Up in the Clouds at Odaesan’s Noinbong

#summervacay Tackled Noinbong Peak (1338m!) in Odaesan and what a climb. This one’s definitely a bit more on the challenging side, but soooo worth every step. The trail starts off mellow through forest trails with those tall, peaceful trees, and then gradually gets steeper as you go. Legs were feelin’ it, but the mountain energy kept me going. Once you hit the higher ridges, the views just explode. Mountain layers for days, clouds rolling over the peaks, and that crisp Gangwon-do air that makes you feel super alive. At the summit, it’s just you, the sky, and endless views. Total “I can’t believe I’m here” moment. It wasn’t super crowded either, which made the whole thing feel personal and kind of magical. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and maybe an extra layer, it gets windy up there. If you’re down for a real hike with stunning payoffs, Noinbong delivers big time. Definitely one of those hikes that stays with you.