After months of work and a significant break from writing (my last blog post was back in March), I finally got some time away. What better way to spend it than on a trip to Jeju, with the ultimate goal of hiking Hallasan, the island’s highest peak at 1,947 meters, and one of Korea’s most iconic hikes? To be honest, this trip was far from planned. In fact, had things gone as expected, I would have been celebrating the submission of my Master’s thesis during this October period. But, as life would have it, work commitments and new job scopes got in the way, delaying my thesis. Thankfully, I still have a year left to complete it.

Hallasan wasn’t initially on my bucket list, but when my friend, knowing my love for hiking, invited me along, I instantly agreed. It was a spontaneous decision made around April. I knew the hike could be tough, so two months before the trip, I committed to some serious training, two sessions a week to condition my body for what was to come.

Now, after completing the hike on 13th October 2024, here’s my honest review. First and foremost, this is not a beginner’s hike. I can’t emphasize this enough. It’s long, challenging, and a serious workout for both mind and body. If anyone is thinking about doing the Hallasan hike, my number one piece of advice is to train. Really train. Walking on rocky stones is intense and vastly different from walking on flat or muddy ground.

I hiked with a friend who hadn’t prepared much, and it became clear that the challenge was even greater for her. She struggled so much that it significantly slowed our pace. We found ourselves frequently waiting for her to catch up, which, for anyone who hikes, you’ll know that constant start-and-stop pace takes a toll. My muscles were screaming by the end, partly from the hike itself and partly from the irregular movements.

Thankfully, we were blessed with good weather and a bit of luck. Otherwise, the slippery rocks would have made the hike much more treacherous, and our limbs would have really suffered for it. For me, the real test came during the last 3 kilometers on the descent. My left hamstring cramped badly, and I had to stop multiple times. Every step felt like a battle, but along the way, I was reminded of the kindness of strangers. A few older Korean men (or uncles, as we’d call them) noticed my struggle and offered me some pain relief spray. They even took the time to ask if I was okay, a small act of kindness that gave me the extra push I needed to finish the hike.

Would I do it again? Yes, but not without better preparation. Hallasan is not for the faint-hearted, and I strongly recommend serious training before attempting it. Despite the physical toll, the journey and views were unforgettable. There’s something about reaching the summit and pushing through your limits that makes the pain worth it in the end.

This wasn’t just a hike; it was a lesson in perseverance and a reminder that even when life is tough and doesn’t go as planned, there’s always something beautiful waiting along the journey. You just have to endure, take it bit by bit, and pace yourself.

To wrap it all up, this hike was truly unforgettable. From the physical challenges to the unexpected moments of kindness, and even the beauty we were fortunate enough to witness along the way, Hallasan left a lasting impression. It’s not just the summit that made it memorable, but the entire journey, with its highs, lows, and everything in between. If you’re up for a challenge, and you prepare both mentally and physically, this hike is one that will stay with you long after your legs have recovered.