6D Hiking In Picturesque South Korea

HIGHLIGHTS

~ visit Arari Village for glimpse of ancient Korean way of life;

~ explore HwaAm Cave, Asia’s largest limestone cave;

~ visit Jecheon traditional market;

~ hike Hanuelgil’s Elk Trail 1 and 2;

~ water park hot spring experience;

~ café hopping along Gangneung “Anmok Beach” Coffee Street;

~ hike the various scenic trails of Seoraksan National Park;

~ cultural temple stay experience;

~ cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress.

Included:

~ arrival airport transfer from Incheon International Airport at scheduled timing (refer to itinerary);

~ 5 nights stay in mixture of accommodation as stated in the itinerary;

~ 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners;

~ bicycle & helmet rental on day 3;

~ local hiking lead.

Excluded:

~ air travel to Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea;

~ tourist visa to South Korea (if applicable);

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for local guide;

~ anything not mentioned in the itinerary.

ITINERARY

Day 1    Incheon – Jeongseon County

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, our transfer will leave the airport for Jeongseon County at 9.30 AM.

Arriving Jeongseon, visit the Arari Village for a glimpse of how traditional Korean way of life used to be like. Explore Asia’s largest limestone cave, HwaAm Cave, which used to be the fifth most productive gold mine in Korea. Our last stop will be Jecheon Traditional Market, the liveliest market in Jecheon with lots of local street food and shopping available. 

Stay:    High 1 Resort Hotel or similar

Meals:  Lunch, Dinner

Day 2    Jeongseon County

Today will be spent hiking Hanuelgil’s Elk Trail 1 and 2, followed by dipping in the Water Park Hot Spring. On this trail, you will see beautiful autumn foliage and there are a few viewing points where you can capture the beautiful changing colours of the forest. You may also see several hundred species of wild flowers and rare alpine plants as you hike along the route.

Stay:    High 1 Resort Hotel or similar

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 9.2 KM

Day 3    Jeongseon County – Gyeongpo

Pick up our bicycles and cycle along Gangneung “Anmok Beach” Coffee Street. This street is known for its many quirky cafes and Anmok Beach was used as a film setting for the famous Korean television drama, Goblin.  Spend your day café hopping whilst taking part in a photo hunt mini competition specially arranged to inject some element of fun. There are prizes to be won! For those who can’t cycle, It’s alright! You can still cafe hop and take part in the photo hunt.

Stay:    Sea Cruise Hotel or similar

Meals   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4    Gyeongpo – Seoraksan National Park  

Our hiking journey will continue in Seoraksan National Park. Seoraksan is a popular mountain in the Taebaek Mountain range and offers one of the most beautiful sceneries of South Korea. Our hike starts toward Ulsanbawi Rock which is composed of six 4-km wide granite peaks. From here, see the gorgeous scenery of Seorak Mountain, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir from the top.

Continue hiking towards Biryong Waterfall. The falling water looks very much like dragons flying up towards the sky, which is why it was given the name Biryong (flying dragon).

Experience a unique stay in Sinheungsa Temple located just at the entrance of Seoraksan National Park. Share your hiking experience with your roommates as you experience communal living for a night.

Stay:    Sinheungsa Temple Stay or similar

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner

Day 5    Seoraksan National Park – Seoul

In the morning, follow the monks on their daily routine for a glimpse into what their life in the temple is like. This cultural experience exchange programme will allow you to try some of the temple activities like bell ringing, yoga exercise and more.

This afternoon, if weather permits, take a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress. This fortress lies 800 metres above sea level in the middle of Seoraksan National Park. It is your last opportunity to capture the view of the mountain before we leave the national park for our transfer to Seoul.

Upon arrival in Seoul, the rest of the day is free at leisure. Perhaps take this opportunity to watch the award-winning comedy kitchen-based theatre show, Nanta?

Stay:    Seoul Mapo Hotel or similar

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6    Depart Seoul

The day is free at leisure. Rest and relax or explore your surroundings before checking out at 11.00 AM. Make your own way to the airport either by airport bus or the train.

Meals:  Breakfast

REMARKS

~ SUBMIT A ENQUIRY for a quote.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.

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

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

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip takes place during the proposed autumn colours period, however the extensive of colours are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variation which is not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see the autumn colours, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ 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.

~ If circumstances (such as bad weather for example) beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to make change to the inclusion of the itinerary and to substitute hotels. There will not be refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ If you are not able to cycle, you may take the coach on day 3.

~ Hikers who are booked on single supplement will have to share a night in communal living with other hikers on Day 4. Please note that communal living in South Korea requires sleeping on the floor. A quilt will be provided. If you are worried about comfort, you may wish to bring along an air mattress.