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Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Page 8

Day 22 - Thursday, 24 November 2022

Rocky road

Dobongsan to Uijeongbu

Today I did a hike I have done before. Well, I have done the first bit before with the death defying hand rails and opportunities for plummeting.
Getting to the start point, at Dobongsan station, took a bit longer than I anticipated. First of all the train I was on just stopped and threw everyone off. It is a very long line so some of the trains do not go all the way.
Then I missed the next train as I was not sure if a limited express would stop where I was going, and then while I was figuring that out the all stops train went past on another platform. So this all added about 30 minutes onto the journey.

Once off the second train, and it is suburb all about hiking. All the roads leading up to the start point are lined with the usual North Face, Black Yak, Columbia etc hiking shops as well as cafes and old women selling tomatoes.
It was a weekday, I dare not go here on the weekend as it would be chaos which I will explain in the pics, but despite that, it was still pretty busy, at least at first.
Once you get past the hand rail rocky road at the top of the main peak, there are numerous options to continue on, and a lot less people.
The hike took just over 5 hours, but was not very far, only 14km, and only 25,000 steps. Obviously the climbing over the rocks with the hand rails takes quite a while.

I did all I could to cull pics, but there are still quite a few!

Minor update: if you want to see a lot more photos of handrails on Dobongsan, you can go to the home page, click search, click the tag for Dobongsan and have a look at my previous visit in 2015.

Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - There is Dobongsan, in all it's rocky massif glory. It is part of Bukhansan national park to the north of Seoul. Dobongsan is in the northern part of

There is Dobongsan, in all it's rocky massif glory. It is part of Bukhansan national park to the north of Seoul. Dobongsan is in the northern part of the national park, but Seoul still extends a lot further north as you shall see.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The roads up to the start of the trail are a hive of activity.

The roads up to the start of the trail are a hive of activity.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - As expected, the shrine. There was none at the end of the hike today, but there are many hermitages all through the park. No matter how remote they ar

As expected, the shrine. There was none at the end of the hike today, but there are many hermitages all through the park. No matter how remote they are, they seem to have enough loud speakers and electricity to generate deafening feedback with the low throat rumbling screams echoing across the mountains.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The first bit is a footpath alongside a stream. I do what I can to hide the fact it is a bitumen footpath.

The first bit is a footpath alongside a stream. I do what I can to hide the fact it is a bitumen footpath.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Part of the rock face sticking up. There are a lot of big rocks today.

Part of the rock face sticking up. There are a lot of big rocks today.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Here is a part of a rock I climbed up.

Here is a part of a rock I climbed up.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Getting closer. I am actually going up there.

Getting closer. I am actually going up there.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Look closely and you can see how lucky I am to still be alive. A small black panther was stalking me.

Look closely and you can see how lucky I am to still be alive. A small black panther was stalking me.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Nearly at the main bit.

Nearly at the main bit.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - At this stage, probably already using the hand rails and trying to take a photo without getting them in the photo, and without falling.

At this stage, probably already using the hand rails and trying to take a photo without getting them in the photo, and without falling.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - A series of hand rails to the top. Honestly, not that dangerous, it would be hard to slip as you always have 3 points of contact. Some of the gravel a

A series of hand rails to the top. Honestly, not that dangerous, it would be hard to slip as you always have 3 points of contact. Some of the gravel and leaf covered downward sloping rocky steps are far more dangerous.
I passed a girl on my way down one of the sections having a panic attack, sitting down, holding on with her eyes closed crying. She had 2 other people with her, not sure what you can do at that point other than get over it...


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Some great rocky views, although Seoul was mostly covered in pollution haze. The hand rail sections extend for a few hundred metres, and often you are

Some great rocky views, although Seoul was mostly covered in pollution haze. The hand rail sections extend for a few hundred metres, and often you are going down rock faces with metal pegs hammered into them, so photos are impossible. On the weekends, with hundreds of people coming in each direction, this would be... uncomfortable.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - View number 1.

View number 1.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - View number 2.

View number 2.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - View number 3. I culled a lot.

View number 3. I culled a lot.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Seoul extends further north, of the left side of this pic, but it gets narrow between these two mountain ranges in the area of city shown in this pic.

