The course is divided into 4 areas:
1.
See the water cascading
down the rocky cliffs at Guryong Falls District
2. Experience the beauty
of the mountains at the Manmulsang Rocks District.
3. View the crystal
clear lakes and then head to ocean for some picturesque scenery at Samilpo Lake
Estuary District and Haegeumgang Seashore District.
4. For the
those who love a good hike, the Sejongbong Peak and Dongseokbong Peak
District will be sure to please .
There is only one tour available (3
days and 2 nights) for the Geumgangsan trip. The first day will be limited to
the hot springs, but on the second day you can choose between two courses. You
may choose from Guryong Falls course or the Manmulsang course. There are two
other courses which you can choose from. Sejonbong and Dongseokbong Peak courses
are available, but both are very tough courses and for this reason aren’t often
used. If you are adventurous enough to try one of these courses you must
register in advance. Samilpo Lake and Haegeumgang Seashore courses are attended
by all on the final tour day. |
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1. Guryongyeon
District |
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This course follows the flow of the valley, through
breathtaking rock formations and pools of water so clear that it’s almost
unbelievable. This course is a pleasure to hike. The walkways are fairly easy to
maneuver and there are guides available to help along the way. Many women enjoy
taking this leisurely and beautiful course. Most people average between 4~5
hours for the course, although those more experienced hikers may only require
1~2 hours. It is recommended to take your time and enjoy the marvelous views
while hiking. Currently this course is the popular among visitors to the Diamond
Mountains. Singyesa Temple can also be seen by bus.
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[Map of Guryongyeon District> |
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2. Manmulsang
District |
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Experience the Diamond Mountains most thrilling course at
Manmulangsang. There are many sharp slopes accompanied by many stairs, but the
views are unforgettable. A bus can be taken to see Yukhwaam Rock.
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3. Samilpo Lake and
Estuary District, Haegeumgang Seashore District |
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The views at Samilpo Lake are composed of roughly 36 peaks
surrounded by lakes. The view of the Haegeumgang Seashore area is said to
possess female qualities, while the mountain areas are more masculine in their
picturesque views. Approximately 1 hour is spent at each Samilpo and
Haegeumgang. The Samilpo course allows visitors to leisurely stroll around the
lake area.
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4. Sejongbong Peak,
Dongseokbong Peak District |
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| This rugged course filled with many steep rocky peaks is the
toughest of all the courses, setting off around 9 a.m. and returning after a
long day of hiking around 6~7 p.m. This course holds many secrets of the Diamond
Mountains that can only be experienced through a testing journey and is thus
only recommended for experienced hikers. Currently not included in the general
touring schedule, due to its difficult nature, advanced registration is required
for this course |
[BEST 3 of restaurants located in Mt. Geumgangsan]
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| Best 1. Geumgangwon Restaurant |
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The Geumgangwon Restaurant offers traditional North Korean-style
dining in a manner that is sure to please all. The atmosphere is quiet and
relaxed. The course menu consists of: pan-fried mung-bean
cake - dumplings -cooked pig meat and duck - sea mussel
porridge - naengmyeon. Alcohol may be ordered for additional cost. Upon
your arrival at the Diamond Mountains, your guide will ask you if you are
interested in this special course menu for dinner. Reservations must be made in
advance.
Dinner: $25 / Alcohol: $18, Soju $2 |
Best 2. Buffet of Onjeonggak Rest
Area |
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This buffet is a welcome sight after a long day spent hiking in
the mountains. The buffet can be found at the Onjeonggak rest area. Operated by
Hyundai Asan, the food is of South Korean-style with North Korean-made
ingredients.
Lunch/dinner: $9 |
Best 3. Danpunggwan |
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The Mongnangwan restaurant is located at the base of the
Guryongyeon course, while the Danpunggwan restaurant can be found looking over
the Samilpo Lake. Both of these restaurants have northern-style cuisine on their
menus. The naengmyeon and Bibimbap are both very popular in North Korea. One
must purchase a food coupon at the Onjeonggak rest area before departing for the
course. This would be a great opportunity to experience northern-style food
first hand.
Lunch : $9 |
[BEST 3 optional activities at the Diamond Mountains
region] |
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[Best 3 of Geumgangsan Souvenirs] |
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[Touring TIPS]
1. For those that are
experiencing some body aches after hiking all day long, it would be a good idea
to spend some extra time at the Geumgangsan Hot Springs.
2. Bring along an
extra water bottle when you go hiking. There are several points along the hiking
courses where you can collect some mineral water. It is said that one cup will
make you look 10 years younger. It would also be advisable to bring some snacks
along, as there is no place to purchase food along the way.
3. If you wish to
sample some tasty northern-style cuisine at Geumgangwon restaurant; try to make
your reservation for the first night. Most people don’t make their reservations
for the first night, thus giving those first-night diners a quiet and relaxing
atmosphere.
4. It is best to exchange money before departing for North
Korea. (ONLY US dollars are used)
5. Picture taking is not permitted during
the acrobatic performance. However, once the performance is over, spectators are
allowed to take pictures as the performance come out for a round of applause.
Postcard and other pictures of the performance can be purchased at Hotel
Haegeumgang
6. Taking pictures of North Korean people is not allowed. That
being said, you can try asking politely to take your picture with a North Korean
person. The waitresses in the restaurants are rather receptive to the idea.
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Interview with Geumgangsan Guide, Jeona
Kim
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 Reporter: What is the percentage of
foreign tourists to the Geumgangsan region?
Guide: Around 5~10
percent of all visitors are foreigners.
Reporter:
What course do most foreigners like best?
Guide: Both foreign and
South Korean tourists enjoy the Guryongyeon course most.
Reporter: Are there any interpreters available for foreign tourists?
Guide: For those foreign tourists who aren’t accompanied by Koreans,
there are guides available that can speak English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Reporter: Is there an additional charge for this
service?
Guide: No, it’s free.
Reporter: What
would you said are some necessary items that visitors to this area should bring
with them?
Guide: An umbrella and a raingear. This is lots of rain and
snow in this region. Better to be prepablue!
Reporter: What
is the best season to travel to the Geumgangsan Diamond
Mountains?
Guide: While each season has its own special feature,
autumn is said to be liked the most. As for myself, I would have to recommend
the winter.
Reporter: There are many regulations that
tourists to this area must follow. What would you say is the most important one
for tourists to be aware of?
Guide: Picture taking. The areas where
pictures can be taken are limited. Many foreign tourists try to take pictures,
even though they have been told not to.
Reporter: What is
the most popular optional activity?
Guide: The oncheon (hot springs).
Most people spend their free time there.
Reporter: Is use of
the Geumgangsan Beach free?
Guide: Yes, use of the beach area is free
from the middle of July to the end of August. There are also many activities
along beach that tourists can participate in. These activities aren’t free.
Reporter: Have you noticed any difficulties for those
people coming from countries that may not have good diplomatic relations with
North Korea?
Guide: No, Never.
Reporter: Lastly,
is there anything that you would like to say those people that plan to visit the
Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains?
Guide: Experience a different culture
and enjoy Geumgangsan’s natural beauty. You are welcome
anytime.
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Demographics
