I’m back in Korea for winter vacation! I kicked off my visit with a short hike up to Ulsanbawi at Seoraksan (Seorak Mountain).

Ulsanbawi means Ulsan Rock. “Bawi” means rock. It’s located at an elevation of 873 meters. Ulsanbawi is actually made of six large rock peaks. The tour guide sign says that its name comes from it resembling a fence, although I’ve been told there are lots of different legends about how it got its name.

On the way up to Ulsanbawi is Hondul Bawi (translated as a Logan Stone or a Rocking Stone), which is very popular. The course itself is not that difficult, and I’ve been told that many schools take their students on a field trip up to the Rocking Stone, which is about half-way up the mountain.

The Rocking Stone is a large stone that was created by erosion. No matter how hard someone pushes, it doesn’t fall down. So, it’s popular for everyone to give it a nudge and see if they can push it down.

This was the second time on this course for me. I went there last fall for the first time. I remember it being super windy that day, and quite chilly at the top. I overprepared a bit this time, with insulated boots and a heavy parka. But, this time, the weather was great. It was sunny and not windy at all. I ended up storing my heavy jacket in my backpack for the hike up. The weather was great, the air pollution was low, and the view out to Sokcho (the sea) was great!

The hike overall took about 4.5 hours, and that included lots of picture-taking and a snack of some delicious kimbab and hot coffee when we got to the peak. Our pace was very leisurely, as we took time to enjoy the sights.

Seoraksan is probably my favorite park to visit in Korea. I wish I could have made it out here in the fall, since that’s the best time to visit. Maybe next year :)