Previous Post: Pyeong Chang Ski Resort, Samyang Ranch
After having so much fun getting close to giant windmill and fluffy sheep, we officially said goodbye to PyeongCheong and leave for SamCheok for more interesting activities in the evening, including Ocean Rail Bike, “Santorini Park” and Alaskan King Crab dinner!
Stopped by a restaurant specializing in Pork & Squid One Pot dish for lunch while on the way to SamCheok Rail Bike.
Not something that we really enjoyed, but a good try. Portion was really generous, cooking noodles, fresh squid, pork belly slices and vegetables all in a large pot. Very tummy-warming and comforting.
Violaa! Finally reached SamCheok Rail Bike.
Samcheok Ocean Rail bike 삼척 해양 레일바이크 is located to the East of Korea. The rail runs for 5.4KM along the coastal, passing through beautiful pine trees and green fields on both sides.
Apparently rail bike is a popular leisure activity in Korea, where family and friends can pedal their way through nature together. Gimyujeong Rail bike, Jeongseon Rail bike, Jeongdongjin Rail bike, Samcheok Ocean Rail bike, Gimhae Nakdonggang Rail Park, Yeosu Ocean Rail bike are among the rail bike park you can find in different park of Korea.
Couldn’t wait to board on one of the bikes and getting ready for our 1 hour light workout.
Mid-point rest area, where you can stop for a while, take pictures of the beautiful oceans at observatory lounge and buy some refreshments from food stalls.
Disco-like illumination tunnels. Kids will love this.
Overall, it wasn’t that tiring honestly. The rail has electric motor to help generate power, but you still have to pedal it to sure it is moving at a proper speed. Very fun experience though and highly recommended for family with kids to try this out when in Samcheok.
Address:
Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike 삼척 해양 레일바이크
Gongyangwang-gil 2 & Yongwha Haebyun-gil 23, Geundeok-myeon,
Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do Korea
Operating hours: 08:30 – 18:10 daily
Website: http://www.oceanrailbike.com/main.do
Rail course: Chucheoncheon- Haesong-gil Road – Frame grass field – Hwang Yeongjo Memorial Hall – Chogok Tunnels – Younghwa Beach
Next, to Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock 추암 촛대바위 in Donghae, rated as Top 10 Tourist Destination in Korea by Korea tourism.
Chotdae means “candle” in Korean, while bawi means “rock”. That’s also how this natural rock gets its name – Candle Rock.
Chotdaebawi Rock is surrounded by smallers rocks that are named after their shapes, like “Geobukbawi” (turtle), “Bububawi” (married couple), and “Hyeongjebawi” (brothers).
Chuam Beach, 150m long white sand beach with magnificent rock formation as the backdrop. It is also one of the best places for photographers to capture sunrise and sunset in Korea.
Make a quick stop at Daemyung Resort Sol Beach for their Santorini Garden. This hotel & resort in Samcheok is well-known for their Greek Santorini inspired architectures, a mix of blue and white with Mediterranean touch. Some call this place the “Santorini in Korea”.
Dinner with Live King Crab that Gangwon-do prized at.
Sashimi while waiting for This appetizer is real good stuff! Fresh sashimi & cabbage, tossed in zesty, refreshing hot sauce.
Tonight’s hotel is at High One Resort! – the most memorable stay we had throughout our whole trip in Korea.
Located in Jeongseon county, High1 is one of the largest ski resorts in Korea, standing in fame alongside with other ski parks like Yongpyong Ski Resort 용평리조트 스키장with 31 slope and total length of 24.2 km and Muju Deongyusan Resort 무주덕유산리조트– the only ski resort located in a national park.
There are several accommodations to choose from in High One, including Mountain Condo, Valley Condo, High1 Hotel, Hill Condominium. Settled down at High1 Hotel. Love our clean and spacious room!
Big, but a bit empty surroundings. Lol. There are gift shops, restaurants, casino, cinema and even a waterpark here.
High1 Casino is the largest in the county, also the only casino in Korea where the locals are legally allowed to go in.
End the day early as there aren’t much we can do at night except walking around the outdoor garden lit up with decorative lighting.
Day 6 – High1 Hotel – High One Gondola Ride – Icheon Ssalbap Hanjungsik – Lotte World Theme Park – Check in Nine Tree Hotel Myeong Dong II
Rise & Shine to the best hotel breakfast buffet throughout our Korea trip!
Wonderful Western and local selection that is great in taste, good in quality. They even serve Haagen Daz ice cream in the buffet line but we gave it a skip as it was just 8am. Lol.
Morning activity. Took gondola up to the mountain top, at the height of 1340m.
We were too early for skiing as it is just mid-November, but the view all the way up to the mountain top is equally breathtaking. By winter, the whole area will be covered by white, puffy snow with various slope for skiing.
Cold breeze without the snow but it is still fun high up. Look at the beautiful mountain range!
Check out this Mountain Top Revolving Restaurant that makes one round every 45 minutes.
Continue to feast like a king during lunch with Icheon Ssalbap Hanjungsik – Korean formal traditional set meal that laid out more than 20 types of side dishes at one go, together with rice cooked in hot stone pot.
We were told that Icheon rice is one of the most premium rice in Korea, and once served to the kings of the Joseon Dynasty.
Next up we will cover on Lotte World Theme Park. Stay tune!
