Sokcho, South Korea

19-04-24

After crossing the Sea of Japan overnight we dock in Sokcho, South Korea mid morning. As we near the port we head to the bow to watch as the captain manoeuvres the ship through a narrow breakwater and onto the dock. This facility was new in 2017. We are right on the waterfront in a lovely setting with bridges, Ferris wheels, fishing boats and facilities close by.

The city of Sokcho today has 83,000 inhabitants, and it was under North Korean control after World War II until the armistice agreement was signed in 1953 between the two Korean states. North Korea is approximately 350 km away as the crow flies.

Our tour today heads us up into the mountains, which are spectacular towering above the layer of smog, to the Seoraksan National Park. The bus ride is only about 30 minutes which brings us to the Sorak Cable Car which will take us to a mountain top 700 metres above sea level. It travels 1132 metres in 5 minutes. It’s a steep ride as we climb up over a river valley to reach the terminus and then we negotiate many steps, stone, timber and tree roots, to reach the lookout point. Spectacular views from the top down to the river valley and across to the higher mountains. There is still small pockets of snow on the ground and spots of cherry blossom and wild azaleas on the slopes.

(P:- Maybe a slight correction required! Spectacular views somewhat hidden by quite a layer of smog! However they were great and we have been very fortunate with fine weather so far.)

On the return trip we get some good views of the Buddhist Temple which we visit next. These buildings are so ornate compared to the Japanese Shrines we have seen. Colourfully painted, intricate carvings, colourful lanterns and prayer flags and a 50 metre high bronze Buddha dominate the area. This is the Unification Buddha and stands almost 15 metres high and weighs 108 ton.

The Sinheungsa Temple was first established in 652. Its name and location were changed several times afterward. In 1644 the temple was moved to its current location and got its present name. During the relocation Stupas ( a structure containing the relics or remains of Buddhist monks) were gathered here in one place. There are 19 Stupas in total. (P:- It seemed I have been tricked into another ABS day! However it was very colourfully decorated (I am sure there is more meaning than just decorated) with hundreds of lanterns to celebrate Buddha’s birthday).

Back on the bus and we head to our lunch stop. We were in South Korea about 20 years ago and I hated the food then and my opinion hasn’t changed. I did not enjoy lunch. Rice, vegetables, kimchi, and other unrecognisable stuff. Not my favourite meal at all. ( (P:- When Judith visited South Korea with me on a business trip she didn’t mentioned it was in the midst of the Avian Flu Epidemic, there was no Chicken, Duck, related meat available which in turn made red meats to be in very short supply. With Judith’s dislike of pickled and spicy vegetables her 10 day vegetarian experience has left a lasting negative image of South Korean food!). After lunch we head to the local tourist and fish market. Certainly not as clean as the ones we have visited in Japan but still interesting. (P:- We walked thru a “faster food” area which appeared clean I found a stall cooking Squid and Potato Pancakes, I handed over a bit of cash in exchange for a few to sample. The new to us food was tasty, mildly spicy and enjoyable, another culinary first). From the market area we walk down to a local ferry to cross the river. Not your ordinary ferry, this one is man powered. A cable runs across the floor and a man hooks a rod onto the cable and walks the length of the ferry pulling the cable, propelling us across the canal. Once across the canal we wander down to the waterfront past fishing boats, backyards where they have fish drying outside and small gardens. We can see the Westerdam, about 500 metres away, but still have to board the bus to be returned to the ship. As we are leaving South Korea here we have to clear customs as we reboard.

Tonight we are dined at the Canneletto Restaurant. A very tasty meal, shrimp, veal and sage meatballs, and spaghetti with lobster tails and crab sauce. Finishing with a ricotta cheesecake and an Affogato for Philip. A lovely way to end the day.