A Solo Autumn Journey to Naejangsan National Park

My solo journey to Naejangsan National Park in South Korea remains one of my most unforgettable travel experiences. It was a trip filled with long bus rides, spontaneous decisions, and the breathtaking beauty of autumn.

I began my journey from Geoje Island in the afternoon. My first stop was Tongyeong-si, a coastal city known for its scenic harbor and fresh seafood. Before continuing the long journey, I had dinner at Tongyeong Macdo, enjoying a warm meal while watching the calm evening atmosphere of the port.

Later that night, I boarded a bus bound for Gwangju. The ride was long and quiet, and I arrived close to 11 PM. Since I had not arranged accommodation in advance, I quickly searched through Booking.com and was fortunate to find a backpacker-style place to stay for the night. It was simple but comfortable—exactly what I needed after hours of travel.

Early the next morning, I continued my journey to Jeongeup, the gateway to Naejangsan National Park. From there, I entered one of South Korea’s most famous autumn destinations.

The moment I arrived, I understood why so many people visit this place during fall. The park was filled with vibrant colors—bright red, golden yellow, and deep orange leaves covering the mountains and pathways. My walk began along the famous Maple Tree Tunnel, where rows of maple trees formed a colorful arch above the road.

As I continued deeper into the park, I visited several of its well-known attractions. One of the highlights was Naejangsa Temple, a peaceful temple surrounded by beautiful autumn foliage. The temple area felt calm and spiritual, with visitors quietly admiring the scenery and taking photos.

Another memorable spot was Uhwajeong Pavilion, a small traditional pavilion standing gracefully on a pond. The reflection of the colorful trees on the water made the place look almost magical.

I also walked toward the Naejangsan Cable Car area, where visitors could ride up the mountain for a panoramic view of the autumn landscape. The sight of the colorful forest stretching across the mountains was truly breathtaking.

Throughout the park, many local Korean visitors were also enjoying the season. Families, couples, and hikers walked slowly along the trails, taking photos and appreciating the beauty of nature.

Spending the entire day wandering around Naejangsan National Park felt peaceful and refreshing. The crisp autumn air, the sound of leaves under my feet, and the stunning scenery made the long journey completely worthwhile.

Looking back, that solo trip was more than just travel. It was an experience of freedom, discovery, and the simple joy of walking through one of Korea’s most beautiful autumn landscapes.

Trekking Gyeryongsan with my Malay and Chinese friends

Located in the middle of Geojedo island, the height of this mountain is 566m above sea level. At the top of the mountain is a place called Uisangdae, which was supposed to be a site of temple built by Monk Uisang. Also in the mountain are Bulimunbawi(gate rock), Janggunbawi(general rock), Geobukbawi(turtle rock), Janggipanbawi(chess board rock). Also, the wreck of communication tower for the P.O.W. Camp used during the Korean War remains.

This mountain is called Gyeryongsan because its peak looks like a chicken head and its tail looks like a dragon. It seems that nine tails are rooted in Gucheon Valley. This deep valley in the mountain is called Guryongho(pond) or Gucheon Valley. Gucheon Dam was completed on November 21, 1987. At the Geoje side of the mountain top, Uisangdae is located under the rocks. The rocks surround the temple site of about 150 m2 like a screen. It is said that Uisang, who was the founder of Hwaeom sect of Buddhism during Silla period, built a small temple and led an ascetic life. When you climb down from the temple site toward Gohyeon, there is a house site at the eight tenths of the ridge. It is said that there used to be a temple here, but its origin is not known. In between the rocks on the way to the summit is a rock called Janggipanbawi meaning chess board rock. A legend says that hermits with supernatural powers played here. When you pass Bulimun, flat areas filled with eulalias and turnip fields appear. A legend says that a hermit called Kae-ak planted turnips and lived here. Behind is a rock looking like a turtle leaping toward the sky. And there is a mountain trail called Yongsanjae, which leads from Geoje-myeon to Gohyeon. It is called Geosanjae now. Above the top of Eumdalbawi are the remains of UN communication center used for the surveillance of prisoners of war during the Korean War. Mt. Gyeryongsan is one of the major mountains in Geoje and it is considered one of ten most beautiful places in Korea. In a book called Jeonggamnok, it is said that Mt. Gyeryongsan will save a million people. During the Korea War, 100,000 residents, 200,000 refugees, and 170,000 prisoners of war took refuge under this mountain. After that, this mountain is considered as the mountain described in Jeonggamnok .

Life in Okpo-dong: My 7-Month Experience Working at the Shipyard

 From May 2014 to December 2014, I had the opportunity to live and work in Okpo-dong, a coastal district in Geoje Island, South Korea. My company in Malaysia sent me there for a project at the shipyard, and during those seven months I experienced a unique mix of hard work, cultural discovery, and everyday life in a vibrant port town.

Arrival in Okpo-dong

When I first arrived in Okpo-dong, I immediately noticed how the town revolved around the shipbuilding industry. The streets were filled with workers from different countries, all coming to contribute their skills to the massive shipbuilding projects. I was assigned to work at the Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) yard, one of the largest shipyards in the world.

My accommodation was at Bokwang, which became my home for nearly seven months. It was simple but comfortable, and conveniently located near the areas where many shipyard workers lived. The neighborhood had everything we needed—restaurants, small shops, and easy transportation to the shipyard.

Working at SHI Yard

Every morning I would travel to the SHI yard. The shipyard was enormous, filled with giant cranes, huge steel structures, and ships under construction. Working there was both challenging and exciting. Seeing the scale of the operations and the teamwork involved in building such massive vessels was truly impressive.

Workers came from many countries—Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and local Korean staff. Despite the different languages and cultures, we all shared the same goal: to complete our work safely and efficiently.

Everyday Life in Okpo-dong

Outside of work, life in Okpo-dong was surprisingly lively. The town had a welcoming atmosphere, especially for foreign workers. After work, many of us would explore the streets, eat at local restaurants, or relax with friends.

The food was one of the highlights. Korean dishes like kimchi, barbecue, and hot soups were everywhere. Small eateries stayed open late, serving workers coming back from long shifts.

Convenience stores were also common, and they became part of daily life—whether buying snacks, drinks, or quick meals.

Parks and Relaxation

One of my favorite places to visit during my free time was Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park. The park sits on a hill overlooking the sea and the harbor. From there, you can see beautiful ocean views and the surrounding parts of Geoje Island.

The park is dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the historic naval victory in the area. But for many visitors and workers like me, it was simply a peaceful place to relax after a busy work week.

There are walking paths, statues, and open spaces where people come to exercise, enjoy the view, or spend time with family.

Livelihood and Community

Okpo-dong's livelihood is closely connected to shipbuilding. Businesses in the area—from restaurants to grocery stores—depend heavily on the workers from the shipyards. Because of this, the town is very international compared to many other Korean towns.

It was common to hear different languages on the streets. Many local businesses even adapted to foreign workers by offering different types of food and services.

Memories of My Time There

Living in Okpo-dong for almost seven months gave me many memories. It was not only about work but also about experiencing a new culture and meeting people from around the world.

The routine of going to the shipyard, eating with colleagues, walking around the town, and occasionally visiting the park became part of everyday life. Even though the work was demanding, the experience helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Looking Back

When my assignment ended in December 2014, leaving Okpo-dong felt a bit emotional. After spending months there, the town had become familiar and comfortable.

Today, when I look back at that time, I remember the hardworking atmosphere of the shipyard, the friendly local community, and the peaceful views from the park. My stay in Okpo-dong was a short chapter in my life, but it was definitely a meaningful and unforgettable one.