Chiak-san trek : Korea

The geography of South Korea is such that close to 70 percent of the area consists of hills and mountains

The Chiak-san mountain is around 100 KM drive from Suwon and is more than 1200 meters high. The initial 3 KM hike to the base of the "climbing trail" is easy, the climb itself is of 2.4 KM length and of moderate difficulty, consisting of climbing endless flight of steps followed by scrambling over rocks formations and rough trails. Ropes are provided to serve as rails for the final 1.5 KM and one has to practically drag oneself up using the ropes since the rocks are uneven and dangerous.

The rest stop off the highway is crowded with holiday makers. Cars and tourist buses are a plenty as reflected in the restaurant window

A gazebo at the rest stop


Starting off


The water is amazingly clear


It was autumn and the leaves were just turning into spectacular colors


Red hot chili peppers



Along the way



Gateway to the forest


Statues at the bridge



Temple entrance in the forest


Buddha at the gate


A spring emptying into a pristine pool


The easy part


The many colors of autumn



Flowers on the way



Up, up and away!



Where did the stairs go?



The peak




Assembled stone pillar on the peak


On the way down