1a. The volcanic cone of Mt. Halla on subtropical Cheju Island. Don't waste time on the ferry, fly and try to go during Korean Thanksgiving, Cheusok, when it is not too busy. The shortest trail up is challenge enough. Give yourself a full day. Feels and smells like Canada near the top.

1b. The Sunrise Peak is at Songsan fishing village, at the east of the island. A wonderful place, actually another extinct volcano cone. An easy hike. The whole thing is on an amazing peninsula in the sea that you see from the top. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The shallow sheltered waters are also perfect for summer snorkeling.

1c. Manjang Caves are the longest known volcanic caves in the world. A bus route runs around the rim of the island following the coast. Take the bus east from the airport with your map in hand and get off on the main road just before the little village of Kimnyung. Kimuung has 11 big white power windmills. Then take a cab inland to the cave park or enjoy a pleasant walk for about an hour along the oleander trees.

2. Sorak Mountains in the north east next to North Korea's Mount Kumgang. These spectacular pinnacles of stone can be reached quickly by cable car. I have never seen anything like it in glaciated Canada. There is also a large bronze or brass Buddha in the park. Can fly to an airport near the park or take a railway along the east coast from Busan.

3. National Museums and palaces in Seoul. The room full of giant metal Buddhas at the National Museum is quite a place. All the expressions make for a memorable visit. Tour the adjacent palace. There is a giant mid 1800s Chosun pavilion in an artificial pond supported on tall stone columns all carved from single stones. This is a grand and graceful building with its own shade and natural air conditioning for the hot summer. It is illustrated on the 10,000 won bank note.

4. South of Taejon is a mountain of bamboo with a suspension bridge between peaks called Taeinsan (named for the abundance of low bamboo). It can be crowded but the hike after the cable car is easy. Exciting, up in the mists on a bridge.

5. Mount Maisan is Horse Ears Mountain down south close to Gwangju. This place has a special feeling and mountains look like cobbles all cemented together. Natural peaceful.

6. Kyongju near Busan and Taegu is the old Shilla capital. A lot has been destroyed by time/invasion/fire etc. but what remains is enough to give a taste of the past. One very long day is not enough unless you have a private tour guide and car.

Copyright 2004 Robin Tim Day

Pictures below: Mt. Maisan Buddhist temple and park