The Soyosan Hiking Course That Awakens Body and Mind

At 560m, Soyosan isn't especially tall, but its striking rock formations make for a rewarding hike. Known for royal azaleas in spring and autumn foliage, it draws many hikers from the greater Seoul area. Starting from the Iljumun Gate of Jajaeam, the trail runs 6.5km through Habaegundae, Jungbaegundae, Sangbaegundae, Kalbawi, and Seonnyeotang, and takes about 3 hours.

Along the way

1. 1

   Jajaeam Temple

   자재암

   A storied temple founded by Great Master Wonhyo in the 14th year of Queen Seondeok of Silla (645), it was rebuilt by Great Master Gakgyu on royal order in the 25th year of King Gwangjong of Goryeo (974). After a fire in the 7th year of King Uijong (1153), Great Master Gangnyeong the following year rebuilt the main hall and part of the monks' quarters. In the first year of Emperor Sunjong (1907), it was burned down by Japanese troops as a base for righteous army fighters, and was later restored by the monk Jeam and his disciple Seongpa, who returned it to its original name, Jajaeam. However, it was again reduced to ruins during the Korean War, and was rebuilt in stages: the main hall in 1961, monks' quarters in 1971, the propagation hall and Wonhyodae in 1974, and Samseonggak in 1977.\nMoreLess

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2. 2

   Soyosan

   소요산

   Located in Soyo-dong, Dongducheon, Soyosan is known as the finest mountain north of the Han River, or as "Gyeonggi's Sogeumgang." About 44km from Seoul and roughly 5km northeast of Dongducheon City Hall, Soyosan (587m) may not be especially high, but it is lined with forests, waterfalls, and peaks. Stories of Great Master Wonhyo and Princess Yoseok linger throughout the mountain — there is the site of the detached palace where Princess Yoseok is said to have stayed, Wonhyodae where Wonhyo is said to have practiced Buddhism, and, next to the summit Uisangdae, Gongjubong (Princess Peak, named by Wonhyo after Princess Yoseok).\n\nMoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Lunch (Cheogajip Budae Gogi, Songwolgwan)

   점심식사(처가집부대고기, 송월관)

   [Cheogajip Budae Gogi] \nThis restaurant, said to be the originator of budae-jjigae (army stew), simmers various vegetables, spam, sausage, and meat together in a cast-iron pot. \n[Songwolgwan] \nDesignated as a Gyeonggi-do local intangible cultural asset, this restaurant has carried on its tradition for nearly 60 years across two generations, and its taste can truly be called an art form. While most people think of soy sauce as the main seasoning for tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties), this restaurant's tteokgalbi is seasoned with salt in a sauce made from natural fruit, giving it a clean flavor that's second to none.\nMoreLess

   

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