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Not your typical American Dream

Not your typical American Dream

So here goes the problem of being entitled to 15 days of vacation. Which really require careful planning so that it won’t go to waste. For my first major trip this year, I am going for the first time to the United States of America and not for work, but personal travel (I deserve this trip). This means, I have to make the trip worth every penny I will spend and every single day counts. I only…

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Work + Leisure: Berchtesgaden

Work + Leisure: Berchtesgaden

Stunning view from Kehlsteinhaus (Berchtesgaden, Germany) The highlight of my trip last August (2015) was to witness the stunning view  from Kehlsteinhaus or Eagles’s Nest. Visit www.workandtravelmore.com to read more.

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Work + Leisure - Berchtesgaden, Germany

Work + Leisure – Berchtesgaden, Germany

New blog post on my new site. Perks of business travel. http://www.workandtravelmore.com/work-leisure-berchtesgaden/

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It was that time of the year again to reflect, restart and refocus and the place I called my second home, South Korea, was the choice of destination.

I went back to South Korea to restart my life button and experience Fall. Without a full itinerary on hand and only listed 2 activities the rest was unplanned and unexpected.

What better way to breathe and free your mind than to be one with nature.

That’s what I did last October 2015. I hiked Seoraksan and Dobongsan mountains to experience Fall Foliage and I was not disappointed.

Seoraksan Fall Foliage Photos:

I hiked Seoraksan twice back in April 2014 and last year October 2015 (see my previous post here), the expectation of the level of difficulty is known while Dobongsan was harder to climb because of its rocky hiking trail.

Dobongsan is located in Bukhansan National Park and very accessible via subway train (Dobongsan Station). This is one of the most popular hiking trail for locals, so if you go during weekends, this hike is pretty busy with local hikers.

Despite the level of difficulty I headed my way to Dobongsan hiking trail and began my Fall Foliage journey.

Entrance

local hikers

headed to Jaunbong Peak (740m)

I was never fully geared for hiking, except the hiking stick I bought at one of the gear stores along the way. Good thing I bought the stick as I really did not expect that the trails will be so much more difficult.

Jaunbong Peak from afar

Follow the local hikers, they are everywhere

There were a lot of local hikers when I started, but in the end the crowd went by and I was left alone traversing the trail and enjoying the different colors of fall.

Local hikers passing by

Don’t leave me

As I went farther and farther, exhaustion and frustration nearly got in my way. The rocky trail made it so difficult to reach the peak, although I had lots of rest in between (and some cursing) and my 1.5-liter bottle was nearly empty not even half-way through the journey. But after a while, the weather seemed to hear my rambling and the wind got cooler and somehow eased my discomfort as I moved on.

After almost 2-km and more than an hour hike, I’ve reached the first resting spot, Madangbawi Rock, with an exquisite panoramic view. This was not even the peak and the view was already breathtaking. The pit stop was crowded by hikers. I joined the rest of the hikers and sat down for half an hour, ate my gimbap while thinking whether to continue to Jaunbong Peak.

Madangbawi Pit Stop

Student hikers resting

view at Madangbawi

view at Madangbawi

view at Madangbawi

Dobongsan, Seoul

Since my goal was to really go to  the highest peak, again I decided to continue the journey. And glad I did as I made my way to the top, the Fall Foliage is absolutely stunning. If only I can sit down and enjoy more of the scenery, I will spend more time just looking at the maple leaves glittering from the rays of the sun. But time is running out and still have not reached the peak and I need time to descend.

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With my aching feet and arms and after another hour from Madangbawi Rock, I was damn shocked that I still have to climb (almost vertical) while holding on to the rustic steel bar drilled on the rock to reach the top.

I sat down and watched as the hikers made they ascend and descend. I was observing the other hikers how they do it and when I was comfortable enough, I mustered the courage to try myself. I finally reached Jaunbong Peak with relief and awe on yet another stunning panoramic view.

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Stunning View

Jaunbong Peak

I thought the trail up was hard enough that going down will be easier but I was TOTALLY WRONG. As I went down the rock, the footholds are wide apart making it more difficult to go down, obviously I don’t have long legs to reach one foothold to another. I slid down slowly on the foothold while hanging on to my dear life.

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the only way up

Jaunbong Peak

the only way down

It took me almost 1.5 hours to descend from the mountain following the same route. I was exhausted, my arms were so tired, my legs almost collapsing, I reached the ground after a very long 5-hour hike.

That is it for the day! Headed back to the hostel, ate my dinner, cleaned up, had my face mask and slept soundly through the night for the next day adventure!

