Sobaeksan
Sobaeksan is a national park located on the Baekdu-daegan spine of Korea. Its major peaks stand between 1200m and 1400m absl, with the summit Birobong 1439m being the highest.
A Sobaeksan multi-day hike provides its hikers with long sweeping ridges running from west to east, featuring unimpeded 360° views over wind-swept slopes and spurs.
The ridge is often open and flanked by fields of alpine grass and wild flowers. The way it gently undulates allows trekkers relatively quick and untiring progress.
Its slopes are rich in wild plants consisting of edelweiss and royal azaleas that fully blossom in the spring.
Sobaeksan has the largest community of yew trees in Korea. They stand alive for a 1000 years and stand dead for a 1000 years.
The outer region is extremely rich with Confucian and Buddhist influence.
It is a good rural experience for travelers to Korea. Orchards, farming villages, townships, historic sites galore, food markets, festivals, friendly folk.
There is also a 150km trail that contours around the lower reaches of Sobaeksan. It undulates on forestry roads and trails through small villages and towns.
I highly recommend it. The Sobaeksan jarakgil can be run as a one-week multi-day supported hike – accommodations and meals provided.
Come and see the Sobaeksan range and its influences on the people that live there.
Sobaeksan Multi-day Hike (1N/2D)
This Sobaeksan multi-day hike is a 26km ridge walk. Sobaeksan is not a rocky mountain. Its ridge trails are open and flatter. At times they are flanked with alpine grasses and forests. Hikers should have moderate fitness.
Day 1 (16km) : Start in village of Eouigokri. Hike through forests for 4.5km up the ridge at Nuekinmaeki-jae. Head southwest along the Baekdu-daegan, enjoying wide ranging views as we pass over Gukmangbong 1420m, then Birobong at 1439m. Continue on the open ridge to Yeonhwabong shelter.
If we start on the south side of Sobaeksan, then we can begin at Jwaseokri and climb 3.5km up to the Baekdu-daegan ridge and continue to Nuekinmaeki-jae. Head southwest along the Baekdu-daegan, enjoying wide ranging views as we pass over Gukmangbong 1420m, then Birobong at 1439m. Continue on the open ridge to Yeonhwabong shelter.
Day 2 (10km): Start a 4km course down to Jukryong which has a diner. Then take the Sobaeksan Jarakgil (trail) northwards for 4km down to the village of Daegang-myeon. Restaurant options there. Take a taxi back to vehicle at Eouigokri.
Meet up points are Yeongju KTX, Punggi KTX (south side) or Danyang KTX (northside).
You can get overnight accommodations in these meet up points.
Prices 1N/2D
- 1 pax $1400USD
- 2 pax $800USD each
- 3 pax $650USD each
- 4 pax $500USD each
Price includes a pick and drop off in Danyang, Yeongju or Punggi.
All trail meals, shelter reservations, taxi fares and guide fees.
5N/6D (100km) Sobaeksan Multi-day Hike
Sobaeksan is a large national park. It only has one shelter. Therefore one of the best ways to enjoy this park on a multi-day hike is to utilize parts of its Jarakgil. A 150km contouring trail that does a circumnavigation around the park. We will sometimes traverse over the high ridges to sleep in accommodations in the upper valleys of the national park in the Jarakgil sections. A 100km combination of jarakgil village pathways and national park mountain trails, sleeping in comfortable accommodations, eating locally. A really unique way to see rural Korea on foot, around a large mountain system. A good course for slow or fast walkers. Open to all abilities.
Equipment
This is a multi-day light backpack.
Tents, sleeping gear and cooking gear not required.
- 50 to 70 liter pack and 2L water
- Enough clothing for a week. Can find coinwash or do handwash.
- Boots or trail shoes. Raingear. Sun protection. Toiletries. Small towel.
- First Aid. Electronics. Mug and eating utensils. Cash and credit cards.
- Try to keep your packs light.
- The guide will carry a gas cook set with pots for cooking hot foods in the daytime when necessary.
Prices 5N/6D
- 1 pax $4000USD
- 2pax $4500 (2250each)
- 3pax $5400 (1800each)
- 4pax $6000 (1500each)
- Larger groups contact me.
Includes all accommodations, meals, taxis, guide fees.
Pick up and drop off in Yeongju, Punggi or Damyang.
Does not include any accommodations before or after the hike.
Sobaeksan Jarakgil 150km
This Sobaeksan multi-day hike is a 150km course of the Sobaeksan Jarak-gil. Totally doable at any pace. Comes with a support vehicle.
Leave the big bags in the van. Hike each day through the mountains and villages with a day pack.
Stop in the townships and enjoy local hospitality. Stay overnight in a temple.
Enjoy the comfort of accommodations and showers every night. Eat fresh dinners in the local towns.
- Can also cater for small groups (10pax).
Contact me to discuss more.
Payments
Deposits to fix dates can be confirmed through Wise, PayPal or a Bank transfer.
Final payments can be made with Wise, a Bank transfer, or in person with a credit card on my EasyCheck mobile terminal.
Thank you.
