Korea is not a major spot. It really is roughly the size of the state of Minnesota for my fellow Yankees.
But you know what they say: good points generally come in smaller packages. One particular advantage of living in such a geographically compact location is that you can check out only about anyplace in the nation in a day or more than the weekend.
If you are eager for an outdoor adventure but basically have One particular day or weekend to spare, Chiaksan in Gangwon-do, Korea is a fantastic selection. Study on for specifics and directions!
A Mountain of Myth and Beauty
If we’re speaking mountain ranges in Korea the greatest recognized are Jirisan and Seorraksan. These are gorgeous locations to pay a visit to and worthy of their reputations, but they are frequently crowded with hikers.
Chiaksan is not rather as spectacular as It is far more well-known brethren, but it nonetheless tends to make for a worthwhile destination and — bonus! — It is far less crowded.
Chiaksan is situated in Gangwon-do about 30km from the city of Wonju.
Like all but the most remote and abandoned trailheads in Korea, the base of Chiaksan is a busy location. You will locate an array of shops and vendors promoting every little thing from reliquary beads and Buddhist trinkets to kimchi pancakes and rice wine.
It may well be a great concept to fuel up prior to your hike and the kimchi pancakes sizzling on griddles are certain to satisfy a hungry stomach.
Once you make your way via the distractions and scrumptious smells of this mountain bazaar You are going to arrive at the entrance to Chiaksan. The entry fee to Chiaksan is two,500 won per individual, money simply.
Not far from the entrance is Guryeongsa Temple.
Guryeongsa Temple is a medium-sized temple complicated built through the Silla Dynasty. Built on the side of a steep hill, you enter the temple complicated by means of a pavillion, towering wooden statues of the “4 Heavenly Guardians” hunting down at you, and then climb a steep flight of stairs into Guryeongsa Temple.
As with most Korean temples, the air will probably be faint with incense and the rhythmic chanting of monks at their prayers will echo off of temple walls. It really is a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere to devote a handful of minutes just before setting off on your journey.
Hiking the Trails
From Guryeongsa Temple It really is a 5km hike to Birobong, the peak of Chiaksan. For roughly half of that hike the trail is easygoing — far more of a leisurely stroll than a hike, very.
You can stick to trails by means of forests of towering pine, by way of quiet bamboo groves, down into valleys exactly where the trail runs alongisde a bubbling mountain stream, or criss-cross amongst the 2.
About 2km from the base of Chiak Mountain is Seryeong waterfall and from there the hike gets steep. I am speaking a Jekyll and Hyde transformation from the earlier part of the hike, so if you program on trekking to the peak of Chiaksan make positive you happen to be nicely ready.
If you happen to be not up to the challenge there is a stunning botanical garden positioned amongst the Seryeong waterfall and Guryeongsa Temple. It really is a good spot to relax and only delight in the beauty of nature.
As soon as you will need a break from Seoul, or if you happen to be simply in the market place for your subsequent outdoor adventure, head for Chiaksan. It really is a beauty of a mountain and 1 of Korea’s much better kept secrets.
Obtaining There
Unless you have access to your own transportation, Wonju is going to be your base of operation for a trip to Chiaksan.
Take a bus to Wonju. Exit out the front of Wonju Bus Terminal and take nearby bus quantity two-One, 31, 33, or 35. Any A single of these busses will take you to a quit known as “sanghanjuyooso”.
From “sanghanjuyooso” You are going to transfer to either the 41 or 41-A single. It really is about ten mintue trip from Wonju Bus Terminal to the transfer, and an additional 30-35 minutes to get from the transfer to Chiaksan.
Chiaksan is the final quit for each the 41 and 41-One particular. Bus fare is A single,200 won per trip, but your T-Cash card (a public transit card accessible from most comfort retailers and at most bus and train stations — important if you happen to be travelling in Korea!) will function as properly.
Recent Comments