When we first arrived in Jeju Island, one of our main goals was to visit and ascend Mt. Hallasan in the winter—multiple times, if possible. We were excited to experience the mountain covered in snow and capture those breathtaking views. However, this year’s winter had other plans for us. The snowfall was so severe that reaching the peak of Mt. Hallasan was simply impossible. For the first time, the peak was closed to climbers for almost two months straight, leaving us disappointed and forced to adjust our plans.
Thankfully, there was an alternative. Witse Oreum, another beautiful spot on the island, remained open on days when the weather was favorable. The deep snow had been cleared by the trail caretakers, making it possible for climbers to enjoy the trails safely. We decided to head there, and we were able to complete both of Witse Oreum’s main trails during some perfect weather. It was such a different experience, and we even started calling it the “Himalayas of Jeju.” We were in awe of the stunning landscape surrounding us. After these successful climbs, we planned to return again for sunrise photos and time-lapse shots from both trails. But, as the weather tends to do, it had other ideas.
The perfect weather didn’t last. After that week, the weather turned for the worse. Strong winds, thick fog, and constant rain became the new normal. Our plans to return were dashed.
As the weather worsened, so did the temperature, marking the arrival of spring. The once beautiful blanket of snow began to melt into a slushy mix of ice and mud. On our third climb, we noticed something striking—the entrance to the trail had no snow at all. Instead, we were met with decaying autumn leaves, and the mud from the melting snow clung to our shoes like sludge. It felt dirty, and honestly, so did we. There was a sense of sadness as we continued the climb, realizing that winter had come to an end and our goal was slipping away.
Disappointed, we kept going.
Recap Images
That day, the fog was so thick it felt like we were walking into the unknown. As we climbed higher, everything turned completely white. The only thing we could see were the red flags marking the trail. But what struck us the most was the fact that, despite the terrible weather, a few other climbers were still pushing forward. We thought back to our BAC 100 challenges, where we’d encountered similar conditions. That memory helped us shift our mindset.
It was then that we realized—sometimes it’s the misty, foggy scenery that holds its own kind of beauty. Sure, we all crave those clear blue skies during sunrise or the vibrant orange hues of a sunset, but there’s something calming and peaceful about the fog. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places.
As we neared the Witse Oreum shelter (which is considered the main peak, though it’s not the actual summit), everything was completely whiteout. Other climbers appeared like ghosts, fading in and out of sight.
When we finally reached the shelter, Witse Oreum itself was nowhere to be seen. But surprisingly, there were quite a few climbers resting, eating snacks, and enjoying their breaks. We joined in, fueling up with some snacks ourselves to gather energy for our descent.
We stayed at the shelter for almost an hour, hoping the fog would clear up, even just for a moment, so we could catch a glimpse of Witse Oreum. But no such luck. The fog didn’t take a break. By 1 PM, we decided to start our descent.
Time has a curious way of reshaping everything. The breathtaking snowscapes we admired back in February had now given way to a misty, mud-streaked trail—an almost unrecognizable transformation. It was a quiet reminder that nature is always changing, and with every step forward, the landscape shifts beneath our feet. Some changes make the climb tougher, while others reveal new paths and perspectives, keeping the adventure alive.
Today’s hike wasn’t about the clear blue skies or perfect pictures. It was about learning to embrace the moment and finding beauty in what is—not just in what we hoped for. The perfect shots didn’t happen—but that’s okay. Now, we’re ready to witness Witse Oreum’s next transformation as spring approaches. See you in pink, Witse Oreum.