Cable Car to Gwongeumseong

I apologize in advance for the overload of pictures, but because I print these blog posts every year and they act as our family journal, I want to remember this awesome and beautiful day – and what better way than in pictures? 🙂

On day two of our adventures in Sokcho we decided to head back to the Seoraksan National park and take the tram up to Gwongeumseong mountain. It is the 3rd highest mountain in Korea and has some of the most beautiful views!

When we arrived at the park though it was SUPER crowded and there was already a 1 hour wait for the cable car up to the mountain, and so we ended up walking around and exploring a bit before our appointment to take the tram up. Boy oh boy was it a beautiful day! There was still SOME fog here and there making the mountains look a big hazy but for the most part the weather couldn’t have been more perfect!

I was pretty much in love with all the mountains!

Definitely put Adam and I in a good mood being surrounded by such beauty!

A view of the cable car on its way to the top of the mountain.

Because our Buddha picture hadn’t turned out too well the night before due to the lack of lighting, we decided to go back to attempt our picture again in the sunlight.

Unfortunately Branson was having a bit of an “off day” and not too excited about having to go hiking again, so he had a few melt downs in the morning. The good thing about him though is he usually comes out of his little funks fairly easily and is able to turn his frown upside down. He was sure frowning in this picture though.

Since we had some time before our turn on the cable car we once again headed down to the river to soak our feet in the cool water. You wouldn’t believe how hot and sweaty you get in Korea just being outside for a few minutes. Our poor bodies just weren’t used to the humidity at all! It felt so good to cool off!

And here we are finally taking our cable car ride! It was absolutely beautiful seeing the mountains as we went up!

Once at the top, we stopped for a little snack break and got a few Korean side dishes. If I remember right we had some chicken kabobs (which were so yummy) and something else that I’m forgetting. Then we headed out for another hike that took us deeper into the mountains and gave us an even better view of the area.

Here you can see our hotel. It is the biggest building on the left with the orange slanted roof.

Sure love this fella!

Dawson showing off the little stacks of rocks people put up along trails. They think it brings them good luck. 🙂

After exploring the mountainside for a bit, Adam offered to take Ady and Dawson back to the air conditioned area by the cable car, while I took Branson and Harry up a very steep part of the hike where you had to use chains to get up. The boys scaled the mountain easily though and the views from the top were absolutely stunning! We had a 360 degree view of the entire park and loved getting to see even more of the amazing mountains surrounding us!

Looking down as we climb to the top of the mountain.