My third trip to Korea wasn’t just seeing new places, but also revisiting old ones which we didn’t explore as much on the first time (like Songdo on my previous post). One of those is Seoraksan National Park.
Many travelers would agree with me, that Seoraksan is just one the most beautiful places in Korea. Its different foliage through the different seasons is really a sight to behold. Despite the long drive from Seoul or Incheon to Sokcho (where Seoraksan is located), MANY tourists still flock the park. And it’s so refreshing to see quite a number of Filipinos in there!
Last year, we were there in the spring. Now, we’re so glad we visited in autumn. You couldn’t ask for a more gorgeous background to your photos than the red-orange-yellow foliage! This time though, we did the Osaek Mineral Water and the 2-km Biseondae Rocks trails, having done the cable car ride up to Gwongeumseong Fortess last year.
It was almost noontime when we got to Seoraksan due to some delays. So we did a brief walk into the Osaek Mineral Water Barrier-free Way (which btw, is located in a different area of Seoraksan), crossing some of the numerous hanging bridges just to get some photos in that area. We shortly went back around noontime for lunch. We had Bibimbap with a variety of mushrooms for a meal.
Tasting the almost “miraculous” Osaek Mineral Water. Osaek means 5 different flavors which may be tasted in this special water. It is said to be very good for healing certain illnesses such as neuralgia, and some skin diseases. It has a strong iron content and is also highly carbonated. Which is why, if you ask me, it tastes slightly like rusty water, and very diluted, old Coke.
Intermission haha
Not your average grandpa. Look’s on fleek!
For the Gram!
Then we headed back to our bus to make our way to the main entrance of Seoraksan. It took us some time before getting in because of traffic, from all the tourist buses dropping-off some visitors. After paying our entrance fee, we then quickly proceeded with our hike to the Biseondae Rocks.
The hike to the Biseondae Rocks was fairly easy, with a cleared dirt path, some steps and rails, and rocks. People of different ages may do it, depending on their fitness level. It’s also a very calming walk because of the sound of rushing waters from the rocky stream that lines the full length of the path. We did the trail during the golden hour to sunset. The sun rays that break through the leaves and trees, was just so breathtaking.
PRO TIP: When going on a trek in the wilderness, wear pops of colors so that in the event of an accident or getting lost, you will be easily located by rescuers or…predators! Your choice. :-p Otherwise, just stay put and smile for the camera.
So here I am.
A memorial for soldiers who died in this area during the Korean War.
Twinning
I just can’t get over how breathtaking this is!! ❤
Colors of fall
We were only able to start the hike around 2pm, so the challenge was to finish the whole trail before sundown. With aged people in tow, that challenge was really not a very easy one. But we all made it through. We made it back out around dusk. You simply don’t underestimate seniors! haha 🙂 Check out some of my pro-tips videos below, they’re especially for singers and Instagrammers on tour!
PRO TIP #1:
PRO TIP #2:
On the way to the resort where we stayed at, we grabbed probably one of the most peculiar meals ever. Well, at least for me. Watch the last video, and comment below if you’ve tried the Dolsotbap and this soft soy soup-something on the side. Let me know too if you know what it’s called!
SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK
Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 속초시 설악산로 설악산국립공원 외설악매표소
Admission fees:
Adults – 3,500 won
Middle to high school students (ages 14-19) – 1,000 won
Elementary school students (ages 8-13) – 500 won
Axel Wally | Advancing the Kingdom 
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