3 BEST Hiking Destination in Korea

Korean loves hiking, even when they are old. That's why they always vigor and high spirit. If you want to copy their lifestyle for your health, you can try hiking in Korea. HOHOHOOO :)

From September to November is the most pleasant time to visit Korea as the weather is mild. Make it as the ideal month for Hiking in Korea. There are plenty of groups expats to join to find company while exploring the country's myriad mountain trails. Some of them are: Seoul Hiking Group and HOW IS (Hiking on Weekday in Seoul). Warren Kim, the starter of both groups was actually almost an alcoholic since two car accidents and injured knee. A trip to a nearby mountain made Kim realize that being in nature healed him psychologically, making him feel as if he could breathe again. He wanted to share with others, so he start those groups. 

Find and join his group here. If you want to hiking with your own groups. This list below maybe can help you find the best trekking course:

1. Seorak-san

Seorak-san

Within 5 hours journey by bus from Seoul, Seoraksan is one of the best autumn destinations in Korea. The charm of Seoraksan is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

Being one of 20 National park in Korea, Seorak-san is one of the best autumn destination in Korea. The charm of Seorak-san is when autumn leaves changing colors. scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. So put Seorak San in your first Hiking list now ^^

Getting there: 

From Seoul Station take Express Bus to Sokcho (3hours, 17.000 won). From the Sokcho bus station, cross the street head down the road a bit to the bus stop. From there, take either bus 7 or 7-1 to the last stop (15minutes, 1200 won) , the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park. The entrance fee is 3,400 for adults.

If you spend the night in the park, you will only have to pay this fee once. If you decide to stay in Sokcho, make sure that you double check when the last bus will be leaving. There are storage lockers located in several places just inside the entrance of the park.

is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

Within 5 hours journey by bus from Seoul, Seoraksan is one of the best autumn destinations in Korea. The charm of Seoraksan is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

Within 5 hours journey by bus from Seoul, Seoraksan is one of the best autumn destinations in Korea. The charm of Seoraksan is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

Within 5 hours journey by bus from Seoul, Seoraksan is one of the best autumn destinations in Korea. The charm of Seoraksan is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

Within 5 hours journey by bus from Seoul, Seoraksan is one of the best autumn destinations in Korea. The charm of Seoraksan is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

Within 5 hours journey by bus from Seoul, Seoraksan is one of the best autumn destinations in Korea. The charm of Seoraksan is when autumn leaves changing colors. Although Seoraksan is always beautiful throughout four seasons, it’s still better to come on autumn. Seoraksan National Park has many hiking paths you can choose, and there you will see scenic Osaek Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, Daesung Falls, and also Baekdam Creek. If you wish to explore the whole area, it would take minimum 2 days to enjoy it thouroughly. Since Seoraksan is close to the sea, you can also stop by to Naksan Beach, Gyeongpondas, and Yongpong Resort. After hiking, you can also consider visiting Seorak Waterpia hot spring. - See more at: http://traffictravel.com/south-korea-travel-guide-best-autumn-destinations/#sthash.P8bpbMt7.dpuf

2. Odaesan National Park

Odaesan-park

Odaesan is not far from Seoraksan National park, and nearby attractions to visit are Naksansa Temple, Samcheok and Yangyang’s Hajodae Pavilion, and Gyeongpodae. 

GETTING THERE

Gangneung is the primary access point for Odaesan and can be reached from Busan and Seoul via train or express bus. Gangneung Bus Terminal is a 5 minute taxi ride fromGangneung Train Station. From the terminal, take a bus to Jinbu (W3,400). The ride takes about 45 minutes. At Jinbu Terminal, local buses can be found at the back of the complex (pay on the bus). Buses to Woljeongsa stop at the Minbak Village, which has all the lodging options for the southwest entrance. The ride takes about 20 minutes. If you want to go straight to the trailhead, take a bus to Sangwonsa, located about 8.3 km beyond Woljeongsa (50 min).

3. Jiri-san

Unlike Seoraksan which looks softer and calmer, Jirisan National Park offers you a more adventurous experience.  The area is known as one of the cleanest natural environments in Korea. And the autumn scenery is one of the most beautiful that you cannot miss! 

