Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ella]

Any info about the backpacking scene in Korea? Not just day hikes but overnight trips, the kind captain kirk described here:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=55485&highlight=hiking

I've done a lot of long distance backpacking and I'm debating whether or not to bring my gear with me. I'm an ultralighter so it's not a matter of space or weight, just practicality. It's difficult for me to imagine an entire year without making a few overnight trips into greenery somewhere. Would a single female taking off by herself be considered odd (not that that would stop me)? Any pitfalls or other things I need to be aware of?

[inspector gadget]

I have brought my tent and sleeping bag both times I have come to korea. The first year I went camping three times, not too many but it was nice to have the gear.

This time around I have already gome camping twice in three months. I have a lot more time off this time due to having a public school job so I anticipate camping alot more.

Some would say the best places are to go and explore the national and provincial parks. Its also worthwhile just exploring around the local mountains close to your place. Recently I packed up my gear and walked up a local mountain were there are large ridges and valleys as far as the eye can see. I spent friday and saturday up there and it was great, didn't see a sole very peaceful and beautiful. I would suggest a compass and buying a good map if you plan going to far off the beaten path.

There are restrictions on camping in the parks so check that out first, also cooking is prohibited in most places so plan on taking food that doesn't require heat. Having said that I had a campfire when I have gone out in the local areas but I would not chance that in the parks, they seem to be very serious about that and I hear the fines are very large.

Some strange looks from the koreans when you go out camping on your own but for the most part they seem to admire your desire to spend the night in the great outdoors.

My suggestion is to bring your gear, Korea is one of the best places to go hiking backpacking cause the mountains and trails really are everywhere.

Have fun

[just because]

I did a great 4 day/3 night, 44 kilometre trek up the spine of Jirisan...

Slept in cabins each night and met a lot of cool people and saw some awesome scenery....

Highly recommend it

[jlb]

Ella...you sound like my type of person. I'm also a single-female long-distance backpacker (did 1500 miles on the AT) and plenty of week-long trips to various places in Canada. I'm also an ultralighter. I'm coming to Korea in August if you want to PM me later and we can plan something (if you like partners).

As for bringing your gear, definitely do it! I didn't bring all my stuff the first time I was in Korea and definitely regretted it.

I did a lot of dayhiking (almost every weekend) and most of it by myself. I did get some strange looks but overall it was a really positive experience. People would often invite me to eat lunch with them, giving me all kinds of tasty treats and hot drinks in winter. They would hike up the moutain with me and give me rides to bus stops and take my picture for me at the top. It was amazing...Korean hikers are awesome and I felt at home in the Korean mountains.

[dtowler]

Hey guys and girls... I'll be in daejeon this june.. if anybody's interested in going on a couple of these hikes throughout the summer pm me or email me. I hear there are some pretty good weekend hikes around mt seoraksan. Let me know if anybody's interested!

derek

[cbbjork]

please keep me posted on these hiking trips. Id love to join, if possible. I'll be arriving in Seoul at the end of May.
thanks!

[jlb]

I'm coming back to Korea in August and am thinking of organizing a hike or two for dave's people. I think it'd be a good time to meet some random outdoorsy people from different cities. I was actually thinking of doing a longer trip somewhere for Chuseok in October. It should be beautiful weather and it would be a 4 day weekend.

Any ideas?

[heydelores]

Count me in if anyone's planning a hiking trip. I'd be all for it!

[cbbjork]

not to be repetetive, but me too

[Free World]

Just Because (or anyone else who knows):
Are there any mountains closer to Seoul than Jirisan which offer cabins for lodging?

[jlb]

Here's the site for the national parks. There's a map somewhere on there and under reservation services, you can see where the huts are. Lonely Planet has some okay maps of the parks, usually listing huts on them.

http://www.knps.or.kr/www/eng/main.htm

[dtowler]

I've read about a hike in jirisan park, from Daewonsa to Hwa-eomsa. Apparently it takes about 3 days and is about 30km(maybe a little more or less) anyways, its supposed to be a really nice route with several camp grounds and shelters along the way.

[ella]

What's the water situation? Can you drink from streams if you treat the water with Aqua Mira?

[just because]

[just because]