[Yonhap Imagine] Slow Walk along the Majestic Seoraksan Dinosaur Ridge

A Marvel of Nature, a Piece of Divinity... Dinosaur Ridge

Seoraksan has been regarded as Korea's foremost scenic wonder. In Inner Seorak, where the scenery is exceptionally beautiful even within Seoraksan, there's no disagreement that the most stunning place is the Dinosaur Ridge. Chosen as the number one among the 100 scenic spots in 22 national parks nationwide, the appearance of Dinosaur Ridge soars into the sky like the momentum of a dragon, powerful and exhilarating. The ridge, formed by successive rock formations resembling dinosaur vertebrae, is as sharp and grand as the backbone of a dinosaur. Starting from Madengryeong Samgeori in Seoraksan, it stretches for about 5 kilometers along the ridge, passing through Nahannabong, Keunsaebong, 1275bong, and leading to Munami Pass. The ridge itself is a spectacular sight, but the panoramic views on either side of the ridge are equally breathtaking.

Together with the Northwest Ridge and the Hwachae Peak Ridge, the Dinosaur Ridge forms the main ridge of Seoraksan, separating Inner Seorak from Outer Seorak. Facing Inner Seorak from the Dinosaur Ridge, one can see attractions like Yongajangseong and Gaya Valley, while facing Outer Seorak reveals attractions such as Cheonbuldong Valley and the East Sea in front of Sokcho. Yongajangseong, with its stunning cliffs that stand parallel to the Dinosaur Ridge, and the deep and long gorge of Cheonbuldong, are representative attractions of Korea.

When autumn comes to Seoraksan, known for being one of the first places in the country where fall foliage arrives, it excites enthusiasts of the Dinosaur Ridge circuit. However, hiking the Dinosaur Ridge is not easy. The Dinosaur Ridge circuit is considered a very difficult hike, not only because of the rugged terrain but also because of the length of the course. On the trail, known as the "Dinosaur," hikers have to ascend and descend rocky ridges, rising 100 to 200 meters and then descending again, repeating this process 7 to 8 times. There are no escape routes to descend to the base of the mountain in case of fatigue or emergency situations. Once you start the circuit, there are only two options: to continue to the end or return to the starting point. Since there are no streams along the way, hikers must carry all the drinking water they need. It is recommended to carry more than 2 liters of water, and the weight of the gear, including food, clothing for cold weather and rain, hiking equipment, and emergency supplies, makes the ascent even more challenging.

Before hiking the Dinosaur Ridge, it's common sense not to say you're too old.

The Dinosaur Ridge course recommended by the Seoraksan National Park starts from Seorakdong Sogongwon, passes through Biseondae, Geumganggul Cave, Madengryeong, the Dinosaur Ridge, Heeungak Shelter, Daecheongbong, and Osaek. The distance is 19.1 kilometers, and it takes about 14 hours and 40 minutes, so it is recommended to stay overnight at Heeungak Shelter. However, the actual course chosen by hikers varies. Some start from Baekdamsa and go through Suryeomdong Shelter, Bongjeongam, the Dinosaur Ridge, Madengryeong Samgeori, and Oseam, while others use the reverse course.

Experienced mountaineers usually prefer the course that returns to Baekdamsa via Suryeomdong Shelter, Bongjeongam, the Dinosaur Ridge, Munami Pass, Cheonbuldong Valley, and Sogongwon. The distance is about 20 kilometers, and they usually complete it in 12 to 14 hours without staying overnight. The Seoraksan National Park Biseondae Control Station allows entry from 3 a.m. in the summer and 4 a.m. in the winter, so many hikers start from Sogongwon around 2 a.m. Hiking the Dinosaur Ridge in one day has become a new trend, fueled by stories of adventurers shared on YouTube and social networking services (SNS).

However, a rapid ascent of the Dinosaur Ridge brings a sense of accomplishment but also imposes a significant strain on the knees and ankles, increasing the risk of injury. It seems unlikely that simply passing through the Dinosaur Ridge, without taking the time to enjoy the beauty of Seorak, would bring much meaning to experiencing the wonders of the mountain.

Heeungak Shelter, which completed reconstruction work and reopened on October 16th, is equipped with comfortable sleeping arrangements and bathrooms, so much so that it can be rated as a 5-star shelter. To safely hike the Dinosaur Ridge, it is recommended to sleep at the shelter and enjoy the hike leisurely. Essential equipment and items, such as hiking poles, sturdy hiking boots with thick soles and ankle support, flexible pants, windproof jackets, knee braces, gloves, hats, sleeping bags, headlamps, emergency food and water, and protective backpacks for falls, prove to be invaluable.

