By Honorary Reporter Anane Chaima from Algeria

Photos = Park Hyeonjeong 

Park Hyeonjeong, also known as Lily, is an advocate for Korea's natural wonders as well as an avid hiker and traveler. A ranger with the Korea National Park Service, she co-authored the guide Hiking the National Parks of Korea with her boss Yoon Hong-geun and Australian expat Christian Jorgensen, and the book was published this year. 

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Park on Oct. 22.

Park Hyeonjeong on Sobaeksan Mountain

How did you get interested in hiking?
I had a few hiking experiences growing up, but wasn't drawn to it at first. Then in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend asked me to guide her on a summit hike at Mudeungsan National Park, which is in my hometown. We were both beginners, and the hike turned out to be quite an adventure with rain at the summit, taking us eight hours to complete. 

But I absolutely loved it. I was feeling very low mentally and physically. Yet up on the mountains, I felt alive, invigorated and free. Hiking has since become a hobby, passion and now my career.

Which national park has left the deepest impression on you?
I'd say Mudeungsan National Park, which is in my hometown and gave me so many fond memories. Personal feelings aside, Mudeungsan Mountain is known for its gentle and inviting slopes, making it accessible even to beginners. As a designated geopark, it offers diverse geological landscapes and wide horizontal views and is famous for silver grass hikes in autumn and snow-covered scenery in winter.

Mudeungsan Seoseokdae (columnar joints)

What do you think makes the nation's national parks so attractive for hiking?

Unlike certain countries, most hikes in Korea can be completed in a day. The nation's numerous national parks are also relatively close to urban centers, thus many options are accessible no matter where you are. Considering Korea's busy lifestyle and limited vacation time, this proximity is a huge plus. 

Additionally, the country's four seasons each provide unique landscapes. And lately, park merchandise, especially plush keychains that hikers attach to their bags, have grown incredibly popular. Many collect them as mementos of their park adventures.

What motivated you to help write this guide?

The idea came from my co-author and boss, Yoon Hong-geun. Over the years, he organized group hikes with foreign participants and realized that many of them found it hard to get accurate information to plan hikes at such parks. So he envisioned an English-language guide and formed a team with Christian Jorgensen, an experienced Australian hiker and writer, and me, a dedicated hiker with design skills. 

Give a brief description of the concept and content of the guide.
The guide is an English-language resource on all 23 national parks in Korea. Based on a set of criteria, the three of us selected two popular and scenic trails from each park for a combined 46 beautiful trails. The selections include not only challenging hikes but also gentle walking paths. 

The book has high-quality photos, detailed maps, vivid trail descriptions and transportation information. Additionally, it has essential park regulations one must know before planning visits.

Hiking the National Parks of Korea

What parks or trails do you recommend for foreign tourists?
For international visitors, I definitely recommend Seoraksan National Park, one of the country's most popular among foreign visitors with the most beautiful mountain in Korea. The rugged peaks, breathtaking views, and crystal-clear streams make Seoraksan unique. 

For experienced hikers, I recommend at the same park the challenging yet stunning trail Gongnyeong (Dinosaur) Ridge, while the cable car to Gwongeumseong Peak is a great option for a more relaxed experience. 

Do you plan to pursue other hiking projects or publications?
I want to make Korea's national parks more accessible internationally. I recently launched a YouTube channel to share hiking experiences and trail information and my boss also started a similar blog. Both the channel and the blog are in English. 

My boss and I also run a foreign hikers' group and host monthly group hikes. Those interested are welcome to join our Facebook group Exploring National Parks of Korea.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.