Everything........Korea! Korean! :): Fields of Silver Grass to Visit this Autumn

Biyernes, Setyembre 25, 2015

Fields of Silver Grass to Visit this Autumn

As temperatures cool, Korea becomes painted in warm tones and autumn foliage becomes the most notable attraction. Another lesser known sign of the seasonal change is eoksae (Korean for 'silver grass') turning a beautiful silvery color. The large, iridescent tassel-like plumes standing tall are truly one of nature's wonders! Swaying and dancing in the breeze, eoksae dramatically transform the many mountains and hilltops throughout the nation. Read on for a list of the destinations sure to present you with gorgeous views adorned with silver grass. Myeongseongsan Mountain (명성산) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do Sitting on the border shared by Pocheon in Gyeonggi-do and Cheorwon in Gangwon-do, Myeongseongsan Mountain offers expansive views of the beautiful Sanjeong Lake along its hiking trails. Falling on the second week of October, the annual Silver Grass Festival takes place around the Myeongseongsan Mountain and Sanjeong Lake areas. During the festival period, the most popular hiking trail is the one connecting Sanjeong Lake tourist area and Myeongseongsan Mountain. More Info Myeongseongsan Mountain ☞ How to get there • Dong Seoul Bus Terminal → Uncheon Intercity Bus Terminal (Bus schedule: first bus 06:00, last bus 21:40 / Travel time: approx. 2 hrs / Fare: 9,200 won) Approx. 13 minute taxi ride to arrive at the mountain. ☞ Nearby attractions: Sanjeong Lake, Hangaone (Hangwa Culture Museum), Jainsa Temple Mindungsan Mountain (민둥산) in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do Mindungsan Mountain is often called "Eoksaesan" or "Silver Grass Mountain" due to its vast silver grass fields that are nestled among forested areas. The hiking trails along Mindungsan's gentle slopes make for a leisurely climb that can be enjoyed by everyone. More Info Mindungsan Mountain (Gangwon) ☞ How to get there • Cheongnyangni Station → Mindungsan Station (Train schedule: first train 07:05, last train 23:25 / Travel time: approx. 3 hrs to 3.5 hrs / Fare: 13,700 won) Approx. 10 minute taxi ride to the mountain. ☞ Nearby attractions: Molundae Cliff (Jeongseon), Hwaam Tourist Attractions, Sogeumgang River (Jeongseon) Oseosan Mountain (오서산) in Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do Oseosan Mountain is located in the Chungcheongnam-do coastal region of Hongseong-gun, which is famous for its jeotgal (salted seafood). The mountain hiking trail begins at the end of the road connecting Sangdammaeul Village in Gwangcheon-eup and Jeongamsa Temple. Nearly two kilometers of the area surrounding the summit are entirely covered with silver grass, while the summit offers a panoramic view of the surrounding plains leading to the expansive blue ocean, dotted with tiny islands. More Info Oseosan Mountain ☞ How to get there • Yongsan Station → Gwangcheon Station (Train schedule: first train 05:35, last train 20:35 / Travel time: approx. 2 hrs / Fare: 10,400-15,500 won depending on train class) Approx. 21 minute taxi ride to the mountain. ☞ Nearby attractions Jeongamsa Temple, Oseosan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest, Cheongyang Darakgol Julmudeom Holy Land Sajapyeong Plain on Jaeyaksan Mountain (재약산 사자평) in Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do Photo courtesy of Miryang-si Silver grass abounds on Jaeyaksan Mountain. Sajapyeong Plain spans a notable 4,132,200 square meters on the southeastern slope of the mountain, and is one of the largest silver grass plains in Korea. The hike up to Sajapyeong Plain and Sajabong Peak on Jaeyaksan Mountain takes five to six hours. More Info Jaeyaksan Mountain ☞ How to get there • Seoul Station → Miryang Station (Train schedule: first train 05:40, last train 22:50 / Travel time: approx. 2.5-5 hrs depending on train class / Fare: 24,700-47,500 won depending on train class) Take bus No. 2 from Miryang Station Bus Stop to Intercity Bus Terminal Bus Stop (approx. 1.5 hrs). From the Intercity Bus Terminal, take local bus Pyochungsa Temple No. 1 and get off at Pyochungsa Bus Stop (approx. 1 hr). The trailhead is a 3 minute walk from the bus stop. ☞ Nearby attractions Jeongamsa Temple, Oseosan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest, Cheongyang Darakgol Julmudeom Holy Land Sinbulpyeongwon Plain on Sinbulsan Mountain (신불산 신불평원) in Ulju, Ulsan Situated on the slopes of Sinbulsan Mountain, Sinbulpyeongwon Plain boasts a large silver grass field. It takes about an hour to cross the entire field. A unique point about the silver grass on Sinbulsan Mountain is that it does not grow very tall, offering an undisturbed view of the field. More Info Sinbulsan County Park ☞ How to get there • Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Line) → Ulsan Express Bus Terminal (Bus schedule: first bus 07:20, last bus 18:30 / Travel time: approx. 4 hrs and 20 min / Fare: 22,900 won) Go to Intercity Bus Terminal Bus Stop and take local bus No. 1713 to arrive at Eonyang Intercity Bus Terminal Bus Stop (approx. 1 hr). Take taxi for about 15 minutes to reach the final destination. ☞ Nearby attractions Paraeso Falls, Deungeok Hot Springs Cheongwansan Mountain (천관산) in Jangheung, Jeollanam-do Cheongwansan Mountain is famous for its hiking trails with fantastic views of the South Sea archipelago, as well as for its high rising rocks. Cheongwansan Mountain is regarded as one of the Five Major Honam (Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do) Region Mountains, the other four being Jirisan Mountain, Wolchulsan Mountain, Naejangsan Mountain and Naebyeonsan Mountain. In autumn, the annual silver grass festival (Cheongwansan Eulalia Festival) takes place at the vast silver grass plain on the summit of Cheongwansan Mountain. More Info Cheongwansan Provincial Park ☞ How to get there • Central City Bus Terminal (Honam Line) → Jangheung Intercity Bus Terminal (Bus schedule: first bus 08:00, last bus 16:50 / Travel time: approx. 4 hrs and 40 min / Fare: 23,200~26,700 won). Approx 30 minute taxi ride to arrive at the mountain. ☞ Nearby attractions Cheongwansan Recreational Forest, Cheongwansan Literature Park, Cheongwansa Temple ☞ Related column Yuchi District in Jangheung * This column was last updated in July 2015, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details from the official websites before visiting. <Last updated on July 28, 2015>

Date 09/16/2015