It was our wedding anniversary, and this year we chose to forgo the usual celebration in favour of something rather more adventurous, a hike up Mt. Suraksan. At 637 metres, it may not seem particularly imposing, but as the saying goes, one should never judge a mountain by its height. What began as a spontaneous decision soon turned into one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of our marriage.
As South Korea is well known for its love of hiking, we thought it would be rather fun to join in and perhaps even get a bit of exercise along the way. Excited and full of energy, we set off in good spirits. The fresh air and gentle trails at the beginning were a delight, but after just fifteen minutes, things took an unexpected turn, as dizziness set in for me, while my husband pressed on like a seasoned pro.
I joked to myself that if I did not improve my lifestyle, I might not make it to another anniversary. By the hour-and-a-half mark, I was exhausted, battling a headache and doing my best to keep going. Despite the struggle, the clear weather rewarded us with breathtaking views across Seoul.
Mt. Suraksan 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 could not help but laugh, and perhaps cry a little, as children and elderly hikers breezed past me. My pride took quite a blow, but sheer stubbornness kept me going. After what felt like forever, and more than a few tears, we finally reached the summit. The sense of accomplishment, coupled with the stunning views, made it all worthwhile.
The summit was crowded with hikers, a clear reflection of just how much Koreans enjoy this pastime. Despite being physically drained, we managed to take a few photographs to mark the occasion. After a short rest, we began our descent, which proved even more gruelling. With shaking knees, aching feet, and no snacks or water, poor planning on our part, we made our way down at a slow and careful pace.
An elderly hiker offered me a honey-flavoured energy sweet along the way, a small but much-needed boost. His kind words and encouragement gave me the strength to carry on. 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 will always cherish this challenging, amusing and meaningful experience, a true adventure that reflects our marriage perfectly, marked by perseverance, laughter and love through every uphill climb.
“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. Suraksan, 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.
