CAMP ANYWHERE IN KOREA

Camping in Korea, specifically around the East coast AND some helpful, albeit logical tips, from our own experience, when camping anywhere in Korea.

This past long weekend, of March 25, celebrated Buddha's Birthday here in South Korea. We had some friends visiting and were setting out for some camping. We were unsure of where we would camp, as here in Uljin on the east coast, there are so many options, with one being able to camp just about anywhere.

We had already done some canvassing of the area and had selected a few spots as potential weekend getaways. Our idea of camping is to get away from people, the less crowded the better, to be under the stars away from bright lights and to have nature bustling around us, also a hefty fire at night goes a long way to setting the right scene.

Our friends arrived on Friday evening after catching the new KTX line that runs from Daejeon all the way to Pohang, saving them a lot of time. From Pohang it's only a one and a half hour bus ride to us in Uljin. We burnt up the late evening catching up over a few beers and discussing the weekend’s plans.

Saturday started off relaxed and I set out to show my mate the potential camping sites for the weekend. These are not demarcated camping sites, they are just locations where one could set up a camp site and no one would be bothered - this is basically anywhere in Korea. After surveying about 5 options between camping in the valley next to a pristine river or on one of the many beaches we decided to camp the weekend on a slightly hidden beach that was not very accessible.

After setting up camp, stocking up on ice and cold beers and scavenging some fire wood, we took a quick dip in the icy water, enjoyed the last of the sun and started up our bonfire. For dinner we had samgyeopsal (Korean pork BBQ) and we spent the last moments of that night searching for shooting stars.

Sunday started off with us jumping out of our tents, staggering not to miss the sunrise. Setting up my camera at 4:40 am while still asleep was no fun, but it was trully worth capturing the beauty of that morning. A quick breakfast and we abandoned our campsite and the heat of the day to investigate the awesome caves in Uljin - Seongnyugul. Returning to our campsite with fresh beer and ice, we were ready for yet another evening of outdoor shenanigans.

Overall the weekend was superb, you really can't go wrong when camping with good friends. Let's have a look at some advice we can offer, from our own experience; I'm sure this will apply to camping just about anywhere.

#1. Planning goes a long way.

Make a list of everything you will need and tick it off as you pack it. You are going to struggle all night if you forget your flash light. We always make a list of the meals we will have while camping and the ingredients we will need to get in order to pre-pack those meals, making veggie packs for the braai(bbq) is super easy and oh-so-tasty.

#2. Where to camp?

Be it the beach or the valley, your best bet is to avoid any demarcated camping sites, unfortunately, if you are looking to camp in a natioanl park then you should rather stick to those designated areas where all the glampers are 'installed' for the night. We have found, that any area that requires carrying your equipment at all, or is slightly difficult to get to due to a ridge or rivine will most likely be avoided by most Korean campers. Those are the areas we seek.

#3. Get a car!

If you really want to have the freedom to camp anywhere, you best invest in a car, second hand cars in Korea are rather afordable. Next best option, find a friend with a car who shares your passion of camping. Last resort; rely on public transport, but be sure to plan well before hand, becuase you will have to be dragging along all your catunda (your shit). If you plan on travelling over a long weekend, leave early and try pre-book tickets if you can.

#4. Dont forget the 'LOO ROLL'!

Take an extra just in-case. I'm not one to mind using a stick, rock or leaf when nature calls, it all adds to the experience of course, however I do prefer some 2-ply. I'm sure you agree; the last thing you want to do is spend the weekend being rushed to emergency services for an uncotrolled fiery rash on your arse - yes they have stinging nettle in Korea too.

#5. The TENT...

Make sure you get a tent with a rain fly - the cover that seals off your tent so it's protected from the rain. Too often we have seen these ridiculous beach tents being used for camping. It's great for the heat of Korea, but does you no favors when the rain comes. Also, while on tents, be sure to always keep that bug screen closed, the smallest opening will welcome in unpleasant guests and you will wake up throughout the night amidst a war zone while your partner beats at smudges in the dark. Waking, itching everywhere with blood smears all over the ceiling.

#6 Be comfortable.

The outcome of camping should be relaxation and soulful rejuvenation. So take along what ever will make your experience more comfortable. We found out the hard way that some camping chairs would make a huge difference when camping in a rocky river bed. Now we have a set of cheap light camping chairs we shlep with.

#7 Pack as light as possible.

What ever you take with, has to counter balance the weight you are able to carry without breaking your back. This also helps when finding the more private locations to camp, that are obviously less accessible or off the beaten track.

Lastly here's a list of items we can't do without when camping.

Most of these were bought on Gmarket because it's reliable and cost effective.

- Cold beer, A lightweight tent, a ground cover, the 'couple' sleeping bag, thin inflatable mats, a gas cooker and pot set as well as a gas torch, cold beer, a small saw, rope, head lamp and a powerful LED flashlight, small microfiber towel, loo paper, a small medical aid kit, bug spray, water, cold beer and of course the BRAAI chow (food for BBQ). We also never go without a garbage bag, whatever we take in we bring back out, except for your poop, that shit decomposes.

If you have any useful advice about camping or perhaps want to share your camping experience in Korea, please add a comment below.

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