Seoul extends further north, of the left side of this pic, but it gets narrow between these two mountain ranges in the area of city shown in this pic.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I believe I climbed over all of those using the hand rails. But I appear to have culled most of the pics that feature the rails. Today's word of the d

I believe I climbed over all of those using the hand rails. But I appear to have culled most of the pics that feature the rails. Today's word of the day, rail.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Time for one of these. Stance shot was not going to happen today, not enough flat area to put the camera down and stand far enough away.

Time for one of these. Stance shot was not going to happen today, not enough flat area to put the camera down and stand far enough away.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Looking back in the direction I came, most of the people are gone by this point. I realise now the most interesting bits I could not photograph as it

Looking back in the direction I came, most of the people are gone by this point. I realise now the most interesting bits I could not photograph as it was too dangerous to let go.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Next peak over has a little forest fire monitoring hut. If you notice a fire you basically have time to phone it in before you get burnt.

Next peak over has a little forest fire monitoring hut. If you notice a fire you basically have time to phone it in before you get burnt.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - More view.

More view.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Northern Seoul beyond the divide.

Northern Seoul beyond the divide.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Last peak of the day. Not very high, but it was fun getting here.

Last peak of the day. Not very high, but it was fun getting here.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - This smaller peak is at the very northern end of the national park, I believe it is called Sapaesan. I suspect most of these people have come up a dir

This smaller peak is at the very northern end of the national park, I believe it is called Sapaesan. I suspect most of these people have come up a direct path from a temple that I circled around to extend my hike. A grandma saw me go past and called me a handsome boy.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - A bit more view from Sapaesan.

A bit more view from Sapaesan.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The way down had many giant rocks to go past, and the usual leaf covered paths. Not a lot of colour to gawk at today.

The way down had many giant rocks to go past, and the usual leaf covered paths. Not a lot of colour to gawk at today.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Nearly at the bottom.

Nearly at the bottom.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Instead of coming out at a shrine, I came out in a little street with bars and cafes, and a dog wearing aircraft wings with jets on them.

Instead of coming out at a shrine, I came out in a little street with bars and cafes, and a dog wearing aircraft wings with jets on them.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I expected to come out into some ramshackle mud huts. No, giant brand new, not even 'grand opening' yet apartment buildings.

I expected to come out into some ramshackle mud huts. No, giant brand new, not even 'grand opening' yet apartment buildings.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - This area of Seoul has a monorail running a loop around it. Before now I thought it was a tram, I have never been here before.

This area of Seoul has a monorail running a loop around it. Before now I thought it was a tram, I have never been here before.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - And final pic, I did not expect to stumble into a giant Shinsagae department store on top of the subway station at Uijeongbu. There was also a very la

And final pic, I did not expect to stumble into a giant Shinsagae department store on top of the subway station at Uijeongbu. There was also a very large labyrinthine underground shopping mall that I got lost in looking for the train.
Usual warnings about tonight, I am unlikely to go far so the pics will be bland and in short supply.


Threepeat

A short walk to a familiar meal

Short update will be short.
I have now had Abiko curry 3 times on this trip.
1st time at the Lotte young store, vegetarian, super spicy, and it was pretty spicy.
2nd time, in Gwangju, and I got the super spicy with pork and vegetarian blend and it was not spicy at all.
3rd time, back to the Lotte young, vegetarian super spicy, and it was quite spicy again.
Adding pork to it in Gwangju did not really add much, so vegetarian is superior. And my official verdict, the outlet on level 7 of a Seoul department store annex building is superior to a street level outlet in the suburb of Sangmu in Gwangju.
My research has been exhaustive.

Tomorrow is not a hiking day... I have no plan.

Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - A nearby hotel does a lot of lights in trees. Really hard to photograph it in any sort of a meaningful way.

A nearby hotel does a lot of lights in trees. Really hard to photograph it in any sort of a meaningful way.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - This was taken from the sky bridge between the Lotte store and the Lotte young annex store.