Somehow hiking clears my mind and makes me refocus to what is more important in life. While on top of every peak I have climbed, it is as if I am closer to God, and I always whisper how grateful I am for all the blessings He has given me over the years. Forever grateful for being able to witnessed such beautiful creation.

XOXO

Jhes

    South Korea – Hiker’s Haven (part 3) It was that time of the year again to reflect, restart and refocus and the place I called my second home, South Korea, was the choice of destination.

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From my previous post, South Korea – Hiker’s Haven (part 1), I cited that hiking in Korea is one of its main attraction, however some travelers may not be keen to explore as it may require some level of physical fitness to be able to reach the highest point.

Korean mountains trails vary from one to the other. Definitely the experience and fulfillment is different as every hiker traverse the slopes, ridges and unending stairs (It’s for real, Koreans probably love stairs) to the peak. There are also levels of difficulty from easy to difficult climb, which beginners (like myself) can consider. Some mountains can be a day-hike or multi-day hike, depending on your endurance, you can climb different routes in one go. As for me, I am taking it slow and one at a time.

After my first ever hiking adventure in Seoul, I headed to my next journey.

When I was researching for mountains to hike in South Korea, Seoraksan was on top of the list. Seoraksan is located in Sokcho, Province of Gangwon-do. It is about 3-hour bus ride (either from Seoul Express Bus or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal) from Seoul.

Despite my apprehension to travel outside Seoul City for the first time, I enjoyed the 3-hour ride. A very refreshing, calm and green scenery delighted my way as I traveled to the province.

I stayed in House Hostel for my two trips in April 2014 (Spring) and October 2015 (Fall Foliage). I highly recommend this hostel because the place is cozy  and the owners are friendly and hospitable. You can book the hostel in Hostelworld.com.

I climbed Seoraksan twice, and I plan to do it again. The adventures I had were totally different but the admiration to its breathtaking view is as if seeing its beauty for the first time.

As you enter Seoraksan National Park, the surrounding gives you a positive vibe and gets you excited to continue the journey.

At first, I did not really consider going to any mountain peak as from the reviews I read at that time, Seoraksan is a “difficult” level. I was supposed to hike the Biryong Falls or Bisondae Cliff course, but these two trails were closed when I went. I hesitated to climb Ulsanbawi Peak. But in the end, I decided to head on and started my journey.

entrance to the trail

local hikerss

an ahjusshi carrying this load to one of the pit stop

Up we go…

and down…

I was not surprise anymore to see stairs as I am already used to seeing them in Korea and quite relieved that the trail is not as rough and difficult as what I expected. Similar to Seoul Fortress trail, the national park is well-maintained except for a few rugged ridges and slopes, but still able to pass through.

I was delighted to see the Fall Foliage in Seoraksan during my second visit in 2015.

As I continued my journey, there were also pit stops where you can take a rest and enjoy the amazing view of the Ulsanbawi peak as the overwhelming excitement kicks in.

Haeundeubawi

Ulsanbawi view from one of the pit stop

Pit Stop

Giving up was never an option, the mantra I kept telling myself. As it gets nearer to the peak, the trail gets steeper and steeper and more stairs to climb.

I am acrophobic and imagine the struggle I had to endure in order to reach the top.

The struggle is for real but the breathtaking panoramic view awaits those who made it to the top.

I did and it was so surreal!

breathtaking panoramic view of Ulsanbawi Peak

    First in 2014 (Spring)

Second in 2015 (Fall)

After staying for few minutes at Ulsanbaw Peak, I headed down with a smile on my face, exhausted but fulfilled.

After the exhausting hike, I went straight to a restaurant and enjoyed my bibimbap and ice cold soda to refresh and went back to the hostel to rest.

Adventure is worthwhile ~Aesop

  South Korea – Hiker’s Haven (part 2) From my previous post, South Korea - Hiker's Haven (part 1), I cited that hiking in Korea is one of its main attraction, however some travelers may not be keen to explore as it may require some level of physical fitness to be able to reach the highest point.

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Seoul City view from Haneul Park

I can really go on and on with how amazing South Korea is and still can’t get enough of it’s beauty.

When I was there the first time, my plans absolutely changed. My itinerary was literally thrown to the bin as I wanted to go to so many places, which are not even on my list and I know I will eventually regret if I don’t go. I told myself there’s no way I can go to all these places given the limited time to spend. But I tried anyhow.

