After supporting the demands of the 12th largest economy, Koreans look to the weekend to recharge, or gallop. There are choices – wining, dining, singing and supra malls – but a purer escape is enjoyed by millions each year. It promotes itself just by being. 

Bukhansan National Park is a shared distraction, overlapping both Seoul and the mothering Gyeonggi province that surrounds it. The park takes its name from Bukhansanseong, the now 500-year-old mountain fortress wall built during the Joseon Dynasty. Silla-era temples here go back even further. And there are mountains. The park’s three peaks make up a greater range of 20 that twist north and south, granite rock and flora rising out of cut valleys. Some collectively call the trio Big Mountain, High Mountain, or Samgaksan, meaning mountain of three peaks. Koreans likely call it more, or consider it to be. They’re all here. Families and friends. Blooming companions. White and blue collars. They lose themselves in Gore-Tex and deep breaths.