Wolchulsan National Park: Round 2

Hola! Last weekend we headed to Mt. Wolchul National Park for a second look. We went in November with our co-teacher Cody when we first got to Korea. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't so great. It was foggy and rainy and you couldn't see the mountain or the views at all. This time around the weather was beautiful and we had a great day! Not that the first time wasn't great but it was great again. The mountain was less crowded than expected as well. Which is nice but than again we didn't get to see as many Korean hiking outfits!

Naturally, there are a few things about hiking culture in Korea that are a bit different from home. Koreans love hiking and there are outdoor stores everywhere here in Mokpo (and else where). When out for a day on the mountain (or sometimes just a walk through the city) Koreans bust out ALL of their mountain gear and the colors are something to see. Flashy, doesn't even begin to describe it. Incredibly bright shirts and pants and backpacks of florescent pinks, greens, blues, reds, and any other color in the spectrum. They also carry everything imaginable while hiking. Some people look like they are going on expeditions for the day. They have stoves, clothes, cook sets, pads for sitting, and who knows what else. It's a lot. We must look like unprepared fools out there. Needless to say, they look great. You know who else looked good? The women reapplying their make-up at the summit. They were busting out mirrors and compact cases and were getting all touched up for the walk down. Also, Koreans pound beers while they hike. When they stop for lunch, for an extended break, or reach they summit beverages are enjoyed! Its not everyone but certainly a lot of people making a time of it while making a summit bid.

Here are some pictures from the day at Wolchulsan, enjoy!

Korean hiking outfits at their finest 

The Sky Bridge

The couple taking this picture for us kept telling us to get closer to the cliff to our left