One of the many things I want to do in Korea is to climb and hike the Korean mountains. It is one of the unique attractions that Korea offers to travelers apart from the famous sightseeing destinations like palaces, temples, shopping places and themed parks.

Korea is generally a safe place to visit even for female solo travelers and mountains are very safe to hike as most of the national parks are well-maintained and the hiking routes are well-trodden and crowded by a lot of local hikers. I am no professional hiker but I survived my first ever solo hike.

Seoul is unquestionably a modern city, but the people also tried to preserved its tradition and one can witness through its remnants of the fortress wall built many centuries ago.  In 2014, I started my first hiking journey with Seoul Fortress Wall of Bugaksan. Bugaksan is one of the mountains that can be climbed by beginners in the middle of Seoul and is a 342-meter high granite mountain.

It is a one-day hike, so not so bad. The night before, I slept early in preparation for my first hike.

 I got up early, had my breakfast, took the train and then took my first bus ride and headed my way to the park.

(Important Tip: Most buses do not have English Translation, except for major or tourist destination stops, so it’s best for you to print your itinerary with Hangeul so you can refer to your notes vs the bus stop map)

Although I am a self-declared as someone who has no sense of direction, I was able to reached my destination – Waryong Park, where the hiking journey begins.

Follow the signs and trail to Malbawi Information Center where you will need to show your passport and register.

There are 3 possible courses: Course 1: Malbawi Information Center – Sukjeongmun Gate – Baegakmaru – Changuimun Information Center – Changuimun Gate (2.3 km) Course 2: Sukjeongmun Information Center – Sukjeongmun Gate – Baegakmaru – Changuimun Information Center – Changuimun Gate (2.2 km) Course 3: Changuimun Gate – Changuimun Information Center – Baegakmaru – Sukjeongmun Gate – Malbawi Information Center (2.3 km)

So I took Course 1, I presented my passport got myself registered and visitors ID and started my way.

Signs to Malbawi Information

The Bugaksan Trail is manned by security guards and you are not allowed to take pictures as the area is close to “Blue House” or the President’s House.

Seoul Fortress Wall

Stairs…

… Unending Stairs…

With rest in between, aching feet and some sneaky photo taking, the view is really worth it.

The view

The hike is not about the peak or the highest point, but all about the scenery and history embraced and weathered by the fortress wall. However, the scenery are only witnessed by those who climbed and walk the trail.

Path along the fortress wall

Stairs…

… Stairs …

Unending stairs…

This is probably the first time I’ve ever seen a lot of stairs (in my whole life) and I have no choice but to traverse the unending stairs to reach the destination. I walked leisurely and followed the well-maintained path while continuously rambling, “Almost there! Just go for it”.

Almost! But… I was only able to climb until 293m or maybe I got lost and did not find my way to Bugaksan peak (342m). Well, it was my first time and there will still be next time.

Little did I know that another unending stairs waiting on my way down… Imagine if I took the route from the other side,

After the unending stairs, you will reached Changuimun Information Center, where you need to surrender your Visitor ID.

Changuimun Gate

My first hike is over and done! I am up for the next hike in Sokcho, South Korea to climb Seoraksan.

You can find more information about Seoul Fortress Wall of Bugaksan here.

  South Korea – a Hiker’s Haven (part 1) I can really go on and on with how amazing South Korea is and still can't get enough of it's beauty.

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Desert Safari Dubai

Skydiving in Sydney

Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam

1st Skydiving

2nd Skydiving

Mt. Fuji Japan

Seoraksan, Ulsan Bawi Peak – Sokcho, South Korea

Seoraksan, Ulsan Bawi

Dobongsan, Seoul

Bier, Prost!

Dobongsan Peak

Carpe Diem

Seoraksan National Park

My Family

My Faith, My Keeper

The photos more or less define who I am as a person, what I like and what I love. Since I am doing a travel blog, I will thus do the challenge in relation to traveling.

I have a day job, 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. I work in Regulatory Affairs (cool huh?) and got perks to travel.

I am living in Singapore for 4 years now, but I have never explored the country yet. Want to ask where to go? Merlion, Universal Studio, Singapore Zoo, Bird Park, oh and Singapore Botanical Garden (I know and I called myself random traveler and explorer! I am busy working  :-)

I love hiking and breathtaking view on top of a mountain.

I love South Korea.

I have done skydiving twice (and going for 3rd, hopefully) in Sydney.

I hiked Seoraksan Ulsan Bawi Peak in Sokcho, South Korea twice.

I hiked Dobongsan in Seoul, South Korea in 2015 for my Fall Foliage Journey.

