4D Hike Mount Seorak

HIGHLIGHTS

~ visit Alpaca World, the largest alpaca ranch in Korea;

~ walk the stunning nature sanctuary Wondaeri Birch Forest;

~ visit the oldest Seon temple in the world, Sinheungsa Temple;

~ hike to Heundeulbawi Rock and Ulsanbawi Rock;

~ explore Sokcho Jungang Market and stop at Yeonggeumjeong;

~ hike to the highest peak in Seoraksan National Park, Daecheongbong Peak at 1,708 metres above sea level;

~ stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road coastal trail;

~ discover Gangneung Coffee Street;

~ visit Arte Museum, Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition.

Include:

~ 3 nights accommodation in Delphino Sonomoon Resort basing on twin share;

~ 3 breakfasts;

~ hiking/sightseeing, associated transfer and necessary entrance fee;

~ service of an English Speaking Driver-Guide or English Speaking Guide and Korean Speaking Driver.

Exclude:

~ air travel to Seoul, South Korea;

~ pre and post stay in Seoul;

~ lunches and dinners;

~ visa arrangement;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for Hiking Guide and Driver, KRW 24,000 per person;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and trip inclusion.

ITINERARY

Day 01                              Seoul – Sokcho

This morning, meet your Hiking Guide in a designated hotel in Seoul for the transfer to Sokcho.

Enroute, visit Alpaca World – the largest and it is the one and only alpaca ranch in Korea that you can see these cute animals roaming around freely in nature. When the alpacas hear your voices, they will be running happily down the forest paths to meet you at the ranch.

This afternoon, take a walk through Wondaeri Birch Forest – a stunning nature sanctuary lushed with over 690,000 birch trees and scenic walking trails. Immerse in the tranquility with the tall white bark tree trunks raising towards the contrasting blue sky as we explore the forest in 3 hours.

Meals: Nil

Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Note: Wondaeri Birch Forest is closed between Feb 1 and May 15; between Nov 1 and Dec 15 annually due to forest fire period.

Day 02                             Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan is known as one of Korea’s most beautiful mountains and listed as Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The national park is famous for its views, crystal clear mountain streams, vibrant flora and fauna. It also boasts some of the most enchanting hiking trails in the country.

Sinheungsa Temple is believed to be the oldest Seon temple in the world and is now a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is home to many cultural heritages including the Geungnakbojeon Hall, the three-storey Stone Pagoda and a giant Buddha statue.

Start the day to Heundeulbawi Rock with a gentle hike. It is a large rock that rests on top of a larger stone platform and it rocks back and forth when pushed. Naturally, hikers will make a stop here for a photo.

The trail gets steeper as we hike towards Ulsanbawi Rock – shaped with 6 peaks. Standing at 873 metres above sea level, it is the most well-known attraction at Seoraksan Mountain. From here, see the gorgeous scenery of Seorak Mountain, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir.

As we make our way to return to Sokcho city, make a stop at Yeonggeumjeong – a flat rock area located near the sea. The name is derived as the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). Walk above the rock via a bridge to the end with a traditional Korean pavilion overlooking great views of the East Sea and the Sokcho Lighthouse nearby.

The Sokcho Jungang Market is the most famous attraction and traditional market in Sokcho. It sells a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood products and visitors are able to buy many Sokcho’s delicacies and eat on the spot. The market’s most popular snack is the Dak Gangjeong (glazed fried chicken bites), Ojingeo Sundae (stiffed squid) Abai Sundae (North-Korean style sausage), Hongge Jjim (steamed red snow crab) or deep fried red snow crab.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Day 03                              Seoraksan National Park

Transfer to Osaek, the southernmost part of Seoraksan National Park to embark our hike to the highest peak within the park. The Daecheongbong Peak, stands at 1,708 metres above sea level is also the third highest peak in Korea. The trail to the summit with wooden and stone steps ascends continuously through the forest. Hike past Seorak Falls which serves a halfway mark before you reach Daecheongbong Peak. Enjoy the views and savour your lunch at the summit.

Descend via Yangpok Shelter. As you descend and past impressive rock formations, the route gets intertwined with countless terrain rock steps and numerous purposed built walkways but you will be distracted with amazing views in sight. Peaks rose impressively below, sometimes with clouds filled the valleys like steam and engulfed the peaks like cotton candy.

Once again, you will see the Giant Buddha statue at the foot where the Seorakdong Information Centre is located nearby.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Day 04                               Sokcho – Seoul

Start the day with a stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road. This 2.86 KM coastal trail is the only coastal peninsula area in Korea that tectonic changes of 23 million years ago can be observed. Relax and enjoy the stunning charm of sheer rock cliffs and the view of the cool blue sea.

Whether you are a coffee lover or not, a visit to Gangneung Coffee Street is a must. Cafes lined along the coastline of Anmok Beach. Each café has its own unique décor and character, all café windows offer scenery of the sea. Be sure to spend some time to walk around the beach for some worthy picture session.

Before the journey back to Seoul, visit Arte Museum – Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition. The digital media artworks, created around the theme of eternal nature, provide a perfect immersive experience with its impactful visuals, sensuous sound and elegant fragrance.

The tour concludes as you arrive at our designated Seoul hotel this late afternoon/early evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Pre & post stay extension in Seoul is available, starting from SGD 58 per person per night. More details under Notes.

REMARKS

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ This trip is good for minimum 4 hikers to go. Group of 3, 5 and more people are also available.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply your visa HERE if you require.

~ All visitors are now required to sign up for Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation before your departure. An application fee will be levied at the time of application. Apply HERE.

~ Please only book your air ticket to Seoul, South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Pre and post accommodation in Seoul can be organised. The designated 4* hotel, Nine Three Premier Myeongdong II or similar is available at,
– SGD 58 (no breakfast) / SGD 81 (with breakfast) per person per night for check in Sundays to Thursdays;
– SGD 65 (no breakfast) / SGD 87 (with breakfast) per person per night for check in Fridays and Saturdays.

~ Lunches and Dinners are not included. For budgeting purpose, you may prepare
– lunch, KRW 15,000 to KRW 20,000 or more/less depending on your choice of food and drink;
– dinner, KRW 20,000 to KRW 30,000 or more/less depending on your choice of food and drink.

~ All hikers need to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes). Participants may be denied hiking if not dressed appropriately.

~ Because hiking requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for members with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Members must ensure they are medically and physically able to walk.

~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. Travel Wander and/or its Operating Partner reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Travel Wander recommends that all travellers booked on this trip to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Click HERE to purchase.

~ To cover any amendment, postponement and/or cancellation fees, travellers are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance which includes extensive coverage on (not limited to) travel cancellation/interruption especially CoVID-19 related.

~ Travel Wander’s booking terms & conditions apply. By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the booking terms & conditions, privacy policy and acceptance of risk as set out on our website. For more details, click HERE to access.