Sokcho: Part One, Snow

Danyang was a late addition to our itinerary but Sokcho in the northeast had been on our radar all along. So we booked 3 nights at the highly recommended House Hostel near the bus station in Sokcho, then spent a lot of time figuring out how to get there. There are many options by both bus and train to travel from Danyang to Sokcho. The route we took: Danyang to Wonju by bus to Gangneung by bus to Sokcho by bus.

Sokcho in the northeast is close enough to North Korea that one can book a tour to the DMZ. It is a major tourist destination for Koreans as has long coastal beaches and mountains, and is 2.5 just hours from Seoul by car or express bus; perfect for a weekend trip.

When we awoke in Danyan on the morning we were to travel to Sokcho, we looked out the 13th floor window to the mountains, hmmmm, looks like snow at upper elevations. Oh, and there is a trace of snow on the grass below. Fortunately the snow/rain had stopped and the temps were above freezing, but we kept our umbrellas handy the whole day.


Our route took us north to Wonju where we changed buses and went east over the mountains to Gangnueng on the coast. It was snowing a bit in the mountains.




Then north in the rain up the coast to Sokcho where it rained pretty much the rest of the day.


The Wi-FI password and kitchen of the House Hostel in Sokcho.


We headed out to buy groceries and check out the town.






Seoraksan Park is very accessible by public transport from Sokcho. Bus 7 or 7-1 drops you off right at the park gate.


Just inside the gate is Sogongwon Park with amenities, cable car, a Giant Buddha statue, a Buddhist Temple, and all the trailheads. Our first goal of the day was to walk up past the temple to Ulsanbawi Rocks at 800 m.a.s.l.





And it's up, up, up to Ulsanbawi Rock which we can see in the distance.


Better view of Ulsanbawi.


We stop for a rest and look around at Naewonam Hermitage, 450 m.a.sl., where there i a small Buddhist temple in a cave.


Some nice stone steps as we continue to walk up.


Nice view.




Getting closer to Ulsanbawi Rock.


However. At 600 meters we start to walk through some snow. First one, then two, and eventually 8+ inches of snow. Yikes! Fortunate that it's mostly stairs to the top.










Amazing 3 viewpoints at the top.






View back to the East Sea (Sea of Japan).






The footing at the top was tricky so we moved slowly which was good. We made some friends - the other hikers were moving with caution as well. And we spent almost an hour at the top before heading down.




Sun-Ling coming down the stairs.






We stopped at Naewonam Hermitage and its cave temple on the way down.


End of Part One.