On April 7th, 2023, the students of KDI School of Public Policy and Management had an exciting adventure to look forward to. KDI School organized a group hiking activity to the beautiful Mt. Gyejok for more than 200 participants. The students, faculty, and staff were all eager to take part in the fun-filled event.

Gyejok Mountain is a mountain located in central South Korea, near the city of Daejeon. It is a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its scenic views, diverse plant and animal life, and rich cultural history. The mountain is approximately 420 meters above sea level and is part of the Sobaek Mountain Range, which stretches across the central region of the Korean peninsula. The hiking trails at Gyejok Mountain vary in difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging, with some requiring more technical skills and equipment.

One of the unique features of Gyejok Mountain is Gyejoksanseong Fortress, which was built during the Three Kingdoms period in Korea. In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Gyejok Mountain is known for its natural beauty, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, including various bird species and mammals such as wild boar and deer.

The day started off early in the morning as everyone gathered at the School campus, excited and ready to embark on the journey. The bus ride to Mt. Gyejok was filled with excitement and anticipation, with everyone discussing their hiking experiences and what they were looking forward to the most. The journey to the mountain was picturesque, with breathtaking views of nature all around.

As soon as the group arrived at the mountain, the journey began. The hike up the mountain was not an easy task, but everyone was determined to reach the summit. The group was led by experienced hikers and amazing staff members, who ensured everyone was safe and kept the group motivated throughout the hike.

The hike was filled with laughter, stories, and a chance for everyone to bond with their classmates and teachers outside of the classroom. As the group reached the summit, the feeling of accomplishment and the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape were worth all the effort.

After a well-deserved break and taking photographs of the picture-perfect views, the group had a delicious lunch, which was provided by the School. Everyone enjoyed the food, shared their experiences, and took time to relax before the raffle of different prizes, which included hiking gear and other gadgets.

To end the day, the group enjoyed a delicious meal at a local restaurant, where everyone got a chance to unwind and enjoy each other's company. The day was a huge success, with everyone having a great time, making new friends, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

The School Hiking Day was not only a fun and exciting activity but it was also an opportunity for the students to develop their physical strength, mental endurance, and teamwork skills. It also gave participants a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Students expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to KDIS staff members for organizing the School Hiking Trip to Mt. Gyejok. The event was a huge success and everyone will cherish these memories for a long time.  The hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Coordinating the logistics, planning the itinerary, and providing delicious food and prizes for more than 200 participants is challenging work. As usual the staff went above and beyond to make this event possible. It truly made a positive impact on the students, and the efforts of the staff are greatly appreciated.

Gyejok Mountain is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of South Korea. We are happy to restart this tradition after pandemic isolation, and we look forward to many more exciting adventures in the future.