Bukhansan to be exact.

The girlfriend “suggested” in Korean fashion that we go to the mountainside for exercise.  Which is to say it wasn’t really a suggestion at all.  So, off we went.

Waiting for the bus in front of our apartment building.  After a 20 minute ride or so we were deposited a short walk from the trail head.

Let’s go!

The weather was pleasant enough for a hike, but this stream bed was still firmly in the grip of old man winter.

When we got thirsty, Jee Yeun filled our water bottle from one of the mountain spring outlets.

It wasn’t a hard hike.  Unless you are fat and out of shape…

Hey, it is steeper than it looks!  Jee patiently waited for me to catch my breath and catch up…

I took this pic around the time I was convinced I was getting ready to have a heart attack.  You can kinda sorta see the city through the trees.  Not my best work.

So, as we steadily climbed up, up, and up, I couldn’t help but wonder what awaited us at the end of our trek.  Perhaps a garden of Eden-like park setting, with hammocks, swings and rocking chairs.  Or something restful and relaxing…

Nope, what do Koreans do after a long exhausting mountain climb?  Why, they exercise of course!  They even had freakin’ volleyball courts.  No wonder most Koreans are so skinny…

Me, I found sitting on the free weight bench watching Jee Yeun hula hoop to be all the exercise I needed…

I made it down alive and that small victory seemed worthy enough of celebration…

Jee Yeun has “suggested” we go to the mountain henceforth on a weekly basis.  It looks like I picked a good time to quit smoking…