Ulsanbawi

Uslanbawi is a landmark created not only by its sheer beauty but also its mythical creation in Korean history. As far as legend goes, Ulsanbawi was the representative from the port city of Ulsan, my former home. He was sent to a meeting of the Korean peninsula however when he arrived to the North the meeting was over he began an infamous walk of shame home. On his way back he fell asleep and when he awoke he thought it was so beautiful he decided to stay forever.

Back to reality however, the first stop on the path up the mountain is a tranquil Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains along the river. It is the perfect place to relax and drink some fresh spring water before the trek to the heights of the mountain. Along the lower level trails are several stopping points with some very eager and determined women trying to fill hikers up on bibimbap.

Although there is no moment of solitude on this well trodden path, it has everything required for being in a state of pure tranquility. With trickling streams and hidden Buddhist temples deep in the forest, the hike to the base of the mountain leaves one with a sense of worldly belonging.

At the last base up the mountain is a beautiful Buddhist temple with the Ulsanbawi granite cliffs escalating in the background. As the clouds roll through, visibility is limited instilling a sense of curiousity as to what awaits at the top. After an additional hour hike the vegetation clears as the mountain begins to become completely vertical, leaving a perfect view into the valley below.  

One is then faced with a vertically challenging ascent up an old rickety set of stairs. With over 800 steps to the top, anyone with a phobia of heights is truly tested as inclining steps are large enough only for a small child. With nerves rattling the clouds are surpassed and the summit is reached leaving one with a sense of accomplishment.

The view from the top of Ulsanbawi is nothing short of breathtaking. After a day of hiking through the misty clouds, being above them finally gives picturesque views up and down the entire Taebaek mountain range. At this point the moment comes where one can have a 360 degree look around and truly appreciate things and feel a brief moment of accomplishment.