#koreanationalpark

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Parque Nacional de Bukhansan, Sur-Corea

Exploring the stunning beauty of South Korea's Bukhansan National Park.

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Parque Nacional de Bukhansan, Sur-Corea Get ready to be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes of Bukhansan National Park in South Korea.

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Hiking #덕풍계곡트레킹 #북한산국립공원 .#landscape #travel #traking #swimming #계곡 #계곡물 #민물고기 #수영#koreanationalpark #healthy #health #healing #healthychoices #용추계곡

[travelclique-travelwithme-blog]

From my previous post, South Korea – Hiker’s Haven (part 1), I cited that hiking in Korea is one of its main attraction, however some travelers may not be keen to explore as it may require some level of physical fitness to be able to reach the highest point.

Korean mountains trails vary from one to the other. Definitely the experience and fulfillment is different as every hiker traverse the slopes, ridges and unending stairs (It’s for real, Koreans probably love stairs) to the peak. There are also levels of difficulty from easy to difficult climb, which beginners (like myself) can consider. Some mountains can be a day-hike or multi-day hike, depending on your endurance, you can climb different routes in one go. As for me, I am taking it slow and one at a time.

After my first ever hiking adventure in Seoul, I headed to my next journey.

When I was researching for mountains to hike in South Korea, Seoraksan was on top of the list. Seoraksan is located in Sokcho, Province of Gangwon-do. It is about 3-hour bus ride (either from Seoul Express Bus or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal) from Seoul.

Despite my apprehension to travel outside Seoul City for the first time, I enjoyed the 3-hour ride. A very refreshing, calm and green scenery delighted my way as I traveled to the province.

I stayed in House Hostel for my two trips in April 2014 (Spring) and October 2015 (Fall Foliage). I highly recommend this hostel because the place is cozy  and the owners are friendly and hospitable. You can book the hostel in Hostelworld.com.

I climbed Seoraksan twice, and I plan to do it again. The adventures I had were totally different but the admiration to its breathtaking view is as if seeing its beauty for the first time.

As you enter Seoraksan National Park, the surrounding gives you a positive vibe and gets you excited to continue the journey.

At first, I did not really consider going to any mountain peak as from the reviews I read at that time, Seoraksan is a “difficult” level. I was supposed to hike the Biryong Falls or Bisondae Cliff course, but these two trails were closed when I went. I hesitated to climb Ulsanbawi Peak. But in the end, I decided to head on and started my journey.

entrance to the trail

local hikerss

an ahjusshi carrying this load to one of the pit stop

Up we go…

and down…

I was not surprise anymore to see stairs as I am already used to seeing them in Korea and quite relieved that the trail is not as rough and difficult as what I expected. Similar to Seoul Fortress trail, the national park is well-maintained except for a few rugged ridges and slopes, but still able to pass through.

I was delighted to see the Fall Foliage in Seoraksan during my second visit in 2015.

As I continued my journey, there were also pit stops where you can take a rest and enjoy the amazing view of the Ulsanbawi peak as the overwhelming excitement kicks in.

Haeundeubawi

Ulsanbawi view from one of the pit stop

Pit Stop

Giving up was never an option, the mantra I kept telling myself. As it gets nearer to the peak, the trail gets steeper and steeper and more stairs to climb.

I am acrophobic and imagine the struggle I had to endure in order to reach the top.

The struggle is for real but the breathtaking panoramic view awaits those who made it to the top.

I did and it was so surreal!

breathtaking panoramic view of Ulsanbawi Peak

    First in 2014 (Spring)

Second in 2015 (Fall)

After staying for few minutes at Ulsanbaw Peak, I headed down with a smile on my face, exhausted but fulfilled.

After the exhausting hike, I went straight to a restaurant and enjoyed my bibimbap and ice cold soda to refresh and went back to the hostel to rest.

Adventure is worthwhile ~Aesop

  South Korea – Hiker’s Haven (part 2) From my previous post, South Korea - Hiker's Haven (part 1), I cited that hiking in Korea is one of its main attraction, however some travelers may not be keen to explore as it may require some level of physical fitness to be able to reach the highest point.