Seoraksan Mountain to reopen scenic point after 46 years

Seoraksan Mountain to reopen scenic point after 46 years

Just as its name suggests, the Mangyeongdae view points are some of the most stunning in the country. Each region of Seoraksan National Park -- inner, outer and southern -- has a Mangyeongdae viewpoint, but they have all been closed to the public for conservation purposes. However, a 1.8-kilometer trail in the southern part of the park will be temporarily open to the public starting this October.

The Mangyeongdae viewpoint in southern Seoraksan National Park will welcome visitors after being closed to the public for 46 years. 

Ahead of the autumn hiking season, the Korea National Park Service announced on Sept. 20 that it would open a total of 5.2 kilometers of trails that connect to the Mangyeongdae 550-meter viewpoint. The section will be open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15. 

The trailhead is at the Osaek Mineral Spring, also known as the Osaek Yaksuteo, in the Seonnyeotang Valley and stretches westward to the Yongso Falls, hitting the Mangyeongdae viewpoint along the way. It them loops back to the Osaek Mineral Spring involving a 1.8-kilometer stretch that has been closed to the public since 1970 due to the danger of the trail and in the interests of conservation. 

The Mangyeongdae trail will be temporarily opened on Oct. 1. This is a 1.8-kilometer path that links the Yongso Falls (left), the Mangyeongdae viewpoint (middle) and the Osaek Mineral Spring (right).

The name “Mangyeongdae” means "a place where one can see a great number of beautiful views." There are three Mangyeongdae viewpoints in Seoraksan National Park, one each in the southern, inner and outer sections of the park. Among them, the southern viewpoint will be the only one open to hikers at this time. 

In its announcement, the Korea National Park Service said, “At the Mangyeongdae viewpoint, scheduled to now be opened after 46 years, outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy breathtaking views. Also, thanks to attractions like the Dokjuam Rock and the Manmulsang Ridge, they will be able to photograph the 'little Geumgangsan Mountain' peak." 

“Finally, visitors will be able to enjoy iconic autumn views of the southern section of the park, including the Hangyeryeong Ridge, Jeombongsan Mountain, Osaek Manmulsang Rock and the Jujeongol Valley,” the park service said. 

The Osaek Manmulsang Rock can be seen from the southern Mangyeongdae viewpoint in Seoraksan National Park.

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer 
Photos: Korea National Park Service 
arete@korea.kr 

source : http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Travel/view?articleId=140962