or.kr/Experience/ParkList.aspx?MenuNum=1&Submenu=Npp&Third=HikingCourses&Fourth=01&ParkDiv=14&HikDiv02=01

If you click on the little blue "DETAIL" button to the right of each course, it will open a new page with maps and details on time, length and difficulty for the hike.

Be aware that on a Saturday afternoon, probably most of the park will be crazy busy.

[kraggy]

Thanks very much folks. Great info.

One more question. What time would last bus to seoraksan from gangbyeon bus terminal be? Is there one that leaves after 9pm?

Friends are working late..

Or how could I find out? Is there a website? My Korean ain't up to much...

Thanks.

[schwa]

I think the last bus to Sokcho is at 11pm. Trip takes just over 2 hours.

No direct buses to Seoraksan -- Sokcho is your starting point. The bus from Dongseoul drops you off at the intercity bus terminal. A lot of foreign visitors seem happy to stay at the House Hostel right near there -- http://www.thehouse-hostel.com/ -- but you should probably call ahead.

The next morning you would take a #7 or 7-1 city bus to Seoraksan (half an hour). The hostel owner would steer you, its easy.

Enigma's link is good, but most of the trails it lists arent accessible from the main entrance. You have a few nice options for dayhikes from the main gate. There are map signs.

Someone suggested the cablecar -- thats a good option. Ulsanbawi is a solid climb but rewarding. Bisondae is a pleasant uphill hike to a makkeoli rest stop overlooking a cascading stream (or half an hour further to a small cave). Biryeong Falls is a pretty hike to an underwhelming waterfall.

Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy yourselves -- its a beautiful park. Near the entrance, the big Buddha & the temple just past it are also notable.

You wont see major crowds this time of year. Weather this weekend looks a bit iffy but a fair chance of sun this saturday afternoon. If it looks okay I'm also planning to hike up there with a couple friends.

Best luck & have fun.

[kraggy]

Hey, thanks so much for the detailed post. Great stuff again. Some more questions if thats ok?

1. I can't see Sokcho on the map. Is it near the Seoraksan Nat. Park office. Is the office where you get dropped off when you come from Sokcho?

2. We really haven't a clue where to go. We're all in agreeement that we don't mind doing a bit of walking but definitely no crazy hikes.

We just want the scenery. So bearing in mind that we'd be coming from Sokcho, what route would you recommend? We aim to get into the park at 9 or 10a.m and are prepared to stay there until we have to leave due to bad light...

3. Cable Car - what's the deal? Where does it go from and can you get a good view of the park from it?

4. Can you get out of the top, hang a bit, and then go back down or maybe even get out high up and walk down?

5. You know the peaks that you see in pictures spiking in between low clouds, are those only visibile if you do a long hard hike or can you look over/down at them after doing just a few hours hike?

4. Are there any motels in Sokcho?

[schwa]

Sokcho is on the coast a bit northeast of the park. The local bus from there drops you off at the entrance.

Just inside the entrance is a broad area with nice vistas, souvenir shops, site maps, the big Buddha, & a cool temple nearby. The cablecar station is right there too. You'll have time to ride the cablecar (nice views if its clear but ride it down again, the trail down isnt enticing), plus one of the other hikes. Sounds like Bisondae might suit you. Signs will point you there.

Peaks floating on clouds, well a bit of a chance but probably not. Dont be looking to capture some postcard picture you've seen, just enjoy the park for whatever it offers that day. It'll likely be great (barring cold rain). Leave yourself some room for serendipity.

Sokcho has tons of motels.

[lemak]

For the most part the trails from the main gate are concrete and easy to follow. No big deal if you're in there until after dark. Most of the hikes from the main Sorak-Dong gate just take 20-30 minutes. The buses back to Sokcho run quite late....after 9?? The whole place is pretty developed (granted stunning). Don't expect the Amazon - Kimbap Nara style restaurants, public toilets and places selling booze all over the place. You certainly won't be trapped sleeping under the stars fending off anacondas and cannibals.
Don't plan on doing the walk to the top of Soraksan (Taechonbong?) unless you start early and are in shape. Figure on 6~8 hours round trip. All up one way, and all down the other.
There are a lot of cheap motels (30-40 bucks/night) around the express bus terminal in Sokcho. Also an English speaking tourist information counter just as you come out the front door.

[SeoulNate]

[schwa]

Weather really isnt looking favorable this weekend.