Everyone that knows me are pretty much aware of how un-sporty I am. The max I do on a frequent basis would be Pilates which I've been doing for awhile but have been a hiatus too ever since summer break this year due to work and exchange #excuses. Now that I'm in Korea, I know that hiking is one of the must-do on the bucket list but I was really hesitant about it fearing that I'm not fit enough for it. It turned out that our manager (we call him ahjussi) decided to bring us out on hiking Seoul's tallest mountain in Seoul on the last day of Chuseok since some of our fellow Singaporean friends have requested him to do so! I didn't want to go back Singapore regretting not doing something I should have tried so poof, here we are right at the foot of Bukhansan.
We caught a bus from Anam where we stayed and another feeder bus up to the foot of the gorgeous mountain. We were told that the hike would take a total of 3h up and down so here goes!
First a selfie with our fresh faces, not knowing what's ahead of us :b
So... It's another harsh truth of reality vs expectations. I was expected well paved slopes and stairs all the way up like those we see on dramas/varieties. They seemed so manageable? Right during the initial 15min of the hike, I was pretty damn sure I wouldn't make it to the top. It's a pity I didn't take pictures of how steep and rocky the path was that I couldn't even manage to take my camera for a shot. You actually have to plan which rocks to step next since it was so steep all the way. It's the best cardio exercise ever as I was really panting hard at the initial steps. Part of me felt like it's impossible for to continue this but it's not like I could turn back anyway hahah
This picture was taken right when we stepped on the path so it looks really harmless, we didn't foresee what awaits us HAHA
Not sure how long we took to reach this rest stop which wasn't even half, perhaps only 1/8 and there you see my shag face alr. The first part of the hike was so tiring because everyone were fast and it's tiring catching up and at the same time catching our breaths hahaha
Just a few sips of water and we continue! I only had breakfast and packed lunch thinking that it'd be a chill hike and we can eat at the rest stop or something but no! It's just hardcore hiking all the way and you wouldn't really wanna stop since the path is never-ending I swear?
About mid-way and the peak of the mountain is nearingggggg
If you zoom in close enough, you'll actually see little ants-looking creatures and those are humans which we would eventually would be them too if yknow what I mean
It took us a damn pretty long time and the scenery was getting so so good as we hike further up even though our legs felt like they gonna give way anytime soon
And here we are, left with the most arduous journey up to the peak! I nearly decided not to go up cos the slopes were intimidating? To go up you literally have to hang onto the ropes and climb up the slippery slope. One slip/fall and I think it's gone case alr la! We didn't bring gloves too not knowing that we had to hang our lives on rusty ropes.. Well it's not like we knew it'd be so challenging, perhaps we wouldn't be here alr hahaha
The scene was already to kill for even though there's still the last part left!
I think after 30min of the hike, I was slowly adapting and was pretty brave to conquer all the rocks ahead even though I admit I was super whiny at the start or perhaps throughout the hike. I was determined to go up to the peak since we already made it thus far and there's no way I give up right at the last part of the route. I guess I'm really more mentally stronger than I think I'm, or maybe that's how I've become over the years. Born to achieve greater heights!
After hanging on to the ropes and strategizing every single footsteps, WE FINALLY MADE IT. I can't express how proud I'm of all of us to accomplish such an achievement. It may mean nothing to people that are normally physically active but it's not an easy feat for me to come this long way.
This picture is taken at the highest point of Seoul, I'm incredibly proud to say I've conquered such great heights literally :D
And here's me risking my life, standing on the highest point of the mountain for a picture which sadly doesn't depicts what it should LOLOL
You will realise there're actually TONS of elderly that hike the mountain and they're incredibly fit and move so much faster than us young yet useless creatures. Anyway I'm sorry but I think I deserve many selfie shots this occasion :b
I'm on the top of the world looking~ :D
Here I stand, really in awe of God's wonderful creation. If mere humans like us are able to stand before and immerse in such breathtaking sceneries by foot, how much more can God see beyond what we can ever imagine?
I am also really thankful that I decided to come on this hike with the people from our hostel as I'm pretty sure we would give up halfway if only a few of us attempt to do so. This shall remain the proudest achievement in my life for now, till then :)
We're also really grateful to ahjussi and ahjumma (managers of our hostel) that brought us on this hike and made songpyeon (rice cake) for us as part of Chuseok snacks. They're the kindest couple and take care of us so well. Rachel livingtel is the place I strongly recommend to anyone that's gonna study in KU :) Ahjumma and Ahjussi are also really fit to hike since they do it really frequently but they made sure all of us are safe by ensuring no one gets left behind ;')
We chilled and camwhored for awhile before finally making our way down. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE. We all thought that going down would be easier since it's how it's when you take the stairs but NO. To start off, the slopes were insanely steep and we really have to glue our hands onto the ropes and slowly slide down/jump. Thank God for decently long legs to reach the next step ahead haha and also to some new friends that went together with us for helping one another out :')
It was also more difficult to go down since we tend to exert alot of pressure on our thighs and knees to keep our center of gravity backward so as to not fall/slip and I swear it's damn tiring to do that for the next 2 hours. You also have to constantly plan your next step to make sure you're able to reach every single rock ahead of you in case it's too unstable/rocky.
We passed by this wishing rocks thingy, not sure what it's called but I always see it on dramas. Basically you pick up a pebble/rock around and make a wish before stacking the pile without letting it fall :)
It took us about another 2.5h (I know I said it should take 1.5h in the vlog but it's proved impossible unless you hike like the fit elderly around hahaha) to get down and it seemed never ending and our legs no longer felt like ours. I slipped a few times here and there so I'm really grateful that I didn't fall and sweat was just raining down my face hahaha. This workout might last me the year :b
Replenishing our tummies back at Yoogane in Anam. Yoogane is way cheaper here, like 3x cheaper at least? But I kinda feel it's overrated, not as nice as I expected it to be!
Wenmin and I with our shag faces; oh you qt ms bean
Ending our day with aching bodies and I was insomnia the night perhaps due to overdose of adrenaline in my body. Irregardless, I'm really thankful to document this precious experience in my exchange even though I don't think I'd hike anytime.... soon.
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