Korea is home to several forts, castles, temples, valleys and cultural villages. The forts and castles are found in and around Seoul in South Korea, although most of them are in ruins. The surviving ones are huge draws for tourists and visitors. Seoul is the ideal entrance to the Korean peninsula. Amongst the castles and forts in South Korea, Gwongeumseong Castle is a must see. Gwongeumseong in South Korea is the place which houses the ancient ruins of Mt. Seoraksan Castle which is also called Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or Toto Castle.
Features of Gwongeumseong in South Korea:
- Tucked away in the steep Dol Mountain of Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon area, Gwongeumseong is a fascinating sightseeing destination.
- It is said to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo Period (918-1392), Gojong (1213-1259 reign).
- Legend has it that two generals named Gwon-Kim built the castle to avert war. The castle was named after them.
- From the left side of Sogongwon, walk past the Biryonggyo Bridge over the ravine.
- A path leads to Gwongeumseong Castle. It takes over an hour of travel through a rocky path. Cable cars are availed of.
- The cable car was launched by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee in the year 1971 and is still availed of by several tourists. Its services operate from 7 a.m. to 6 or 6:30 p.m. It leaves with seven minutes interval.
- The plateau of Gwongeumseong Castle is home to 80 sections of rocks and you can catch amazing views of the East Sea and city of Sokcho from here.
- You can spot rocks and stones of intriguing shapes and sizes which form the Seoraksan Mountains towards the west.
How to reach Gwongeumseong in South Korea:
From Sokcho Bus Terminal, board Bus No. 3 and get off at Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon, or get on a taxi to the Oeseorak Entrance.