TRAVEL: Snowflower hiking to welcome the new year

Gyebangsan. AJP Cho Bo-heeSEOUL, December 30 (AJP) -  Only a few days remain in 2025. Leaving behind a year of lingering regrets, many people share the desire to welcome the new year with hope. Some travel abroad, while many climb mountains to steady their minds. Snowflower hiking is physically demanding, but it provides an opportunity to face beautiful snowy landscapes and strengthen one's resolve. Snowflowers are formed when water vapor in the atmosphere freezes onto trees, a gift of nature typically found on high mountains over 1,000 meters above sea level in midwinter. Here are some mountains popular for snowflower hiking ahead of the new year.
 Seoraksan. AJP Cho Bo-hee Hikers wait for the sunrise at Daecheongbong Peak on Seoraksan. AJP Cho Bo-heeSeoraksan spans Sokcho, Inje, and Yangyang in Gangwon-do. In winter, it presents a spectacle of snowflowers and rime ice along its ridges and rock formations. It is considered one of South Korea's representative winter hiking destinations.
 Deogyusan. AJP Cho Bo-heeDeogyusan spans Muju in Jeonbuk and Geochang and Hamyang in Gyeongnam. Visitors can easily access the area near Hyangjeokbong Peak via gondola. The snowflower tunnels and ridge landscapes make it popular for family hikers..
 Gyebangsan. AJP Cho Bo-heeGyebangsan is located on the border of Hongcheon and Pyeongchang in Gangwon-do, characterized by gentle slopes and deep forests. Thick snowflowers allow for a quiet winter hike in a calm atmosphere.
 Seonjaryeong. AJP Cho Bo-heeSeonjaryeong is a ridge-type mountain area between Pyeongchang and Gangneung in Gangwon-do, where open meadows and snowfields continue. The snowflower scenery shaped by the wind creates an exotic atmosphere.
 Taebaeksan. AJP Cho Bo-heeTaebaeksan spans Taebaek in Gangwon-do and Bonghwa in Gyeongbuk. It is known for its excellent snowflowers and rime ice, and because the slopes are gentle, even beginners can climb it easily. It is called a "mecca for winter hiking" and is famous for New Year's Day sunrise treks.
 Untangodo. AJP Cho Bo-heeUntangodo is a highland trekking path connecting Jeongseon, Yeongwol, and Taebaek in Gangwon-do, created using former coal transport roads. It is gaining popularity as a snowflower trekking course due to the low physical burden.
 Taegisan. AJP Cho Bo-heeTaegisan is located in Hoengseong, Gangwon-do. Wind turbines lined up along the ridge combine with snowflowers to create a unique winter landscape. Many relatively gentle courses make it a good challenge for beginners.

Snowflower hiking is the most beautiful gift winter offers. With thorough preparation for the cold and adherence to safety rules, it can be a meaningful hike to open the new year.
 Deogyusan. AJP Cho Bo-hee

 The sun sets as seen from Seoraksan. AJP Cho Bo-hee
Cho Bo-hee 부장 jobo@ajupress.com