This was taken from the sky bridge between the Lotte store and the Lotte young annex store.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - There is a roof garden, with no view, despite that they have put some statues up suggesting it is a good location for a wedding proposal. I proposed t

There is a roof garden, with no view, despite that they have put some statues up suggesting it is a good location for a wedding proposal. I proposed to me myself and I, all 3 turned me down.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - As often happens after a hiking day, I was feeling a bit shaky, so time for some proper food, curry it was, if you read the above nonsense you already

As often happens after a hiking day, I was feeling a bit shaky, so time for some proper food, curry it was, if you read the above nonsense you already knew that was coming. The things on the right are garlic flakes.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Myeongdong is now all lit up for xmas, and pretty busy. A big contrast to when I was here earlier in the year and it was completely dead.

Myeongdong is now all lit up for xmas, and pretty busy. A big contrast to when I was here earlier in the year and it was completely dead.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Last pic, the Shinsagae has taken xmas lights to the next level with a full wrap around video screen coordinated with all the lights in trees and on t

Last pic, the Shinsagae has taken xmas lights to the next level with a full wrap around video screen coordinated with all the lights in trees and on the road and in the sky nearby. Sadly, the store location is not particularly conducive to people being able to see it. Either side of here there are police buses parked on the road, which leaves just this little window between subway entrance for people to cram against the rail and give each other covid.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

山雪 on 2022-11-24 said:

我喜欢天桥


David on 2022-11-24 said:

monorail goes in a pretty small circle, I walked past a fair bit of it between the mountain and the train station


mother on 2022-11-24 said:

the rocks look like they have been cut into huge blocks in the past possibly for castle ramparts. You should go for a ride on the monorail to see where it goes.


Day 23 - Friday, 25 November 2022

From the forest to the underground

Seoul forest park

Rest day today despite the glorious weather.
I wanted to go for a decent walk, this is hard when walking on streets in Korea, because the crossings take about 20 minutes to turn into a green man and you will be shot for jay walking. Really, it is extraordinary how long you will need to wait to cross a road. Every intersection seems to have a green arrow for each direction as well as the green light to go straight ahead, so instead of waiting for 1 light cycle like you would in Australia, you have to wait for 3. And the 3 are really long. And no one knows what I am going on about. So a park is a good idea.

The Seoul forest park was opened in 2008 by Chinese Communist Party chairman at the time, Hu Jintao. I am not making that up!
It is actually 4 parks, that have taken over some ruins and surround the sewage treatment plant. It is nice enough, but a lot of it was dead at this time of year, and some entire areas like the butterfly house and insect house are closed until January.

After my park, I plotted a long walk, all underground, along Korea's longest underground walkway that spans 5 stations. An easy way to get an extra 7,000 steps.

Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Getting to the park was along the elevated line 2. Well, elevated where you get off anyway. Quite near the Konkuk university where I went early on dur

Getting to the park was along the elevated line 2. Well, elevated where you get off anyway. Quite near the Konkuk university where I went early on during this trip.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - This sign confirmed I was in the right place, I was confused because it looked like a sewage treatment plant.

This sign confirmed I was in the right place, I was confused because it looked like a sewage treatment plant.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Unusually, parts of the park are sunken into the foundations of various ruined buildings.

Unusually, parts of the park are sunken into the foundations of various ruined buildings.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Nice weather today, to enjoy some largely leafless trees and dead leaves.

Nice weather today, to enjoy some largely leafless trees and dead leaves.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - There is an area with deer to throw stuff at from an overhead bridge. You cannot walk among the deer like in Nara or Miyajima in Japan. Birds ride aro

There is an area with deer to throw stuff at from an overhead bridge. You cannot walk among the deer like in Nara or Miyajima in Japan. Birds ride around on the back of deer. I had no zoom, this is the best I could do.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Possibly a sewage treatment pond.

Possibly a sewage treatment pond.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - This bridge out of the park faces an area of Seoul I am not familiar with. Smaller places on the side of a hill.

This bridge out of the park faces an area of Seoul I am not familiar with. Smaller places on the side of a hill.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The special wheat area of the park. Every park has such an area. There was also a bamboo area of course.

The special wheat area of the park. Every park has such an area. There was also a bamboo area of course.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Impressively vertical thin trees.

Impressively vertical thin trees.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I am standing under the pine planted by Hu Jintao to take this pic of a solitary pine in a field of dead grass.

