NORTH KOREA
It was the 18th of November in 1998 when the first cruise ship carrying 3.000 passengers docked at Goseong Port in the eastern coast of North Korea that outside people have been able to marvel at the Mt. Geumgang. But the tour is suspended as of the 13th of July, 2008.Geumgangsan A 1 day
Tour Highlights
- Guryongyeon Trekking
- Samil Lagoon
Goseong - Geumgangsan - Seoul (L D) 430km
Upon collecting tour pass at Goseong, board a tour bus at 08:00 and with immigration and customs clearance behind, you cross the military demarcation into the North Korea..
After clearing North Korean immigration and customs, on to Geumgangsan. Today you will enjoy a pleasant half day trekking into the scenic Guryongyon trail. It is an easy yet moderate 9km trekking through one of the most beautiful valleys of the Geumgangsan.
Then, tour moves to an ancient temple site, Mokrangwan restaurant, Yangjidae rock bed, Samroksoo spring, Geumgangmun gate, a natural granite arch that allows the visitors to pass through, Okryudong valley screened by towering mountains with its crystal clear stream singing babbling songs under the lane of pine trees, Yeonjudam pool, Bibong waterfalls, Guryong waterfalls cascading 74 meters over a huge single granite, and finally Sangpaldam pools. The Guryong waterfalls roar into the 13 meter-deep pool. The three letters on the rock by the falls are Mireukbul, the Buddha of the Future. They are engraved in intaglio 3.6 meters wide and 19 meters high. After a short yet steep ascend over the ferro steps, you can enjoy a stunning view of the jade green eight pools of Sangpaldam, which feed the Guryong falls, and the spectacular peaks. With time to break, descend the same trail back to the Mokrangwan for our lunch.
This afternon, you will leisurely explore Samil Lagoon. Surrounded by 36 peaks, it is one of the eight most beautiful spots in the region. The lagoon is 8km in circumference and 9 to 13 meters deep. The lagoon is fringed with pine trees at water's edge and mirrors the surrounding mountains. Other attractions include the Waudo islet, four islets float upon the lagoon. Bongnaedae rock and Yeonhwadae pavilion from where you can view the North Korean village and sky-piercing peaks in the distance. After the tour, return this afternoon on a bus to Seoul.
