Caldera by sunrise

Ilchul Bong (Sunrise Crater)

We launched the day off with baguettes and a sweet bread/cake loaf from a local bakery. Then it was off to Seogsan--an exinct volcano caldera on the East edge of Chejudo. We arrived at the foothills of Seogsan and were instantly awed by the rugged cliff walls up to the rim of the crater! The slopes were lush green grass and dotted with tiny purple wildflowers, peaking in Spring. Either side of the caldera offered breathtaking views of Chejudo's rugged coastline and pristine emerald green and royal blue waters. We chugged our way up the rugged trail--snapping photo after photo of each breathtaking view that appeared on each turn of the switchback trail. The winds were blowing intensely and occasionally I thought they might carry off our 'little' trkr--who is all of 40 pounds. Within about 30 minutes we made it to the top and were greeted with a spectacular view of the Yellow Sea towards Japan and an incredible peek inside the caldera itself. It, too, was lush green and dotted with trees. Birds chirped incessantly and the roar of crashing waves served as the perfect backdrop for this scenic spot. Funny, we couldn't seem to hear the 'goofy' music the park folks piped into the hidden speakers along the trail. 'Goofy' was exactly how rnrB described it--we just considered it normal fare for Korea. ;) Seogsan is THE spot from which to welcome the sunrises on Chejudo. Once we made it to the rim of the crater, I can see why! Simply breathtaking!!!