Journey to Birobong Peak in Sobaeksan National Park (Hasselblad 503cx)
The Beginning: Eager Anticipation
Our adventure began in the scenic town of Danyang, the gateway to Birobong Peak. Located just a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Seoul, Danyang is easily accessible. For those preferring public transportation, a direct intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal is an option. Alternatively, for a scenic route, one can take a train from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul, which takes roughly 1H30 to Danyang.
Gloria kickstarted our journey with her lively introduction. As we moved away from the park's camping area, the expansive beauty of Sobaeksan National Park enveloped us. Spanning across the provinces of Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, this park is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, with pristine rivers meandering through the dense forests. Birobong Peak, standing tall at 1,439 meters, is the park's highlight, offering breathtaking panoramic views. In addition to the natural beauty, the park boasts historical and cultural relics like ancient temples.
Nature's Beauty and the Gathering Spots
As we trekked, the multiple rivers and natural pools became a frequent sight, symbolizing the untouched beauty of the region. Interestingly, many popular river spots in Danyang are not always easily discoverable on international platforms like Google, more often being featured on local platforms like Naver. This has its own charm, as it feels like you're uncovering hidden gems.
An amusing observation was how locals often gather at the same spots, especially the shallower areas where children can play safely. Even in relatively shallow waters, the Korean culture of prioritizing safety was evident as many wore life jackets.
Capturing Moments: The Photographer's Perspective
The park's diverse landscape provided ample opportunities for both digital and film photography. Using my Nikon Z6, I aimed to capture the broader vistas. However, the Hasselblad 503cx, loaded with a roll of Kodak VISION3 200T, was reserved for special moments, giving the photos a unique touch with its film quality.
At several points, the landscapes were so vast and filled with detail that pinpointing a particular subject became the key. For instance, a singular tree, standing out in the sunlight while its surroundings were shaded, became an ideal subject. These smaller focal points, juxtaposed against the vastness of the landscape, tell their own stories.
The Challenge of Changing Weather
The ever-changing weather added to the unpredictability. The fast-moving clouds at the end of the hike at one point threatened our photography plans, and there was a sense of urgency to capture the beautiful views before they were swallowed by the looming clouds. Yet, this very unpredictability gave the scenes a raw, ethereal beauty, offering some of the most stunning views of the Korean landscape I've witnessed.
Reaching Birobong Peak
Birobong, the crown jewel of our hike, was as magnificent as anticipated. The breathtaking panorama, with the clouds full of textures, was a sight to behold. The experience of reaching there, with the mix of anticipation, changing weather, and the thrill of photography, made the journey truly enjoyable.
As the hike concluded, there was a sense of contentment. The photographs, especially those from the Hasselblad with the Kodak film, were eagerly awaited, hoping they've captured the essence of this enchanting journey.
Until the next adventure, as always, ciao!
