In April 2017 I visited five of South Korea’s twenty-two national parks. In this post I document how I got to each park by rail and bus. I had not planned to spend much time in South Korea, but thanks to the authorities in Shanghai, China, I found myself with an extra week in South Korea.… Continue reading How I Got to Five Korean National Parks by Mass Transit
Category: Asia
Train To The DMZ
Took a creaky old commuter train to Baengmagoji, just south of the DMZ. Walked along the civilian control line, heeding landmine warnings.
Five South Korean National Parks
South Korea is a nation of hikers. On the trails old, young, hip, dowdy, they love to hike. It’s no wonder: Korea is mountainous, but the population is concentrated on relatively small plains. The mountains beckon. During my current stay in South Korea I’ve hiked in five of South Korea’s twenty-two national parks.
Five South Korean National Parks
Posted Five South Korean National Parks.
Bukhansan National Park
Paused at a temple on my way to the summit of Dobongsan Mountain, Bukhansan National Park. I rode the Seoul metro to get to the trailhead.
Gyeongju National Park
Ancient artifacts punctuated my hike of the Mount Namsan area of Gyeongju National Park. This pagoda is over 1,100 years old.
Ancient Burial Mounds
Walked past some of the hundreds of ancient burial mounds in Gyeongju.
Gyeongju National Park
Now in Gyeongju, South Korea, surrounded by Gyeongju National Park, an area of enormous historical significance.
Descending Lifelines and Other Korean Oddities
I’m still trying to figure out why I needed two stylists to blow-dry my hair with their duelling dryers in a Seoul salon. That’s the joy of travel. Even everyday situations can surprise. When something is “not like back home” that is to be welcomed. Anyway, here’s my list of some Korean oddities I’ve encountered… Continue reading Descending Lifelines and Other Korean Oddities
Descending Lifelines and Other Korean Oddities
Posted Descending Lifelines and Other Korean Oddities.