Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak [UNESCO World Heritage] (성산일출봉)

 Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

 We are driving towards Seongsan Ichulbong Peak! From afar I was already excited to see that peak rising before me. I understand there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchubong Peak which is 600m  in diameter and 90 meter high.  We have to hike to the top of the crater which looks like a crown in pictures. 

I am impressed because I read that this peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago and is now declared a UNESCO world Heritage site. 

 

 A ticket is needed to enter and it costs 2000 Korean won for adults.

 We are not in any tour group so the climb was at our leisure, where we could stop at any scenic spot to take photos.

 Hahah! this boy is so tired he has fallen asleep on a bench! Actually the climb was not so bad as the weather was very cool and pleasant indeed!

 Breathtaking views of mountains and cliffs.

 At this place you could go for boat rides and watch "pearl ladies" or Jeju women divers, who dive for pearls without oxygen tanks and frog suits! They will bring up abalones, octopus and crabs for sale and their "performances" are at 1.30 and 3.00.

 The hike up got steeper!

 But look at the smile on his face when he got to the top!

 As for me, the weather might be cold, but I was perspiring so much I started to lose my outer jacket!

 Sweat plastered my hair on my face but look at the view...

 Then the posing started...hehe...

 Posing beside the  sign that says "Descending Trail" because that is when we are going to start the the descent.

Going down is ok, as there are steps to make your hiking easier, but it was winding......

 and steep and so many!!! hahaha!!

You are treated to views of the sea

 and cliffs

 and this is to show you how winding these descending steps are!

 and I got sweaty again!!!

 Finally, we reached the bottom, where the steps gave way to cobbled slopes bordered by wooden fences and gnarled thicket trees that looked like bonsai. Below is an aerial view  of the crater to give you an idea of how we had to hike up and descend Seongsan Ilchubong Peak.......Though it was filled with other holiday makers, at the summit, you are rewarded with a view of the crater and the horizon, just simply awesome! it was well worth the hike up.

“Seongsan Ilchulbong from the air” by Korea.net