En Route to Mt Kumgang

Leaving Wonsan, unlike most visitors who return west to Pyongyang or head north to Hamhung, we took the coastal road south to the Mt Kumgang region. This mountainous region borders with South Korea along the infamous demilitarised zone (DMZ) which is ironically one of, if not, the most militarised areas in the world. Tourist access to the DMZ on this side of the country is not possible.

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Wonsan – The Drive from Hamhung and an Introduction

Pyongyang is often referred to as a showcase capital, for good reason. Anyone who is anyone lives in Pyongyang, anyone who is not anyone is only permitted to enter the city under special circumstances and they certainly cannot live there. The infrastructure, buildings, services and facilities are the best North Korea can offer.

With a few noted exceptions, North Korea outside Pyongyang is a different world but it is a world that is changing, albeit slowly. While only the fifth largest city with a population of around 365,000, Wonsan, in terms of recent development, comes (a distant) second to Pyongyang.

Majon Beach Guesthouse and its Beautiful Beach

After a full day’s drive from Pyongyang, topped off by a visit to the Hungnam Fertiliser Factory, I was relieved to arrive at our accommodation for the night – a ‘villa’ by the Korean East Sea (or the Sea of Japan to non-Koreans).

Jipsam Revolutionary Site

Today we had a choice of two activities for our pre-lunch stop. After lunch we would continue on to Orang airport for our return flight to Pyongyang. Having a choice in North Korea, and in particular one that results in the group being split in two, is rare but was made easier here in the north east of the country as we had additional local guides and we were travelling in two smaller buses.  Our normal large bus was not suited to the roads in this more mountainous part of the country but then again neither was one of our smaller buses though that’s a story for another review.

Relax on the Beach

Glenelg is Adelaide’s premier seaside destination and when you look at the beach you will see that the reason it is so, is obvious.

Adelaide’s Premier Seaside Resort

Glenelg is Adelaide’s premier, at least in terms of visitor numbers, seaside resort situated on the shore of Holdfast Bay about 10 kms from the City Centre. It is named after Lord Glenelg, then Britain’s Secretary of State for War and the Colonies.

Semaphore Jetty and Beach

Semaphore Jetty was built in 1860 and was originally 652 metres long but is now only 585 metres. That is still a substantial walk out to the end and back in and affords you excellent views along a fantastic white sand beach (pictures below looking north and south) and back to the shore with its low lying dunes and pine trees.

Historic Semaphore

Semaphore, a gorgeous beach-side location, is situated on the LeFevre Peninsula,14kms to the north west of Adelaide, South Australia, and a few kilometres from Port Adelaide.

Shark Attacks and Beach Safety

I have written a number of reviews about the wonderful white sand beaches and inviting sea right along the Gulf St Vincent.

Because of the presence of sand banks the water tends to be shallow and there are rarely rips or large waves. While these beaches are generally safe for swimming and other activities it is important to exercise care.

Brighton – Wining, Dining and Promenading

Brighton is one of a number of seaside suburbs along the beautiful Gulf St Vincent and a personal favourite of mine, though as all the coastal suburbs differ slightly they are all worth a visit should you have time. Most visitors, being time poor, will opt for one or maybe two stops along the coast.