My first mountain

 Now that I no longer have to be wrapped up like a mummy every time I step outside, the itch to get out an see Korea had gotten really strong. I've spent the past few weekends getting in touch with nature. One day, I made like a Korean and I climbed a mountain.

That's right; I climbed a mountain!


Mt. Munsu (먼수산) is a very small mountain but let's not quibble over a few kilometers. It was a really cool experience. I fluttered between feeling completely exhilarated and completely miserable the entire way up. The view and feeling of accomplishment were totally worth the pain and sweat though. I'm now on a mountain climbing kick. I hope to conquer a few of the other peaks in the area before the unbearable heat of summer descends.

(Click on the images to make them bigger.)

Photo credit/ Jeff Colonel
There's this little village at the base of 먼수산 that has small farms, oddly modern houses,
and a nice restaurant where I used the bathroom twice.  

Photo credit/ Jeff Colonel 

Photo credit/ Jeff Colonel
A peek inside one of the many greenhouses that dot the Korean countryside.

Photo credit/ Jeff Colonel
About 2/3 of the way to the summit. 

Photo credit/ Jeff Colonel
These beautiful lanterns hanging at a temple near the top of the
 mountain were to celebrate Budda's birthday. 

Photo credit/ Fawn
Waygooks at the top. 

Photo credit/ Jeff Colonel
Hanging out in the bamboo forest on the descent.

More on my other late-April/ early-May adventures soon!

Also, I'm stealing this idea from another American blogger in Korea. I'm going to start ending my posts with a Korean language footnote. You followers will pick up Korean in no time! I'll give you the English translation followed by the Korean word and then a simple pronunciation guide.
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Korean vocab: Mountain/산 /SAN