Sokcho Part Two

Day two in Sokcho.
Destination: Seoraksan National Park.

This was probably the highlight of my last trip to Korea. I enjoyed seeing the natural beauty of the Park, learning about its history and immersing in the culture of the South Koreans.

Little kachi, South Korea’s national bird. It is a symbol of good luck for South Koreans.

The Bojero (pavilion in the foreground) and the Sinheungsa (Buddhist temple). This temple is believed to be the oldest Zen temple in the world.

The Bojero and the Sinheungsa.

The Bronze Buddha. The Great Unification Buddha, a 48-foot, 108 ton gilt-bronze Buddha statue, called “Tongil Daebul”, sits atop a 15-foot high pedestal, of the same material, making the total height 62-foot.

People put their prayers in stone slabs, while others pile their stones for good health and prosperity.

We rode a cable to car to get a better view of the Park from the top. From the viewing deck, you only have to take few more climbs up the snowy slopes to finally reach the peak. 

The view was indescribably magnificent and inspiring.