Sorak-sanmaek Things to Do

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Sinheungsa Temple is a short 10min walk away from the Sorak Park entrance hence many visit because of its close proximity to it. Sinheungsa is a temple which used to be called Hyangseongsa. On the path to Sinheungsa, there is a great bronze statue called Bronze Jwabul Statue, which is well over 10 meters high. Just beyond the statue, which is on a granite terrace, there is a bridge to the right called Hyeonsugyo, which was newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the bridge there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you can enter the temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon), placed on either side.

Opens: 4:00am~7:00pm
Admission fee is provided in the entrance fee of Mount Sorak national park

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Cross a bridge called Hyeonsugyo then past it, there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you can enter the temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon), placed on both sides. The Buddhist statues at Sinheungsa were placed here during the founding days of Seongjeongsa, and includes the statues Mireukbosal, Gwaneumbosal, Seji, etc. which were sculpted by Uisang Daesa. The buildings which were built during that time are still standing, like the sanctuary, main temple, Myeongbujeon, Bojaeru, and Chilseonggak, etc. There is also an important cultural property, Treasure No. 443, called Hyangseongsaji, a three-story stone tower.

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Sinheungsa is located 10 minutes walking distance from Sogongwon ticket counter, and many people visit because of its proximity to Sogongwon and hence this is part 3 of our trek to it, with the main gate entrance.

The primary religions in Korea are Christianity and Buddhism.

Despite it's late arrival in Korea, Christianity is the primary religion of about 21% of the total population. Christian churches and cathedrals are common throughout the land. South Korea has the second highest rate of Christianity in eastern Asia, with the Philippines being first. Christianity in Korea is usually associated with modern reformist thinkers.

Buddhism, not surprisingly, comes in a close second in Korean religion with about 20 % of the population. Buddhist temples are typically beautiful, secluded compounds high in the mountains, though a few are located within the cities. Buddhism is Korea is typically associated with conservative, old fashioned thinking.

Seoraksan is a good place to experience some of Korea's Buddhist culture with many temples and statues of Buddha.

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After Having been Refreshed in the Hot Springs of your hotel, then you can indulge in Drinking Party with your buddy in your room since there is no nitelife in the resort! you can buy liquors and foodstuffs at the 24 hour convenience store in the resort and cook the foodstuffs in your room!

Kanpai!

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after a tiring hike into Mount Sorak National Park, what is more better than to indulge yourself at a hot resort spa and pool in your hotel to sooth your body! This is in Daemyung Sorak Resort located at the border of Sokcho and Kosong-dong!

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There are three differing views on the name of Ulsanbawi. Some says that it looks like a fence and its name was copied from Ulsan of Gyeongsangnam-do. Later, the Korean term of crying mountain was transliterated into Chinese characters. Because of the way the whole mountain reverberates the sound of thunder in rain, it is also called Cheonhusan.

Ulsanbawi is composed of 6 granite peaks, with a girth of 4Km. It is about 4Km to the top, which takes about 2 hours, and when you pass by Sinheungsa and take the wide path for 10 minutes, there is a bridge leading to a lone path. On the right, past the bridge is Anyangam. 25 minutes past that spot is the Naewonam, and from this resting area, it takes another 10 minutes (about 300m) to get to Gyejoam. In Gyejoam, which is under a large and round rock, there is a large boulder, which can be rocked back and forth by a single person. Gyejoam is a small Buddhist temple built from natural stone cave, and you can look up at the view of Ulsanbawi when you stand in front of the rocking boulder. If you take the steep path, about 500 m past Gyejoam, you can finally reach Ulsanbawi, reputed to be the largest single rock in the Orient. It is 950m high with cliffs on all sides, and there is a 808-step metal bridge which allows anyone to easily reach the summit.

Admission is included in the Entrance fee to Sorak National Park

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Again we were disapointed since it was raining and foggy so we didn't see the spectacular views here. A Consolation is that you can hang around here and enjoy the cold air and then buy food and drinks at the cable car station, located 200 meters below the peak.