By Cho bo-heePosted : February 26, 2025, 16:08Updated : February 26, 2025, 16:08
SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - One of the best things about hiking is the opportunity to connect with nature as it changes beautifully with each season. Typically, a 4- to 5-hour hike involves steady walking through fresh forest air, navigating slopes that enhance physical fitness while boosting cardiovascular health.
This image shows Euisangdae Pavilion on Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho Bo-hee
It is often said that people in their 30s and 40s live off their innate stamina, but after 50, physical strength depends on how well it was maintained in earlier years. Hiking is a habit best developed from a young age, making it easier to continue even in old age. I have tried various forms of exercise, but few are as safe or as effective for building a strong physique as hiking. Winter hikes, in particular, are less exhausting than summer hikes due to lower temperatures, which reduce sweating and make breathing more comfortable. Additionally, walking on snow-covered trails eases the strain on your knees.
This image shows the entrance marker of Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee
Korea has plenty of great mountains for hiking. What’s even better is the ease of access—many mountains are reachable by city bus or subway. Last Saturday, I joined a hiking group to visit Soyosan Mountain in Dongducheon, located on the border of Dongducheon City and Sinbuk-myeon in Pocheon City, Gyeonggi Province. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes by subway from Seoul’s Jonggak Station. At 587 meters, Euisangdae, the main peak, isn’t particularly high, but the steep slopes make it a challenging climb. The trail circles the mountain and loops back to the starting point.
This image shows the food prepared for the shamanistic ritual (Sisanje) to pray for safe hiking throughout the year. AJP Cho bo-hee
Since it was our group’s first hike of the year, we held a Sisanje ceremony to pray for a safe year of hiking. We prepared simple offerings of rice cakes and fruit, observed a moment of silence in a Christian style, and then shared the food. Although it was late February and temperatures fluctuated above and below freezing, the north-facing trails were icy, requiring the use of crampons (aizen). It’s crucial to carry crampons and gaiters even in early spring, as safety accidents are often caused by inadequate preparation during the thawing season.
This image shows the icy hiking trail on Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee
After navigating a steep, icy trail, we reached Gongjubong, the first peak, which offers a panoramic view of Dongducheon City. The path from Gongjubong to Euisangdae, the highest peak, follows a ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expansive vista is a delight to the eyes. At Euisangdae, a Korean national flag (Taegeukgi) fluttered next to the summit marker. The wide-open, 360-degree view is a privilege reserved for those who reach the top.
This image shows the cityscape of Dongducheon as seen from Gongjubong. AJP Cho bo-hee
The descent was challenging, as the north-facing slope was covered in ice, creating a slippery path. For beginners in winter hiking, it was tricky to navigate, requiring cautious steps. After safely descending the steep slopes, we arrived at Jajaeam, a small hermitage. Taking a refreshing sip of spring water at Wonhyosaem and gazing at the temple, along with the magnificent sight of the frozen waterfall in front, was truly a moment to catch my breath.
This image shows Euisangdae Pavilion on Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the summit marker at Gongjubong. AJP Cho Bo-hee
This image shows the frozen waterfall. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows Wonhyogul, a cave on Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows Jajaeam Hermitage. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows Jajaeam Hermitage. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows Wonhyosaem, a natural spring on Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows a sculpture at the entrance of the Soyosan hiking trail. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows melting ice in the mountain valley. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows Iljumun Gate at Soyosan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the dust-cleaning station at the hiking trail entrance. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows gopchang jeongol (beef tripe hot pot) enjoyed after the hike. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows Soyosan Subway Station. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the dust-cleaning station at the hiking trail entrance. AJP Cho bo-hee
