This Saturday, March 26, we will go hiking to Sapaesan in the northern part of Bukhansan National Park. It's not so high, just 552 meters. Compared with our recent hikes, however, this trail is fairly steep (many man-made wooden steps) but this means the walk itself will be shorter and allow us to take plenty of rests.
The name Sapae is originated from a story that King Seon-jo bestowed this mountain to his daughter, Princess Jeong-hui upon her marriage. The area surrounds a buddhist temple, Hoe-ryongsa, which means embracing the dragon. We will stop by this temple which stands by the entrance of the mountain and then hike to the peak and move toward Dobongsan (and also descend in that direction).
How to get there: Line 1, Hoe-ryong Station near Uijeongbu
Where to meet: Inside the station, near the ticket office
When: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 26
What we will do: Hike from Hoeryong Station up Sapaesan and then return by a different route, Dobongsan. Time (and energy) permitting, we could head down in the direction of Songchu Valley (out of Seoul, between Uijeongbu and Gupabal). We will have a meal together at a nearby neighborhood after the hike.
Cost: Each person will pay for their own meal. (W15,000 ~ W20,000)
Please email sihclub@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Please try to be on time and if you are running significantly late, phone Jeongho Park at 016-246-9261.
Please wear proper hiking footwear and be prepared for a range of possible weather conditions.
Cancellation policy: We will not cancel hikes due to inclement weather. Coordinators of the hikes will go to the meeting place and we will try to arrange an alternative activity (likely cultural in nature) if hiking is not possible. You are, of course, not obligated to attend.
Thank you for your interest,
Trip to Cheongsando Island on Next Saturday and Sunday
Saturday night, April 2, we will take a late-night chartered bus from Seoul and go on an overnight trip to Cheongsando Island at Wando county in Jeollanamdo (South Jeolla Province) from early Sunday morning.
Cheongsan Island of Wando County, South Jeolla Province is the beutiful island designated as a Cittaslow by the committee. The word ``cheongsando'' literally means a smiling mountain in green. It takes 50 minutes to get there from Wando Port, and as soon as tourists step onto the island, they can find a unique scene of barley fields, the crystal clear ocean and ancient stone walls.
Sanseo Village is a small village surrounded by traditional a stone wall. The ancient walls, designated as Registered Cultural Heritage No. 279, make a picture perfect backdrop, and visitors can also learn of ancient wisdom, such as ``gudlejang non,'' a farming technique in which fields are covered with stones and dirt for better use. Thanks to the traditional folklore and atmosphere, many film directors and drama producers have used the island for their productions, including for the film ``Seopyeonje'' (1993) and the popular television series ``Spring Waltz'' (2006, KBS).
We expect to be back in Seoul late Sunday night around 20:30 p.m. Note that there is no separate accommodation for this trip. You will have to try and get as much sleep as you can during the bus ride down to Wando (which takes about 5 hours from Seoul). The county of Wanddo is placed in the South Sea National Park (the county famous for abalone and sea weeds).
When: Saturday night (22:40) April 2 to Sunday evening (8:30 p.m.) April 3.
Time and places to take our chartered bus: Saturday night, April 2
22:00 p.m. Exit 10, Nowon Stn. (Lines 4 and 7)
22:50 p.m. Exit 7, Yangjae Stn. (Line 3) bus stop in front of Seocho-gu District Hall.
Cost: 70,000 won (traffic fare including round-trip busfare and ferry boat for the island, Sunday morning meal) +30,000 (for your meals and personal expenses)
If you plan to attend, please e-mail sihclub@gmail.com to reserve your seat by 6 p.m. Saturday, March 26.
Further information will be provided regarding payments. There are 15 seats available for our club.
Cancellation policy: We will not cancel hikes due to inclement weather. Coordinators of the hikes will go to the meeting place and try to arrange an alternative activity (like a walk within the city), if hiking is not possible. You are, of course, not obligated to attend the changed schedules.
Coordinators
Seoul International Hikers Club
