NAMI ISLAND,KOREA - OCT 25: Tourists taking photos of the beautiful scenery in autumn around Nami Island. Photo taken on October 25,2015 in seoul,South Korea. Autumn foliage around Nami Island, Seoul, South Korea. Photo / 123RF
From hiking to skiing, South Korea is an underrated gem for active holidays, writes Arundhati Hazra.
South Korea’s cultural highlights are usually the focus of most travellers, be it medieval palaces or modern set-jetting in the footsteps of K-dramas and K-pop music videos. However, the country is a hidden haven for adventure seekers. Its mountains are steep and rugged, with well-maintained trails that have existed for centuries, while cycling paths crisscross the country. Be it skiing or paragliding, here are six active holidays that offer a brand new way to see the country.
Nearly 70% of South Korea is covered by mountains, and you will find every other Korean heading off on a weekend hike. Just outside Seoul, there are several popular day hikes; The Gwanaksan trail is known for its verdant forest paths and ridge trails like Jaunam and Hakbawi leading to the Yeonjudae temple atop a sheer cliff, while the Inwangsan trail passes by the old City Walls and offers spectacular nighttime views of Seoul and Gyeongbokgung palace.
South Korea’s national parks are also great for multi-day hikes. The Naejangsan, Jirisan and Seoraksan mountains are popular with fall foliage hunters, while the Uljin pine trail passes through one of Korea’s most pristine ancient forests. Coastal trails like the 750km Haeparang trail along the east coast have Busan’s beaches and the Igidae Park which houses fossilised dinosaur footprints, while the 128km Baraegil trail passes by rice paddies cultivated on a mountain slope. On Jeju Island, climb Hallasan, Korea’s tallest mountain, take a relaxed walk along the Saryeoni forest path, or explore the island through Jeju Olle, a series of 21 routes across the island. Trails are occasionally closed for fire prevention; check the website of the Korea National Parks Service for dates.
Korea’s network of cycling routes offer a great way to explore its natural diversity. Start off in Seoul, renting a public bike through the Ttareungi app and exploring the Hangang bike path that stretches about 56km each along the banks of the city’s Han river, passing lakes, fortresses and even a battleship park. For something longer, the 174km Seomjingang bike path that crosses the two southern Jeolla provinces, is a multi-day route with changing colours across the seasons, from spring’s plum and cherry blossoms to autumn’s fiery hues.
Experienced cyclists will enjoy the challenges of the 100km Saejae bike path, with two of Korea’s highest ascents in the Sojo and Ihwa mountain passes. There is also a cross-country route that strings together four biking paths – Ara, Hangang, Saejae and Nakdonggang – for a picturesque journey from Incheon to Busan. Naver Maps and Kakao Maps are best for navigation; you can also buy a bike passport and get stamps at checkpoints as souvenirs.
Kdrama fans will recognise Yongpyong Resort from the show Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, as the backdrop of a pivotal romantic declaration between the two leads, played by actors Gong Yoo and Kim Go-Eun. Located in PyeongChang in the northeastern province of Gangwon-do, Yongpyong and its sister resort of Alpensia were also key venues hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics. Though not as challenging as Alpine or Canadian slopes, skiing down the slopes of the Balwangsan mountain offers a nice mix of blue and red runs, and a few black diamonds.
If visiting in January, stick around for the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival to participate in ice fishing to catch cherry salmon (sancheoneo).
The Naerincheon River in Gangwon-do province is Korea’s only river that runs from south to north, and is one of the country’s top rafting destinations. “The water in the river never gets too high,” Haney says, “so don’t worry about being swept away. Also, don’t be afraid to jump into the water when the guides give you the go-ahead.” Adventure seekers can take it one step further with river bugging, which involves rafting solo in a single-person raft. The Hantangang river valley near Seoul offers deep rapids that rush past towering cliffs and basalt columnar joints formed by ancient volcanic activity. The Dong river in contrast, offers a more leisurely rafting experience that can be enjoyed by families.
You are unlikely to blow across the DMZ to North Korea while paragliding like the heroine of Crash Landing on You, but you are likely to have your heart race as you soar over craggy mountains and lush forests. At Yangpyeong (different from the ski resort of Yongpyong), Seoul lurks on the edge of your vision as you fly over the Yumyeongsan mountain from one of the highest altitude take-off locations in Korea. Further south is Danyang, one of the country’s oldest paragliding spots, where the deep blues of the Namhan river snake amidst the verdant green of the Yangbangsan mountain. While paragliding near the southwestern coastal city of Boryeong, the mountain views are complemented by rice paddies and beaches in the distance.
In the middle of a bend in the Bukhan River, and a 2-hour train ride from Seoul, is Nami Island. A popular weekend destination, it is known for the Ginkgo Tree Lane, which forms a carpet of gold in autumn. The island can be accessed by ferry or by ziplining over the river down a 1km wire from the mainland, which is an especially glorious experience at sunset. Visitors to the paragliding hub of Danyang can add ziplining to their basket of activities and finish up with a stroll along the Mancheonha skywalk. In the south, a few hours from Busan, is the Hadong zip wire, one of Asia’s longest. A 3km glide down the Geumosan mountain opens up a triptych of lush valleys, azure waters and placid paddy fields.