Korea - Itinerary 9 Days 8 Nights, Day 7: Sokcho - Seoraksan

TRIP DATE: 18 APRIL 2017

Day 7: 

• Do nothing day, sleep late and slowly travel to Sokcho
• Breakfast at Hobong at Myeong Dong, Lunch at random lunch place near bus station at Sokcho, Dinner at Kensington Hotel
• Sokcho: Kensington Stars Hotel

To Do:

The day's plan was to visit Gangchon rail park. This is rail biking trail and its located outside of seoul. The travelling time is expected to be 3 hours and from there to head to Seoraksan from there. 

I was pretty concerned because it isn't the easiest place to navigate from a countryside to Seoraksan. Most of the blogs i read head out from Seoul to Seoraksan. But we are so tired from last night late arrival from busan and woke up late. The weather is expected to be stormy for the day. Luckily we didn't persist. It was raining from late morning and by late afternoon it is pouring. 

To Eat:

Hobong at Myeong Deong - 3 stars, budget

13 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Since we have tried unsuccessfully to eat Isaac toast, we decide to try another local popular chain call Hobong.
When we arrive, there is literally no queue. 

Seats are also provided out front for people to eat or wait for their food. 

They do have quite an interesting menu. For this time, i ordered the bacon sweet potato toast which is sweet but kind of odd pairing. 

If you are sharing, they will also happily sliced the sandwich to half. Great service! But the bread does not really impress. Though nice, i still prefer isaac toast over hobong. The major plus that have is they serve fresh juice as well. I ordered the strawberry juice. Its so refreshing that i can drink everyday. 

Hubs ordered the steak toast. Hmmmmm.....its nice but the meat is not superb. 

Shop near sokcho bus station - 2.5 stars, budget

Ordered this just to filled up the stomach. Nothing to mention. 

Abbeyroad - 2.9 stars, mid-range
998 Seoraksan-ro, Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

This place is located at level 9 and has an outdoor area with a great view of the mountains. It was dark and raining and indoor is the best place to be. 

 This resembles the star of old times Bruce Lee. But i doubt it is as this is supposedly a british bistro.

I cannot remember what is ordered but it has been localised. My sphaghetti is hot and spicy. I have to switch the meal with hubs as i don't take spicy food. Food is average and prices are quite steep but i guess for the location why not. 

To Stay:

Kensington Stars Hotel  켄싱턴 스타 호텔

998 Seoraksan-ro, Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

This hotel is really pretty and decorated in full victorian style which is kind of odd in the middle of the wilderness. I did not read the reviews but decided to book a standard double room. 

Upon reaching the place, curiousity piqued me and i went on to do more research on the place. I understand the rooms on the lower floors needed some updating. Fortunately for us, we are staying at the upper levels at Level 7. The room is nicely decorated and new. Though there are already signs of water seepage in the ceiling of the toilet. 

Bed is great but while the air con works but it seems to stop functioning after 10 pm. Tried to open the windows but being up in the mountains its really cold and the winds are strong and the window keep swinging wide open when all i want is to open up an inch.  Its only in the morning that i figured out the window can be open alternative way through the top by then its too late. 

Bed is super comfy and pillows too. Service is great. We had the reception chasing after us to inform us that cable car is closed for the day when we arrived and wanted to go for a walk. 

We are within walking distance of Seoraksan National Park and we can head there for breakfast or dine at the hotel.