6D Mount Seorak Autumn Colours Hike

HIGHLIGHTS

~ visit Incheon Open Port, Chinatown and Singi Market;
~ visit Arte Museum, Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition;
~ stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road coastal trail;
~ discover Gangneung Coffee Street;
~ visit the oldest Seon temple in the world, Sinheungsa Temple;
~ hike to Heundeulbawi Rock and Ulsanbawi Rock;
~ stop at Yeonggeumjeong;
~ hike to the highest peak in Seoraksan National Park, Daecheongbong Peak at 1,708 metres above sea level;
~ walk the stunning nature sanctuary Wondaeri Birch Forest;

Included:

~ 5 nights accommodation basing on twin share;

~ arrival group airport transfer at designated timing;

~ 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners;

~ hiking/sightseeing, associated transfer and necessary entrance fees;

~ service of an English Speaking Driver-Guide and/or English Speaking Hiking Guide and Korean Speaking Driver;

~ service of a Travel Wander Trip facilitator.

Excluded:

~ air travel to Seoul, South Korea;

~ meals not specified in the itinerary;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ K-ETA application;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for Korean working team, KRW 35,000 per person for the entire duration of tour;

~ tipping for Travel Wander Trip Facilitator, SGD 25 per person for the entire duration of tour;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and trip inclusion.

ITINERARY

Day 01 – Arrive Incheon

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, there will be a designated group transfer.

Enroute, visit Incheon Open Port Old Town – walk the streets of Incheon Open Port Old Town, reflecting a “bustling” time in Incheon during the late 19th Century. Opened in 1883 as the country’s first port, the area reflects the country’s history and culture from 130 years ago when foreigners arrived to the country. From Korea’s early days of modernisation with the arrival of international traders, and till today, many of its buildings’ architecture retain influences from both the East and West. Modern architecture stands alongside unique Japanese style historical buildings that were used to house trading companies, financial institutions, hotels and even the former Japanese consulate.

Stop by Incheon Chinatown for a short stroll through the colourful streets. The area harbours many of the flavors of China, preserving the traditional culture of the first-generation Chinese in South Korea. Certain parts of the streets are regularly used as filming location for Korean dramas.

See the shades of autumn colours as we take a scenic stroll around Majang Lake, admiring the lovely scenery. Walk across the suspended pedestrian bridge, said to be able to carry up to 1,200 people. 

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Incheon Riveria Verium Hotel, or similar

Day 02 – Incheon – Sokcho

Transfer to the province of Gangwon.

Visit Arte Museum – Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition. The digital media artworks, created around the theme of eternal nature, provide a perfect immersive experience with its impactful visuals, sensuous sound and elegant fragrance.

Take a stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road (weather permitting). This 2.86 KM coastal trail is the only coastal peninsula area in Korea that tectonic changes of 23 million years ago can be observed. Relax and enjoy the stunning charm of sheer rock cliffs and the view of the cool blue sea.

Whether you are a coffee lover or not, a visit to Gangneung Coffee Street is a must. Cafes lined along the coastline of Anmok Beach. Each café has its own unique décor and character, all café windows offer scenery of the sea. Be sure to spend some time to walk around the beach for some worthy picture session.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Note: an alternative walking experience to another attraction may be offered if Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road is closed due to bad weather.

Day 03 – Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan is known as one of Korea’s most beautiful mountains and listed as Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The national park is famous for its views, crystal clear mountain streams, vibrant flora and fauna. It also boasts some of the most enchanting hiking trails in the country.

Sinheungsa Temple is believed to be the oldest Seon temple in the world and is now a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is home to many cultural heritages including the Geungnakbojeon Hall, the three-storey Stone Pagoda and a giant Buddha statue.

Start the day to Heundeulbawi Rock with a gentle hike. It is a large rock that rests on top of a larger stone platform and it rocks back and forth when pushed. Naturally, hikers will make a stop here for a photo.

The trail gets steeper as we hike towards Ulsanbawi Rock – shaped with 6 peaks. Standing at 873 metres above sea level, it is the most well-known attraction at Seoraksan Mountain. From here, see the gorgeous scenery of Seorak Mountain, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir.

As we make our way to return to Sokcho city, make a stop at Yeonggeumjeong – a flat rock area located near the sea. The name is derived as the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). Walk above the rock via a bridge to the end with a traditional Korean pavilion overlooking great views of the East Sea and the Sokcho Lighthouse nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Hiking Duration: est. 4 – 5 hours     Hiking Distance: approx. 7.2 KM

Elevation: est. +561 M / -561 M

Day 04 – Seoraksan National Park

Transfer to Osaek, the southernmost part of Seoraksan National Park to embark our hike to the highest peak within the park. The Daecheongbong Peak, stands at 1,708 metres above sea level is also the third highest peak in Korea. The trail to the summit with wooden and stone steps ascends continuously through the forest. Hike past Seorak Falls which serves a halfway mark before you reach Daecheongbong Peak. Enjoy the views and savour your lunch at the summit.

