December 26: Seoraksan National Park

We made the short drive from our hotel to Seoraksan National Park, where we did an easy trek to Biseondae Rock.  As noted in the literature provided to us, “Biseondae, which means ‘flying fairy platform,’ was derived from the legend of a fairy who ascended to heaven while lying down on Waseondae Rock and admiring the area’s beautiful scenery. At this location, you can see Mireukbong Peak (also known as Janggunbong Peak), Hyeongjebong Peak, and Seonnyeobong.  From here, I made the steep 0.6 km hike to Geumganggul Cave, which required some strenuous work up man made rock and metal stairs on the back of Mireukbong Peak.  The effort was worth it as you were rewarded with spectacular views of the other peaks as well as the valley below.  

After getting our natural endorphin high for the day, we decided that it was time for lunch at an extremely popular establishment named Kim Youngae. It was another restaurant with very limited options on the menu – this spot actually only had one (Sundubu) besides the tasty side dishes (dried cod marinated in Korean spicy sauce & the best cucumber kimchi I’ve ever tasted).  Sundubu, a dish made with freshly curdled soft tofu, is another example of a soothing Korean comfort food.  This meal was a close second to the one – kalguksu (beef noodle soup) -- we had at Myeongdong Kyoja, which as you might recall only had four items on their menu.