I hiked Sogeumgang Valley waterfall trail on Odaesan, then hung out on Gyeongpo Beach by my hotel. I spent three days in Gangneung after hiking the Dinosaur Ridge (공룡능선) and Cheonbuldong Valley (천불동계곡). This was part of a 6-day trip to Sokcho and Gangneung.

Day 5 of a 6-day trip to Sokcho and Gangneung

Woke up to a fantastic sunrise. I drove to Odaesan (오대산) and parked up at a place near some restaurants by 8 am. This eas the entrance to Sogeumgang Valley (소금강계곡). Then I made my way (slowly, with lots of breaks to reduce sweating!) along a mostly gentle valley. There were lots of places to admire the stream and more than a few little water features.

At 9:45, I got to the end of this part of the trail. Before you commit to a longer mountain hike, is Guryong Waterfall. I stopped here for some snacks and water. It was a lovely spot.

I returned to the start much more quickly and had mountain vegetable bibimbab (산책 비빔밥) at 루사 restaurant with windows opening to the garden. Very pleasant and very healthy!

I drove to a café on the way back to Gangneung. I’d hoped to get a nice hand drip coffee, but all the seats were taken! Weird considering it was a Thursday lunchtime in the middle of nowhere! Instead, I drove back to the hotel, got a free coffee from the lobby and sat on my room balcony writing this! I then took a mat to the pine trees in front of the hotel and read a bit with a cool beer. After that, I walked up and down the beach taking photos. Then I did a bit of Instagramming back on my mat. Very relaxing!

I tidied up and started packing a little bit at the hotel since I’d be leaving the next day. Then I wandered south to Gangmun Beach for another look around. I stopped at Cafe Paul & Mary for a nice burger.

Then it was back to the beach to read some more while the sun faded. I had one more beer on my balcony after it got dark, reading, before I hit the hay. A very relaxing day.

Places visited on the whole 6-day trip: