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 C 3 days
Tour Highlights
- Guryongyeon Trekking
- Manmulsang Trails
- Samil Lagoon
Day 1 Seoul - Goseong - Geumgangsan (D) 350km
Board tour bus either at Gwanghwamun or the Hyundai headquarters in Gye-dong at 07:30, and travel to Goseong where you collect your tour pass. After exit and entry formalities, continue your way to the hotel. Balance of the day at own pursuit.
Day 2 Geumgangsan (B L) Morning is planned for trekking over the scenic Guryongyeon trail. Overall 9km long round trip trail is relatively easy yet it is one of the most beautiful valleys of the Geumgangsan. The trekking leads to an ancient temple site, Mokrangwan restaurant with its bridge set in the scenic valley, Yangjidae rock bed, Samroksu 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 flowing pleasantly 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 can enjoy a stunning view of the jade green eight pools of Sangpaldam, which feed the Guryong falls, and the spectacular peaks. After a short 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 3 Geumgangsan - Goseong - Seoul (B L) 350km
Following the breakfast, you will take a scenic 10km ride to Mansangjeong 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 Gwimmyonam is Jeolbuam, the rock trace axed by the woodcutter. A 30 meter-tall rock column next to the Jeolbuam is namely seven-story pagoda. Another twenty five minute walk from Jeolbuam is the 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 incredible with the endless sharp ridges and the Rock Images of everything under the sun. Turn around at Cheonseondae back to the 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. Mangyangdae affords a sweeping view of the surrounding mountains as well as the East Sea and mountains on the southern side. Down to Ansimdae cliff and descend the same trail back to the parking. Overall 5km long trekking is tougher than two other previous ones, but Manmulsang trail is a must for its superb view and scenery. With time for lunch, exit formalities at about 14:30 and cross the military demarcation line into South Korea. Return on a bus to Seoul.