I am standing under the pine planted by Hu Jintao to take this pic of a solitary pine in a field of dead grass.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Skateboarding is very popular in Korea.

Skateboarding is very popular in Korea.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Next up, I wanted to go visit a special shopping area constructed out of shipping containers, which is called common ground. This is an impostor! It i

Next up, I wanted to go visit a special shopping area constructed out of shipping containers, which is called common ground. This is an impostor! It is also made of shipping containers but is not common ground.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - These tree stumps take the coming threat of winter very seriously.

These tree stumps take the coming threat of winter very seriously.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Here is common ground. I read this is the largest shopping complex made out of shipping containers... in the world! But this is pretty much the whole

Here is common ground. I read this is the largest shopping complex made out of shipping containers... in the world! But this is pretty much the whole thing?


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The upper levels are all little restaurants and bars. Nice enough spot, but I feel as though given a week I could construct a larger one myself.

The upper levels are all little restaurants and bars. Nice enough spot, but I feel as though given a week I could construct a larger one myself.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - WHAT??? A challenger to Abiko curry has appeared. I thought about having it for lunch, but alas, did not. A true coco vs abiko comparison battle is un

WHAT??? A challenger to Abiko curry has appeared. I thought about having it for lunch, but alas, did not. A true coco vs abiko comparison battle is unlikely to eventuate.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - One thing you often see in Korea is porridge stores. I had it once years ago, it was quite bland... like porridge! The risotto fusion thing I had the

One thing you often see in Korea is porridge stores. I had it once years ago, it was quite bland... like porridge! The risotto fusion thing I had the other night is inspired by this, but adds flavour.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Now to start the underground journey from Dongdaemun station to City Hall station (where my hotel is). Someone else who did this measured it as 5.04km

Now to start the underground journey from Dongdaemun station to City Hall station (where my hotel is). Someone else who did this measured it as 5.04km... To aide my mother who cares about such things, this is the distance from your house, to the casino, walking along Payneham road. The first area by Dongdaemun which used to be a sporting stadium, is predictably, a mile of sporting good shops.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Sometimes there are areas of no mans land, or art installations.

Sometimes there are areas of no mans land, or art installations.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Sometimes they put some tools on display with safety vests in case you are working underground and need them.

Sometimes they put some tools on display with safety vests in case you are working underground and need them.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Areas are quite busy, with many side tunnels that join on to other subway lines full of grids of shops, if that is your thing. The good part is you ne

Areas are quite busy, with many side tunnels that join on to other subway lines full of grids of shops, if that is your thing. The good part is you never cross a road, so it is very fast. Of course not as fast as riding the subway just below your feet who's path you are following.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Near the end, the unwise installation of piano key stairs that play the note you step on. Me like I suspect everyone else, tried to play a tune by lea

Near the end, the unwise installation of piano key stairs that play the note you step on. Me like I suspect everyone else, tried to play a tune by leaping 5 or 6 steps at a time. It was hard work but I managed to crank out twinkle twinkle. OK that's enough pics for now.


So many universities for women

From City Hall to Hongdae on foot

Do other cities have women's universities? They are everywhere in Seoul. What goes on in them? Do they teach you how to walk around with a book on your head? One thing I know, wherever there is a women's university there is a large shopping and eating area. Also shops selling traditional hanbok outfits and wedding dresses...
Tonight I passed 3 women's universities.

The walk from City Hall to Hongdae was not particularly far, I followed subway line 2 the whole way. My journey amazingly (to me) set off down a major road I had never been down before, purely because it is hard to get to via the pedestrian crossing across the road (see previous rant). This then took me to many interesting areas, one of which I will probably return to on one of my 4 remaining nights.

Once I got to Hongdae I was surprised it was not busier. It is generally thought of as the busiest place, last time I went on a Saturday afternoon I think.
The problem for me as always was, as a solo diner the places are not suitable, and they do not want to give up a table for one strange foreigner when they are made for a minimum of 4 people. This is why I don't eat Korean bbq in Korea, it is not possible on your own. However, eventually I found something great.

Tomorrow is a hiking day. I have planned a shorter hike, but it is far away. It is Saturday so any of the popular trails closer to the city are too busy for me to cope with.

Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - A level crossing near the centre of Seoul? That is unexpected. I know Tokyo has quite a few that are very annoying, but this is the first I have seen

A level crossing near the centre of Seoul? That is unexpected. I know Tokyo has quite a few that are very annoying, but this is the first I have seen in Seoul. It is not for the actual metro, it might be for a slow passenger train to somewhere, or it might be for freight. Not pictured here, but it does require a guard box with 3 guys carrying glowing red waving wands to wave when the gate comes down.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - My journey was going in this direction, at sunset. Actually if I was a bit earlier, those buildings glowed bright orange for a while.

My journey was going in this direction, at sunset. Actually if I was a bit earlier, those buildings glowed bright orange for a while.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I have seen parasite. The first 9/10's of the movie were good.

I have seen parasite. The first 9/10's of the movie were good.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I have seen a few book shops like this. Similar concept to shoe shops. Just pile more of everything everywhere. If it rains, cover it all in a tarp. N

I have seen a few book shops like this. Similar concept to shoe shops. Just pile more of everything everywhere. If it rains, cover it all in a tarp. No one steals anything, but it makes browsing impossible. Somewhere inside there's a guy under the pile that died a few years ago.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - First I saw a level crossing, now graffiti, in Seoul! Unheard of. This is a very nice part of town too!

First I saw a level crossing, now graffiti, in Seoul! Unheard of. This is a very nice part of town too!


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Street scene at one of the women's university areas.

Street scene at one of the women's university areas.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Street scene at another of the women's university shopping and dining streets.

Street scene at another of the women's university shopping and dining streets.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Looks like I missed the main part of Hongdae with the live performance areas, here is a tight alleyway instead.

Looks like I missed the main part of Hongdae with the live performance areas, here is a tight alleyway instead.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - My dinner. This is not a pork cutlet. It is a combo beef and pork and minced vegetable crumbed rissole. It was really good. The sauce was very spicy,

My dinner. This is not a pork cutlet. It is a combo beef and pork and minced vegetable crumbed rissole. It was really good. The sauce was very spicy, and then there is also wasabi. Real wasabi with the dryer texture.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - This dork decided to drive his Ferrari down the pedestrian street in Hongdae. I brushed against it on purpose.

This dork decided to drive his Ferrari down the pedestrian street in Hongdae. I brushed against it on purpose.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Final pic this evening, one last shot of Hongdae.

Final pic this evening, one last shot of Hongdae.


There are currently 5 comments - click to add

bobule on 2022-12-06 said:

Dinner looked great!


David on 2022-11-26 said:

Between $10 and $12, same as Japan


adriana on 2022-11-25 said:

Nice area HOngdae. How much do you usually spend on dinner? Cheaper or dearer than Japan?


Brian on 2022-11-25 said:

Interesting shopping area and the shipping container area


mother on 2022-11-25 said:

Thanks for the distance details. I would like to walk that underground.


Day 24 - Saturday, 26 November 2022

The goat

Soyosan hike

Today I did a small hike practically on the North Korean border with the easiest to pronounce name of any mountain in Korea - Soyosan.
Getting there and back took forever. Getting there took over 2 hours, that is longer than it takes to go to Busan on the bullet train. Getting back took just under 2 hours. Ridiculous... The entire journey was on the subway, which in Seoul goes a really... long... way...

I must admit when it was 10am and I was just starting a hike, with a thousand other people, I wondered if it was worth it today, but it was. Yes there were plenty of sections with too many other people, as photographed below, but there were still enough sections with no one, the scenery was good, the weather was cold but good, and it was a bit shorter than my normal hikes to compensate for the long slow stopping all stations train rides.
By shorter I mean just on 10km, 19,000 steps.
It is getting late and I need to go out and fight 200,000 protesters who are back as they are every Saturday and find my dinner, so onto the pics.

Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Soyosan is also the name of the station, the last station on line 1. It is a very boring station.

Soyosan is also the name of the station, the last station on line 1. It is a very boring station.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - You know you are in a popular hiking area when there is a street fall of unofficial shops selling shoes, tomatoes and vacuum cleaners.

