Fall in all its Splendor

Fall is beginning to show its face in Korea, and it is breathtaking.

Last Sunday Mr. Che invited us to go hiking with him and his daughter up a mountain in Paju, relatively near the school. Chosen specifically for the intensity of the changing fall colors, the mountain was a spectacular treat, one that I felt lucky to have the chance to see in its prime.

The hike itself was within my range of capability, but my small fear of heights was tapped as we neared the top. The peak of the moutain is nothing but boulders, and in order to get to the top without needing a harness and some sturdy rope, we had to climb a staircase that somehow managed to forget that it needed actual stairs. It's true! It was a red skeleton of what it should have been, so every step up was only a few bars ineffectively hiding the distance to the safe ground below. But the staircase from hell was absolutely worth it once we got to the top and were able to see the scenery surrounding us. What beauty!

The Koreans are fiercly proud of their mountainous region, and it is not at all difficult to understand why. The mountains have assumed themselves as part of the Korean character, and have provided an unprecedented backdrop on which the scenes of Korean history have been played. Much of the culture of Korea revolves around the influence that the mountains have had on everyday life.

For example, the preferred manner in which to be buried is on a hillside overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys, so that one can achieve tranquility for eternity.

Buddhist temples are scattered across the mountainsides, seen as peaceful havens in which the over-exherted can retreat for a few precious moments of solitude. It is practically impossible to come to a Korean mountain and not be moved by the sense of serenity that prevails in the areas left relatively untouched by civilization.

People come to the mountains seeking a brief respite from the chaos into which their lives have evolved. Throughout the hike, I felt as though I was not only partaking in a typical pasttime of Korea, but also being shown a sliver of the origin of the intoxicatingly fierce nationalistic pride.

written by

Rachel in Korea! on October 20, 2008 from Seoul, South Korea

from the travel blog: South Korea, 2008-2009

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What a wonderful description of the hike, but more interesting (to me) is the feeling about the mountains that the Koreans have. Living in Colorado I sometimes wonder if the people here take the beauty for granted. It sounds as if the Koreans DON'T and value the beauty of nature even to death. Thanks for the wonderful mental pictures! Love you, Mom

written by Julie Bowline on October 28, 2008

As you were contemplating the beauty, I hope that you were able to tune into your own inner source energy. Is it any wonder that they go to the mountains for respite. You are always on my mind..... Oh gosh isn't that a song......isn't that a song... that shows I'm really dating myself. ;) LouAnn

written by LouAnn on October 28, 2008

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