Seorak Mountain Sunrise

[starting point with beautiful weather]

Last weekend was another adventure with Mr. Kim. My second time to Seoraksan, using a different route to the top this time. We started at Han'gy-ryeong and hiked straight up from 900m to 1500m. Our pace was slow and it took about 7 hours to reach our shelter at Socheong-bong. The climb was up was easier compared to the route I took last time, and more direct. The 8 kilometer hike on Saturday was made memorable with rain and clouds. We didn't lay eyes on the the beautiful valley of Seoraksan until the next day. The sights were hidden from us beneath clouds, rain, and grey, making us question why exactly we kept taking the next step.

[french. american.swedish.]

At about 6:30 the sun set while Mr Kim kept telling us twenty more minutes, it was more accurately two hours to the shelter. The headlamps were light and the climbing continued, it was my favorite part of the hike. Traipsing through the dark, damp woods in silence; a rare moment in Korea. We began to hear voices from the shelter, we were greeted with a second team of climbers who had started the BBQ for the evenings dinner.The mountaineering Koreans had carried up gas burners and endless pounds of meat, rice, and curry to feed our hungry selves.

Then it was to bed, the women stayed in a shelter that is convenient store by day and sleeping accommodations by night. By the time I had made it to my sleeping space the blankets were long gone. I weaseled my way in between a couple of Koreans and fought their resentment all night for a bit of blanket. Alex's wake up call at 4:30 am was a blessing. The stars filled the sky; the cloud and fog of yesterday had cleared. The valley was waiting for us to discover it.

[love for seoraksan sunrise]

The head lamps were back on and we made our way for the highest peak. About as crowded as downtown Seoul, the peak at six am was the place to be. Everyone was waiting for the sun to come up over the edge. It's first glimpse was rewarded with a cheering crowd. The view was beautiful; the mountains became clear, you could see the rocky faces, the warm autumn colors and peaks and valleys for miles.

The route back down the mountain was a bit longer, 12k's but strolling along the stream the offered soothing sounds, waterfalls, and resting spots. Down and down again, we made it to the base where everyone reunited and piled back onto the bus.

Back to Seoul, and for once my residence in Anyang has proved beneficial. The bus driver was going that way so he offered to take me back. Instead of an hour subway trek I was chauffeured within two blocks of my apartment on a chartered bus, just me, the bus driver, and a 30” flat screen TV!