When I visited South Korea, this is the area I most anticipated. I really wanted to see this mountainous area more remote to the rest of the country. Turns out it wasn't so remote as I thought.
Easily accessible by tour buses and local vacationers, this place was crowded! Not what I expected. But, to be fair, I was unfortunate enough to say my hello to the mountain on a Korean holiday. It's hard not to when it seemed like they occurred daily!
I was unaware before my visit this was popular among K-Something (Pop/Drama?) and everyone in Asia seems crazy for that stuff. I tried watching some K-drama while there, but, beside not speaking the language, it was far too dramatic for my taste. Oh well, back to the mountain,...
Before I went to the the mountain I took a walk in the woods first. This was actually quite nice and provided a moment of solitude in an otherwise chaotic environment.
I had a choice to walk up the mountain which would have been about 45 minutes as I remember, or take the gondola. After just walking the woods, I decided it was best for my back to take the easy route. For only about $8 USD it was a short 6 minutes to the top (well, not really the top, but good viewing area).
Happy tourists returning from the top. I waved in true friendly American style and they returned the gesture.
We were packed tight in the cable car (is a cable car and a gondola the same?), but I was fortunate to get a front window view. Here is a view during the ascent.
More views on the 6 minute climb:
I made it! Now views from the top:
When you exit the gondola, there is a viewing platform. I spent only a few minutes there, then a five minute walk to a rocky open viewing area
This area is where most of the people went to take their pictures:
For good reason, it provided the most dramatic views!
This area of South Korea is easy access from Seoul. Only a little more than 2 hours drive gives nearly 19 million Seoul residents access.
I spent maybe 20 minutes here then back down. Too crowded for my taste.
At the bottom, a nice family from Indonesia asked me to join them and offered to buy me a coffee. I gladly took the opportunity to socialize about 20 minutes with them:
His name was Robert and his wife's name was Happy (real name). I don't recall the son's name.
Upon exiting the park the cars were lined up for about 1/2 mile or more (1 km). This is one busy place on a holiday!
This is a beautiful place but did not meet my expectations. It is far too commercialized with the kiosks touting to the many tourists who arrive. I didn't realize how close to Seoul it is, therefore such easy access.
South Korea is really not a very large country in size. With 52 million people on this small "island" (it really is an island since North Korea cuts off land access), there's a limited number of tourist areas available to them by land. Even Jeju in their country requires boat or plane to visit.
Absolutely beautiful countryside. I think it’s great how you engage with people on your travels. 👏👏👏
What was your altitude at the top of the mountain's. I was thinking hiking for 45 minutes might be around maybe 1000 to 1500ft. This was quite picturesque looks like being at the top of Cadillac Mountain. Tourist scurrying around to get pictures taking in the view. I truly enjoy the interaction with other foreigners or locals.