Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sentient_squirrel]

For those of you in Seoul that feel like you've been holding your breath every 4 weeks or so and need a break from the big city once in a while - especially if you're too scared to tackle all those drivers driving on the wrong side of the road! - may I suggest Chiaksan National Park.

Its about two hours or just over from Seoul, and here's how to get there:

Catch the subway to Express Bus Terminal (Orange Line 3, #339), from there take a bus to Wonju (1 1/2 - 2 hours).

Walk straight into the terminal al Wonju, then straight out the other side; turn right and walk down the street 60 metres (same side of the road), where there'll be a bus stop. Catch the "41-2" bus (45 minutes). Last stop is Chiaksan.

It's really gorgeous up there. Beautiful water stream, air, waterfall, little bridges, temples, little shops 'n stuff. There's a youth hostel and a coupla motels too for overnight stays.

In all, a nice getaway for a day /a day and a night. Rejuvenate and refresh. Replenish your oxygen supply!

[animalbirdfish]

The lesser-known national parks are one of the best ways to relax and see the country. Other gems include Gayasan and Songnisan. The most popular parks - Jirisan, Seoraksan, etc - are beautiful but overrated, given the crowds.

As well, check out some of the provincial parks in Korea. They're often equal to or better than the national parks, but with even fewer people. Jogyesan Park, just out of Gwangju is one of my favorite spots on this peninsula.

[dulouz]

Thats a good heads up piece but you only went to the northern half. The southern half is as good if not better and if you want a good stiff hike, you can go between them.

I can't recall the bus numbers but city buses run from the stop near the old bus terminal in Woo San Dong. Contact Wonju tourist department for details.

The south side has a hike up to a temple that is the second highest in Korea. Its a good place for a lunch break. An alternative route down is very steep and rocky but you go over about a dozen bridges all going over waterfalls and then past the remains of a 500 year-ish old fortress. You need to walk to the bus stop from the end of the trail for 1/2 hour but its still nice.

There are nice lodges at all three entrances.

The route between the north and south peaks takes 5 - 8 hours to walk.

[cwemory]

[bucheon bum]

[endo]

Thanks for the heads up.

[sentient_squirrel]

Nice work bucheon bum, thanks.