Gimcheon's mountains

Work has led me to take up residence in Gimcheon, located in southeastern North Gyeongsang Province, as my company relocated its office to this city. After moving to a new place, I initially went hiking alone, but eventually I joined a mountain hiking club.

Unlike typical hiking groups, the Gimcheon CLEAN Mountain Club combines mountain hiking with cleanup activities. Members meet at designated points, use their private vehicles and carpool to optimize transportation. This system allows hikers to leave vehicles at different locations along the trail, ensuring a more flexible hiking experience. This approach eliminates the common problem of having to return alone to a parked vehicle, making hiking both convenient and efficient.

While hiking, participants collect litter along the mountain trails, some of which, surprisingly, has remained untouched for decades. This effort not only enhances the environment but also instills a sense of accomplishment among the members. Beyond its environmental impact, the club fosters a strong sense of community. For individuals like myself, who relocated to Gimcheon, this club provides an excellent opportunity to socialize with local residents, explore the city’s diverse landscapes and develop a deeper understanding of the region. The shared goal of keeping nature clean strengthens friendships and creates a welcoming environment for new members.

Gimcheon City Hall plays a vital role in supporting these activities. The local government not only provides cleaning equipment and disposes of the gathered waste but also recognizes hikers who complete the challenge of climbing all 100 of Gimcheon's mountains. Gimcheon City Hall has selected 100 scenic mountains from a total of 400. The mountain club hikes the Gimcheon 100 mountains, and participants must document their journeys by taking photos at the summits with an official marker provided annually by the city. Those who complete the challenge receive awards, further encouraging residents to engage in both hiking and environmental conservation.

Gimcheon is located at the heart of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, making it home to numerous peaks exceeding 1,000 meters in height. Hiking these mountains offers a truly immersive experience, with no artificial structures in sight. As I walk along the ridges and gaze at the endless overlapping mountain outlines, I feel as if I’ve ventured far from the city, despite being right at home.

Sometimes I would hike alone, and in those moments, I find solace in the sound of the wind and the tranquility of the mountains. The stillness of nature brings a sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere.

My journey to Gimcheon began somewhat unexpectedly when my company relocated here. However, through my experiences with the mountains and the CLEAN Mountain Club, I have come to appreciate the closeness to nature and the opportunity to contribute to its preservation. Knowing that I play a small role in maintaining the beauty of Gimcheon’s landscapes brings me a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment.

The writer is an engineer. Contact him at atom@kepco-enc.com.