Seoraksan National Park is listed by the South Korean government with UNESCO as a tentative World Heritage site. The Korean government designated the area as a nature reserve in 1965 and UNESCO designated the area as a biosphere reserve in 1982. It was also the first Korean national park to be designated under the National Park Law in 1970. Located on the east and center of the Korean peninsula, the reserve covers Injegun, Yanyanggun, and Sokchosi. It is one of the most popular attractions for tourists and nature enthusiasts in Korea. The Soraksan Nature Reserve is valuable for its stunning natural beauty and rare flora and fauna.
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| Naim & Luqman at the entrance spot |
We
were surprised to meet my sister’s family when we embarked at the Sokcho train station
to take a bus to Seoraksan National Park. The kids were happy seeing their
cousins as they walk together to Sokcho Intercity Express Bus Terminal. We bought a return bus ticket (Bus no 7 or 7-1) with Dongbu Express and journeyed together to the Seoraksan Mountain.
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| Hubby posing behind the bus station, those who is a korean drama fan would be able to see similar bus station in the drama |
The bus ride took us about one and a half hour to reach the Seorak-dong station. Along the journey, we saw plentiful spots of the left over snow on the hillside and the sides of the river bank as the winter was about to over. It was a bless for the children to experience snow with their cousins.
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| Photo we took from inside the bus |
The bus stop for toilet and snacks. This place brings my memory to our China trip where Nasrul played cheerful in the cold winter at every bus stop in 2005.
From the last stop of the bus station, Seorak-dong, we decided to take a taxi to reach the mountain.
Entrance to the park is free. The park is generally spread accross 4 cities and counties; Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong, to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is again being divided into North NaeSeorak and South Baeseorka. North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon stream.
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| Group photo of all the happy faces to start a long walk into the mountain |
After about less than 10 minutes walk, we stopped for coffee and the kids ordered sushi for light meal. The walk to the mountain was very pleasant and serene. Photos taken along the walk are shared below.
Along the walked, we bumped into the 3 lovely Korean teenage who cant' stop giggling when they saw our boys. They were so kind to take our group photo and in return we took theirs with the boys.
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| Snow balls for the photo |
We followed the Baekdamcheon valley where all the streams meet. On our way up, we reached the Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Upstream from the temple is Gayadong and Suryeomdong valley and after passing Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae, we found Madeungryeong ridge seated at 1,327m that leads to Seorakdong. We met a Buddhist monk from Malaysia who has a pure, radiant face granted by the Almighty. She shared a little about herself that she is a vegan (people who only takes vegetables @ vegetarian) to purify her heart.
The Suryeomdong valley will eventually lead us to Ssangdok waterfalls. Further up from the waterfall is Bongjeongam, seated at 1,224m above sea level. For those who have more time and in a smaller group may opt to go to Daecheong peak, where people can view the magnificent mountain range. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from Oknyeotong area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung waterfall, at north of Jangsudae is teh most beautiful ste of Naeseorak, which is 88 m in height.
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| I love this photo taken by my brother in law, Wan that I shared from my sister Facebook |
When we reached the spot where the river valley was full of snow, the children's simply shouts with delights and were throwing snowball at each other. Looking at their happy faces, my sister and I shared a pleasant talks of how happy we were that we planned for this trip and brought them all here. Last year, in January 2010, we were in Islamabad playing snow together without our family, but today, we were all there together, 2 families. How happy we both are.
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| How happy these boys are, never experienced snow before |
Continued with the facts about Seoraksan Nature Reserve region which is known for the diversity of its flora. There are more
than 822 vascular plant species classified in the region and a total of 1,013
species of plants. Pine trees are abundant on the southern slope while the
northern slopes of the mountain range are characterized by Oak trees and other deciduous
trees. Other trees include the Thuja trees which grow in the deep valleys and
Siberian pine and native Korean Hanabusaya trees which grow on the ridges and
high altitudes. Dwarf pines, forsythia, saussurea, and yew trees grow from the
foot of the mountain and up. Juniper, hawthorn, and Korean edelweiss also grow
in the reserve. Rare plants protected in the reserve include the Hanabusaya
Asiatic and Abios nephrolepis.
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| The crystal clear water flowing from the mountain as the winter is over |
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| Cousin, Syahirah & Munirah on a way for coffee break |
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| My Apple boy, willingly smiles showing his happy faces, very rare to see! |
The
reserve mountain is famous not only for its beautiful landscapes but for valuable cultural
properties as well including Baekdamsa and Sinheungsa, including the Buddhist temples mentioned above, all in the
reserve. Seoraksan snows every year when it’s in the winter, temperature goes
under -30, which is very cold.
Coming with a big group will eventually make things difficult as the kids tend to complaints a lot that the walks is too tiring bla bla bla.. Finally we decided that we shall not continue to see the waterfall and shall be headed back. We took a bus which happened were already there ready to take us back to Seorak-dong station. On reaching the small town, we had late lunch and walked back to the bus station to bring us back to Sokcho Intercity Express Bus Terminal. It was already dark when we reached the station and departed at the train station heading to different train route as my sister family was staying in Myeundong area and we, in Yoido area. The last photo at train station shops before we parted with lots of love in our heart.
I want to end a long story of our Seoraksan trip by dedication to my beloved sister who loves me unconditionally since we were small till now. There are days we clashed...
But there are days that we forgive each other as the bond is too strong and we shall be together, happy ever after side by side. I love you very2 much my sister :)
to be continued...
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