Adventures in South Korea: My Scary Valentine's Day

Korea is known for it's considerably mountainous terrain. Loads of people here go hiking as a pastime and have the gear to prove it. As a Valentine's day adventure, some co-workers and I decided it would be fun to go hiking just north of Seoul. The weather was supposed to be warming and clearing up for that day. We set off nice and early from Dongtan to Bukhansan National Park. We decided on climbing Baegundae Peak for the incredible view. The way up was not very fun... I was dealing with some respiratory problems and slight tunnel vision, but overall, it wasn't too bad of a trek. However, when we got to the peak... that's when the real adventure begins. It was freezing and there were bitterly cold winds swirling around. We literally climbed into a cloud... we couldn't see anything! The rocks were covered with ice. So, we basically clinged to the poles and cable wire up and down the peak. I'm pretty sure I had a mild panic attack. If it wasn't for Daniel constantly encouraging me from behind, there is noooo way I would have done it. When we finished, my adrenaline was pumping so hard that I couldn't stop laughing... I wanted to hug and kiss everyone on the mountain (I did hug a stranger for letting us get in a taxi she was waiting for... but, that was later on... and after a few cups of makgeolli).

Hands down, it was the craziest and most memorable Valentine's day I can recall. I'll never forget it.

Thomas demonstrating our clinging technique.

We never strayed from the poles!

What a trooper... no gloves. Seriously, she's a hoss.

So close to the top and you could barely make out the Korean flag!

Death... everywhere, death. There was also a rescue helicopter hovering around while we were at the top. We were never able to see it... it seriously failed to lighten the mood!

I hate you ice!

Daniel is such a professional. Look how much fun he was having...

We did it!

You look like a model Thomas... appearing as if we just went for a stroll in the park...

A well deserved lunch: kimbop, chocolate, and lots of makgeolli!

Ajusshi is not pleased, Daniel.

Beautiful hike down the other side.

Less wind. Less people. Less ice... much better.

You two go first...

Let's take some pics.

Before we race down the stairs.

Daniel's playground.

Katie pleading with Daniel to make Thomas... act less like Thomas.

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That completes Valentines day. I cannot forget about going out for Indian food after and feeling like all was right in the world again.

I'm going to call this next section: Food, Friends, and Fun.

Since the new year, this is a little bit of randomness I feel like sharing.

Paul (fellow LHN graduate) came back to visit Korea! This was the fourth time I got to see him here. Always a good time!

One of my favorite Korean co-workers had a baby and she invited some of us over to see the little angel.

He is perfect.

I love him.

Look at HIM! Ahhh... heart breaker.

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

Ahin is such a good big sister. My coworker also treated us to chicken and pizza. It was a perfect evening.

Beautiful mom! She is glowing!

Another night at Cocky Pub with my loves!

Yes?

No!

Go away!

Every time Josh and I get together, we just take pictures of food. ;)

You can't deny, it's pretty awesome looking...

Eating with them is gross... and I love every second of it. Here is the indian food we get from Dongdaemun... at a place called Everest. It's fantastic.

One of our many movie nights... so fun.

We read an article about how "duck face" and "selfie" were among approximately 1,000 new words added to the Oxford dictionary. So, I let them whip out their phones in class and try them both out. June is obviously doing it correctly.