This year, we decided to trade a typical anniversary dinner for something far more adventurous—a hike up Mt. Surak. At 637 meters high, it might not seem intimidating, but as they say, never judge a mountain by its height. This decision, made on a whim, turned into one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of our marriage.
As South Korea is known for its love of hiking, we figured it would be fun to join in and maybe even sneak in some exercise. Excited and full of energy, we started our hike feeling positive. The fresh air and easy trails at the beginning were a delight, but things took a sharp turn after just 15 minutes—dizziness hit me hard, while my husband powered on like a seasoned pro.
I joked to myself that if I didn’t fix my lifestyle, I might not make it to another anniversary! By the hour-and-a-half mark, I was exhausted, battling a headache, and desperately trying to keep going. Despite my struggles, the clear weather treated us to breathtaking views of Seoul’s landscape.
Mt. Surak’s trails, though scenic, were far from easy for a first-timer like me. Steep paths, jagged rocks, and endless stairs pushed me to my limits. Altitude sickness kicked in, leaving me vomiting and crying on the way up. My husband, ever patient, kept encouraging me while capturing the beautiful scenery I was too exhausted to appreciate.
Recap Images
I couldn’t help but laugh (and cry) as kids and elderly hikers breezed past me. My pride took a serious hit, but my stubbornness kept me going. After what felt like forever—and plenty of tears—we finally reached the peak. The sense of accomplishment, paired with stunning views, made it all worth it.
The peak was crowded with hikers, as Koreans truly love this activity. Despite being physically drained, we managed to take a few photos to mark the occasion. After a short rest, we began our descent, which proved even more grueling. With shaking knees, sore feet, and no snacks or water (poor planning on our part!), we inched our way down.
An elderly hiker offered me a honey-flavored energy candy along the way—a small but much-needed boost. His kind words and encouragement gave me the strength to keep going. Despite the pain and exhaustion, we made it down safely just as night fell.
Hungry, dirty, and completely wiped out, we grabbed a taxi home, too tired to do anything else. Looking back, this hike was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it also made our anniversary unforgettable.
We’ll always cherish this challenging, funny, and meaningful experience—a true adventure that perfectly reflects our marriage: perseverance, laughter, and love through every uphill battle.
“Google Map!”
“Weather Wisdom!”
☞ When it comes to hiking, checking the weather isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a crucial safety measure. Always take the weather forecast seriously before hitting the trail.
☞ If you have any concerns or questions about hiking Mt. Surak, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below. We’ll do our best to share more details and provide helpful information to ensure you have a great hiking experience. Whether you need advice on gear, trail conditions, or planning your visit, we’re here to help.