I spent three days in Gangneung after hiking the Dinosaur Ridge (공룡능선) and Cheonbuldong Valley (천불동계곡). I hiked Sogeumgang Valley waterfall trail on Odaesan, then hung out on Gyeongpo Beach by my hotel. 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 got back much more quickly and had mountain vegetable bibimbab (산책 비빔밥) at 루사 restaurant with windows opening to the garden. Very pleasant and healthy!
I drove to a café on the way which I’d hope would have a nice coffee, but all the seats were taken! Weird considering it’s Thursday lunchtime, middle of nowhere! Instead, I drove back to the hotel, got a free coffee from the lobby and sat on my room balcony drinking it and writing this! Than I took a mat to the pine trees in front of the hotel and read a bit with a beer. Then I walked up and down the beach taking photos. Then did a bit of Instagramming! Very relaxing!
I packed a bit at the hotel (since I’d be leaving the next day, then wandered south to Gangmun Beach for a 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 the balcony, reading, before I hit the hay. A very relaxing day.
