Conquer Gwanaksan Peak! Event Cache

Conquer Gwanaksan Peak!

Before a fun day of hiking up to Gwanaksan Peak lets meet and trade caching stories, discover, travel bugs, and geocoins.

If you plan to attend please choose the "will attend" option.

This event will be held inside Ichon Station next to Exit 5. If arriving by subway, do not exit the station because we'll ride the train to the trailhead.

On Saturday, November 14, the event will start at9:10am and end at 9:40am.

Below is the Adventurer's plan by Flip, we'll meet them in Inchon station at the event location

Adventurers,

I plan to hike Gwanaksan Saturday, 13 FEB 16.  It’s been a long time, but I promised back in June 15 that I would return to Gwanaksan, as we encountered crazy rain, keeping us from reaching the top.  It also rained on take two, so we cancelled before even starting.  NOTE: This is Not Good for young ones…young adults around 13 or older are okay.

ROUTE INFORMATION

Date: 13 FEB 16 (SAT)

Time: 0930 (Meet inside Gate 13)

Destination: Sadang (on then on up to Gwanaksan Peak)

Est. Return:  o/a 1800 latest (earlier depending on supper)

If you are interested in tackling this hike, please meet at the Yongsan Hospital Gate (Gate #13) NLT 0930.  We will board Line 4 at Ichon Station shortly thereafter.  Email of call me if coming from a different direction.  We can link-up outside of Exit 4, Sadang Station.

I anticipate weather to be cool but clear, with great picture taking opportunities.  If overcast, we will still go.  Only rain will preclude the hike.  Wet rock can be slippery.  I plan to tackle the snow and ice if there is any…utilize crampons if needed.

TRANSPORTATION

Depart: Instructions from Ichon to Sadang (6 min travel time):

Note: Subway departs every 5 to 6 minutes

• Fare 1150 won.

• Board Ichon Subway (Line 4), heading south.

• Ride three stops and disembark at Sadang; depart through exit 4, walk up the slight incline then make a right & walk up the hill.  Follow other hikers/trekkers.

• There are bathrooms at Sadang Station, and one 15 minutes into the hike, near the temple.  There are no more bathrooms during the rest of the ascent, but a couple on the descent.

Return:  Instructions from Gwacheon to Ichon (15 min travel time):

Note: Subway departs every 5 to 6 minutes

• Fare 1350 won.

• Board Gwacheon Subway (Line 4), heading north.

• Ride eight stops and disembark at Ichon Station.

• Exit subway station; return to post…walk-in gate 13.

Note restaurant note near the end of this plan.

STATISTICS:

• Subway: 1.0KM / 1.0 hrs.

• Ascent: 5.4KM / 3.5 hrs.

• Descent: 2.8KM / 2.0 hrs.

• Rest (top): 0.0KM / 0.5 hrs.

• Total (hike):    10.2KM / 7.0 hrs.

• Maximum elevation: 629 meters (2,063 feet)

• Total climbing elevation: > 950 meters (ascend & descend, as we work our way higher)

• Difficulty:  moderate plus, with several challenges

Note: I purposely over-estimated some of the times because groups take longer:  (1) subway time over-estimated because of time walking, recharging or obtaining cards, buying snacks and water, bathroom breaks, etc., (2) descent slightly over-estimated as folks may want to relax, use the bathroom, etc. and (3) I added time so one can enjoy rather than feel like they’re racing to the finish line.  I know folks who have hiked the entire trail in 3.5 hours (ascent & descent).  We will take closer 6 hrs, as we’ll rest, take pictures, visit the temple, and just enjoy.  This hike is not meant to be a race.

Dress:

• Hiking shoes (preferred)/good gripping shoes

• Comfortable/durable/layered clothing (anticipate it to be cool/cold)

• Gloves (weather and for some of the challenges, rock and rope)

• Backpack (if desired) with the following (suggestions)

- Clean socks, dry shirt, underclothes (if needed)

- One bottle of water or something warm like tea of soup

- Snacks or something small to eat

~    4,000 won or T-Money Card for Subway

~    20,000 won if you want something to eat at the top of the mountain and/or at the end.

Misc:

• Camera / GoPro

• Knee or back support if needed

• Hiking sticks.  They are not required but sure help coming down when the legs are tired.

• Other, e.g., first aid (I’ll carry some to include foot repair), etc.  Recommend keeping weight of backpack light.

Notes:

1. Please feel free to stop, rest, eat/drink what you may have packed, take pictures, etc. all along the trail.  I only ask that you collect & bring any waste with you for disposal at the end.

2. Although not extreme, this hike could take as long as 5-6 hours.  If you are like me, your legs and hips will feel it.  At the conclusion, for those who would like to sit/eat/drink, I’m all for it! Gwacheon lacks what I consider a nice place near the station, although there are several places near the bottom that are so so.   There is a nice restaurant at Sadang Station that I believe most would like but it would add 1150 to the subway.  We can eat a nice meal with traditional homemade beverages ☺ for 15,000-20,000.  Many adventurers have been here once before.  Please note I’m always open to suggestion.  Please let me know if you have any ideas.

• Be safe!  There are still minor risks for those who don’t use caution.  

• Have fun!!!  It is not a road race.  Take pictures, experience the culture/scenery, and enjoy the camaraderie.

• Dress appropriate.  I anticipate weather to be in the 30’s, although the temperature will be perfect for hiking.  If you dress too warm, you will work up a sweat.  Consider layered clothing, making it easy to shed a layer and then put back on when resting.

• It would be optimal if everyone has a subway card, but if not, don’t worry.  We can get your ticket once we enter the subway.  Pre-purchasing helps, though.

• Please be on time.  This will be an full day adventure – travel, hike, restaurant – so please be prepared to for about a 7-8 hour day.  I really want folks to enjoy the day vice turning this into a military suspense.

Take care & best always,

Flip

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