… by Judy FongI could be called a novice with Meetup adventure groups and their overseas trips. My first time going with such a group on an overseas hiking trip was in 2017. So I thought I knew what to expect when I signed up with SANL for the 30 March to 5 April 2018 South Korea Hiking & Temple-stay: The Zen Way trip. The very first time I joined TS Chua of SANL, was for a little hike around the Bukit Batok area. Unfortunately, just mere minutes into the hike, one of my friends stepped into an unseen hole in the ground and broke her leg. Going to South Korea with TS was thus the second time that I was joining him. However, I was quite sure that I would be in good hands.
This was based on the fact that TS regularly, and even weeks later, checked on my friend’s well-being and her leg after we rushed off to the hospital on that injurious hike. Many things, most of all were that at all times, safety was always a priority. Coming in a close second was that every one of us was treated like VVIP and almost all of our requests (within logistic constraints) were acceded to. I liked that TS and the operational team, consisting of two Singapore NTC staff and three Korea TOC staff, were so organized and yet so flexible to make changes on the run to the itineraries when necessary and after taking our opinions into consideration. On the first day of our delayed arrival (the flight out of Singapore was delayed by around an hour), we took longer than expected to hike up Gamaksan. Instead of reproaching us, they calmly rebook another dining venue as we had lost the previous booking due to the lateness – I could only imagine the headache they had to go through to get another available venue for 40 hikers at the last minute! The team subsequently made adjustments to the rest of the trip so that we could still experience jimjibang (Korean bathhouse) and palsaik samgyupsal, “8 Colours Pork Belly” (direct translation from Korean) BBQ on the 6th day of the trip. I definitely enjoyed myself at both places. I had palsaik samgyupsal in Singapore and Sydney before, but having it in Seoul; coupled with makgeolli (Korean rice wine) treat from the tour guide and a generous amount of food made it a special memory. Another good memory was a group of us drinking makgeolli and eating take-out fried chicken (again, a generous amount) in TS’s hotel room.
The reason I signed up for the trip in the first place – is the hiking! Gamaksan감악산was the first place we hiked. Before hiking, we traversed the longest suspension bridge in South Korea to reach a zen place to have our lunch. Three weeks later, my fellow hiker was still talking about the roasted rice soup/drink that we had with our yummy lunch. With enough sleep on board the flight (but then how many of us could ever sleep well and enough on a flight?), the right hiking gear and at least 3 months of prior regular training in Singapore, this 675m high hill is relatively easy to hike. The terrain is largely rocky and there were many photo-taking opportunities. However, my friend was already nursing a cough for a few weeks before the trip, so I stayed with her as we slowly made our way up to the summit. It warmed my heart to have two of the Korea TOC staff guiding and pacing with us up the summit – such care! The second day’s hike at Bukhansan북한산at 836m high was a disappointment for me. It wasn’t that the trails were not interesting. Due to the first day’s poor showing of taking an extra 2 hours to hike Gamaksan, we were not guided up to the summit but went on a relatively easy trail that we took less than 2 hours to complete. I want more! The third day’s hike at the Dadohaehaesang National Park at the south-eastern tip of Korea was to the Hyangilam향일암(temple). Instead of taking the usual tourist route to the temple, we were met at the Geumosan Trail entrance by the park ranger, a beautiful slim lady that looked decades younger than her age! She beguiled us with much interesting information as we hiked along a challenging route that also gave us many beautiful photo-taking moments. Last and not least was the hike of Naejangsan내장산 on the fifth day. This took place after we spent one well-rested night at Baekyangsa. I didn’t expect a stay at a temple to be so comfortable with an attached bathroom and hot bathing water. I had been to worse places in my travels and this was true luxury.
… by Fiona LeeWhen I first heard about this Korean Trip to view Cherry Blossoms with hiking and temple stay, I like the proposed itinerary as it includes two of my favorite “likes”.The temple stay was a totally new experience for me. There’s a lovely and peaceful ambience about the place. I guessed it’s because of the surrounding mountains, fauna, and fresh air. The deliciously prepared organic foods were a surprising bonus. I have never eaten so much kimchi in my whole life! The viewing of the many cherry blossoms was a unique experience. The hikes throughout the trip were also a good experience of viewing the Korean national parks and countryside. Reaching the highest points, we were able to see lovely views of the sea coasts and parts of Korea that one would not normally see on a tour of Korea. Certainly, it has been a memorable trip!… by Sian FoongThanks for organizing this trip & please find my comments below.1) What made you decide to take on these trips? => The Temple Stay & the cherry blossoms.2) What was the most interesting/memorable section of the trip that you like? => The temple stay was a nice experience & a memorable one. The nice environment & food were nice too!3) If this trip was to be repeated in the future: what would you advise those thinking of joining? The level of toughness of the trail is quite subjective as some may find it easy while some may find it difficult. Regardless of which level of difficulty, one should be physically fit & with regular training. Most importantly the basic understanding of hiking. All in all, the trip was well organized. A well-balanced in everything. Am glad that the organizing team made a prompt decision to make a contingency plan to the itinerary to cater to any unforeseen circumstances. However, I find a group of 40 pax is rather big for this trip. Half of the size may be better?
… by Matilda FongThank you for the UNIQUE experiences we had in the South Korea Cherry Blossom. The hospitality we received is just beyond one’s expectations. Every day’s a new experience – the food, UNIQUE itinerary, trek, and exposure to Korean culture. A big THANK YOU to NTC for all the recce, seamless logistics & planning to make this trip memorable for us. We all came home safe with many happy memories & new friends.
… by Lilian Seah (Vegetarian)The trip title “S. Korea CHERRY BLOSSOM, Temple stay & hike: The Zen & natural way” caught my attention. It’s everything about this trip that I want to experience. My friend and I were caught by surprise by the different types of terrain of our hike as we are not hikers. After hiking 2 mountains, our bodies and legs seem more toned up and felt the rest of the hikes were easier. The group completed the last day (a whole day hike) in less than the expected time. Yay, a good pat on our back! 🙂 The Cherry Blossom made up for the tiring hikes. Temple stay was the most Zen part of the trip. All the Temple vegetarian food was so yummy – they were organic, refreshing tasting and to me very well-balanced diet meals. I have not tasted fresh cabbage and radish which were crispy and sweet. The tofu had a real tofu taste, unlike the commercial type we have in our supermarket. Kudos to TS Chua (Chief Adventures Organiser), William Ang (Travel Leader) and his team members (Bryan, Ming How, 正训 – our 帅哥 Tour Leader), all the friendly and helpful hikers – YOU ALL made this trip amazing and enjoyable!!! I am so glad I joined this trip and look forward to future trips!
… By Serena Tiong (Vegetarian) I enjoyed the trip and the vegetarian food more than I expected, especially given I normally avoid traveling with such a big group, I must say we’re lucky the group was a lot of fun. So kudos to you, William, and the guides for this. I had a really wonderful trip. I enjoyed our veggie meals together and the operation cold stone. 🙂 please keep me on your mailing list for your upcoming trips, hope to see you again in the near future!
Singapore Adventurous & Nature-Lovers 