Courtney's Adventure into the Mountains

Courtney’s version of the Chuseok holiday went as follows:

I met up with Harley at the bus terminal and we headed off to Juwangsan National Park. It was raining off and on all day, but not bad at all. We set up the tent in a seeming abandoned camp ground. I say this because it was quite empty of tent campers and camp owners (to pay our camping fee too) though there were some site-campers who were having a good time. After getting all set up we walked to one of the many restaurants on the street and had some dinner.

Rice Field around the campground

The next day was an early start. We woke about 6:30 and headed up the mountain shortly after. Because it was so early and so deserted, we followed a man decked out in hiking gear to the park entrance. He led us across a bridge and down a very sketch path – thru the woods. Soon we realized that the park entrance was on the other side of the river! We ended up coming to another bridge well into the park, having bypassed the park entrance fee (not that it was any huge fee). The park was a beautiful hike - instead of words it’s easier just to show pictures – so here are some pictures.

Because I love owls you know - and when I saw this owl I just HAD to take a picture. Plus, it was at the beginning of the trail so it reminded me of Zelda.

When we arrived at the lookout point, a man said to us "The clouds are dancing"

View of the campground -if you look really really hard (look for the orange tents)

Marker at the top of the mountain

Just a warning - but rocks might fall on your head

The stream that ran through the valley

After the main hike, we headed down through the valley, past some waterfalls, caves, and temples. All together, it was about 10.3k for the day (the guide mentioned that we were able to burn 2,160kcal) See these other pictures

Waterfall number 2

Harley and the path past waterfall number 1

Unfortunately we are unable to climb here on this rock

Some rocks near waterfall 1

A building at the temple

Part of the temple at the bottom of the hill

When we got back to the bottom of the park, we headed off to the bonsai greenhouse where we found a ton of bonsai trees growing. It was amazing how many they were and how old some were!

Buckets where you can buy stick chips

The Bonsai tree greenhouse

That afternoon we just relaxed until dinner then went to bed early. The funny thing about the campground though, was that it was now full. When we left it that morning, no one was there. When we came back, it was packed! We spent most of the afternoon relaxing in the tent watching different families struggle with their camp tarps in the wind and set up their stoves and kitchen utensils. One family even brought a giant video camera – the kind used to film the news! Most everyone had a cot, and some had tents inside their giant tents!

Our campground

A full campground

My tiny orange tent in among the giant house tents

The next morning we had another early start and walked up the second trail. The views were even better than the first morning! We even saw more wildlife (snakes, slugs, chipmunks, and a flying squirrel). The website mentioned wild boar and otters - but we saw none. I think it was false advertising. There was a little bouldering garden that looked good for climbing but had a tendency to fall apart when climbing up (maybe a little dangerous for those people who are spotting the climber).

Because my camera for some reason doesn't have a panorama view. Just click to see it bigger.

The view early in the morning - the valley was always full of clouds

A snake on the path

A chipmunk in the tree

After finishing the loop, we decided to head up the third loop (an extra 8.5k). It was only 11:30 – we could do it. Though it was a pretty intense route, the view was worth it. The path led out onto a rock ledge, from which you could see for miles and miles and miles (we were up 882.8m)! I could see the ocean, I could see a hundred million other mountains, I could see a windmill farm! I bet I could have even seen Florida if I looked hard enough.

The highest view ever

Me and the highest view ever

We kinda rushed down, mainly because we were starving. Walking 20.5k with only a bit of fruit to eat makes you hungry! We stopped at the first restaurant we saw and ate everything in site. Then headed back to the camp to eat some ice cream and relax. There wasn’t much going on that evening – we just sat around and I read a book. After it got dark, I went for a small walk into the woods. The moon was really bright, and it looked amazing next to the huge mountains.

The next day we woke up early (again – yes… three mornings in a row I was able to wake up at 6:30 – very impressive!) It was time to head home – so we packed up and got back on the bus home.

Just a fun fact - in Korea, no one eats the skins of fruits. Not even grape skins.

Though there isn’t much to write – I had an amazing time! It was great to relax outside away from the city for a while. It was a wonderful vacation!