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 B 2 days
- Guryongyeon Trekking
- Samil Lagoon
- Manmulsan Trails
Day 1 Goseong - Geumgangsan (L D) 90km
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 in to the North Korea.
After clearing North Korean immigration and customs, on to Geumgangsan. Half day trekking into the scenic Guryongyon trails. It is an easy yet moderate 9kms trekking through one of the most beautiful valleys of the Geumgangsan. The trail leads you to the scenic spots, such as ancient temple site, Mokrangwan restaurant with its bridge set in the scenic valley, Yangjidae rock bed, Samroksoo spring, Kumgangmun 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 iron steps, you will marvel at 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 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.
Chongseokjeong, though it is not included in the tour, is another attraction in the area. Located about 36km north of the lagoon, an extraordinary rock formations rising singly or in clusters with rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal and other polygonal shapes catch the visitor's eyes. This magnificent rock column stretches 1km along the coastal line. Upon return to Onjeonggak, you will marvel at a marvelous North Korean acrobatic performance.
Day 2 Geumgangsan - Goseong - Seoul (B L) 350km
Following breakfast, you take a scenic 10km ride to Mangsangjeong from where you will enjoy yet strenuous trekking over Manmulsang trail. The tour takes you to the spectacular rocks holding mysterious legends, and scenic spots. About 10 minutes easy walk from the parking area is Samseonam, Rocks of Three Immortal Hermits. They stand majestically with Dokseonam, a Lone Immortal Hermit across from two others. Nearby is the Gwimyeonam, or demon-faced rock, which is within easy access.
Another 20 minutes ascend from Kwimmyonam is Jeolbuam, the rock trace axed by the woodcutter. A 30 meter-tall rock column next to the Jeolbuam is named seven-story pagoda. Another twenty five minute walk from Jeolbuam is Ansimdae cliff. After a short break here continue another fifteen minutes ascend to Cheonseondae, The Cliff of Heavenly Fairies. The scenery from this eerie cliff is gorgeous with the endless sharp ridges and the Rock Images of everything under the sun. From Cheonseondae, we make a back trip to Ansimdae cliff, and continue about another twenty minutes detour to Manyangdae cliff for an unobstructed view of Cheonseondae including entire range of valleys and cliffs, and the ocean spreading below. Then, return to Ansimdae cliff and descend the same trail back to the parking. Overall 5km long trekking is more challenging, but you will be compansated by its marvelous view and scenery. With time for lunch, head on to North Korean CIQ. Upon completion of exit formalities at about 14:30, return on a bus to the South.