You know you are in a popular hiking area when there is a street fall of unofficial shops selling shoes, tomatoes and vacuum cleaners.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - What!!! I have to pay a $2 fine to get in to the hike. Outrageous. I would later find out I did not need to pay.

What!!! I have to pay a $2 fine to get in to the hike. Outrageous. I would later find out I did not need to pay.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The first part of the hike is a road, lots of other people.

The first part of the hike is a road, lots of other people.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I selected the longest possible loop, which thinned out the people, but still there were many people.

I selected the longest possible loop, which thinned out the people, but still there were many people.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Nice scenery, what is that? It is coming towards me...

Nice scenery, what is that? It is coming towards me...


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The goat!

The goat!


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - With the goat behind me, time to examine where I would be going, around to the right then back over that, then around the left.

With the goat behind me, time to examine where I would be going, around to the right then back over that, then around the left.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Top of summit number one. Too many people. Later I would pass a group of at least 100 coming the other way.

Top of summit number one. Too many people. Later I would pass a group of at least 100 coming the other way.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Best view of the day. That is the direction of Seoul, but it is beyond the horizon.

Best view of the day. That is the direction of Seoul, but it is beyond the horizon.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I will go over all of those. It was steep and rocky for much of the way.

I will go over all of those. It was steep and rocky for much of the way.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The station is down in the valley there.

The station is down in the valley there.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - You can do a very long hike from here as a starting or end point. It is the end point of a 50km trail running race.

You can do a very long hike from here as a starting or end point. It is the end point of a 50km trail running race.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Then, this happened. And I had to follow them slowly for over an hour until they stopped for one of a few 3 course meals Koreans like to have on every

Then, this happened. And I had to follow them slowly for over an hour until they stopped for one of a few 3 course meals Koreans like to have on every hike.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Nice rocks and trees, but hard to climb over all the time.

Nice rocks and trees, but hard to climb over all the time.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - More rocks and trees.

More rocks and trees.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - OK, here is the reason for the $2 fee. And there is a path to avoid it. Apparently, it is a significant cultural heritage site.

OK, here is the reason for the $2 fee. And there is a path to avoid it. Apparently, it is a significant cultural heritage site.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - It has a waterfall.

It has a waterfall.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - As far as shrines go, pretty basic, and parts of it were under construction.

As far as shrines go, pretty basic, and parts of it were under construction.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The public toilet however, very impressive.

The public toilet however, very impressive.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The shrine is not quite the end of the hike and does not get you back at the road, but it is a very developed path back down from here, with a mobile

The shrine is not quite the end of the hike and does not get you back at the road, but it is a very developed path back down from here, with a mobile phone tower for the monks to watch star wars etc.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Last pic, a waterfall and a cave. I think there is another waterfall cave combo elsewhere with the waterfall inside a cave. I saw some glass doors lea

Last pic, a waterfall and a cave. I think there is another waterfall cave combo elsewhere with the waterfall inside a cave. I saw some glass doors leading into the rock face with candles inside and the map said waterfall. Which is probably what a lot of people come here to see.
Now to navigate the protest and find my dinner.


What protest?

Saturday night in Seoul

Either there was no protest or by the time I went out at 6pm they had packed up and gone home. There were thousands of police with coloured waving wands, and riot shields, but no protesters. I heard patriotic music and people yelling the same word in groups of 3 before I went out but it all seemed to have come to a sudden halt.
Maybe Korea is playing in the world cup again.

So instead of charging through a protest I just wandered around the local area, and got turned away from many restaurants, because they were closing! Closing time for a lot of places seemed to be 8pm. I normally eat before then, but due to train rides taking a long time today my whole schedule was off.
Of course, all the bars and beer halls and plastic chair yabby eating establishments do not even open until 10pm, so it is not like there is nowhere to eat, there is just a cutover from first dinner to drunk dinner.

Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - At first my goal was to avoid the protest, so I went underground and came up by the department stores. The other night I showed the Shinsagae xmas lig

At first my goal was to avoid the protest, so I went underground and came up by the department stores. The other night I showed the Shinsagae xmas lights, tonight Lotte. Shinsagae is the easy winner.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - In third place, this backpacker hostel.

