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Alan, Andreas, Clare, Matt, Monica, Sam
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As news of casualties came in at various times of the morning,
some to alcohol, some to band camp, five of the Massif met at Seoul
National University subway station, at the very drafty and cold exit 3, waiting our leader for the day, Mr. Casey. He turned up stinking of tequila and without his drinking partner Greg, who had wimped off home. The target today was Gwanaksan Mountain, the Southern boundary of Seoul for a quite unusual hike. |
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The higher we went, the views of Seoul got more and more impressive. It was a beautifully clear day, and we could clearly see major landmarks; Namsan Tower, the Han River, 63 Building, the approximate location of Alan's house, (at least he could find that more easily than he could find the path!). At the first peak, we took a breather, and Matt took out a cigarette for his own little breather. Unfortunately, an eagle eyed Korea noticed this and shouted, "American... No Smoking". Firstly, Matt is a Brit, and took some offence at being called American. Secondly, the eagle-eyed Korean spectacularly failed to spot his compatriot puffing away just two metres from us!!!! |
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From there, we scaled the main peak using various ropes. Here was yet another example of wonderful Korean politeness: Andreas was made to wait for ten minutes holding on right at the top of one rope while a whole hiking club barged through. It would have taken about 10 seconds for him to do the last little bit! |
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There was a freezing wind at the top, but we found a relatively sheltered spot and had some ramyeon, oranges, and cookies. Again, the views were amazing and we could now see other parts of south Seoul, the race course, Seoul Land, and even Bukhansan to the north of Seoul. It was really cold though, and before long we had freezing hands, toes, and buttocks from sitting around, and were soon off again. Coming down was noticeable for some comedy slip ups! We followed the path for a while, but soon came to a junction and followed what looked like a path. Soon the path ran out, and we found ourselves tramping through leaves and snow, aiming roughly in the direction of the path. Here, Alan redeemed himself, and led us right onto the main path going down, but not without incident. After we had gathered for a meeting to decide if we were going the right way, Alan said confidently, "Follow me". However, immediately after he slipped on rock and fell on his behind...We followed him down the valley, but none of us managed such a spectacular fall! |
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The way down was a little treacherous in places, and Matt amused us all with his entertaining slips. After having me laugh at his escapades most of the way down, he was very happy to see me do my own comic slip, but just about save myself from a painful fall. However, as the words, "that was nearly a comedy..." came from his mouth, he slipped and fell on exactly the same spot! Poor Matt! At the bottom, we had the regulation pajeon and dongdongju before heading back to Gwacheon subway station to go our separate ways. |
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See the full Gwanaksan photo album here. |
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cheonanmassif@gmail.com |