My experience hiking in Korea for the first time ever

Mansu Mountain

At an altitude of 201 meters above sea level, Mansusan is a barrier-free mountain located in Mansu, Incheon. Depending on your mobility and disposition, you can choose from an array of trails when hiking this mountain. The regular trails vary in difficulty to accommodate newbie hikers (like myself) or more experienced ones looking for a challenge. There is also, however, an accessible course, recently built. With an 8% incline, it allows for people on wheelchairs and reduced mobility to fully experience the mountain. It is also a great option for a light stroll with your dog (there were many going up and down the mountain when I was there).

That said, let's dive into my experience hiking for the first time!

I'm going to leave the link to my vlog here so you can see all the views (and dogs)

Also my husband's mini docu-vlog. He went a lot more in detail about the mountain per-se

I gotta be honest... We got lost at first. Not in the mountain, but trying to find the accessible path lol. We followed the Naver map without realizing it was leading us to the main hiking entrance. Only after we walked a bit we realized it couldn't be it. We could have continued on that trail as many people were, but it was my very first time hiking, so I wanted to start really slowly. We found the right path and it was indeed a very gentle slope and also pretty wide.

I need to add that I was amazed with the hiking culture here in Korea!
So many people of all ages, but mostly elderly. Good for them! 

< Main entrance to the accessible trail >


< Didn't see anyone on wheelchairs that day, but many dogs and elderly people strolling >

< Main hiking trail >

I'm not the outdoorsy type but my husband loves a tree, lol. So just like he goes to the mall with me I went hiking just to make him happy. Marriage things. But I have to say it was quite pleasant and it's actually growing on me (as I'm sure shopping is growing on him too haha). The air, the views... Not a big fan of the sun but we compromised and went close to sunset so it wouldn't be too hot. Now not only I'm looking forward to going hiking more times, he's looking forward to taking me shopping for more hiking clothes. We're looking for the next hiking destination and I'll be back here to document it.

< View from the peak >

< The sky and trees were so beautiful >

Almost forgot to mention the little park at the foot of the mountain, close to the main trail. Had to try their mini zip line of course.