A high-ride, a hard yomp, and a moment of peace.

We found ourselves  in a cable car, rising slowly and stately, above the city to the forested mountain above Busan.

Once there, we explored the maze of forest trails. For the first time, my hard-won hangul came in handy. Only a few signposts were translated.

I wanted to visit the Buddhist hermitage of Seokbul-sa

If only I’d known how hard it would be, scrambling down stony forest hillside, then up again. Then down again. Then an endless hairpin-bended track.

It was worth it. Commanding views of the distant mountains; intimate, beautifully painted prayer rooms, and best of all, figures from Buddhist legend carved directly into the rock looming above the hermitage.

I was glad to have made the effort. But it was a very tough walk indeed.

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and living in North Yorkshire, where I walk as often as I can, write, volunteer, and travel as often as I can.

10 thoughts on “A high-ride, a hard yomp, and a moment of peace.”

  2. wow! that sure sounds a tough walk, but with breathtaking rewards (or maybe tt was the struggles there and back that were breathtaking). And congratulations on using your Hangul! Were there any other visitors? Who maintains the hermitage?

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    1. The hermitage is a living place of worship and I saw monks there. My hangul is only up to place names, but it’s a start. And today….. I still ache!

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  4. This post reminds me of a sign that I saw at the start of a trail that went down into a canyon. It encouraged hikers to think about their capabilities before going too far down the trail and then said, “Going down is optional; coming up is mandatory.”

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  5. I’m glad you made the effort–you will never forget this spot! When there’s a big payoff, like those figures carved into stone, the effort becomes a minor irritant. Hope you’re not sore today!

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