Plenty of people slip on the way down while chasing one more foliage photo. On Oct. 16 the Korea National Park Service issued its autumn hiking rules. The gist: choose a trail that fits your fitness, and learn how to walk it.
When do the leaves turn?
Colour usually starts at mountain summits in mid-October, peaks from late October to early November, then moves south.
Timing differs by altitude and terrain even inside the same national park, so check foliage and trail information before you go.
Five trail grades
National park trails are rated in five difficulty grades. Check distance, slope, time needed and surface, then pick one that suits you.
Check the weather and pack hiking shoes, spare clothes, water and snacks. Temperatures swing with the hour and the altitude, so layer up.
Going down is the risky part
Shorten your stride on fallen leaves, wet rock and wooden stairs. Stay on the trail and inside safety facilities even when taking photos.
Fatigue makes descents slippery. Leave enough time to be down before sunset.
How to walk flat, up and down
The park institute's Mountain Safety Education Center recommends 'rhythm walking' on flat ground, 'rest-step walking' uphill (briefly straighten the back leg to rest), and 'knee-cushion walking' downhill (soft bent knees).
On steep slopes, zigzag down.
Before you go
With high blood pressure or a heart condition, use the rest areas and don't push. Service chairman Joo Dae-young urged visitors to pick trails that match their fitness and experience and to prepare well.
Questions go to the Mountain Safety Education Center at +82-2-956-3336.
