Moving to a foreign country can be daunting. Leaving your old life behind and stepping into the unknown is no small feat. Thankfully a new city brings new experiences. My Seoul is…? is a question that can be answered in many different ways by many different people. Whether it’s unexpected surprises, small comforts, hidden gems, or silly moments here are a few that remind us that Seoul can be what you make of it.
My Seoul is at the top of Bukhan Mountain. To be honest, I don’t really like Seoul. I’m originally from Texas where everything is supposed to be bigger. If Texas is big than Seoul is colossal. I work in a smaller city just outside of Seoul and I visit the capital once or twice a month. I’d like to keep it that way too. Being in Seoul can be quiet numbing after awhile. The honking of horns, the constant running of red lights, masses of people getting off the sub, getting on the sub, bumping in to you, looking down at you and the never ending hurriedness. You quickly find yourself following suit without really knowing why. There’s a heaviness about Seoul at ground level. A sort of acute and superficial symphony of tightly wound strings and ceaseless cymbals.
But 836 meters above ground level there’s stillness and the whole of Seoul seems like nothing more than a distant stage that you can enjoy from afar. That’s Bukhan Mountain. One of the things that makes Korean cities unique, at least compared to the United States, is the hiking culture. Any hip and young Korean will tell you that that stuff’s for old folks, but as a foreigner I really don’t care what joining granny for a hike says about my reputation. Besides it’s the ultra posh youngsters that make Seoul so draining. I love the feeling of escaping the city the moment you take the first step on your hike. Vacation! What’s great about the hike is that it’s riddled with plenty of picturesque backdrops that serve as amazing photo ops. It’s also a good test of your endurance and you build up a good and healthy sweat as you progress higher and higher up the mountain. Another amazing point is that Korean people seem warmer hundreds of feet above ground level. Groups of hikers will say hello and even share a smile with you as you pass them by on the hike. Strength in numbers I guess. Once you’ve reached your limit on the hike you can sit down, take a deep breath and take in the view of Seoul. All of a sudden Seoul is not so taxing and the city noise has been ousted by the chirping of birds and your inner presence. Ahhh.
This is where I find my Seoul. Far away from home and far away from the usual tourist attractions, Bukhan is an excellent alternative that will make you feel at peace. Just follow your instincts and there’s no getting lost or making wrong turns. Just ease and a gentle breeze.
