Last week I went on a hiking day trip with some friends to Songnisan National Park here in South Korea. This was an incredible hike with well maintained trails, gorgeous scenery, challenging terrain, and a breathtaking view at the top. We were lucky enough to have perfect weather all day with fantastic visibility!
From www.lonelyplanet.com:
This park covers one of central Korea’s finest scenic areas with forested mountains and rocky granite outcrops. Its name means ‘Remote from the Ordinary World Mountain’. The large temple complex of Beopjusa at the base of the mountain dates back to AD 553, but has often been rebuilt. The huge, 33m bronze standing Buddha weighs 160 tons and was completed in 1990 at a cost of US$4 million. Beyond the temple, hiking trails extend up to a series of 1000m-high peaks.
There is a small tourist village just outside the entrance to the park that has a nice variety of stores, restaurants, and a few hotels. We loaded up with some snacks and drinks before starting the hike. Inside the park entrance is the Beopjusa Temple with a giant bronze standing Buddha, beautiful pagodas, rock carvings, and ancient relics.
~Ed Viesturs