Since 2016, I have been trekking in the mountains of Korea. Sometimes, I climbed twice a week, Saturday and Sunday, all weekend. When I say this, most people ask me, “Why?” “Isn’t it better to stay home and rest or hang out with friends?” I know why they say this. But I was going through a really tough time in my life. I was exhausted because of work and because I was in a meaningless relationship. I found out I had no passion left to work. I wanted to be away from all the noise that stressed me. I hoped to have a "Me time". Living in a city like Seoul, it is hard to find a calm place. Wherever you go, you are surrounded by lots of people, buildings, and cars. I had to search for other types of solo trip and it had to include the following things :

1. Only bring a small backpack
2. Only on weekends
3. Only a few people around

I could not go on a long vacation or go abroad at that time. I was wondering what type of a solo trip would fit these conditions?

Then, I looked out of the window and a small mountain grabbed my attention. Frankly speaking, I had never thought that hiking was my thing. I’d rather say, I hated it. I still remembered the days I was sweaty and complained when I was a kid. Hiking is something that I wanted to avoid as much as possible.

But, when I became an adult, I learn the truth to learn. Nothing lasts forever. Everything can be changed. For the first time in my life, something came up in my mind and that was, “Ok, Let's try one more time”

Fortunately, I have lived in a country full of mountains. You would be surprised If I say you could reach the mountains with public transportation. There are subway stations named after mountains. In the center of Seoul, the capital city of Korea, there are many mountains and hiking guides. I only had to pick one.

I walked into the entrance of the mountain, and then a whole new world appeared. I was surrounded by all green things. On the way to the peak, there was no one on the road. Slowly, I focused on my environment. I could hear the sound of the wind. I didn’t know it had a sound before. Whenever I took a step forward, I felt the soil under my shoes. It was pretty soft, a totally different feeling compared to the streets with asphalt. The sound of birds' singing was quite loud here. No need to turn on a portable Bluetooth speaker to listen to music. Trees provide sweet and fresh air constantly. I have forgotten all those feelings for a long time. It was like I’m in wonderland.

By now, when I can’t go on a trip abroad, I hit the road for my own little trip which I can do right now. For a few hours, I completely enjoy the perfect "me time". I care for my mind by talking to myself.  A solo trip is not far away, It is closer than you would think. Just look around, it's already with you.