South Korea : Seorak-san 설악산

2nd - 3rd November 2012.
Seoraksan, Gangwan-do, South Korea.
The second tallest in South Korea but easily one of the most places in South Korea is Seoraksan, located in the relatively secluded Gangwan-do Province bordering with North Korea.

In my humble opinion, this was way better than Jeju in a way that it’s cheaper and a lot less toned down in the tourism department. It was a pity we came a little way past the peak of the autumn at Seoraksan.

Nonetheless, the majestic peaks and gorgeous rock formations of the mountains more than made up for it (not to mention the good weather).

There were still remnants of autumn here and there but probably what that made us excited was the sight of South Korea’s first snow as we ascended the mountains.

It was not a smooth climb and we narrowly escaped the fate of being strained in the mountains due to the shorter daylight hours in winter. Fortunately, and embarrassingly ill prepared we are…we managed to tag along a few groups of Koreans who were climbing and descending the mountains.

It was tiring (and cold) but all that fatigue was worth it for the beautiful scenery at almost every part of the trail, be it the death-defying cliffs, the pointed dagger-like peaks, the marbled cliff walls and elegant streams or serene valleys…...Seoraksan is without doubt one of the prettiest places I have been thus far.

It was late at night when I finally reached the foot of mountain, broken away from my group of friends. The shops and restaurants are already calling it a day and lights are dimming out. Tired and almost frozen by the single-digit temperatures, I still couldn’t forget the divine cup of Honey Citron Tea when I finally reached civilization.

In the end the group of us Singaporeans came back except for a party who spent a night at the shelter. We rewarded ourselves the best way we could: a feast at one of the many restaurants along the river at Seorak-dong.

We had Bulgogi, Jeyuk Bokkeum (or Pork Stew) and Kimchi Jjigae. The Pork Stew and Kimchi Jjigae didn’t differ too much in taste, only the ingredients were different. The food wasn’t impressive and we spotted that they use frozen meat (that hasn’t been thawed at all!)

While the food was average at best but when you are hungry and cold and the proprietress of the restaurant was such an energetic and funny, you get an enjoyable meal.

Anyway, I shall end off with some more photos of Seoraksan, Korea unlike Singapore has 4 distinct seasons and I believe this place warrants a visit no matter what season you visit South Korea.

Siheungsa, a temple complex at the bottom of the mountains.

Bisondae, a huge towering cliff and checkpoint along the trail to the tallest peak of Seoraksan.

Spotted chipmunks along the trail.

There were quite a lot of hikers on a weekend.

First snow on Seoraksan.