Hiking in Seoul

I know that the title is such a cliche, but I could not come up with the better one to share my experience and passion.  I absolutely love hiking, climbing and nature walks. It is a passion of mine, that I discovered about 2 years ago, while living in the UK. But hiking there felt so easy, I knew the country as far as what animals and birds live there; i know the language and transportation system. Basically, everything because it was my home. Hiking in Seoul!!!! with 2 children however was a different story. First, my kids are so different - one loves hiking as much as i do, the other one absolutely hates it :) But they both enjoy the reward that is the TOP. When we lived in Seoul on the 21st floor,  we could see two mountains from our window - Inwangsan and Ansan +  Namsan Tower, but Namsan is a story on its own and I promise to write my observations and emotions about it in a special post.

First, we went to tackle the "scary" one INWANGSAN. Yes, of course there are many more and higher mountains to climb, but given the time, we chose these two. P.S. I will climb the other ones, that's me manifesting and I know , I will work hard to achieve this. Anyways, back to Inwangsan. It is accessible from various points, but we chose the one outside Seoul, the one that can be reached by bus, cos it seemed more interesting and remote. Looking back to our adventure, I am surprising myself, because I plan everything, but this time I forgot to check such facts as wildlife - any animals, maybe snakes or maybe even poisonous plants. We did not encounter any of this , of course. So, it just proves how excited , happy and content we were living in Seoul - the place that makes you at ease completely.  The hike itself is not too hard, especially motivated by the older generation, who climb these mountains like they are in their 20ies. They pass you without any feeling of passing out or puffing like steam trains. On the other hand , we met non Koreans (will not give specific nationality, but am sure we all can guess) who were absolutely nearly having heart attack, sweating , breathing hard and struggling in general. Keep fit , people. The prize for all this is the view from the top. It is priceless; it is impossible to capture it or describe it. It stays in your memory forever and never fades away. 

Ansan is less high and the way to the top is more beautiful. We started our walk at Seodaemun Prison Hall and got pleasantly surprised by fauna - cherry blossoms, flowers , all kinds of beautiful things on our way. Again, never thought about wildlife. I guess Korea takes your mind and soul, that the rest is not important.

Then , we moved to Busan. Well, THAT PLACE is something other. Nature,  sea, mountains, food, shopping and of course people. Hwangneyongsan mountain is an absolute gem. Again, we took different route to make it more interesting and avoid usual path. The best way probably would be to start by Kyungsung University, then go through forest path and then do the climb. But there are many beautiful trails to choose from. Taejongdae Resort park feels llike heaven on the Earth. It was my favourite place out of all. Of course, I have to mention Oryukdo Skywalk and Gamcheon culture village and Dongbaekseom Island and more and more and more. It is like NeverEndingLand that never dissappoints , just opens new love and emotion. I am glad Korea did not make me give up my hobby and passion. Instead, it mede me love it more. And I will be forever grateful for that. Till next time and more beautiful views !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!