Mt. Sorak

The crisp air was cool on my cheeks but I could feel beads of sweat begin to dot my forehead as I struggled to keep my balance. That was quite a feat considering I was walking across the face of a rock mountain. My ankles were bent in an odd position as I tried to keep my soles flat on the trail, which was inclined at about 60 degrees. Add to that a healthy fear of heights, then we have a real challenge. My goal? A clearing about half a mile away.

The crisp air was cool on my cheeks but I could feel beads of sweat begin to dot my forehead as I struggled to keep my balance. That was quite a feat considering I was walking across the face of a rock mountain. My ankles were bent in an odd position as I tried to keep my soles flat on the trail, which was inclined at about 60 degrees. Add to that a healthy fear of heights, then we have a real challenge. My goal? A clearing about half a mile away.

No, this wasn’t Mount Everest in Nepal, but to a person used to walking on flat surfaces, Mt. Sorak in South Korea was the closest I could get to actual mountain climbing.

Situated in the picturesque Kangwondo province, Mt. Sorak is regarded as one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations. Even the locals flock there for a breath of fresh air or to ski during the winter months. It attracts about five million visitors a year.

Along with Mt. Kumgang in North Korea, Mt. Sorak is regarded as one of the most beautiful mountains in the country. It has mysterious-looking rock formations, refreshing waterfalls, beautiful valleys, and hot springs.

The adventure begins as you enter the gates of the Mt. Sorak National Park. The whole complex houses restaurants, temples, resthouses, and souvenir shops sprawled across several hectares. The park grounds that open immediately after the entryway is wide enough to give you agoraphobia. Although you can take the whole day just to explore the park grounds, the highlight of a visit to the park is mountain climbing.

Visitors take a 15-minute cable car ride to reach the first of many view decks on top of the mountain. From inside the cab, you will already be rewarded with breathtaking views of lush forests below. At the cable car station, people can have refreshments and enjoy the scenic landscape. But, those who want to go higher have to climb a series of steps going to one of Mt. Sorak’s peaks. This is where your stamina and balance are most needed.

The first steps of the climb are relatively easy as there are footholds carved into the mountain side. However, as you go farther, there are only steel pipes to hang onto as you make your way up. Sometimes, you have to scramble on your hands and knees just to go forward.

The trail becomes steeper and as physics will tell you, your body will begin to feel heavier because of the altitude. (I was a little nervous wearing only a newly-bought pair of rubber shoes that had little traction on the soles. But when I saw a girl in front of me wearing heeled boots, I knew I was doing okay!)

After the huffing and puffing, you will finally reach another view deck. It was autumn when I was at Mt. Sorak so I should have been awarded a view of the trees turning into burnished gold. Unfortunately, there was a thick fog that covered the whole landscape that day. Otherwise, you would feel as if looking forward into eternity. I was told the view is magical during winter time.

Aside from mountain climbing, visitors go to Mt. Sorak to pray. To set the meditative atmosphere, the teachings of Buddha are broadcast over loudspeakers. You could also visit one of the numerous Buddhist temples located around the park.

Surrounding one of the new temples is a complex which used to be the site of an original temple that stood there 1,300 years ago. Upon entering the complex, you will be greeted by four gigantic, colorful, fierce-looking icons which represent the four devil kings that protect the temple. It is said people with evil spirits or bad intentions cannot pass there.

Inside the main temple is a huge golden statue of Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas (souls who have already achieved nirvana or the state of bliss but decided to go back to earth and help other souls). You will notice numerous lotus-shaped paper lanterns suspended from the ceiling. The lanterns represent people’s petitions. If it is closer to Buddha, it is more expensive.

Also located at the complex are stores that sell souvenir and Buddhist prayer beads. Just across it is a fountain that spouts water coming from the mountain. The water is sweet and surprisingly refreshing. It is also believed to make people younger – South Korea’s very own Fountain of Youth.

The most number of people go to Mt. Sorak on January 1 to see the first sunrise and to pray for the New Year.