In third place, this backpacker hostel.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - The catholic cathedral gets into the act by not only having lights, but also a choir.

The catholic cathedral gets into the act by not only having lights, but also a choir.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - Here are the plastic chair outdoor yabby eating places. I think thats what they eat anyway, some kind of shellfish. Whatever they eat, it seems to be

Here are the plastic chair outdoor yabby eating places. I think thats what they eat anyway, some kind of shellfish. Whatever they eat, it seems to be a late night only activity.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - I found myself at the famous stream, and decided to head along at stream level towards the protest area, where I confirmed it was all over.

I found myself at the famous stream, and decided to head along at stream level towards the protest area, where I confirmed it was all over.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - This is a church. The building serves no purpose other than to show all the other churches that this church has more money than they do.

This is a church. The building serves no purpose other than to show all the other churches that this church has more money than they do.


Korea twice in one year - November 2022 - And for my after 8pm dinner that was not fried chicken or Korean bbq, Yukgaejang. Basically a spicy beef based soup, but I got the extra variety of mu

And for my after 8pm dinner that was not fried chicken or Korean bbq, Yukgaejang. Basically a spicy beef based soup, but I got the extra variety of mushrooms version. Apparently, a cuisine from the royal court. So now I am royal.
No hiking tomorrow, no plan, yeah.


There are currently 2 comments - click to add

adriana on 2022-11-26 said:

So many Koreans brainwashed into the religious bullshit = rich churches.


jenny on 2022-11-26 said:

You must have strong ankles with all that rocky terrain to traverse.


Now there is a page 9. It won't be the last page. Click NEXT to go there now.

Contents

Day 1 - Thursday, 3 November 2022
  Korea again? Surely not!
Day 2 - Friday, 4 November 2022
  3 small stories to tell
  The testing times are over
  After Dark
Day 3 - Saturday, 5 November 2022
  Saving the best for first?
  Siding with China
Day 4 - Sunday, 6 November 2022
  Accidentally took a trip to the dump
  A different way down
Day 5 - Monday, 7 November 2022
  River view
  New bits
Day 6 - Tuesday, 8 November 2022
  Emergency Palace
  Super wolf blood eclipse moon
Day 7 - Wednesday, 9 November 2022
  9 wrong turns before the start
  Local lap
Day 8 - Thursday, 10 November 2022
  Palatial offering
  Modernity
Day 9 - Friday, 11 November 2022
  Leafpocalypse
  Elevated
Day 10 - Saturday, 12 November 2022
  Low lap political protest
  It had to rain eventually
Day 11 - Sunday, 13 November 2022
  Grey day for a train ride
  Big hole
Day 12 - Monday, 14 November 2022
  Colonnades hermitages and Gorals
  Hiccups
Day 13 - Tuesday, 15 November 2022
  Penguins and Caves
  Above the line
Day 14 - Wednesday, 16 November 2022
  The low down
  Briefly underground
Day 15 - Thursday, 17 November 2022
  The next town over
  Special zucchini
Day 16 - Friday, 18 November 2022
  Finally here
  The new part
Day 17 - Saturday, 19 November 2022
  Why not both?
  Illuminated
Day 18 - Sunday, 20 November 2022
  Another day another world expo
  The old city
Day 19 - Monday, 21 November 2022
  No fog this time
  Staying close
Day 20 - Tuesday, 22 November 2022
  Fog rockets
  Feet washing station
Day 21 - Wednesday, 23 November 2022
  Back to the start
  The new part of the old side
Day 22 - Thursday, 24 November 2022
  Rocky road
  Threepeat
Day 23 - Friday, 25 November 2022
  From the forest to the underground
  So many universities for women
Day 24 - Saturday, 26 November 2022
  The goat
  What protest?
Day 25 - Sunday, 27 November 2022
  Purple line
  Sunday's are quiet
Day 26 - Monday, 28 November 2022
  Tiny hike
  OK now it is raining
Day 27 - Tuesday, 29 November 2022
  Short grey hike
  Into the cold of night
Day 28 - Wednesday, 30 November 2022
  Feels like minus twelve
  Ice cream dinner
Day 29 - Thursday, 1 December 2022
  Lets get this over with
  The bus did not break down
  The end