A couple in their 70s met near Sinseonbong, saying they had climbed to the summit of Daecheongbong (1,707.9m) in Seoraksan and were on their way to Oseam via the Dinosaur Ridge. They had stayed overnight at Bongjeongam near Baekdamsa to climb Daecheongbong and planned to descend to Oseam and stay overnight again. Climbing Daecheongbong alone is difficult, but those who hike the Dinosaur Ridge take their time, staying at the two shelters of Baekdamsa, which offer accommodation and warmth, and leisurely enjoying the scenery of Seorak. Hiking the Dinosaur Ridge is not exclusive to professional mountaineers. Although challenging, it's not impossible for those with average fitness. The key to success lies in diligent preparation, including physical training, and walking slowly. Imagining a day when saying you're too old to hike the Dinosaur Ridge becomes uncommon is a testament to experiencing one of Korea's greatest attractions. Isn't there a sense of dynamism in experiencing Korea's top attractions in life? Let's climb the Dinosaur Ridge before we get too old.

Nahanbong, Keunsaebong, 1275bong, Sinseonbong

Starting from Madengryeong Samgeori, the Dinosaur Ridge continues in the order of Nahanbong, Keunsaebong, 1275bong, and Sinseonbong. If starting from Munami Pass, the order of the peaks is reversed. Nahanbong, at an elevation of 1,298 meters, is the highest of the four peaks. When viewed from Nahanbong, Keunsaebong resembles an eagle with a sharp beak soaring towards the sky. When viewed from 1275bong, its wings appear large enough to cover the ridge. Named after its elevation of 1275 meters, 1275bong is slightly lower than Nahanbong, but its rocky peak is larger and more impressive.

The ascent and descent along the ridge are challenging sections for hikers. Sinseonbong is a viewpoint where you can truly appreciate the grandeur of the rocky peaks that characterize the Dinosaur Ridge. Starting from Madengryeong and reaching Sinseonbong, looking back, the ridge resembles the shape of a dinosaur that has followed along. When standing at Sinseonbong, not only Madengryeong, Nahanbong, Keunsaebong, and 1275bong but also Sejeonbong, Beombong, Ulsanbawi, Yuseondae, Biseondae, Yongajangseong, Daecheongbong, Jungcheong, Socheong, and the East Sea stretch out like a panorama.

In addition to the four major peaks, the Dinosaur Ridge is also popular among hikers for its "King Kong Rock," which is ranked as the number one photo spot, as well as various other rock formations such as Candle Rock, Elephant Rock, and Turtle Rock.

The Mysterious Yongajangseong and the Brilliant Foliage of Cheonbuldong Valley

Departing early in the morning from Madengryeong Samgeori, Yongajangseong on the Inner Seorak side was shrouded in self-made shadows of the mountains because the morning sun was rising. This made it look mysterious. The name Yongajangseong means a ridge with sharp rocks stretching out like dragon's teeth. Around the time when the morning and evening breezes become refreshing reminders of the past summer, the question of "When will the fall foliage begin in Seoraksan?" becomes a regular topic in the media. However, such forecasts are rare. The timing of fall foliage in Seoraksan varies depending on the altitude. Even if the fall foliage on Daecheongbong peaks and the leaves fall in early to mid-October, leaving no traces of fall foliage visible below where tourists gather, such as in the park.

When the fall foliage along the Dinosaur Ridge reaches its peak, the foliage in Cheonbuldong Valley rushes toward its peak as well. Cheonbuldong features the Cheondang Falls, Yang Falls, Eum Falls, and Oryeon Falls. Oryeon Falls, which are reached through a series of rock valleys that seem to have been carved between cliffs, is the gateway to Cheonbuldong. The topmost Cheondang Falls is named because it feels like reaching heaven after enduring all kinds of hardships in the world. The foliage in the valley is especially beautiful because there is abundant moisture in the air, so the leaves do not dry out and shine brightly.

"Cheonbul" means a thousand Buddhas. The name originated from the fact that the rocks on both sides of the valley resemble a thousand Buddhas, appearing numerous and noble. When the winter comes and the trees shed their leaves, revealing the sharp outlines of the rocks, the "Cheonbul" appears even more majestic. Observing the Milky Way from Oseam at night, watching the sunrise from Daecheongbong on the way up from Heeungak, and enjoying the beautiful foliage of Cheonbuldong were additional blessings enjoyed before and after hiking the Dinosaur Ridge. A taxi driver I met in Seorakdong said that when he walks into the valleys of Seoraksan, he feels like "the mountain is coming to me," and he has never been unhappy in Seoraksan. The reporting team members are ordinary individuals with little hiking experience. After spending a night each at Oseam and Heeungak, slowly completing the Dinosaur Ridge circuit and descending to Cheonbuldong Valley, the two words that came to mind were "touching" and "humble." We are grateful to Seorak for enabling us to complete the journey.

(The article was translated into English by artificial intelligence.)

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