Cheongokdong

On the extreme northern fringes of the city, past the airport and supermarket Homever (formerly the Carrefoure) is Cheongokdong. It’s attractions: a pleasant morning/afternoons hike followed by a visit to a Buddhist temple.

The hike itself is none too difficult beginning in trees and bracken before breaking out onto the ridgeline and circling a deep valley. Unfortunately the industrial complex here spoils the view somewhat. Try to frame it out.

Before a summit attempt be sure to stop at the rocky outcrop before things start to get rather steep. Sit out here with friends and break. Take in the view.

Reaching the summit gives further stunning views of the surrounding area. See how Ulsan stretches down the valley into the distance and red Hyundai crane in Bangeojin continues to cast its watchful eye over everything. Turn around and be greeted by unblemished hills. Closer, the apartment block rows look like Lego placed down into the landscape. It’s a mix of old and new once more.

A fifty-minute hike then should see you reach the top and not leave you too tired for activities afterwards.

After descending refuel on Pizza and various Korean restaurants dotted about (Gimbap Cheonguk included).

Visit the temple after (or before) the hike for a relaxing meditative time.

It’s not that old – no more than fifteen years – but it is well maintained and provides good photographic opportunities. Sometimes an English speaking person is about to assist with questions.

Cheokgokdong makes for a perfect Sunday afternoon saunter to investigation an area of the city not often seen. It might not worth the special journey if you’re anywhere beyond the airport towards Shinae and Samsandong unless you’re really at a loss for things to do. Especially not if you’re in Bangeojin.

But stopping on the way to Gyeongju (A five minute drive from Highway 7) could be ideal.

Getting there: Take the 102, 422 or 432 to their terminus in Cheongokdong. Follow the road (by foot) up beyond Gimbap Cheongok and the Papillion Bakery. (For later note that the temple will be on your right hand side across the fields in clear view).

Continue on this road until it curves left around and up the last set of apartment blocks. Dive off onto the rutted dirt track by the terminus for the 712, 722 and 732 buses. Follow until there is a choice in direction (to go left, straight or right). Go right and you are now on the trail for the summit. You’re aiming for the green hut that you should be able to see crowning the top.

It is also possible to take the 712, 722 and 732 to Cheongokdong.