I will be hiking Mnt. Sorak on the 14-16 of April. I was wondering if any of you have ever been there before and can recommend any specific sights to be sure to see. I will be going with a Korean frind of mine, but he may not know all the best spots.

Thanks.

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Sorak Mnt is best Mnt in Korea. Top of the Mnt is called "Dae-Chung-Bong(대청봉).
You will see a stone in top of the Mnt and that place is a Buddhist temple
that called "Back-dam-sa and Sing-hung-sa".
You can feeling about Korean Buddhism.
Do you know about Buddhism ?


This is Sin-hung-sa, in Sorak Mnt.

an image of Buddha in Sin-hung-sa, Soark Mnt.

The hike up to Kumgang Cave is pretty cool (a little steep) and worth the view. They make a big deal about the "Tottering Rock", but I didn't think it was all that great.

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Seorak San is a beautiful mountain. It really has 3 different areas dependent on your hiking experience and time. I enjoyed Daecheongbong, the most. It was a beautiful. If you are not familiar with hiking some advice;

1. Have a nice pair of hiking boots. If you are thinking AAFES they do not carry quality hiking boots. I have a pair of Montrails that are strictly used for hiking. If your foot size is under a 10 you should be able to find a pair on the economy.

2. Water, Water, Water. I cannot over state the need to carry as much water as possible. You will definitely use up 4 liters a day easily. I use a Camel Bak hydration pack which holds 2 liters. I also take additional bottles to fill. Jerky is good snack as well as fruit/veg.

3. The descent requires almost as much energy as the ascent.

4. Start the ascent at least an hour before sunrise. You will enjoy the sunrise from the EASTERN sea <BG>

5. If possible use a GPS w/ an extra set of batteries.

6. Do not attempt to follow the elderly. This will be a major mistake. The majority of the older Koreans hike every week some daily. I have seen old women on the mountains playing Korean cards. This was a daily trek for them. I have also seen a 90 yo woman who had a bad case of osteoporosis climbing 600 meter mountains.

7. Any mountain with an AK in the title requires a little more energy.

8. Take an extra shirt, undershirt, socks, and a TOWEL. You may need to change. I would recommend the gear that wicks sweat away. A small towel, will definetly find use.

9. Hiking is addicting.

Seorak is a beautiful mountain. I would allow 12 hours to complete.


http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/kangwon/54

You may want to have her, <g> check the latest on the Korean web site.

Enjoy the mountains and Korea that most Americans never have the opportunity to see.

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I am very excited to hike Sorak next week. And Hiker, I know all too well about the "old folks" here who hike almost daily. I have spent much time talking with some of them on various hikes around Korea. I will be staying over-night in a cabin or something so I don't know what to truely expect. Are there any flowing streams and waterfalls or anything like that?

__________________
To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge. -Henry David Thoreau

Knowledge is power.

GK;

Good to hear you have sought out their advice. Many of them know most of the mountains better then the car they drive. Seorak has some nice water falls. If you follow the link I provided it provides a brief synopsis of the trails. Since you will be on the mountain at night I would suggest investing in a head lamp at one of the hiking stores. This way you do not have to worry about carrying the flashlight.

The cabins are open and hopefully you understand there is no privacy. You will run into some very nice people on the mountains who all share one common interest, hiking.

Have fun and prepare for the next journey.

BTW: There are several hiking clubs who make the trip at various times of the month. The clubs vary by so many variables; speed, fun, experience, etc ... They also enjoy the party flavors on the longer trips.

This is "To-Wang-Sung" waterfall, in Sorak Mnt.


This is "Chun-Bul-Dong" valley.

Have a nice time !