Jiri-san

The autumn scenery in Jirisan starts from mid-October and more vivid color happens on late October. The crimson leaves beautiful scenery is what people are amazed of as they hike up the path. TO see one of the best autumn scenery here is from Piagol Valley. It also has accommodations on the mountain slopes so visitors can have a short-term stay here. During the fall season peak, local people celebrate Piagol Valley Crimson Leaves Festival. Jirisan is famous among tourists, so if you wish to witness the scenic autumn in Korea .

GETTING THERE:

From Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Jungsan-ri (중산리).
*Bus Schedule: 06:10-21:10, runs 16 times a day

Famous as international hiking destination, South Korea offers various park, ranging from smooth, rolling hills and valleys to ragged, craggy ridges and sheer, rocky cliffs.
So how guys? Are u ready to hike? :D
Find more in: http://koreaclimbs.blogspot.com

Jeju Island, sweet escape

Indonesia has Bali island, Korea has Jeju.

Jeju-do is popular for tourism not only for foreigners, but also for Korean, especially in winter, Jeju is the warmest place in Korea.

Declared in 2011 as one of new "7 Wonders of the World" and one of "UNESCO World Heritage" Jeju-do is definitely worth visit! Moreover, now Jeju island is free visa for everyone around the globe. Yeah! U don't need to make visa to go Jeju. If u from Indonesia, u can go through Hongkong that have direct flight to Jeju.

Enough of Bla..bla..bla..now, what we can do there? 

Here is my bucket list:

1. Hyeopjae Beach in Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

This beach have white sands and usually full packed in summer. You can find how to get there here

What we can do here: swimming, surfing, diving, or maybe just sun bathing.

If you interested in diving, this cost 80.000 won including equipment rental. Fishing will cost 25.000 won including fishing equipment and bait.

 

2. Horse Riding 

There is a Korean proverb that says, “A human should be sent to Seoul, a horse to Jeju.” Jeju Island is an ideal place for raising horses. Opened in 2008, The Ma Park (더마파크) not only offers horse riding services but also a permanent horse performance that highlights the birth, growth, friendship, love, war, and peace of Genghis Khan. The highlight of the show is The Black Flag of Genghis Khan, starring the descendants of the Mongolian hero who have come to Jeju from Mongolia. 

The horse riding course will cost 15.000 won  

3. Hiking

Korean people like hiking very much. And the best season is autumn. Jeju is famous for its Halla mountain that has several routes for hiking. It will only cost you 2000 won to try the new trail on Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak [UNESCO World Heritage] in Jeju-do that just open last September 2013. You can enjoy beautiful scenery from the peak while you resting after hiking. It's the best feeling ever!! :DDD

 

4. Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument. Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to the tourists. The rest only open for research and studies. The inside of the tunnel sustains at a temperature of 11~21℃ even in summer. It will only costs 2000won for admission.

5. Festival

Korean people like to celebrate everything in festival. If you can join them, will be very nice and unforgettable journey!! in March you can enjoy Jeju-Field Burning Festival and Cherry blossom festival. In April you can enjoy Canola Flower Festival that has canola flower bee-sting therapy and many dancing performance. This October is a time for Jeju Olle Walking Festival. Take advantage of the cool autumn weather by visiting the fascinating island of Jeju to find out where the Jeju Olle Trail will lead you.Just make sure you should take note of the date.

6.Honey

One of Jeju's local specialty is honey, a nice souvenir to bring back. After the folk village tour, the villager will give a talk to promote their honey and tea. Quite a big bottle (1.2kg) and cost around 40,000 won. Packed in a glass bottle in the shape of Jeju's 'Dol Hareubang' famous symbol of Jeju island.

7. Hallabong and Gamgyul

Hallabong

Gamgyul

Hallabong and Gamgyul are two famous Jeju fruit worth to try to! Hallabong is a type of tangerine with a protruding stem. Each weighing about 200~300 grams, the fruit is relatively large, and liked by people of all ages. Winter and spring are the best seasons to buy it, and the prices vary depending on quality. A 3-kg box (7~8 fruits) is priced at 30,000~50,000 won. If hallabong is too pricey, you can try gamgyul. They taste similar but different looks.

Taraaaaaaa that are 7 things in my bucket list in Jeju-do. And according to the travel guides, Seogwipo is closer to the main attractions of the island, so I should probably rent a room in a goshiwon in Seogwipo or perhaps pay 30,000 won or so for a motel room there.