My Hiking Adventure on Dobongsan
As someone who is both physically active and fearful, I often find myself hesitant to climb mountains, despite their impressive appearances. Living in Seoul for nearly half my life, I've encountered many of its mountains, both big and small.
Some of the smaller mountains include Namsan, Inwangsan, Ansan, Bukaksan, Baegnyeonsan, Bongsan, Achayangmasan, and Daemogu-ryongsan. The larger ones are Gwanaksan, Cheonggye-san, Bulamsan, and Suraksan. I've even explored Bukhansan, a national park, but I have yet to visit Dobongsan.
Two years ago, I added it to my bucket list, and after letting it sit for a while, I decided it was time to take action. I believe that making spontaneous plans increases the chances of success, so I set out the day before with a determined mindset.
The 141 bus from my house takes me directly to the entrance of Dobongsan. This was another reason I was eager to visit Dobongsan; the bus terminal is constantly in my sight. The bus routes from Ajin Transportation, based at the Dobongsan entrance, cater to many hikers.
At the entrance, which resembles a recreational area, I snapped a photo of a bakery that recently opened at the trailhead. Although Dobongsan is part of Bukhansan National Park, the entrance has a similar lively atmosphere. There are numerous hiking brands represented, and it feels like you could change into hiking gear right there, even if you arrived in formal attire.
There are new bakeries I hadn't seen before (though the selection was limited) and places to soothe my longing for Zhangjiajie.
Finally, I arrived at the Dobong Exploration Support Center around noon, marking the real beginning of my hike. I briefly scanned the map and prayed for a safe return.
As a national park, there are entry restrictions, and I was determined to stick to a route that avoided the infamous Y Valley, known for its challenging terrain. I chose a course that included Dobong Seowon, Dobong Shelter, Cheonchuksa, Madang Rock, the main peak, and Sinseondae.
Though it felt like a longer route to Sinseondae, I was committed to following the path to Cheonchuksa. The last restroom before the hike was a welcome sight, and I took a moment to appreciate the national park signage.
After passing through the Dobong Seowon site, I reached my first fork in the path. I opted for the right path leading to Cheonchuksa, the main route for Dobongsan. The beginning of the hike was marked by a gate indicating the start of the trail, and I climbed the well-constructed stone steps.
With the backdrop of Seoninbong (708m), I realized that my final destination, Sinseondae (726m), was still further ahead. The cherry blossoms were still blooming, a refreshing sight compared to the summer greens.
After a challenging ascent, I reached Madang Rock after about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The vast space of Madang Rock is impressive, but the steep incline made it tricky to navigate. Despite the exhaustion, I could see the stunning views of Namsan and Gwanaksan in the distance.
Eventually, I reached the final peak, Sinseondae, after 3 hours of hiking. The summit was narrow, and I had to quickly take in the views before making way for other hikers. I felt a sense of accomplishment, having conquered all the mountains in Seoul.
Now, I look forward to my next adventure, perhaps in Gyeonggi-do.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/mahye_/224258106833
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