[Hiking] Fascinating Hiking Near Ocean

I began hiking from Hwabang Temple near the northern part of the mountain. The temple was a place where Admiral Yi Sun-shin and other fallen soldiers were honored after the Seven Year War during which Japan attacked Korea. It is not far away from Gwaneumpo, the place where General Yi died.

A mountain trail that starts from the temple and leads to the top of the mountain in the southwestern direction is about 3 kilometers and it takes about 80 minutes if you walk at a slow pace. There are several trails to the top including those starting from Odong Village, Asan Village, and Namhae Girls’ Middle School, but the trail that starts from Hwabang Temple is the shortest.

Standing on the mountaintop, I enjoyed the nice unblocked view with the sea on the one side. On the way there, it was humid and hot with no wind, but while on the top, some cold wind blew hard from the downside. I could not see far away because it was foggy but on a clear day, one can even see Mount Jiri.

The trail to an electric tower that is 500 meters away from the top is wide and flat, making it a pleasant experience of walking on the grass. Royal azaleas are in full bloom on both sides of the road every May.

Passing the electric tower, I walked down the mountain on the way that lies parallel with the west coast. This leads to Seosang Village near Namhae Sports Park. It is 5.78 kilometers long but it takes at least two hours even if you walk fast. There are uphill and downhill roads in the middle due to two peaks (Suri and Hakseok).

There were wild berries spread in bushes next to the road on the way down. All were busy searching for and picking wild berries. When was the last time I picked wild berries myself?

The hiking ended with a dinner with cold beer at a raw fish restaurant near the shore.

kimsk@donga.com