Descend via Yangpok Shelter. As you descend and past impressive rock formations, the route gets intertwined with countless terrain rock steps and numerous purposed built walkways but you will be distracted with amazing views in sight. Peaks rose impressively below, sometimes with clouds filled the valleys like steam and engulfed the peaks like cotton candy.

Once again, you will see the Giant Buddha statue at the foot where the Seorakdong Information Centre is located nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Delphino Sonomoon Resort, or similar

Hiking Duration: est. 10 – 12 hours     Hiking Distance: approx. 17 KM

Elevation: est. +1,274 M / -1,525 M

Day 05 – Sokcho – Seoul

A relaxed start this morning for our journey to Seoul.

Take a walk through Wondaeri Birch Forest – a stunning nature sanctuary lushed with over 690,000 birch trees and scenic walking trails. Immerse in the tranquility with the tall white bark tree trunks raising towards the contrasting blue sky as we explore the forest in 3 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: Sotetsu Hotel Splasir Seoul Myeongdong, or similar

Note: an alternative recovery walk experience to another attraction may be offered if majority of the hikers in the group are not in their good form for Wondaeri Birch Forest.

Day 06 – Depart Seoul

Depart at your own timing for your onward arrangement/flight back home. Or simply rest and relax until official check out time, 12 PM and the tour concludes.

Meals: Breakfast

Pre & post stay extension in Seoul is available, starting from SGD 58 per person per night. More details under Notes.

REMARKS

~ Non – refundable deposit, SGD 100 is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ minimum group size: 8 hikers to go. Maximum group size: 16 hikers.

~ Please only book your air ticket to Seoul, South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply your visa HERE if you require.

~ All visitors are now required to sign up for Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation before your departure. An application fee will be levied at the time of application.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights/experiences are subject to weather conditions that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see autumn colours, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Because hiking requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ If hiker presents difficulty in completing Ulsanbawi, we reserve the right to disallow the hiker from attempting Daecheongbong Peak with the top priority on the safety of the hiker and the team in mind. There is no refund on this portion of the trip. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the free day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense.

~ We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be hiking, running or walking). At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (3 – 5 KG) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Attempt the forested trails in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in loops of 1, 2, 3 and more to intensify your training regime as the trip draws near. Walk the trail from MacRitchie Reservoir to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve a few times, incorporating Tree Top Walk to get used to long distance walking.

~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ All hikers need to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes). Participants may be denied hiking if not dressed appropriately.

~ Option to extend your stay in Seoul or other parts in South Korea.

~ Pre and post accommodation in Seoul can be organised. The designated 4* hotel, Sotetsu Hotel Splasir Seoul Myeongdong or similar is available from SGD 58 (no breakfast) per person per night in twin sharing room and from SGD 116 per person per night in single room.

~ For hikers who are travelling alone and has opted for twin sharing basis, Travel Wander will do our utmost to pair you with another hiker of the same gender to share the room. If this is not possible, hiker is required to top up the difference for a single room. Should you choose not to go on this trip, there is no refund to the deposit paid.

~ Travel Wander recommends that all travellers booked on this trip to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. To cover any amendment, postponement and/or cancellation fees, travellers are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance which includes extensive coverage on (not limited to) travel cancellation/interruption especially CoVID-19 related.

~ Travel Wander’s booking terms & conditions apply. By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the booking terms & conditions, privacy policy and acceptance of risk as set out on our website.

~ In the event of cancellation, the following will apply unless otherwise stated:

• cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of trip and/or experience: loss of deposit.
• cancellation received 59 – 30 days before departure of trip and/or experience: 50% of the cost of the trip and/or experience.
• cancellation received 29 – 14 days before departure of trip and/or experience: 75% of the cost of the trip and/or experience.
• cancellation less than 14 days before departure of trip and/or experience: 100% cancellation.

~ In the event of amendment, the following will apply unless otherwise stated:

• after trip booking/travel arrangement is confirmed, SGD50 amendment fee per person per change.
• less than 30 days prior to departure, it will be considered as cancellation and cancellation fees will apply.

~ Cancellation/Amendment pertaining to flight booking arranged through Travel Wander:

• any amendment or cancellation to flight booking after ticket issuance, subject strictly to Airlines’ conditions and cancellation fee, in addition to the service fee levied by Travel Wander.

~ Payment modes are electronic bank transfer, PayNow, cheque, cash or cash deposit through automated machine only. Deposit is to be made via bank transfer or PayNow. Balance payment can be made via credit card.