Mountain Munchies

While I certainly enjoyed hiking before coming to Korea, I didn’t really love hiking until I came to Korea.  Since mountains cover 70% of the Peninsula it comes as no surprise that hiking is taken quite seriously.  What is not to like about hiking in Korea, with the well groomed paths

breathtaking scenery

and most importantly the motivating mountain grub.

After an arduous trek there is nothing more refreshing than a couple bottles of makali, a sizzling plate of pajeon, and a steamy bowl of noodles.

Luckily for hikers, on most popular mountains in Korea there are little bungalow eateries or (막걸리집)

that resemble a not so classy back yard barbeque. Be on the lookout for a few cheerful ajummas, plastic tables and chairs, and makeshift kitchens.  Find the busiest one and sit yourself down for a well-deserved meal.

Most of these places do not have menus but serve similar dishes such as pajeon (파전), ramen (라면), kalgugsu (칼국수) , and tofu and kimchi (두부김치). Some restaurants also serve goat meat (염소고기), which is a little pricey.  Regardless of what you order, make sure you don’t forget a bottle of Makali (막걸리) to accompany your meal.   Makali (Korean rice wine) is a bit of an acquired taste, but don’t be afraid to try the milky, sweet, and carbonated alcoholic concoction that makes the hours of hiking seem all worthwhile.  Don’t worry about falling down the mountain after a few glasses, as the ABV is only 6.5 to 7%.

Most foreigners have had pajeon, but there is something about the crisp mountain air and fresh mountain veggies (usually grown at the restaurant) that make it taste even more delectable.  Add a bowl of ramen or kalgugsu to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling and to restore your tired muscles.  Most of us spend our days tangled in the concrete jungle of our daily lives. Return to nature and take a weekend hike where the clean air and organic food will make you remember what life is all about.

There are plenty of mountains in Busan that have restaurants like these.  To name just a few there is Jangsan mountain, Geumnyeon Mountain (behind Gwangali), and my personal favorite Geumjeong Mountain (located near Oncheonjang station).