As I mentioned in my previous blog (Sneak Peek into Korea's 3rd Largest City: Daegu), there are many outdoor activities to do, while teaching English in Korea. This blog will look at Hiking. Hiking is very big here in Korea, in fact, it is probably one of the most popular pastimes, dare I say it, it's even more popular than Noribang. One of the reasons why hiking is so big here in Korea, is because of the landscape. In Daegu, where I am living, I am surrounded by mountains. One of my favourites is Apsan Mountain. Apsan, which is a five minute taxi ride away, costs me around €4 or $5 to get to.
(En route to Apsan Mountain.)
Once you get there you can either hike to the top, or ride the cable car. Once at the top, you have many hiking trails to choose from.
(Going to the top...the easy way.)
Depending on your ability or stamina, you can elect to do an easy or difficult one. There are trails that you can do in an hour or ones you can do over several hours; and of course if you want a really ‘nice’ hike you can always forgo the cable car and walk all the way to the top, in what is a rather steep gradient. As much as I love hiking, I’m going to take the cable car every time! Especially, in the hot Korean weather.
(The view is amazing from the cable car on the way up Apsan Mountain.)
When you reach the top, you can do one of two things. First you can stop for lunch at one of the Korean cafes, which is ideal if you want to get some traditional Korean food. Second, you can sit at one of the many viewing platforms before you decide which hiking route you would like to take. As I mentioned above, there are several different trails, from the easy to the not so easy! (Oddly enough, despite the fact that there were many uneven surfaces, some of the women were wearing high heels!)
The viewing point above is located beside some restrooms and a phone box.
There are several viewing points located around Apsan, below is one of my favourites, which is located overlooking a wide section of mountain belt.
Wherever you are on this mountain, the views are amazing: Just look at the photos below.
(Overlooking Daegu, Korea's 3rd Largest City.)
There are many hiking trails located here in Korea, however, the main reason why Apsan is my favourite, and a favourite among some of the other English Teachers, is because Apsan Mountain is filled with many interesting temples, monuments, and museums. As you walk up to the cable car, you will pass Buddhist Temples, one of Korea's many museums, and several political and iconic figures from Korea's rich history, making a day hiking in Apsan that little bit more interesting.
Entry into one of the temples.
(You are welcome to go inside the temple & burn some incense.)
Below are some photos of the War Museum:
Free entry & many exhibitions inside.
There are many planes, tanks, and bomb shells outside, which you can walk around and view.
When I was thinking about which county I could teach English in, Korea was an obvious choice. I have always loved hiking, and what better place to do that than here? I have been here four months, and already I can see that Korea caters to everyone’s pallet. Whether you like hiking, white water rafting, camping, or running – Korea really does have a lot to offer. So if you are thinking of Teaching English Abroad why not consider South Korea?
John May grew up in Dublin, Ireland where he is from & went to Trinity College – one of Irelands best known universities. He graduated from here in November 2012 with a B.A. (Mod) in Geography & Sociology. John has always had a passion for travelling and having been to most of Europe, he decided to explore Asia after Uni. He has always wanted to teach and thought what better way to travel than teaching English on the way. John is currently teaching English for CDI in Daegu, South Korea a position he found through Aclipse; John felt nervous before his departure, but now that he is in Korea he loves every minute of it. For more information follow his blog.