On April 11, the KDIS students took a short break before final exams period and challenged themselves by hiking in Bukhansan Mountain in the north area of Seoul.  The city is surrounded by many mountains and hiking is then one must-do activity for everyone.  Bukhansan Mountain is one of the most popular spots for this sport and visitors can definitely feel they are in the countryside in the middle of such a modern city like Seoul.  In this occasion, more than 300 students, staff and faculty enjoyed going up and down this beautiful mountain and pictures of the entire journey can prove it in the school’s website and the Facebook profiles of all students.  The usual meeting point “at the main gate” was full of enthusiastic KDIS members since early in the morning.  In order to promote interaction, students were randomly assigned in different groups along with one professor to share the ride in the buses and the hiking path as well. Everyone received a backpack with snacks and a hoodie, which was the most distinctive garment in the tour.  

The start of hiking was exciting and full of energy. Along the trial, students stopped to admire the great scenery of nature, trees and flowers were in full bloom along the trials and the roads taken. This wonderful landscape was the perfect excuse to take short breaks on the way to the top. It was a complete day of exercise, laughter, good weather and a good time to gather strength for the final round of the spring semester.  Even though it was a long way up and the group took the shortest route, everybody got to the top in around three hours.  Once at the top, students had a gimbap (김밥) that tasted to reward, there was some good talk, sharing and pictures where our respected and dear Dean was the star.  Going down was another challenge.  Even though many slipped, everyone could go down safely to find a rocky river where many find refreshment.

At the end of the way down, a delicious Korean meal waited for the hikers.  They all enjoyed pajeon (파전) and makgeolli (막걸리).  In the meantime, students participated in an exciting rifle where there were over 4 winners of gift certificates.  Finally, on the way back to school on the buses, everyone used the opportunity to have a short nap. 

This was one of the most memorable events organized by KDI School in the academic year.  It was exciting and not an easy task, but KDIS students are well-known for taking the greatest challenges.  This trip can definitely be an analogy of the spirit of champion that lives within every KDIS member.  We were and continue to be “on the top of the world”!

By Lesly Rubio Campos (2013 MPP, Guatemala)