<In the City> Bukhan Mountain: 북한산.

I have always heard that this mountain was one of the toughest to climb, and such hearsay was no tall tale. 

Located right on the outskirts of northern Seoul area, Bukhan Mountain Park is colossal and prides on multiple trails and peaks in all sorts of intensity. 

It would be a whole lot of trivialization if I confessed to only a couple of 'my-life-flashing-before-my-eyes' moments. I definitely did not know this 'hike' would involve ropes. I was deathly petrified during the entire 3-4 hour climb and clinging onto those exceedingly steep rocks was my sole, discomfiting refuge.

What is your fear? 

Mine, if you have not guessed, is heights. Apparently this is an issue I developed as an adult, because according to my mother, she testified that I was acrophobia-less as a child.

Everyone has a fear, or fears, that he or she would like to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to. But just as you cannot shove your rotten, molding pile of dirty laundry under your bed and pretend to be ignorant of its existence, you cannot push aside your fear forever. 

Fear is like a baggage chained to your heart. It can make you sink lower and lower under the surface, until you may find it hard to breathe. Only you can find the key to unlock the chain and swim back up. 

The steps may not be easy, but once you do, your heart will start to rejoice in hope and peace.

<photo by me>

<Out of the City> Geomdan Mountain: 검단산.

This year, I have turned over a new leaf by incorporating the 'healthy' into my lifestyle. I modified my diet and picked up healthier hobbies, regular jogging and hiking. 

The sheer amount of electrifying euphoria hiking brings is incomprehensible until you conquer that first mountain.

On that note, here is my Geomdan Mountain experience. 

Most of our hiking buddies were perky groups of the elderly, all clad in neon hiking gears.

  

Geomdan Mountain is located in Gyeonggi, Seoul's neighboring province. The 1.5 hours of non-stop incline was a true test of my faith and leg muscles.

The magnificent view at the top let the butterflies in my stomach go wild, and the perfect weather allowed that perfect glimpse of Seoul.

Breathe in that autumn breeze, and let your thoughts soar as high and wide as the mountains. 
You definitely deserve it after such an accomplishment.

What have you done recently to ease your soul?

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> YangPyeong: 양평.

This past weekend, my friends and I drove out to Yangpyeong, a city located about an hour to the east of Seoul. It was a spontaneous trip that was all about relaxation. 

We stayed at a quaint place called Maple House. Staying true to its name, maple trees encapsulated the house, showcasing their autumn uniforms of reds, oranges, and yellows in a picturesque parade.

The morning after our finger-lickin' good barbecue fiesta, we took a stroll up the hill located in front of the house.

The weekend is like that first sip of your aromatic morning coffee. It leaves you feeling recharged and ready to face the big, bad world (well, almost).

In the meanwhile, I would like to ask you: 

When was the last time you took a look out of your window?

<photos by me>

<In the City> Autumn Swoons.

Easily my favorite time of the entire year, autumn is warm-colored foliage, chick-flick romance, an endless array of scarves, and tantalizingly crisp air. 

While this wonderful season is near drawing its curtains closed, I have managed to run around (and nearby) the city and catch snippets of autumn before its grand finale. 

 

Winter should really behave itself and stop making its moves.

<photos by me>