So this is how they define dangerous. It really
was dangerous. And the weather made it even worse.
If it wasn't for the rails, this bit would be a
technical climb. There are no steps for the most
part so you really have to hang on to the rails
to pull yourself up and lower yourself down. This
route is definitely not for beginners... unless
they're suicidal. I also wouldn't recommend this
route on weekends... unless it's a crappy weather
like today.
This
park is a Guiness holder for being the busiest National Park.
Some part of the ridge can only accommodate one person at a
time. You'll be waiting long for your turn.
(2) These are Jaunbong (left) and Sinseondae Peaks.
The route up to Sinseondae starts from the col.
The route up to Jaunbong starts with common sense.
The
final ascent to Sinseondae is still not easy but ropes are
in place to assist hikers.
This is Lee. I met him at the top and we descended the mountain
together via Dobongsan Station Route. Him and his colleague
invited me for dinner and drinks afterwards. Koreans are really
nice people.
(2) Jaunbong Peak is behind us on this photo.
It took me 45mins from Chukso Peak.
This view is what I missed on my hike to Baegundae
Peak a couple of days ago. I didn't think this mountain
would impress me because of it being close to Seoul, but the
view was very beautiful.
(2) Baegundae Peak rises from behind.
(1)
This is a close-up look at Jaunbong Peak.
(2) Here's the Jaunbong/Sinseondae col. Podae Ridge is to
the left and the route to or from Dobongsan Station is on
the right.
(1)
About halfway down, we met with a bunch of hikers drinking makeli
on this lookout.
It seems to me that city men drink soju, mountain men drink
makeli.
(2) One wonders what is this cat doing on the mountain. Could
it be wild?
This
is Cheonchuksa Temple. It is the oldest temple here in Bukhansan
National Park.
Our total descent time down to Dobongsan trailhead was 1:30hrs.
It would probably take 2hrs to ascend the summit from Dobongsan.
The trail here is relatively easy and I would recommend the
newbies to use this trail rather than using the Podae Ridge
route.
