Sobaek-sanmaek Travel Guide

 victorwkf Says:  The reward for the 6-7km trek (or climb) one way is reaching the summit of Birobong Peak at about 1430 metres above sea level. There is a stone monument here that marks the summit as well as some seats for you to rest and admire the sceneries (too bad it was cloudy when I... 

 victorwkf Says:  After leaving the half-way rest stop, this section of the trek is tougher as it is steeper and the path is rocky and narrower. Do take your time and be carefully of slipping from the rocks. If you are tired, rest for a while and continue (you have enough time to make it to... 

 victorwkf Says:  After the first 1-1.5km of easy walk, the next 1-1.5km or so will be tougher as the terrain is more steep. Take your time, walk slowly and enjoy the scenery especially in autumn season.The trail is wide, so no problems here. After about 2 hours walk, you should reach the... 

 victorwkf Says:  The first 1-1.5 km is rather simple and terrain is rather flat. The trail is wide along the mountain stream, and you need to cross a few wide bridges. Enjoy the scenery here. 

 victorwkf Says:  After walking about 200-300 metres from the park entrance via a well-laid path through the bridge and Darian Waterfalls, you will reach the park headquarters area. You can get maps of the various trekking trails here, as well as get some brochures and even sign a guestbook.... 

 victorwkf Says:  There is a bridge you need to cross to view the Darian Waterfalls and get to the Sobaeksan National Park headquarters area, which you would officially start your trek (or hike) up to Birobong Peak.The surrounding views from this bridge is very amazing, especially the... 

 victorwkf Says:  The best and cheapest way to reach Sobaeksan National Park from Danyang town is to take the bus. The bus interval is about 1 hour and it costs less than US$1 per trip. Total time is about 30 minutes which will send you right in front of the park entrance to the national... 

 victorwkf Says:  When trekking up Birobong Peak, do take note of the followings:- This is not a simple walk, so you must be reasonbly fit.- Wear proper attire, especially good trekking shoes.- Bring raingear along, as the weather can change quickly.- Bring along enough water and some food,... 

 victorwkf Says:  Attached are more maps and signages:- Map of the mountains which is located on top of Birobong Peak.- Photos of the pink Azalea plants near the summit which bloom during summer.- Map of the park entrance area. 

 victorwkf Says:  Towards the top of Birobong Peak, there is an interesting and weird tree bark as shown in this photo. There is a signage explaining what this is, but unfortunately it is in Korean language which I do not understand :-) 

 victorwkf Says:  Along the trail up to Birobong Peak, there are toilets at the first 3km as well as at the halfway rest stop (see "restaurant" tip).Also, there are benches and resting pavillions along the way. If you are really tired, you can simply rest anywhere next to the trail so it is... 

 victorwkf Says:  During the trek up Birobong Peak, the trail is along a mountain stream with nice running water which is good for photography. However, I am not sure whether the water here is safe enough for drinking, though I think it probably is :-) 

 victorwkf Says:  Attached are more photos of the various maps and signages of Sobaeksan National Park. Overall, things are very well organised here. You will be OK as long as you do not wonder off the main trail. 

 victorwkf Says:  Maps and signages are plenty at Sobaeksan National Park to guide climbers and provide information. They can be divided into the followings:- Direction signs which tell you the various trails and distance.- Educational boards on the local flora and fauna.- Information on the... 

 victorwkf Says:  About 1.5km into the trek up Birobong Peak, there is an area with lots of tall trees are shown in the photos. The trees are very beautiful especially during autumn when their leaves turn to yellow colour.