15 April 2013

Travelinds took a short trip out to Amisan or Ami Mountain (아미산) on a crisp spring morning to see what all the fuss was about with the Dangjin locals. At 349m above sea level, it’s not exactly a long hike, but it’s steep and seems to have endless steps to the lookout point on top.

The national Korean pastime definitely seems to be hiking, in full name-branded gear of course. They head to the mountains in droves on weekends, in tour buses and hiking clubs, with serious hiking equipment, including hiking tracksuits, walking sticks, fancy hiking boots, head gear, iPods, sun protection, bandannas and day packs.

We felt a little conspicuous in our plain old pants, caps and tracksuit tops. Barely a three-kilometre walk, it wasn’t at all our typical hike in the vast South African Drakensberg mountains. But lovely, nonetheless.

Winding our way through the pine trees, admiring the emerging bird life and new buds, we had a wonderful morning connecting with nature and getting a little bit of exercise, too.  We’re hoping to return soon for another morning hike.