More and more Koreans enjoy winter mountain climbing than ever before. But you need to be well-prepared before heading out for a trek.

On a beautiful day, there is nothing like mountain climbing. You can enjoy Mother Nature to the fullest ;breathe the fresh air, enjoy the sound of chirping birds and take in awesome natural beauty. In fact, scaling and reaching the top alone grants not only a sense of achievement, but also a whole new perspective on life. At the top of a mountain, the world definitely looks different-but to truly take it all in, in safety, you had better be well prepared, especially at this time of the year.

Mountain climbing has always been a favorite pastime among the Korean people. Sources say that the number of mountain climbers reached six million in 2003, compared to less than two million in 1999. Since then, the number has continued to rise; in fact, as many as 10 million people are expected to climb Korea’s mountains in 2007 alone. Another report found that four out of ten Koreans enjoy mountain climbing more than once a month.

As for aficionados who climb more than once a week, a survey put that portion at 15 percent of the whole nation. Even the freezing weather of winter does not deter the mountain climbers. In fact, mountain climbing is actually enjoyed by more people in the winter than the summer. So, why do people love it so much, not just in Korea, but around the world?

To begin with, simple mountain climbing is something that most people can easily do with only a warm jacket and a good pair of shoes. As well, with the five-day work week becoming the norm nowadays, mountain climbing gives those who work hard all week long a great chance to recharge their batteries.

During the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98, many people were forced out of their jobs, not knowing where to go. Mountains provided them with a sort of refuge-they became a place for people to deal with their worries and map out a new future.

Deep down, however, concern over health and “well-being” seems to be the main reason why people love mountain climbing. After all, we’re now living in a world where we face intense competition on a daily basis. Enduring the stresses of everyday life, people have become keenly aware of the urgent need of keeping themselves physically fit to meet these challenges.

And, importantly, mountain climbing doesn’t cost a lot of money. It is a cheap, effective way of not only improving physical health, but also building up mental stamina. Many no doubt have made it their New Year’s resolution to take up mountain climbing. That may explain why the mountain climbing population has recently seen a noticeable increase among salaried men aged 30 to 40.

In the winter Korea’s mountains will by no means fail to live up to your expectations. You can choose from a number of mountains, say, Mt. Bukhan and Dobong in Northern Seoul; Mt. Seorak in Gangwon Province; Mt. Sobaek in North Chungcheong Province; and Mt. Halla in Jeju Island, just to name a few.

But it doesn’t matter which mountain you scale. Once reaching the top, just looking out over the magical white and panoramic landscape around you chances are you’ll be overwhelmed with the thrill of your achievement and gain new self-confidence.

With all the excitement, there’s one thing you must bear in mind. Winter climbing is far more dangerous than most think. That is why you must prepare well and be cautious.

“Mountaineer,” an online mountain climbing specialist, suggests wearing mountain climbing suits and globes that are water and wind-proof as ordinary cotton products can invite frostbite.

They also advise to be armed with crampons (steigeisen) and sticks to prevent skidding and keep your balance, and to wear mountain-climbing boots that cover your ankles to guard against heavy snowfall. Relying more on your feet than your hands on a slippery road is their another suggestion, as they say it is better to fall down naturally than to resist tumbling when you lose your balance. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Photo Source: www.mountaineer.co.kr

By Myoung-An Choi
BusinessKorea writer