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SCMP Reporter

A FOUR-HOUR drive along the expressway from Seoul is the east coast with its sandy beaches and spectacular national parks.

  The area's historic sites, mountain scenery and interesting coastal towns, make it an ideal place to spend a few days away from it all, hiking, mountain climbing, swimming or skiing.

  There are three national parks in the area, the largest and most famous one located around Mount Soraksan.

  The gateway to the magnificent 354-sq-km Mount Soraksan National Park, an area of peaks, lush valleys, dense forests, Buddhist temples and waterfalls, is Sokch'o.

  The fishing port is a fitting place to sample some fresh seafood: abalone porridge and octopus among the more unusual favourites.

  Ten minutes away is the entrance to the park.

  One of the highlights is the Kwon-gumsong fortress, which sits atop a peak and is surrounded by a two-kilometre-long stone wall.

  To reach the fort, visitors can take a cable car from the valley bottom - a ride that offers some spectacular views.

  Caves, fantastic rock formations, temples and hermitages are steeped in history and folklore stories about them have passed into legend, lending the park a special atmosphere. At Pisondae Plateau, for example, an angel is said to have ascended to heaven.

  One of the best times to visit is in the autumn when the leaves are changing colour and the mountains are covered in flowers.

  A ridge, the long and winding Han-gyeryong Pass, divides the park into inner and outer Sorak, with contrasting landscapes, the inner area being more rugged.

  The Shinhungsa temple is located in outer Sorak and the current building, constructed in 1645, occupies a site where a temple has stood for more than 1,300 years.

  Just south of Mount Soraksan National Park is the 300-sq-km Mount Odaesan National Park, which features temples of a similar age.

  Nearby is the Yongpyeong (Dragon Valley) ski resort, popular with experts and beginners at the winter sport from December to March.

  The resort is the biggest of Korea's eight major ski grounds - with 19 slopes and 15 lifts - and hosts an annual snow festival.

  At the southern end of the coastal highway is the third park in the area, Mount Chuwangsan National Park.

  Covering more than 100 sq km, it is less crowded than the others but the scenery is no less beautiful.

  The nearby town of Yongdok is noted for its seafood, especially crab.

  The scenery along the east coast is no less enticing than that of the parks, with the sea shore a series of long sandy beaches interrupted by rocky cliffs.

  Hwajinp'o beach, north of Sokch'o, is said to be one of the most beautiful in the country, while the resort at Kyongp'odae is another popular place for swimming in the clear blue waters of the East Sea.



Soraksan park the crown of east coast's attractions