Gwacheonsan - Last Jackie's Hiking Trip - Oct 18

I love hiking in the autumn. Words like "crisp," "golden,: and "breezy" come to mind. Often, hiking in the summer is too full of "sweaty" and "frustrating." Jackie's decided to host an outing to Gwancheonsan (I think that's where we went). I went despite the fact that I'd already known that my butt was being canned in a few weeks. I went for a couple reasons, one, because I enjoy hiking, and also, I wasn't going to let my jerk-boss squeeze me out and make me hide as if I was leaving voluntarily.


The director and the Hanster both came. I think the director, Harry, is a really sweet guy. He was being very typical Korean, showing up in his full hiking outfit. Koreans take their hiking very seriously, and come to the mountain fully equipt with hiking clothes, shoes, backpacks, and often hiking sticks. All provided by Black Yak.

We were allowed to bring some friends. I brought Aaron along. Most of the Jackie's crew that came were fine to climb the mountain. A couple people found it really strenuous. *coughAarongcough*

I was actually a little frustrated with the hike. The lighting wasn't terribly good and my camera really wasn't taking any nice pictures.

We took some time for a break and some pictures. Vivan took this shot, and was conspiring with John in the background. He seems all innocent and harmless, but inside he's just a kid up to mischeif! Don't give me those Bambi eyes!

The boys took a smoke break, which was illegal as they found out later. >_<
One of the best moments of the trip was when Chuck demonstrated some of the ajosshi mountain exercises, which involved puffing out one's chest and slapping it loudly with both hands. There are a number of traditions in Korean mountain climbing that one must always abide by. Always drink makoli (rice wine) at the summit, and always eat pajon (a pancake with green onions and squid) at a restaurant when you come down. Our group combined the activites with dinner at the bottom.

I need to do more hiking here, but outside of the city. The mountains would be more fun if I got out of Seoul and away from where there are scores of people on them constantly.

Other pictures of the hiking trip are on my blog: September 28, 2008 to October 2, 2008.