Exploring Korea: From Campfires to Island Trails – A Holiday to Remember

By Neha Bisht

Holidays are precious. They become a necessity when work and routine start to drain every ounce of energy from you.

In Korea, long holidays are rare treasures. Most people count down the days to the two major festivals – Chuseok and Seollal (Lunar New Year) – when extended breaks finally allow for proper rest, travel, and family time.

Like everyone else, I wait eagerly for these moments. Last year, when Chuseok fell in late September, my friends and I decided to make the most of it. We wanted something different, something that would pull us far away from the noise, traffic, and gray walls of the city. The answer was clear – a camping trip. The catch? None of us had ever been camping in Korea before.

Day 1: Into the Mountains – First Night by the River

We searched online for free camping spots and eventually found one that looked promising – Mogok Recreational Area (모곡유원지) in Gangwon-do. It was far from Gwangju, but the idea of camping by a river, surrounded by mountains, felt worth the drive.

Packing was a mix of excitement and mild chaos. We rented a car, loaded tents, cooking gear, bags, and enough food to survive a small apocalypse. Delays were inevitable – getting everyone ready, securing the gear, and figuring out the GPS – so we left later than planned.

The drive took us through winding forest roads and long stretches of highway, with occasional stops for snacks and stretching. By the time we reached Mogok, night had already fallen. The scene took our breath away – dozens of glowing tents lined the riverbank, the scent of barbecue filled the air, the sound of laughter, and the gentle rush of the river. Some campers were quietly chatting, others were deep into late-night drinks, and a few had already retreated to their sleeping bags.

We managed to find a spot close to the water, pitched our tents, and lit a small fire. Exhausted but happy, we brewed the ultimate Indian comfort drink – masala chai. There’s something magical about sipping hot tea outdoors under the stars, with cool mountain air brushing your face.

Hunger soon called, and we prepared dinner together – grilled meat, vegetables, and snacks. Between the laughter, music, and the rhythm of the river beside us, it felt like we had stepped out of our everyday lives into another world. We talked and ate late into the night before finally collapsing into our sleeping bags.

Day 2: From River Games to Nami Island Adventures

We woke up lazily around noon. Despite it being summer in most parts of Korea, here the air was fresh and slightly cool, with sunlight filtering gently through the trees. I made tea for everyone, and we sat by the riverbank, enjoying the peaceful view.

It didn’t take long before someone suggested we dip our feet into the water. That “quick splash” turned into an all-out water fight. Soon, we were all in the river – swimming, sitting in the shallow parts, or simply letting the cold water rush past us. A Korean couple camping nearby even sent their little daughter over to join our games. Hours passed without us noticing.

When our stomachs finally reminded us they existed, we cooked breakfast together, then packed up. Our plan was to head somewhere new, though none of us knew exactly where. The only clue came from one friend who said, “We’re going to Nami.”

After about an hour’s drive, we arrived and realized Nami was not just a place but an island in the middle of a river. To reach it, we had to take a ferry. Excitement built as we bought our tickets and waited in line. When we finally boarded, it was my first-ever ferry ride – the cool breeze, the hum of the engine, and the slow approach toward the island made the short journey feel special.

Stepping onto Nami Island felt like walking into a postcard. The wide tree-lined paths, charming wooden structures, and gentle river views seemed almost unreal. We started, of course, with a round of photos – every corner begged to be captured. Then came the island’s famous treat: a tall swirl of soft-serve ice cream, creamy and refreshing.

To make the most of our visit, we rented two-seater bicycles and split into small groups, pedaling our way across the island. The ride was pure joy – the cool breeze on our faces, the crunch of leaves under the wheels, and the freedom to explore hidden corners at our own pace. We stopped often, taking videos and photographs, collecting little snapshots of this unexpected adventure.

As the sun began to lower, we found a cozy cafe tucked among the trees. Over coffee and snacks, we relaxed, chatted, and watched the soft light fall across the island. Eventually, it was time to take the last ferry back.

Once back on the mainland, we had dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring warm, hearty dishes before making the drive to our campsite. We arrived late at night, but that didn’t stop us from lighting another campfire. We sat in a circle, talking quietly, laughing at shared memories from the day, and simply enjoying the stillness of the mountains.

Day 3: Farewell to the Campfire – Journey Home

On our final day, we woke late once again, our bodies happily surrendering to the slow pace of camping life. After a leisurely tea, we wandered

around the area, taking in the scenery and capturing our last photographs. The air was fresh, the river still whispered in the background, and everything felt calm.

By afternoon, it was time to pack up. We folded tents, loaded the car, and began the long drive back to Gwangju. We made a few stops along the way for rest and dinner before finally rolling into the city close to midnight. We were tired – the kind of exhaustion that comes from both travel and happiness – and ready for the deep sleep we all craved.

A Trip to Remember

That three-day journey was more than just a holiday; it was a joyful pause from everyday life. Camping by the river, cycling through Nami Island, sharing meals under the stars – each moment stitched itself into a memory I will always cherish.

If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that everyone should take a trip like this at least once – to disconnect from the constant noise, breathe in fresh air, and remember what it feels like to simply be present.

Cover Photograph by Neha Bisht.