Saturday: RASKB is organizing a trip to Geoje Island, which is at the southern end of the peninsula. On arriving at the island, the group will take a boat through Hallyeo waterway. The two-hour boat trip includes a scenic view of Haegeumgang, the rock formations often compared to Diamond Mountain in the North, and a small walk on Oedo Island, which is a habitat for exotic species of plants. After spending the night in Chungmu, the group will start the next morning with a visit to Hansan Island. The island is of historical significance as it is around this area where the famed Joseon naval leader Admiral Yi Sun-sin defeated the Japanese navy with his turtle battleship (a model of the ship, which the admiral is said to have invented, can be seen at the War Memorial in Seoul).
The trip costs 198,000 won ($213) for members, and 228,000 won for nonmembers. The bus will leave from Yongsan Post Office near Sinyongsan Station, line No. 4, exit 1, at 7:30 a.m. and return on Sunday, June 24, at 8:30 p.m.
(02) 763-9483, www.raskb.com
Sunday: RASKB is also arranging a visit to Naejang Mountain. Located in North Jeolla, the area is a designated national park. The mountain is densely forested and surrounded with rock outcroppings. The area is also famous for the Naejang Temple. Behind the first gate of the temple, 16 sari pudo, the second gate, a fish pond and the bell pavilion can be seen. Above the temple is an octagonal pavilion with great views of the mountain. There are some good routes to this lookout point from the temple, but taking a cable car up to the top and coming down to the temple is an easy way to enjoy the view.
The tour costs 42,500 won for members and 51,000 won for nonmembers. Those who wish to use the cable car will need to pay an extra 2,500 won. The bus leaves from Yongsan Post Office near Sinyongsan Station, line No. 4, exit 1, and returns to Seoul at about 8 p.m.