[Winter Festival] Taebaeksan Snow Festival & Easy Winter Hike

Event Description
It's the Grand Opening Day of the Taebaeksan Snow Festival! ☃️
Are you looking for a real winter wonderland without the pain of a hard hike?
Join us for a special trip to Taebaeksan National Park on the very first day of the annual Snow Festival!

Unlike Seoraksan or Jirisan, Taebaeksan is known as the "Easiest Major Peak" in Korea. The trail is wide and gentle, making it perfect for beginners.
We will hike to the snowy summit, see the ancient Yew Trees (Living Fossils), and finish at Danggol Square to enjoy the Massive Snow Sculptures and festival vibes!

After the hike, we will warm up with the famous local dish: Taebaek Water Chicken Galbi (Spicy Chicken Stew). 🥘

✨ Highlights

1. Snow Festival: Be the first to see the giant snow sculptures on the Opening Day!
2. Snow Flowers: Taebaeksan is famous for its breathtaking "Sanggodae" (hoarfrost on trees).
3. Easy Hike: A gentle slope suitable for most fitness levels.

📅 Date & Time

• Date: Saturday, Jan 31 (Festival Opening Day!)
• Meeting Point: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Stn (Exit 11)
• Meeting Time: 06:00 AM Sharp!
• Note: Since it's the festival opening day, traffic might be heavy. We MUST leave at 06:00.

🏔️ The Course (Beginner Friendly)

• Route: Yuilsa Ticket Booth → Cheonjedan (Summit 1,567m) → Danggol Square (Festival Site).
• Distance: Approx. 8.5km.
• Time: Approx. 4~5 hours (Relaxed pace + Photo time).

🕒 Schedule

• 06:00: Meet & Depart from Dongdaemun (YSA Carpool).
• 09:30: Arrive at Taebaeksan (Yuilsa Entrance).
• 10:00: Start Hiking! 🥾
• Walk through the snowy forest and ancient trees.
• 12:30: Summit Lunch (Cup Ramen & Hot Coffee).
• 14:30: Arrive at Danggol Square.
• Free Time: Enjoy the Snow Festival, take photos with sculptures! 📸
• 15:30: Early Dinner (Taebaek Water Chicken Galbi).
• 17:00: Depart for Seoul.
• 20:30: Arrive back in Seoul.

💰 Cost (Carpool Share)

• Approx. 15,000 KRW
• Includes: Gas, Tolls, Parking fee (Shared equally).
• Excludes: Food & Drinks.

⚠️ Difficulty: EASY-MEDIUM (Winter)

• Fitness: It's easier than other big mountains, but crampons are a must due to snow.
• Mandatory Gear (No Gear, No Hike!):
• Crampons (Eisen): 100% Required. The trail is snowy/icy.
• Warm Clothes: Layers are key!
• Gaiters (Spats): Recommended.

👥 Spots: Only 6 spots available (2 Cars capacity).
📩 How to Join:
RSVP "Yes" and send me a DM to confirm your spot!
Let's enjoy the biggest winter festival in Korea together! ❄️☃️