Gyeyang Mountain

It’s been a while because I’m finding myself quite busy lately. I have been doing some hiking and I think some of it is worth mentioning. Now that the weather is absolutely beautiful more and more people are outside. Hiking is one of Korean’s favorite pastimes so it’s quite a common occurrence to see a jam packed mountain on any given weekend, pretty much rain or shine. I met some new friends who live in Incheon and met them to hike Gyeyang Mountain on a beautiful fall day. We met at the subway stop closest to the mountain and just followed the mass of Koreans, decked out in their hiking gear, up the hill.

Mike, Jen and Nina at the start of the hike.

We got beautiful views of all the surrounding areas before heading back down the mountain to enjoy some makoli and pajeon, traditional rice wine and vegetable like pancakes, with a nice and funny Korean family.

amazing views

typical for me to be upside down

I even convinced Mike that handstands on mountain tops are a good idea!

It took us many attempts to capture a picture with the three of us actually jumping, but we finally got it!

We made it to the top!

Sokcho and Seoraksan

My parents arrived in Korea! Jon and I went to pick them up at the airport and we spent the next day exploring one of my favorite places in Korea, Insa-dong. I love shopping so I never mind hitting up an entire street filled with trinket shops. Since the men don’t enjoy shopping as much we also spent time at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

This literally translates to the “Palace of Shining Happiness.” It was first built in 1934 and used until 1592 when it was burned down during warfare with Japan. It was then rebuilt in 1867.

The next day we took the bus to Sokcho on the east coast to climb the famous mountain Seoraksan. Being in the middle of rainy season and among the worst and heaviest rains of the century (literally!) the weather wasn’t very good. Although, considering, we had fairly good weather for the weekend. Seoraksan is known as the “Snow Peak Mountain”, but it is actually a series of peaks and is Korea’s most prominent geographical region. The Buddhist monks chose this area as the place where they would “strive to become one with the universe.”

Arriving in Sokcho

at Seoraksan National Park

Zombies

floating water fountain

giant Buddha statue

Bears in the park