Fall Fun: Family Hiking in Korea with The Intentional Learning Corner

Welcome back to the Intentional Learning Corner. Fall is on the way and so is cooler weather which means it is a great time for you and your family to explore and experience the vast hiking experiences available to you here on the peninsula. Whether you want to stay near home or travel to hike you can choose to explore the many wooded trails, mountains, sidewalks along the coast, and more.

There are many reasons to encourage a love of nature in your child. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, inspire your child to appreciate nature, encourage gross and fine motor development, encourage independence and problem-solving skills, and much more.  

Family hiking in Korea can be challenging, however, a few simple tips have helped us enjoy our adventures. 

Tips for a smooth hike:

1)     Pack water and snacks. We always pack more than we need so we can help others on the trail.

2)     Ensure you are ready for the weather. Consider bringing sunhats, long sleeves, long pants, raincoats, warm coats, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, etc.

3)     Know your hiking plan and share it with your family before you begin hiking. Expectation management is extremely helpful, especially during lengthy hikes.

4) Pack a small blanket to sit on during your hike for a fun picnic snack or lunch.

5) Remember to pack basic first aid items to include bug spray to ensure you are ready for anything.

Here are 5 tips for keeping your children engaged while actively learning throughout your hiking adventure:

1. Allow your child to gather and carry any nature items they find during your adventure such as rocks, sticks, flowers, and leaves. As your child collects items you can help identify the name of each item, if it is soft or hard, if it is heavy or light, etc. At the end of our family hikes, we explain that we leave nature in nature to encourage our children to appreciate and respect the world around them. You can also use the items to create a nature scene that you can photograph before leaving to remember all the fun treasures found during your hike.

2. Play I Spy with your child while hiking. “I spy, with my little eye, something green.” “Is it a frog?” “Yes!” This game is fun for the entire family and can last for a while depending on your location.

3. Create or print a free nature scavenger hunt for your child to complete during your hike.

4. Pack crayons and paper and have your child make leaf rubbings of all the beautiful leaves they find during your hike.

5. Teach your child to identify signs of animals as you hike such as scat, prints on the ground, burrows, and more. This will help your child become more aware of their surroundings, and what they can and cannot safely touch. 

Nature is its very own classroom full of endless possibilities! I encourage you to explore nature with your children and try to see things through their eyes as they discover and explore this wonderful world. 

Here is a downloadable Nature Scavenger Hunt you can use for you next family hike.

Nature Scavenger Hunt Worksheet.pdf

Download PDF • 479KB

3 Family Hikes:

Views from Maansan Mountain.

Maansan - (Bee & Honey Café Hike) This is an amazing trail for families and all skill levels. We know many children under 5 who enjoy this trail and especially enjoy treats from the nearby cafe. This hike is free and bathrooms are across the street from the trailhead.

Younginsan Recreational Forest

Younginsan Recreational Forest – Trails range in difficulty. We prefer to pay the small parking fee and park at the upper parking lot near the bathrooms. There is an option to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up. Although this is a slightly hilly hike it is great for strollers! They also have an amazing museum for all ages near the top.

Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge is shaped like a Korean chili pepper.

Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge- Trails range in difficulty. They have an obstacle course that is free and suitable for all ages with minimal help. There is a cafe that serves ice cream and other treats at the end of one of the trails (Follow the trail to the left at the end of the bridge to find the cafe). This hike is free, several restaurants are available at the beginning of the trail, ample free parking is provided, and restrooms are also available. 

Obstacle course at the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge complex.

Enjoy this fall with intentional learning moments the whole family can enjoy!