Huffing and puffing under the weight of my backpack, I finally made it to the top of the mountain. I’d clambered up trails – if you could call them trails – that would challenge a mountain goat. I’d edged along a cliff face, clinging to a rope strung across at waist level. In between, I’d enjoyed occasional gentle slopes clothed in delicate flowers, fairy-misted waterfalls, and one awesome vista after another. I’d also endured the curious stares of Koreans chugging past me. Once at the summit, I understood why.

Before me I beheld a quaint little restaurant and convenience store. All that way I’d needlessly lugged camping gear and supplies. A knapsack and water bottle would have done the job.

Seoraksan, the third highest mountain in South Korea, stands amid the Taebaek mountain range, on Korea’s eastern coast near the resort city of Sokcho. Even the bus ride across the peninsula had been beautiful, as the road left rice paddies and terraced farms behind and plunged through the mountains, threading its way through tunnels.

At the mountain top, I checked into the bunkhouse – a few dollars worth of won for a space, a few more to rent blankets – and headed to the restaurant to enjoy somepaejon (“Korean pancakes,” savory with kimchi and scallions). A Korean woman who had befriended me chatted with the elderly proprietress, who hadn’t been off the mountain for 20 years. Hikers hauled up everything she needed, evidently for a low fee, since her prices were comparable to any Family Mart in Seoul.

The bunkhouse perched on the eastern slope. We awoke early to watch the sunrise bathing a blanket of clouds below us with reddish-golden light. I continued my journey, accompanied through various portions by friendly Koreans who eagerly shared drinks and snacks. A couple that I met near the end of my 3-day hike drove me into Sokcho and deposited me at the bus terminal, a block from the beach.

Seoraksan National Park features more than just spectacular mountains and hidden mini-marts. You can also visit a Buddhist monastery, a tiny shrine in a high mountain cave, and a gigantic bronze Buddha. Foreigners are also amazed by the wizened Korean grandmas, young women in stiletto heels, and daddies with toddlers in backpacks, all trotting up and down the steep, rocky lower slopes like two-legged bighorn sheep.

Visitors from most countries don’t need visas to visit Korea for up to 90 days. Flights come and go through Inchon International Airport. Travel within the country is easy, convenient, and reasonably priced by bus or train, and there’s always somebody who can translate for you. There’s no need for vaccinations, though face masks are recommended during the spring “Yellow Dust” season.

Seoraksan National Park closes during the winter, so it’s best to check with the Korean Tourism Agency or a travel agent before making plans. But no matter what the time of year, Korea offers natural beauty to rival anywhere else on Earth.

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TravelReflex’s Writer: this article was written by walleteer1.

Thanks to tawalker for the photo from Flickr!