Bukhansan means “mountains north of the Han River”. Last Saturday I went with Mr. Kim and the climbing crew to northern Seoul where we set off on a so called “relaxing, leisure” hike. HA! Mr. Kim is a soju and hike liar. We started out with a gym class circle stretch out session and began our mountain mission.
[가게! lets go! ]
We divided into two groups about an hour into the trail. Maybe it was the other team that went on the leisure hike. I was regretting my choice of the rock climbing team about ten feet up the first slope. I was in a frozen stance but my improper shoes had me sliding back down to the initial ledge. Alex's professional advice, “just run!” Never having done this before, I didn't trust him, but quickly learned that it was the best, or only, option at the time. Running worked and at the top I came to realize that it was just the beginning, and we had three more rock surfaces at steep angles that we would have to conquer to savor the view from the top. A rope was used for the rest of the climbs, and the group quickly master the technique and took each step with complete confidence and determination.
[final ascend]
At the top of the mountain, about 800 meters high, we all took in the scenery and enjoyed the sights of Korea. Koreans were sprawled out everywhere taking a rest, eating kimbap, and drinking makali, Korean rice wine. A group of Koreans asked to take a picture with Alan and I, claiming we were so beautiful. After 3 hours off trudging up a mountain in the summer climate I'd say I was anything but beautiful. Maybe they had hit the makali too hard.
[seoul from above/haze]
[sleep on the slant]
Our slow descend down the mountain was broken up with an impromptu yoga sessions, a photo shoot on top of the mountain, and many breaks amongst the trees. But all along Alex was hurrying us along, because he was “thirsty”.
Another Korean companion, nicknamed “Mountain Man”, literally bounced/sprinted/jumped/ up the mountain and every rock formation from the bottom to the top. His energy never ceased. He carried a bag that was as bigger and probably weighing more than him. At one point we watched him disappear into a gap between a few large boulders to then reappear on the top side. Amazing; a worthy idol.
Getting closer to the bottom, we started to hear music and felt gleeful for the end of the trek. We then discovered a restaurant in the mountains. Immediately we all ditched our stuff, claimed a table, drank their entire water supply, and jumped into the creak behind the restaurant. A bit of food, makju, singing (by a professional opera signer from Chicago), and a few rounds of Alan's favorite game Titanic finished off the hike and a great day at Bukhansan.
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