2018-09-01_TravelLeisureIndiaSouthAsia

Worth Flying For

A

t the Seoraksan National Park, South Korea,

the mountains change colour every season,

guaranteeing a different landscape on every

visit. Come autumn, and vibrant foliage of

different hues will adorn the Seoraksan mountains,

which are dotted with oak and dwarf stone pine

trees. Amidst this burst of greens and oranges rises

the 10-metre-tall Buddha statue at the Sinheungsa

Temple, situated on the slopes of the mountain

range. Called the Bronze Jwabul Statue, the

towering monument draws a multitude of

travellers to the ancient Buddhist temple. With

its silhouette set against a clear blue sky, the statue

commands awe. According to locals, the national

park is one of the most scenic places the country

has to offer, with the best time to visit between

September and November. Ideal for a day trip, the

place is best explored on a cable car; go up to the

Gwongeumseong Fortress for magnificent views of

the Buddha statue, while also coming across signs

that tell the story of two generals who built the fort

to avoid war almost a millennium ago. Easy hikes

here include Biryong Falls, Guemganggul Cave, and

Biseondae Rock. —SHIKHA PUSHPAN

SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK,

SOUTH KOREA

CHINNAPHONG MUNGSIRI/GETTYIMAGES

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