The 398.539㎢ Seoraksan National Park is located in Sokcho-si, Gangwondo Province. Do you know that the the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be held in Gangwondo Province? PyeongChang is just around 2-hour journey by bus from Seoraksan National Park!
Talking more about Seoraksan National Park, it is actually designated as the 5th national park in Korea, it is listed as the Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO. This is actually a very popular place among both locals and tourist, especially during autumn, where the mountain will be covered with maple leaves. But that doesn't mean that you should come only during autumn as you will able to enjoy the beautiful transformation from season to season.
Do you know what does Seorak means? 'Seol' in Korean actually means Snow and 'Ak;' actually, mean enormous mountain, so in short it actually enormous snow mountain. The origin of its name is due to the fact that the snow on the mountain doesn't melt for a long time, thus making the rocks on the mountain in a permanently white in colour. Isn't it just beautiful? Makes me feels like I am in some sort of magical fairyland.
In my case, I visited the Seoraksan National Park during summer, and the view is just so stunning. This national park is huge and from where I visited, I was at the western part of Sokcho city, where the national park is connected to the famous mountain called the Mt. Seorak. Not only does it provide a spectacular view, especially when you trek to the peak of the Mt. Seorak, there are also many rare species found here.
When we first reached the Seorak National Park, we actually have the chances to explore some beautiful monuments and statues. Do note that there is a Buddhist temple by the name of Sinheungsa that is located in the national park itself, hence please remember to keep your voice low as an act of respect.
We took a cable up the Mt Seorak, and this is actually a unique experience. As I had never taken a cable car ride that doesn't have seats available. So everyone was standing and it was great! On our way up to the mountain, we are able to get a glimpse of the overview of the national parks, together with the flora and fauna.
If you are thinking that we had reached the peak of Mt Seorak by taking the cable car, then I am sorry, we are not even near to the peak. This is due to the fact that the highest peak of Mt Seorak is 1,708meters. My friends and I were motivated to accept the challenges, hence, once we hopped out of the cable car, we started to trek. It is indeed tiring and we had a little difficulties trekking up due to the unconventional path that we took. But together with teamwork and also we met some very helpful Koreans who assisted and given us advice on how to get to the peak, we eventually reach the peak of this beautiful mountain.
It just feels like I am on top of Mount Everest, I had gained a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment immediately upon looking at the fabulous scenery from the peak of the mountain. The breeze on the peak of the mountain makes me feels as if I had owned the whole world, except with the fact that my hair is flying everywhere. But still, It is really stunning,something I had never seen before in my whole entire life. All the hard work had paid off and I am glad that I had persevered and overcome obstacles to get here.
We all know that trekking and all this experience we got are intangible, to leave tangilble memories, we often could only take a photo of video of our experience. But, here in Mt Seorak, another alternative is available and that is a gold medal. Yay, a gold medal,just like athletes who got it from being a champion in the competition. This is because surprisingly, there is a store located on the peak of Mt Seorak, where you can buy a gold medal with your name carved on it.
This is definitely a must visit when you are here in South Korea especially when you are here during the Winter Olympic Season, make sure you drop by Seoraksan Nation Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery after the games OR if you are planning to come to Seoraksan National Park, make sure you head to the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic to enjoy the spectacular games, where people from all around the world gathers together.
Some tips able taking the cable car, the ticket is sold at an affordable price.
9,000won/adult(14 yrs and above)
6,000won (3-13 yrs)
under 36 month- tell your parents that you are a VIP so that you can take it for FREE.
Check up the following link for more information about the cable car:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp
Check up the following link for more information about Seorak National Park: english.knps.or.kr/Knp/Seoraksan
This article was written by an official university student reporter of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, PyeongChang WINNERS. Some contents might be different from official position of the Organizing Committee."
"기사는 제3기 대학생 기자단 평창WINNERS 활동 일환으로 작성되었으며, 조직위원회 공식 입장과는 무관합니다."
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