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
