Hiking in Picturesque South Korea, 6 days

Be in awe by the beautiful autumn colours in the forests when you embark on various hiking trails around South Korea.

Jeongseon County is in the province of Gangwon-do where the famous traditional Korean folksong Arirang originates from. This county has beautiful mountain ranges that is used as ski trails during winter time, and hiking trails for all other seasons. See the array of colours along the trails as you hike.

Seoraksan is the third highest mountain in South Korea and attract many visitors all year round. However, the best season to visit is autumn, as the autumn colours in the area is considered one of the most beautiful in South Korea. In August 1982, Seoraksan National Park is designated as a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve.

Trip Duration: 6 days

Interested in this trip? Itinerary can be customised according to your needs. < MAKE AN ENQUIRY > and our Active Travel Specialists will get in touch with you.

Itinerary

Key Highlights
~ visit Arari Village for glimpse of ancient Korean way of life;

~ explore HwaAm Cave, Asia’s largest limestone cave;

~ visit Jecheon traditional market;

~ hike Hanuelgil’s Elk Trail 1 and 2;

~ water park hot spring experience;

~ café hopping along Gangneung “Anmok Beach” Coffee Street;

~ hike the various scenic trails of Seoraksan National Park;

~ cultural temple stay experience;

~ cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress.

Day 1 Incheon – Jeongseon County

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, our transfer will leave the airport for Jeongseon County at 9.30 AM.

Arriving Jeongseon, visit the Arari Village for a glimpse of how traditional Korean way of life used to be like. Explore Asia’s largest limestone cave, HwaAm Cave, which used to be the fifth most productive gold mine in Korea. Our last stop will be Jecheon Traditional Market, the liveliest market in Jecheon with lots of local street food and shopping available.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Jeongseon

Day 2 Jeongseon County

Hike Hanuelgil’s Elk Trail 1 and 2, followed by dipping in the Water Park Hot Spring. On this trail, see beautiful autumn foliage and there are a few viewing points where you can capture the beautiful changing colours of the forest. You may also see several hundred species of wild flowers and rare alpine plants as you hike along the route.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Jeongseon

Hiking Distance: 9.2 KM approx.

Day 3 Jeongseon County – Gyeongpo

Pick up our bicycles and cycle along Gangneung “Anmok Beach” Coffee Street. This street is known for its many quirky cafes and Anmok Beach was used as a film setting for the famous Korean television drama, Goblin. Spend your day café hopping whilst taking part in a photo hunt mini competition specially arranged to inject some element of fun. There are prizes to be won! For those who can’t cycle, It’s alright! You can still cafe hop and take part in the photo hunt.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Gangneung

Day 4 Gyeongpo – Seoraksan National Park

Our hiking journey will continue in Seoraksan National Park. Seoraksan is a popular mountain in the Taebaek Mountain range and offers one of the most beautiful sceneries of South Korea. Our hike starts toward Ulsanbawi Rock which is composed of six 4-km wide granite peaks. From here, see the gorgeous scenery of Seorak Mountain, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir from the top.

Continue hiking towards Biryong Waterfall. The falling water looks very much like dragons flying up towards the sky, which is why it was given the name Biryong (flying dragon).

Experience a unique stay in Sinheungsa Temple located just at the entrance of Seoraksan National Park. Share your hiking experience with your roommates as you experience communal living for a night.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: temple stay, Seoraksan

Day 5 Seoraksan National Park – Seoul

In the morning, follow the monks on their daily routine for a glimpse into what their life in the temple is like. This cultural experience exchange programme will allow you to try some of the temple activities like bell ringing, yoga exercise and more.

This afternoon, if weather permits, take a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress. This fortress lies 800 metres above sea level in the middle of Seoraksan National Park. It is your last opportunity to capture the view of the mountain before we leave the national park for our transfer to Seoul.

Upon arrival in Seoul, the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Day 6 Depart Seoul

The day is free at leisure. Rest and relax or explore your surroundings before checking out at 11.00 AM. Make your own way to the airport either by airport bus or the train.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ arrival airport transfer from Incheon International Airport at scheduled timing;

~ 5 nights accommodation;

~ 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners;

~ bicycle & helmet rental on day 3;

~ service of English=Speaking Hiking Guide;

~ service of bilingual (English & Mandarin) Travel Wander Trip Facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air travel to South Korea;

~ visa application, if applicable;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for Guide and Driver;

~ anything not mentioned in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of the total tour value is required at the time of booking.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Republic of 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. Apply HERE.

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

~ If you are not able to cycle, you may take the coach on day 3.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (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.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Because hiking requires a 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.

~ Trip grading is an indication of 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 are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ 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 Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking
Country	Korea
Hiking Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner, Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	10 – October, 11 – November

Hiking in Picturesque South Korea, 6 days