With about 70 percent of land in South Korea covered by mountainous regions, hiking is a familiar and accessible pastime for many Koreans.During the summer, Koreans often visit the mountains and spend time in the valleys and riverside to ward off the heat and escape from the daily grind. Here are several popular valleys to visit for the summer.　Achimgari Achimgari (Yonhap)Achimgari, a valley located on Mount Bangtaesan in Inje, Gangwon province, is famous for its trekking course.It has earned it

(123rf) As the summer sun takes its toll on the best of outdoorsman, some are turning to night hiking. Exploring the wilderness in the dark is a whole new experience that simulates all one’s senses, enthusiasts say, if one only follows key safety tips. Seoul’s Yangcheon-gu, the first district to launch an official nighttime trekking program in 2011, is holding a weekly group hiking program every Thursday evening until Aug. 27.Approximately 100 people sign up for the 2-hour excursion, said Kim Se

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　Despite grueling temperatures that make going outside seem like an unwanted tax on the body, this summer still has all the makings of an unforgettable season of music festival fun. 　　Following last month’s two-day EDM blowout Ultra Music Festival, which drew more than 100,000 partygoers, the remaining summer months promise an eclectic array of big-time international acts and fan-favorite local names.　　Ansan M Valley Rock Festival　　Forced to cancel its festivities last year in light of the tragi

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While South Korea’s Hangang River attracts millions of visitors to its cherry blossom festival in the spring and fireworks display in the fall every year, there are more festivities the river can offer in the summer.As this year’s Hangang River festival kicks off on July 17, the riverside will turn into a major playground for those seeking a respite from the scorching heat and a getaway from the day-to-day hustle.Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government under the theme of “Hangang: A Midsumme

Every May, flocks of spot-billed ducks, black-crowned night herons and other migratory birds head to a pair of uninhabited islands at the heart of Seoul, joining 50 other species that use them as breeding grounds. Though no one lives there now, the Bamseom islets were home to more than 440 Seoulites until the city government relocated them and demolished the homes in 1968 as part of its project to widen the waterways in the Hangang River and develop nearby Yeouido. The wetlands’ pristine charm,

The Hangang River offers runners, cyclists, skaters and yacht lovers a place to escape the traffic and pretend they’re not in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.The Hangang River’s swimming pools and yacht rental shops also offer Seoul citizens a getaway from urban life at affordable prices. Cyclists ride along a bike path by the Hangang River. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)Six swimming pools are located on the banks of the Hangang River. In the western part of Yeouido, park visit

As excited children chatter, cyclists swish by and 20-somethings laugh among themselves, a man swiftly hands out chicken delivery leaflets at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul. His leaflet catches the attention of six college students, who were planning to have a picnic at the riverbank.Picnickers brave the summer heat at a riverside park in Seoul. (The Korea Herald file photo)After leaving an order with the man, three fried chickens, three seasoned chickens and six cans of beer came just 40 minutes l

In human history, rivers have played a pivotal role for the birth and development of villages, cities and civilizations, as they have provided them with fishing, water, transportation, and other essentials.Seoulites swim and row boats in the Hangang River on Aug. 3, 1964. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)For Korea, the Hangang River has undertaken that role, serving as a crucial conduit for people’s exchanges and communication, and laying the groundwork for the flourishing of ancient kingdoms, tho

A perfect weekend for Lee Jeong-eun, a 35-year-old office worker, is not about striding in shopping malls to grab the last summer dress on sale, having her nails done or watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster in an air-conditioned movie theater.All she has to do is to go to a campsite in Jamsil Park, one of 12 parks open on the banks of the Hangang River. A book, a bottle of Chilean red wine, some pork for an outdoor barbecue and a couple of good friends are what she needs to recharge. Thanks

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