Gwangju International Center

   As the rays of the sun broke through the dark night’s covers, a diverse group of ordinary individuals found themselves drawn toward the GIC building. I can’t say for sure what brought us all together. Perhaps there was just something in the air, or maybe it was the message we all got telling us to meet there for the tour.

   As we assembled, rations (kimbap/hard-boiled eggs/bottled water) were doled out. To the nervous mountaineers, these humble provisions would be all that stood between them and starvation on the mountain. As I clutched my provisions inside the interlacing steel teeth of my backpack, I could see the nervousness and worry begin to take hold over our ragtag group. More than a few individuals were overwhelmed by their nerves and dug into their supplies then and there. The fools! Save some for when you are on higher attitude!

   At last the bus appeared to calm the assembled mass and transport us to the mountain. Gurye, the last outpost of civilization between Gwangju and Jirisan, was a quiet hour away. But our goal today was not Gurye, we were to reach the peak of Nogodan. At 1,500 meters, it was the third highest mountain in all of Jirisan.

   Nogodan would prove to be quite a challenge, but we were up to it. Using nothing but our indomitable spirit, and the bus, we made fantastic time up the nice paved roads of the first 1,100 meters of mountain. After choosing to disembark the bus due to wanting to test ourselves more (and there being no more road to drive up), we were forced to instead rely on our own legs for the last bit of mountain. About two hours after going toe to toe with Nogodan, by the time the flag was waved, the peak was laid sprawled out under our feet. Our rewards – the sweeping landscapes of the Western Jiri area and the peaceful sea of clouds.

   After we lunched on our remaining provisions, our next destination was Hwaeomsa, head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Known for several famous treasures, including a giant ancient stone lantern and a three-storied stone pagoda supported by four stone lions, a variety of activities fractured the group. Some explored the grounds or hiked the area, others had tea (with a temple monk) and I assume achieved inner peace.

   Finally, we descended from the mountaintop. Before returning to Gwangju, we made a stop at a local Gurye restaurant to replenish our strength. The sanchae-jeon (mushroom and wild vegetable pajeon) and dongdongju (a stronger regional makgeoli) were both plentiful and delicious.

   Our arduous expedition behind us, we made of journey back to the GIC, seeking the sweet release of home. In the hours and possibly days to come, within darkened hofs, smoky taverns, and hushed facebook walls throughout the land, there will linger whispers of this day. For on this day, mankind once again asserted their dominion over nature, and yet it be known - it was fun.

 Written by_Calvin Yu  

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