Seoul is so large that it is too easy for many folks to forget there is so much incredibly more to Korea than Seoul — and the RAS makes exploring this fascinating country easy and worthwhile with its expert and near-expert volunteer guides.

Anyway, kudos to David (aka Sanshinseon) for posting these notices since he knows the hinterland as well as most people.

While RAS notices may seem to be a bit off from the central theme of Marmot’s Hole, since 1900, the RAS has been providing the context knowledge for both foreigners and Koreans to more intelligently form their opinions and views about Korea.

> in five day:

in five days:

> Hala is the extinct on Jeju (1,950m)

Halla-san is the extinct volcano on Jeju Island (1,950m), the highest peak in the ROK;

> Jirisan (1,915 meters) high mountain, in
> Jeolla-do which is the second highest,

Cheonhwang-bong of Jiri-san in South Gyeongsang Province (1,915 meters) is the second highest summit in the ROK,

> Deogyu (1,614 meters), Seorak (1,708) tucked way
> up in the North East corner in Gangwon-do,

Hyangjeok-bong of Deogyu-san in North Jeolla Province (1,614 meters) is the fourth highest summit in the ROK;
Daecheong-bong of Seorak-san (1,708), tucked way up in the northeast corner of Gangwon Province is the third highest summit in the ROK;

> and Gyebang the lowest peak (1,577 meters) but by no means easy.

and Gyebang-san just west of Odae-san National Park of Gangwon Province (1,577 meters) is the fifth highest summit in the ROK, the lowest peak our clibers will attempt but by no means easy.

(actually, if you start from the 1100 m pass on National Highway 31, it IS relatively easy ;-))

> All peaks must be climbed within five
> days for the challenge to be successful.

All five of these peaks must be climbed within five consecutive days for the challenge to be successful.

A bunch of people from down here in Cholla are climbing 5 mountains in 5 days to raise money for a local orphanage - all and any plugs for these guys would be helpful! If you’ve ever wanted to put a little money into a good cause, here it is. Most characties siphon 40% for administration - all this money goes straight to the kids. Here’s the link:

http://www.5in5korea.org/index.htm

Sat Sept 8th: NAEJANG-SAN and NAEJANG-SA TEMPLE TOUR — We have this opportunity to visit the beautiful Naejang-san National Park. Within this park, we will see the famous and ancient Naejang-sa Buddhist Temple, and have some time to walk around enjoying the superb scenery.

Sun Sept 9th: DONG-GANG RIVER RAFTING TOUR — an exciting 13 km white water rafting trip to the Dong-gang (a remote upper section of the South Han River) in a remote area of Gangwon province. Guided by conservationists, this tour is an extraordinary treat for both nature-lovers and adventurers.

Tuesday September 11th, 7:30 pm: Lecture Meeting with our own Dr. Andrei Lankov, on “North Koreans in the Borderland: Chinese North East and North Korea, from the 1980s to the Present”. Residents Lounge of the Somerset Palace, downtown Seoul.

Sat-Sun Sept 15-16th: WANDO and JINDO ISLANDS TOUR — a great weekend spent in the unspoiled and rural extreme southern tip of the Korean peninsula, visiting the scenic islands of Wan-do, Bogil-do and Jin-do. On the return trip, we will visit the venerable Daeheung-sa Temple.

Sat Sept 15th: 1-day TOUR TO BUSAN CITY by KTX train — this trip takes us to Yongdu-san Park which offers great views, then the famously dynamic Jagalchi Fish market, the Taejongdae Cliffs Park, the UN Memorial Cemetery, the City Museum and Haeundae (the most famous beach in Korea) with a visit to the APEC Conference Hall located on a very scenic peninsula near the beach.

Sun Sept 16th: Walking-Tour of DOSEON-SA TEMPLE in BUKHAN-SAN NATIONAL PARK — guided by my own bad self — this is scheduled, but unfortunately the date may have to be postponed, as something urgent just came up — i’ll announce later.

Just kidding. Thank you, actually, for the useful info and the link. The tours look quite interesting.