We went to Taejosan, because it's really close the centre of town and started our hike at Gakwonsa. Walking up the mountain in the snow was no easy feat. There was a fresh layer of snow that provided some grip, but still some parts of the trail were entirely covered in ice. The steam that runs parallel to the path was frozen and there were some really cool ice formations where waterfalls had turned to ice, the water was still running under the ice too.
We eventually got to the ridge at the top of the mountain and our sweat from the hike started to freeze in the icy gale, so we promptly decided to go down the opposite side of the mountain to check out a small farming village called Yuwanggol (유왕골). It was creepy; there were lots of dogs and a couple of cows, there were houses and cars parked up, but we didn't see a single other person there.
Then we decided to wall along the valley, following a river and a dirt track that eventually turned into a road. It was very beautiful; mountains on either side, everything covered in snow, the frozen river, and the only sound was the wind in the trees.
We walked forever, until the sun was going down behind the mountain and our whole bodies ached from the cold. We kept passing clusters of houses, really big, elaborate houses with patios leading on to the river, and yet we still didn't see another person. Perhaps they were all hiding from the cold, like sensible people.
We kept walking towards our unknown destination, wondering whether we'd eventually have to turn back and return the same way we came, or whether at any minute there'd be a path leading up over the mountain and we'd have to endure another steep ascent in the snow. Luckily we emerged from the valley and found a main[ish] looking road with a bus stop!
Our relief was short lived however, when we realised the bus was only three times a day, and that the next one wasn't due for another two and a half hours.
We continued along the main[ish] road, in the direction we considered to be home. Along the way we played in the snow, which was like crystals because the weather had gotten warmer and then very cold again, turning the snow flakes into ice flakes.
We came to Yongyeon Reservoir (횽연저수지) in a place called Mokcheon, it was totally frozen. There we also found a map, which we were very grateful for as we were able to turn off in the right direction.
With only about an hour left before the sun completely set we began the long climb uphill towards Cheonan. We'd been walking for about three hours and had done about 10km, our legs ached and we were very very cold. So, once again, we resorted to hitching our way home.
The first car we saw stopped for us and the elderly driver motioned for us to get in. I was very grateful for the Korean I have learnt as he didn't speak a word of English and I was able to address him using the most formal level of the language, which I think he appreciated, even if what I said was far from grammatically correct. I asked him where he was going and he asked us where we were going, and just as we arrived at his village he turned off the road onto the highway to Cheonan; going well out of his way to get us safely home.
As soon as we passed a bus stop that had more than three buses a day we got out of the car, thanking the old man profusely for his incredible kindness. It was very touching that he was willing to drive us all the way home, even though we could barely communicate and it was miles out of his way.
Finally we got home and defrosted. It was a great walk.
I was so disappointed about not being able to take any pictures that I went back to Gakwonsa the next day and took some photos of the snowy path, the frozen stream and the temple. Here they are:
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| Frozen pond at the bottom of the mountain. |
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| The beginning of the path that leads up Taejosan. |
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| Frozen stream. |
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| Buddha at sunset. |
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| Gakwonsa temple. |
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| Gakwonsa temple. |
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| Gakwonsa temple. |
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| Winter sunset over Cheonan. |
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| Gakwonsa temple. |
