The Surging Popularity of Hiking in South Korea: A National Passion
Hiking in South Korea isn’t just a hobby—it’s a vibrant cultural phenomenon that defines the nation’s spirit. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions, Korean hiking has captured the hearts of millions. Imagine a typical month where one in three Koreans laces up their boots and hits the trails, drawn to the stunning peaks and scenic vistas.
The mountainous national park north of Seoul alone attracts more visitors annually than the Grand Canyon, showcasing the unparalleled allure and popularity of this beloved activity. Dive into the world of Korean hiking and discover why it has become a cornerstone of South Korean life.
The Geographic Allure of South Korean Hiking
Topographical Marvels and Accessibility
South Korea’s landscape is a topographical marvel, akin to an eggshell mattress, covered with hundreds of steep, climbable peaks. Approximately 70% of the Korean peninsula is mountainous, making hiking an accessible activity for the majority of its 51 million inhabitants. This abundance of mountains, including the famous Bukhansan National Park near Seoul, allows for frequent and convenient hiking excursions, especially for the 25 million people living in the capital region.
The Cultural Rituals of Korean Hiking
The Mythical Connection to Mountains
Spiritual and Cultural Reverence
Mountains hold a near-mythical status in Korean culture. They are often associated with Sanshin, or mountain spirits, believed to inhabit these lofty peaks. This spiritual connection adds a layer of reverence to the hiking experience, making it not just a physical challenge but a journey into the heart of Korean cultural heritage. This belief is reminiscent of the American veneration for the open spaces of the West, underscoring the deep cultural ties Koreans have with their natural environment.
A Social Event with Traditions
Hiking in South Korea is not just about reaching the summit; it is a social event filled with traditions. The pace of hiking is brisk, and at the top, large groups spread out on blankets and enjoy elaborate picnics, often accompanied by rice wine (makgeolli).
This communal aspect, where strangers share food and drink, emphasizes the importance of community and collective enjoyment in Korean culture. Despite the indulgence at the peak, the hike down is typically as brisk as the ascent, showcasing the physical endurance of Korean hikers.
Hiking Gear: A Symbol of Status and Function
High-Quality Mountaineering Attire
In South Korea, hiking attire is taken very seriously. High-quality mountaineering gear from brands like North Face, Marmot, and local favorite Black Yak is the norm, even for casual hikers. Jackets can cost up to $800, and walking sticks can be priced at $250.
The emphasis on high-quality, functional clothing is driven by both practical benefits and the desire to fit in with well-equipped fellow hikers.
The culture places significant importance on appearance and preparation, with many hikers wearing gear worth over $1,000 for a summer hike, and possibly twice that in winter.
A Historical Perspective on Hiking in South Korea
Post-War Industrialization and Outdoor Activities
The roots of hiking in South Korea can be traced back to the country’s rapid post-war industrialization and modernization. During the 1960s and 70s, the government promoted outdoor activities, including hiking, as part of national health campaigns. This period also saw the establishment of numerous national parks, inspired by the American model, which played a crucial role in popularizing hiking as a national pastime. By the end of the 1980s, South Korea had protected more than 6,000 square kilometers of land as national parks.
The Rise of Hiking as a Mass Activity
Increased Leisure Time and Popularity
The reduction of the workweek from six to five days in 2004 allowed South Koreans more leisure time, leading to an increase in hiking’s popularity across all demographics. Today, it is not uncommon to see both young professionals and the elderly sharing the trails, each finding their own meaning and satisfaction in the activity. The activity transcends age groups, with older generations often leading the way in both participation and enthusiasm.
Modern Influences and Social Media
Digital Influence on Hiking Trends
The rise of social media has further contributed to a fresh interest in hiking among the youth. Image-sharing venues, such as Instagram, are bursting with breathtaking shots of mountain landscapes, and this is inspiring a new, selfie-ready generation of hikers. This sort of virtual influence has enabled hiking to be just another activity that is becoming fashionable and trendy to the millennial generation. It is no longer surprising to see fellow young hikers in stylish and colorful or even patterned outfits on hiking trails that finally blend into the mixture of both timely and modern styles.
The Economic Impact of Hiking
Outdoor Apparel Market
Hiking has become very popular and brought significant economic changes in this regard. Outdoor apparel markets in South Korea have developed in a large way—the sales of hiking gear here became even more than sales of cinema tickets, for instance. The sales in the outdoor apparel market of the clothes people need for hiking grew almost 500%, from 2006 to 2012 alone.
In 2018, South Koreans spent $2.3 billion on hiking gear for several days’ trips, which is more than what they spent on cinema tickets, making themselves up, or even ordering fried chicken.
The figures show that hiking has been deeply integrated into the life and culture of South Korea, as investing in the quality of the hiking gear will bring a fulfilling outdoor experience.
The Health and Social Benefits of Hiking
Physical and Mental Health
Hiking provides an excellent way for South Koreans to maintain physical health, especially in a society known for its demanding work culture and long hours. It offers a much-needed respite and a different kind of endurance test compared to the daily grind. For many, the mountains are a place to rejuvenate and find solace, fostering a deep-seated respect for nature. According to Shin Soon-no, a 65-year-old avid hiker, “It’s almost like an addiction. Your body starts to crave it.”
Conclusion
A Deeply Ingrained National Identity
Hiking in South Korea is more than a hobby; it is deep within people and is part of the country’s national identity. As a whole, a combination of geographical affluence, cultural ritual, health benefits, and social dynamics has created a unique hiking culture that knows no withering. Climbing in Korea is not only a physical sport, but it is an occasion for many to bond with nature, with one another, and with their heritage. The mountains are a place of discovering a break from the very considerations of life, fostering meditation, community, and personal development.
FAQs
Why is hiking so popular in South Korea?
The popularity of hiking in South Korea is based on the country’s mountainous scenery, strong cultural traditions, health benefits, and socializing aspect. Accessibility to mountains from urban areas makes it extraordinarily popular.
What gear is essential for hiking in South Korea?
Quality hiking equipment in South Korea ranges from good mountaineering clothes, sturdy hiking boots, walking sticks, to other layers that it will be sufficient in different weather conditions. The brands that most of the hikers like in this space are North Face, Marmot, and Black Yak.
How has social media influenced hiking in South Korea?
Social media has highly impacted hiking in South Korea, as the beauty of mountain views has been exposed and the popularity of hiking has been made known among young generations. Now it’s Instagram, for which sharing the hiking experience drives more desire to do so.
What is the significance of Sanshin in Korean hiking culture?
The mountain gods, known as Sanshin, are actually deeply enrooted in Korean folklore and manifest some spiritual dimension on the mountain. It is understood as a sacred place, in which culture and spiritual values are coupled with mountaineering.
How has hiking impacted the South Korean economy?
In effect, hiking has positively had an effect by boosting the outdoor apparel market. South Koreans spend a huge amount on hiking gear, which has resulted in the growing economy.
Are some of the best-known trails for hiking in South Korea those in Bukhansan National Park, Seoraksan National Park, and Jirisan National Park? Such hiking trails are endowed with beautiful natural settings, while also being easily accessible from large urban centers.