11 November 2014
This is part 2 of the post describing our hike from Biseondae Rock to Geumganggul Cave.
Once passed the ranger station, the trail became steeper. The incline was about 30 to 40 degrees up a rocky path half submerged in fallen autumn leaves.
We took a break with a Snickers Bar that provided the needed energy as we tackled the steep trail.
Although the distance was only 600m according to the route markers, it seemed longer than that. We took frequent breaks to rest our legs.
The small dark spot in the middle of the towering rock face in the photo above is the Geumganggul Cave.
We were overtaken by a few fellow hikers, mostly Koreans. The Koreans loved hiking and they must be doing this regularly and are much fitter than us. Even the elderly Koreans overtook us on the way.
Taking a break and enjoying the views. We were about halfway up.
About halfway up the trail to the cave, we were overtaken by a Korean couple while we rested. Soon after, they called down from above us to offer us some chocolate bars. We politely declined since we had brought some ourselves. They waited for us to catch up with them and gave us an Korean apple. Such nice people. Korean apples are known to be juicy and sweet. This one tasted even sweeter since it was given with kindness and friendship.
Korean couple above us on the trail stopped, waited for us to catch up, and give us an apple.
Gift from a nice couple.
Paying it forward – we gave a piece of the apple to this little squirrel who was searching for food to store for the coming winter.
We soon came a marker and a closer view of our objective. Just some 200m to go. But this was 200m of steeper uphill climb. This part of the climb consisted of a combination of metal stairs and rock stairs cut into the side of the cliff.
Just some 200m to go. But this is 200m of steeper uphill climb.
Geumganggul Cave, our objective, in sight.
Start of stairs leading to the Geumganggul Cave.
View of the surrounding mountain as we went up the stairs. “Nothing below us, above us only sky.”
Steep stone stairs with shaky safety barriers at one point.
We could see how far we have come. The Cheonbuldong Valley (where Biseondae Rock is located) could be seen at the background.
Huffing and puffing up the stairs. We could take our time since not many people on this day.
The final staircase leading to a small level platform just beneath the cave.
As we reached the platform just below the cave, we met the nice Korean couple again. They were on their way down. They offered to help us take some photos on this narrow metal platform. They were even telling us where to pose to get the best photos.
Nice view of Seorak mountains near to the Geumganggul Cave.
I was extra careful when handling my camera phone. It is a long way down to Cheonbuldong Valley at the bottom.
We were standing on this narrow metal platform attached to the side of a rock cliff. Not good for anyone who is afraid of heights….like me!
Last steep stair to the entrance of the cave.
Saying goodbye to the couple, we went up the final part of the metal stairs that led to the cave itself. This part is steep, like going up a ship’s ladder.
We were welcomed by a man (not sure if he is a monk) sitting on a table in the cave. The cave is about the size of a small hotel room. There is a statue of Buddha at the end of the cave. After coming all this way, I decided to make a small donation and bought a bag of rice from the man as an offering.
We took time to rest our legs on cushions placed on the one side of the cave and enjoy the views. Took a sip from the natural spring which is trickling down on one side of the wall of the cave. Occasionally, we can hear the howl of strong wind outside…. followed by calm.
If anyone needs a place of solitude, to clear your head and meditate, this would be it.
I believe this are notes containing visitors’ wishes, hanging on the roof of the cave.
Small resting area with cushions for visitors.
A platform for meditation and contemplation at the mouth of the cave. Nice views of the mountains and valley below.
Natural spring water trickling down the side of the cave.
We would love to stay here a little longer but we need to be heading back before it gets too late. A young Mexican girl soon joined us a the cave. She speaks little English. We decided to start our journey back.
Going down the steep stairs just outside the cave was not for anyone with fear of heights. We carefully made our way down to the platform. As we were heading off, her companions, an elderly Korean couple came up along the way. We greeted them, squeezed past each other on the metal platform outside cave and continued on our journey down.
Going down the steep slope and stairs was a strain on our tired legs. Although no more huffing and puffing, compared to coming up here, it was jelly legs all over again as we slowly made our way down.
The Mexican girl and her Korean couple companions soon overtook us. We chatted a little and found that she is a “relative” of the couple. The elderly Korean couple were her brother’s girlfriend parents apparently.
More photos of our journey down from the caves.
Many of these squirrels were seen scurrying around near the trail.
These berries are in interesting colour of purple.
Back at Cheonbuldong Valley.
Last look at the cave from the valley below.
Back on the flat and level trail again. Getting darker and more chilly.
We were probably the last ones on the trail going down from the cave to the valley below. Soon, we were back at the Cheonbuldong Valley and alone on the trail back.
I did not noticed this “natural rock bridge” on the way to the Biseondae Rock earlier. On the way back, I saw this couple taking photos of this rock that is wedged between two big rocks over the stream.
Natural rock bridge over a stream.
These 2 Korean hikers were walking at 3 times our speed.
Why walk so fast when there is so much to see and photograph?
We were back finally back at start of the trail and ideal time for a “tea break”. We only had Snickers bar, an apple and water for lunch so any warm food would be welcomed. But this cafe only served cakes and drinks.
Coffee shop within Seoraksan Park, at the start of the Biseondae Rock Trail.
On the way out of the park, I could not resist shooting more pictures of the surroundings. By now, the park was pretty deserted.
We walked past this gate marking the entrance to the Sinheungsa temple area a few times in the last 2 days. Finally, I took a photo of it, without the crowds.
Where we stayed for 3 days while visiting Mount Seorak National Park:
Kensington Stars Hotel is the hotel closest to the entrance of Seoraksan National Park and a few minutes walk to the park entrance. The bus terminal just outside the park provides convenient access to the nearby Sokcho city.
Beatles fans would be thrilled by the hotel’s Abbey Road Sky Lounge featuring some original Beatles memorabilia.
