Just in case you ever go on a hike through Jirisan National Park with Koreans, here are some tips for you:
1. Don't.
2. There is not such thing as "it's downhill from here". If you say that, you've jnxed the whole group by having to walk another 6km uphill.
3. When someone says we only have to cross two mountains. What they are really saying is we have to cross two incredibly high mountains and many many small mountains. Get ready.
4. The scenery is the walking. No time for breaks.
5. Sometimes food comes last.
6. Bring a flashlight because the sun will go down when you still have another 7km to go.
7. When you pack, don't. Anything you bring, Koreans will already have waiting for you. You will likely return with much more than you came with.
8. If you do pack, remember it's not for you, it's for the group.
9. Remember there is a group, and you are a very integral part of it, no matter what.
10. You will be handfed food by many people. Especially the students. They will also take care of you if you ever need it. You look thirsty? There's a bottle of water in front of your face.
11. Students who don't speak in class, or speak very rarely will voluntarily strike up long conversations with you. Suddenly their English has become amazing.
12. Sleeping is for the weak. It just gets in the way.
13. The same cannot be said for eating. There will be a feast. It's not always good, but there is always plenty of food.
14. Stay away from the air-compressed ready made curry. Unless you like watered down sugar ketchup.
15. If it's 11:00pm and you've been hiking for 14 hours straight, there is not time to make a bed on the floor because it will get in the way of drinking soju with everyone during a barbecue feast.
16. Never say you like something. The amount you are given will never end.
17. One shot of any alcohol is never just one shot. Sometimes they will actually hand you the bottle, and if you don't pour, someone will.
18. If it's 2:30am and someone asks you a question in Korean and then follows with an English "Yes", never fall back on repeating yes. Yes, more often than not, turns out to be another bottle of whiskey.
19. Remember that Koreans are out to have a good time. Just roll with how they do things and you'll do just fine.
20. The more you complain, the more hindsight will kick you in the butt.
21. Even though the scenery may not be the key to Korean hiking, when you reach the top, your mind can't help but being blown.
22. Even though many Koreans will not stop for a break, take a stop at a lookout point and take it all in. When it hits you that you are completely isolated and scaling and entire mountain system, you may become slightly more humbled about the experience.
23. The sights may not be their prime interest, but Koreans love their natural heritage and love talking about it. Listen to them and you might learn a few things, albeit in Konglish.
24. Koreans love talking. And so should you. They will ask you questions, most of the time you will not know what it is, but try your hardest to answer.
25. Bring ear plugs. When you're in a room with 20 Koreans and trying to sleep, you might be better off outside.
26. This is the perfect opportunity to teach your students slang terms. They want to talk to you, but remember it's not school, and it should be fun. Joke with them and give them a few things that they can say to each other. They'll get a good laugh out of it.
27. Locals who are not part of your group will be very surprised to see a non-Korean hiking the trails. You will get stared at, but throw them an annyeonghaseyo and their curiousity or confusion changes into excitement pretty quickly.
28. It feels great to be able to stand on one of Korea's highest peaks. When you are at a peak after hours of trekking, try and hold back the "I'm the King of the World" shoutout, Koreans probably think you're weird enough.
29. It may be a long trek. Find out beforehand. If you go in blind, you may be surprised to find out that you still have another 30km to walk and might have to cross 6 or 7 mountains. But don't complain. The worst you can do is not soak it in. Remember everyone is going through the same thing. Being a Bitter Benny will only make things worse and will get you no where.
30. On second hand, you should go.
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