원효봉 (Wonhyobong Peak)

This past Wednesday I took my first trip to the mountains in Korea. I had been staying with Soojeong and her family for a day or two and it was decided that when Soojeong went to work from 1:30-10:00, that I would join her father for a trip to the mountains to do some hiking. I was really excited and couldn't wait to see what nature had to offer, but admittedly I was kind of nervous. Meeting with your girlfriends parents is nerve-racking enough, but in addition to just meeting them I had to worry about the language barrier. I can say a few things in Korean and can make simple sentences, but nowhere near enough to fill 9 hours of time. Her father studied English a long time ago when he was in school and can remember some words, but not enough for fluent conversation. I borrowed Soojeong's two-way Korean/English dictionary and off we went.

We headed to the mountains in her dads car, passing small farms and homes along the way. Korea is like Japan in that everything is very green and beautiful. When we got to the mountain base we bought some kimbap (see picture) and water for our lunch. We set off up the trail and up and up we went. The scenery was magnificent. Crystal clear water running over giant boulders, waterfalls, and fish swimming in the water. Paradise for a nature lover like me. We stopped a few times for snacks and to eat lunch as we slowly worked our way to the top. We met another couple and hiked part of the trail together. Like I said earlier, I don't speak much Korean, but I know enough to get the basic just of what people are saying in conversation. I was touched when Soojeong's father was bragging about me to the other people. The wife in that couple met even said that Soojeong and I should get married quickly..I think I will wait.

We finally reached the top and the view was unreal. It really looked like something out of an old painting. From the peak you could see Seoul and many other surrounding towns. I don't have all the pictures posted here, but there was also a giant gold Buddha statue on another mountain that was really neat. There is a wall along the top that runs the length of the mountain. Spaced evenly throughout the wall are holes where soldiers one put guns to shoot people if they tried to invade. There were also bunkers and small cave like areas on the mountain as well. When we finally got down to the base of the mountain we met Soojeong's fathers friend for a cup off coffee, and then headed back home to relax and clean up. That night Soojeong's dad ordered the food I had been wanting to eat, and together we ate it and talked about war, life, and many other things.