My First Hike

Considering 70% of the Korean peninsula is covered by mountains, it is no secret that hiking is a national past time here.  Since part of my reason for coming here is to experience the culture, it only makes sense for me to want to give it a shot.  Yesterday's weather was sunny with a high of 8 degrees Celsius so it seemed like a perfect opportunity to hike one of the mountains surrounding Changwon. 

Despite the popularity of hiking here in Changwon, it is nearly impossible to find information about the trails on the Internet.  The only useful information I came across said there was a trail "somewhere behind Changwon University."  That seemed about a close as I was going to get to a location so I figured I'd have to make it work.  I didn't want to bring my leather jacket so I layered a long sleeve shirt underneath my hoodie.  I packed my backpack (If you're reading this Michelle, I'm glad I bought that bag from Target!) with a 2 liter bottle of water, a bunch of oranges and kiwis, my camera, and gloves and off I went to catch a bus to the university.  

Since it was Sunday, the university was nearly deserted.  I wandered around the part of campus near the base of the mountains for nearly an hour with no luck.  I gave up and was going to head to one other location in Changwon I thought had a good chance of being an entrance to a hiking trail.  However, upon leaving campus, I saw several people with backpacks, hiking outfits, and hiking poles walking down a road.  I couldn't believe my luck!  I followed and sure enough, they lead me straight to one of the trails.  Just outside the entrance were several vendors selling food, beverages, and as expected, hiking equipment.  It was just about 11:30 when I began my trek up the mountain.

Hiking Trail Entrance

The first part of the hike was relatively easy.  The path was low grade and fairly smooth while running along a little creek.  After hiking about 1.5 km, I came to a fork in the path.  Since the sign there was in Korean, I didn't know what it said, but I was feeling ambitious and took the path with the longest distance.

 Easy Part of Hiking Path

 Creek Alongside Hiking Path

Bridges on Hiking Path

First Fork on Trail

It was at this point when the path started to narrow and the slope of the mountain was such that any fall was going to involve me rolling down a steep slope if I didn't slam into a tree first.  Before long, I came to another fork.  This time, the options were to continue on the path I was on which had been fairly easy to this point, or to veer to the right and head up a steep, rocky slope.  Having exerted very little effort to this point, I decided to head to the right.  I didn't get far before I realized just how out of shape I am!  A little ways up, there were a couple of benches and I decided to take my first rest.

Mountain Slope

The other sign of just how out of shape I am were all of the Koreans effortlessly passing me on the way up the mountain.  This includes elderly men and women!  Here I am huffing and puffing as I climb the steep path and navigate the rocks while 60 year old ajummas move along as if they are walking along a city sidewalk.  At least a lot of them were friendly enough to offer a courteous annyeong haseyo as they passed me by.  A little ways up the mountain I come to a small clearing offering a peek down into Changwon.  Despite resting a few times already, I decide to stop and enjoy the view for a couple minutes.  I figured I was about halfway up the mountain but was not yet satisfied so I continued on.

 An ajumma effortlessly navigates the terrain.

 The view from halfway up the mountain.

  The view from halfway up the mountain.

If I thought it was difficult getting up to this point, I was in for a big surprise!  The rest of the way featured very steep paths, large rock formations to navigate, and massive stairs built into the mountainside to climb.  I had to stop more frequently to rest, drink some water, eat some fruit, and catch my breath.  At some point, my throat started to hurt as well.  It was along this stretch that I saw the first hiker walking with a tiny dog.  The dog could not have been more than 6-8 lbs.  I don't know how the dog got up (or down) the mountain with those tiny legs but it would not be the last little dog I would see that day.  Despite my condition (or lack thereof), I was determined to continue on. 

 Staircase Built Into the Mountain

Steep Trail Near the Peak

I encountered a large rock formation on the path that required some effort to climb.  Upon reaching the top of the rock, I realized that I was at the peak.  Despite every blow I sustained from the mountain, I made it!!!  The views were amazing!  All of a sudden, my aches and pains disappeared!  I checked my watch and noticed it was just after 2:00.  It took over 2.5 hours to go from the base of the mountain to the peak.  I stayed at the top of the mountain for about a half hour to enjoy the view.  Some friendly Korean hikers offered me an orange which I gladly accepted with a sincere kamsahamnida.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to converse with them, but I can live with this being my biggest disappointment of the day.

 Me at the Peak

 Me at the Peak

 View of Changwon from the Peak

 View of Changwon from the Peak

(The buildings with the green roofs are Changwon University)

 The Beginning of the Trail as seen from the Peak

(The red and blue tents were the vendors I described earlier.)

 View from the Peak

 View from the Peak

 View from the Peak

 View from the Peak

I believe this stone marked the peak.

I finally decided it was time to head back down the mountain.  This provided its own set of challenges.  While I was able to make it down without stopping in under an hour, it was in a way, more difficult than on the way up.  Going down the steep rocky paths and staircases was hell on my knees.  There were numerous times where my feet almost slipped out from underneath me or that I felt like I was about to fall forward.  As on the way up, I was repeatedly passed by Koreans of all ages making their way down the mountain with ease.  Finally, at about 3:30, I was at the base of the mountain.

Much more difficult on the way down!

After hiking for over 4 hours and an estimated 12 km, I was too sore to look for the bus stop so I jumped in a taxi to get back to my apartment.  I spend the rest of the day and night lying on my bed watching movies and television only getting up to get some bibimbop from the nearby takeout restaurant.  Despite my pain, I am proud of myself for being able to make it all the way to the top.  I definitely hope to get back out there soon!