How to Have a Successful Hiking Experience in Korea!

STEP #1

WALK TOWARDS A MOUNTAIN, FIND A KOREAN DRESSED IN HIKING CLOTHES, AND FOLLOW THEM!

* The trails in Korea are sometimes hidden... like this one, which began on a cement staircase off one of the side streets near my apartment.

Step # 2

DECIDE WHICH PATH YOU WANT TO TAKE!

* There are literally hundreds of different pathways on every mountain, so it makes hiking a more personal experience. On a typical 2 hour hike, like the one I took today, I only passed about 10 people.

Step # 3

STOP TO LOOK AROUND AND TAKE IN THE VIEWS OF THE PATHWAYS ALONG THE TRAIL.

* One of my favorite parts about hiking here, is that it can be a beautifully sunny day, but when you get into the really wooded areas, the trees completely block the sun and it becomes a magical and eerie place!

Step # 4

STOP ALONG THE TRAIL TO MEET A MONK WHO'S ON AN AFTERNOON WALK AND ASK HIM TO TAKE YOUR PICTURE.

* Sorry, I know most of you want to see a picture of him, but I'm not sure how they feel about their pictures being taken and I didn't want to overstep any boundaries as this was the first monk I'd ever actually spoken to. He was very nice and spoke English pretty well. He invited me to come to his temple and show me around, but I knew I wasn't wearing appropriate temple attire (arms should be covered) so I thanked him and told him I would come visit him soon.

Step # 5

STOP TO GET A LITTLE WORKOUT AT THE LOCAL "MOUNTAIN EXERCISE PARK."

* These exercise parks are all over in Korea and are typically donated by the local water companies as a gift to their customers. I'm baffled by most of the equipment and have no idea how it's supposed to be used.

Step # 6

STOP TO DRINK SOME WATER, EAT AN APPLE, AND READ A GOOD BOOK, WHILE ENJOYING THE BLUE SKIES!

* My book choice for the afternoon happened to be Lady Boys. I found a comfy bench, laid my head on my backpack and enjoyed the sun on my face and the sound of the trees blowing in the ocean breeze!

Step # 7

REPEAT STEPS 1-6 AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE!