Korean Job Discussion Forums

hossenfeffer · Joined: 07 Oct 2006

I have a two week vacation coming up and I'm interested in hiking in Seoraksan National Park. I live in Seoul and was wondering if anyone here has been to Seoraksan? If so, did you go by bus or by train? Where did you take the bus or train from? Did the bus or train drop you off close to the park? If not, is there a bus that takes you to a place that is relatively close to where the hiking is? Were there any reasonably priced hotels/motels to be found? How about food?

I'd really appreciate any tips. This is my first trip outside of Seoul and don't want to find myself rubbing two sticks together to make a fire and then fishing for my dinner.

Thank you,
Hoss

azzwell · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:12 am Post subject: soraksan

i live in sokcho so could answer some of your questions. There is no train station here so you will have to take the bus. Leave from the Dong Seoul terminal, it is cheaper and quicker than Gangnam.
The 7 or 7-1 bus will take you all the way to soraksan. 900 won
There are many motels and Yeogwans available, especially now since it is not the tourist season. You can easily find a room so no need for a reservation.
Be aware though, I was going to hike the big mountain, Dae-chun-bong, last weekend and the route was closed due to heavy snow. I do not know when the good hikes will reopen. I have heard late April.
Barring that, this is a pretty area and there are lots of things to do.

hossenfeffer · Joined: 07 Oct 2006

Thanks for the information azzwell. I always appreciate the advice of a "local". Someone told me that many trails are closed there to help prevent forest fires. Is that true?

How is the hiking this time of year in Sorak? Any strong recommendations? I wouldn't call myself an expert hiker, but I've probably spent about four months of my life hiking in Switzerland. (not trying to brag...just trying to let you know that I'm not going to shy away from a little altitude).

Thanks again,
Hoss

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

hossenfeffer · Joined: 07 Oct 2006

Thanks merkurix. How far do you think I'll have to climb in snow to reach the summit? You also mention "grueling". Do you mean in terms of distance or difficulty? Will I need cramp-ons or any special gear? Would you recommend finding a walking stick?

Hoss

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

tfunk · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Bring bananas for when you stop for a long period and have a bit of one near sleep time. They'll help stop your muscles seizing up (the potassium helps).

azzwell · Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 1:15 am Post subject: soraksan

I think most of the snow is thawed so if you have casual strap-on crampons I would say keep them in your bag just in case. To reach the summit, if you begin your hike at 4AM, figure on getting there at around 3 or 4 PM. The descent will take you well into the evening by the time you get to the bottom. I don't think a walking stick is necessary, but if you have a telescoping one that fits in your bag, it won't hurt to have it. Good luck. Smile

Are you on crack? Have you ever even climbed in Sorak? The main summit, Dae-chun-bong, is a ten hour MAX hike, decent and ascent. Start at 4am? What! The park doesnt even open until 700am, you cannot even get in!
Greuling? The only part of the climb that is tough is the last 300 meters. It is kind of steep but nothing that you will need crampons or an ice ax for, I have seen sixty year old ajumas make this hike. If you start at 4 as you suggest you, 1. Will be waiting at the park entrance for 3 hours, 2. Be finished hiking by 3 at the latest.
I have climbed Dae-chun-bong, the third highest peak in South Korea three times and think I may have a slight idea about what it takes.[color=red][/color]

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Depends on the athletic ability of the OP.

My suggestion is to go and hike up to the top of Ulsan Bawi. If you are spending a couple days at Sorak Park, then the first day go to the top of Ulsan Bawi and then hit up the Cable car to the other peak. If you have energy then go visit the waterfalls.

If the OP climbed to the top of Ulsan Bawi without any difficulty then hiking up the higher peak shouldn't be a problem.

hossenfeffer · Joined: 07 Oct 2006

Thanks to everyone who has posted. I'm really looking forward to hiking and soaking in the tranquility. I will make sure to bring bananas.

Any recommendations on where to eat and stay while I'm there.

Hoss

tfunk · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Location: Dublin, Ireland

You can stay near the peak if you want to sleep up there. I don't know if the shelters are open on weekdays though.

I recommend not staying in DongJin resortel which is where I live. The bill is too high. There are plenty of places you can just poke your head in and check out. Near the bus terminal where you originally get off or up closer towards the mountain (I think there's a youth hostel at the base of the mountain that might be super cheap).

It's not that long/far to Sokcho town anyway. Give me a buzz if you're really stuck.

makemischief · Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Location: Traveling

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

azzwell · Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:37 pm Post subject: actually

I climbed it in August, Febuary, and March. But thanks, for all your so-called expert advice.
The way you were talking about it I was sure that you were a really expert about the mountian, just like you are a real expert on all your other posts

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.