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Now that the national university entrance exam is over, high school seniors deserve a little R&R.
November 19, 2009
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Mount Jiri For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Mount Jiri National Park is one of the best places to go in the country. A hike up Mount Jiri has traditionally been popular among students who have just completed a big exam or those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban settings. Stretching across North and South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces, the mountain is one of the biggest in the country. The recommended trail is located in South Gyeongsang. A trek up the Jooneung line, 25.5 kilometers (15.84 miles), is possible in a single day but a two-night course is ideal for most. The hike up and down the trail is a total distance of 51 kilometers. The trek starts from Seongsamjae and continues up the Jooneung trail, which runs from Nogodan Peak to Cheonwang Peak.
The highlight of the trip is waking up early after a stay at Jangteomuk shelter and making the final stretch of the hike up to Cheonwang Peak to take in the sunrise. Afterward, make your way down the trail in the direction of Daewon Temple. Hikers should be aware that many trails on Mount Jiri are closed through Dec. 15 for fire prevention measures. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise as it can give those who are interested plenty of time to prepare for their trip. During this period, however, three of the most popular courses will remain open. These include the trail from Seongsamjae to Nogodan Peak, which is 4.7 kilometers in length, the trail from Hwaeom Temple to Nogodan Peak, which is seven kilometers long, and the trail from Jungsanri to Cheonwang Peak, which is 9.4 kilometers. We recommend the Seongsamjae-Nogodan trail and the Jungsanri-Cheonwang trail. The Seongsamjae-Nogodan route attracts an average of 1,000 visitors each weekend and it is popular among senior citizens due to its gentle incline. On a clear day, the Seomjin River and Cheonwang Peak are both visible from Nogodan Peak. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Jungsanri-Cheonwang trail might be more ideal. The climb is quite steep but it is the only route to Cheongwang Peak that is open during forest fire prevention season. Busan city tour For people who prefer indoor activities, the Haeundae area in the nation’s port city is the ideal place for a laid-back weekend of shopping, dining and relaxation. The seaside neighborhood is one of the most visited areas in the southeastern region of Korea. Centum City, a shopping mall nearby, provides for a day of fun for the whole family. Busan is more accessible from Seoul than one might expect. The KTX (Korea Train eXpress) train departing Seoul at 9 a.m. arrives in Busan by noon. From Busan Station, where the train arrives, Centum City is approximately 50 minutes by bus or subway. After arriving, the first thing on the agenda should be lunch, and the complex has plenty to offer with over 100 restaurants. The food court below ground level is lined with eateries that offer fresh seafood and other dishes. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, try Ho Jub Mong, a Chinese restaurant; Macaroni Grill, on the ninth floor; or head up to Gramercy Kitchen, a restaurant that specializes in steak and pasta, on the 10th floor. After lunch, venture on over to Fashion Street on the eighth floor. There are plenty of trendy shops geared toward the young and hip. The third and fourth floors have casual sportswear, outdoor clothing and men’s and women’s wear shops. At the Nike store you can get your teenaged overachiever a custom-made T-shirt that can be printed on the spot. When your feet, or your credit card, get worn out, take a trip to the cultural hall on the ninth floor for a performance or catch a movie at one of the theaters on floors five through eight. Another way to end the day is to visit Spa Land on the first floor. Construction workers came across a hot spring when they were in the early stages of building the shopping center. The bicarbonate sodium water, which is heated to a toasty 40 degrees Celsius, is said to give skin a healthy glow. The entrance fee is 12,000 won ($10.40) during the week and 14,000 won on weekends. If you are looking for accommodations, the Haeundae Paradise Hotel, which is close to the beach, is offering a special rate of 255,000 won for high school seniors and their mothers. By Sohn Min-ho, Lee Ga-young [jason@joongang.co.kr] |
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