Table of Contents
MT. DAEGEUMSAN FOR THE
ULTIMATE PHOTO SHOT
Life is always an adventure looking for my Ultimate Photo Shot on Mt. Daegeumsan. That day was no exception on Geoje Island. Its spring time and the azaleas and cherry blossoms are blooming and I was in a hurry to go out and take some pictures on Mt. Daegeumsan.
Mt. Daegeumsan
Due to an unforeseen allergic reaction on my face I could not hike the 3 hrs to “Azalea Mountain” or by its real name Mt. Daegeumsan. I did the next best thing. I drove my car three quarters of the way up on the fire road during peak season dodging bus loads of locals on this one lane gravel road with a cliff on one side and a ditch on the other.
All the while wearing a white face mask and having bleach blonde hair. I’m driving by the locals at a snail pace . Mind you my glasses are fogging up with each breath I take due to this silly mask.
The local men are waving hi and the women are yelling at me to slow down waving their arms wildly in a down ward motion. Since I don’t understand a word they say I wave “hi”, smile, and continue on my way. Oh.. but forgetting they can’t see my smiling face.
Finally made it three fourths of the way up to the peak and find a place to pull over. Jumping out of the car and replace my bright white face mask for a colorful bright blue full face & neck mask and a bright color hat. Now color coordinated and so proud of myself thinking I will fit right in here with the locals.
After walking a few steps I don’t think I’m blending in because not one person says hello in their native language. 🙁 That is so unusually since everyone always says hi.
All I get is a deer in the head lights looks and the locals are probably thinking this crazy westerner. Now, I’m doing this all for the love of the ultimate photo shot in a sea of pink.
Finally walking to the side of the mountain and oh no just a few days to0 late. Only half of the flowers are in bloom but not to worry I still was able to shoot a few photos.
Hope you enjoy my photos and story it took to gather my Ultimate Photo Shot. These pictures do not do the beautiful Sea of Pink justice. If you’re here on Geoje Island make it a point to visit “Azalea Mountain“, watch for the dates next year when the azaleas and cherry blossoms at Mt.Daegeumsan are in full bloom.
Journey with me to Mt. Daegeumsan for the Ultimate Photo Shot
Location Mt. Daegeumsan
Etcetera
If you hurry you can still catch the end of the blooms for this season which are still spectacular or plan a hike for next year. See more of my adventures at 1Adventure Traveler. Look for more adventures in Seoul, hikes in Busan , and Jirisan. Remember to leave only Footprints. Life is short go, out and have an adventure. Enjoy the flowers on Mt. Daegeumsan.
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Wow! These Cherry blossoms look so gorgeous! I can’t have enough of azaleas. They are simply beautiful. Must say these are some great clicks. You made my friday with this colorful pics. 🙂
Thanks Sandy,
These blossoms are Azaleas growing up the mountain and make it look like a sea of pink 🙂 So beautiful in person and happy to be able to hike there. Thank you for your lovely kind words.
Happy Travels 🙂
thanks for the post and great photos. It looks stunning. We haven’t made it over there yet but will be sure to visit. Need to make sure the blossom is out when we do.
Thanks Tread The Globe,
April is the month they bloom and only for about a couple of weeks. The sea of pink is just amazing. Hope you get a chance to visit someday.
Happy Travels 🙂
I can only imagine the faces that locals must have pulled haha! Glad you didn’t quit and did the next best thing! The photos look incredible and the blossoms seem to really be worth a visit. Photographers dream! How’s the situatuon in South Korea with all thats been going on in North Korea?
Thanks Kreete,
I was a very determined hiker even if I drove most of the way there. lol It was a hoot but so worth the shot and only wish I had visited days before when the blooms were at there best. I am not in South Korea at this time but the local people just continue on as usual and try not to worry about the treat from the north.
Happy Travels 🙂
Wow, Stephanie – Great photos! I had not heard of Mt. Daegeumsan, so we’ve definitely pinned this. Would love to get to see these blossoms! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Rob + Ann,
The blossoms that go up to the mountain top are from bushes taller than me. It is so cool to walk the path through them. April is a lovely time to see these azaleas and all the other beautiful spring flowers in bloom.
Happy Travels 🙂
The allergic reaction sounds annoying but it didn’t stop you from taking wonderful pictures of the cherry blossom. The Azaela Mountain (Mt. Daegeumsan) looks like the perfect location to witness a sea of pink!
Thanks Only By Land,
I was happy to find another way to take my picture of the sea of pink azalea’s growing up the side of the mountain. One of my favorite hikes and a pleasure to visit if your in town.
Happy Travels 🙂
That was funny. I can just imagine “the deer in the head lights” looks you were getting. You got some really lovely pics though.
Thanks Shona,
It was funny, but at least I had a real good reason to wear the mask 🙂 It still was a crazy experience lol and one that I would do again. The pictures of the sea of pink Azalea’s were so worth it.
Happy Travels 🙂
What an adventure! Sorry to hear you had so many issues with allergies. You did capture some nice photos, though. 🙂
Thanks Ava,
One of my many crazy adventures but so worth the ride. I just enjoyed being around all those pink azaleas. Was sad not to hike the whole 4 hour trail due to my allergic reaction but this was the next best thing. Happy you like my photos!
Happy Travels 🙂
LOL crazy lady with a mask going up the mountain to take photos, can just picture it! Fair play you got some lovely shots. Thanks for sharing. #feetdotravel
Thanks Paul and Carole,
It was a hoot to drive up the mountain on a dirt fire road with hikers yelling at me to slow down (I think). Then to put on my mask and walk around to take some lovely azalea shots. My favorite sea of pink. Oh what fun we had!
Happy Travels 🙂
Wow, looks well worth it. Even with only half of the flowers in bloom your photos are beautiful!
Thanks Uncover Travel,
Happy you like my photos. I must confess half the fun was seeing if I could drive the road to get up the mountain. I just love the sea of pink Azaleas.
Happy Travels 🙂
This is very timely and is making me very excited about my upcoming Korea trip. I guess this is another place to potentially add to my list! Beautiful photos and love the friendliness of the locals!
Thanks Alexei,
You will enjoy your trip to South Korea. With so many hikes this has always been one of my favorites in spring for the sea of pink Azaleas up the mountain located down south on Geoje Island. Looking forward to your articles after your trip to Korea.
Happy Travels 🙂
It’s a shame you weren’t able to see the full bloom but nevertheless, you still captured some lovely photos and I hope you are happy with them. If we get to visit Koreo, I will be sure to look up Geoje Island so thank you for bringing this place to our attention. Pinned for future reference #feetdotavel
Thanks Angie,
I am happy to see the azalea blooms up the mountain and the fun on how I arrived to capture the photos. Hope you get a chance to visit South Korea one day. It is a wonderful place to visit and hike 🙂
Happy Travels 🙂