I have been to 3 continents – Asia, Europe and Australia

I have been to 16 countries – excluding Philippines and Singapore

I have been to South Korea twice and will go back again this 2016.

I prefer solo traveling but I can go with a travel buddy or group as well. It depends.

I will never go back to Dubai for a vacation unless I don’t have any choice (sorry for discriminating but it is due to personal reason).

Most of the time I carry an umbrella with me whenever I travel (funny isn’t it?). Cause you will never know what you are up against with when you travel. You may need protection from pouring rain or scorching heat of the sun, it is better to be prepared.

I love walking tours.

Honestly speaking, I easily get lost even with a map! I don’t have any sense of direction.

I can sleep on the plane even before takeoff.

I can easily manage jet lag. I can instantly switch my body clock in whatever timezone I am at.

I always reserve aisle seat.

I only dreamed of traveling to a different country when I was younger and I can’t believe that I am slowly realizing those dreams.

I love to travel more.

Whew! This was tougher than what I expected.

XOXO

Jhes

Day 2 – 20 Facts About Me The photos more or less define who I am as a person, what I like and what I love.

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Day 1 – My Blog’s Name I just started blogging few days ago and as I searched for beginner's guide, all the information I read mentioned about how important to choose a blog name.

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Work + Leisure: Munich, Germany

Work + Leisure: Munich, Germany

I had few days of Product Team meeting in Penzberg, Germany, where one of our manufacturing site is located. I took the opportunity to visit some places in Germany and Austria and extended my stay. Our Product Team was able to arrange a side trip to Linderhoff Palace (The Royal Villa of Ludwig II). How to get here from Munich Take the train (www.bahn.com) to Oberammergau: from Oberammergau there…

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My Bucket List

So many places, so little time. This old adage somehow influenced my thinking about traveling around the world. As mentioned in my previous post, unlike other travelers who quit their corporate jobs and pursued their dreams to travel, I personally have not considered that just yet. However, I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to travel and enjoy the perks of work and leisure from…

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Hello, 2016: Perspectives on a New Year of Blogging 2015 has its ups and downs for me and I have learned a lot a long the way.

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Travel with me to South Korea

Travel with me to South Korea

“It is my home away from home. My solace and hope. A place that always put smile on my face. A place where I can stop and refocus.” It was in 2014 when I decided to travel solo, to refocus and think. And the best place that came to mind is South Korea.  I was and I am still very fascinated with the place, it makes me calm, refocus and start over. I came to know its beauty when I moved to…

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Travel with me to Korea

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Departure: Japan

VISA Before anything else, you need to check whether you need a VISA to visit Japan. While others do not, Filipinos other than Southeast Asia countries need visa to almost all destinations. Sad but true. Visa requirements are available in Japanese Embassy website. I will not include the requirements here as it is better to get the information from their official website in case there are changes…

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Destination: Japan

Back in 2013, my friends and I decided to have our first ever group travel in the Land of the Rising Sun. Amidst the bustling Tokyo City Fusion of traditional and modern Why Japan? Considering it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Among the Asian countries on our list, Japan stood out because it is one of the most popular tourist destination in Asia. It was so typical of us to make…

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Japan - 2013

The Land of the Rising Sun

I am starting my travel blog with my first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun - Japan. I visited the country with friends and for my next blog, I will be featuring some tips while traveling with friends. Although there may be some things you have to compromise when you travel with group compared to traveling solo, but it is more fun and exciting. At least you get to share moments with other people and it is also fun to bicker on each others nerves sometimes.

Japan is one of the most busiest (superlative!) city in the world, and the transportation may seem to be stressful, but it is kind of fun trying to figure out how you can go from one place to the other, and not to forget the accurate (more often) train timings. 

There are so many places to go to in Japan, and we chose Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt. Fuji (this you should never miss). We only had a week to spend, so we chose those destinations to have a glimpse of the culture, the people and the high-tech side of the country.

First tip, book your tickets in advance to get a cheaper fare, you need not fly on business if your budget cannot afford it. I am based in Singapore, and it took us close to 7 hours to reach Narita Airport. The beauty that awaits is far more important.

Watch out for my next update!

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I started this blog to share my passion, traveling. I am so freaking lucky to get all the opportunities to travel. Either personal or business, I am so fortunate as I am given that chance to go somewhere I have only dreamed of going when I was younger. 

When I travel for business I get the chance to wander and get lost in the city. The experience is always so overwhelming and exciting that I realized it has to be shared to others who may want to experience the same.