Umyunsan

This picture would have been nice if I'd gotten the train arriving. Unfortunately when it got there, the train on the other side of the tracks was leaving, spoiling the shot.

Jung's parents' elevator in Bangbae.

Jung's mom gave us very specific directions on how to get to the mountain. All she really needed to say was "Walk toward the mountain."

We nearly didn't go because we saw this dog wandering around looking lost. I was just starting to catch it when the owner came out of a store and led it away.

Jung's mom calls to make sure we're not lost.

That's the foot of the mountain.

Here's a creepy looking garden.

As you can see, the path is very stony. Jung says she fell down here when she was young and broke a tooth.

I took this picture to show the number of dogs we've already encountered. A few seconds later, the little girl in the yellow jacket fell down on the rocks.

The path up is basically just a straight stairway carved into the ground.

I noticed these trees were conspicuously planted in rows.

Up we go.

We decided to investigate a short side path.

Back on track.

Still not sure why this is here. I don't remember ever seeing any sea life up there.

Partway up we passed by this spring where you can drink fresh water.

Reaching the top of the climb.

There was a very rustic gym up here.

We followed a path up a short way higher. Also you can see a fence to the left, basically blocking the way to the exact peak.

We ran across two other foreigners a couple of times.

Behind this fence somewhere is an air force base.

And everyone's favourite sight: a mine field.

These rocks did not explode.

We found the front gate to the Korean base. There were signs everywhere warning not to take pictures...in Korean only. Be careful. There was also a road up here with a few cars on it. We took this picture respecting everyone's privacy.

Well, every enlisted person's privacy.

Jung really wanted a picture of herself sweeping the path.

That guy has ski poles.

Not too sure what this was.

This is a poem.

It's right-side up to her.

I'm curious if those stacks of branches have any meaning.

Sandbags. If you're wondering, all of these pictures were taken from the safety of the path, behind the rope.

More sweeping.

Tree.

Weird spiny nuts.

These kids were running around near the base.

The garden again.

The road comes into view.

We're safely back with all our limbs.

Look at the handelbars on this thing.

I was mesmerised by this font.

And repulsed by this kindergarten sign.

Video games!

Movers.