Check information about the mountain destination, including routes and weather.
It is important to collect enough information about your destination to in advance. Choose a suitable mountain while considering personal experience and physical capability. Check whether the route is blocked or not. Be aware of the time required to walk the trail, water availability and any dangerous areas. Plan a mountaineering schedule. In order to predict any weather change, you need to check the weather for the day of your trip and also the preceding day. A portable radio is recommended for an immediate response to unpredicted weather conditions.
Bring appropriate clothes and equipment.
It is hard to predict the weather in mountainous areas. It is essential to bring extra clothes and appropriate mountaineering equipment for any case of significant drop in temperature after rain or wind. Hiking shoes should fit and be of good quality. Warm, waterproof jackets and spandex pants are helpful.
Adjust your pace to the slowest person.
In order to prevent unexpected accidents, a hiking plan should be made based on the pace of the slowest person in the group.
Start early in the morning and finish one or two hours before sunset.
As everyone knows, the sun sets earlier in the mountains. Check the time required for ascent and descent, and start your descent at least one or two hours before sunset. You should bring a lantern and extra batteries just in case you have an accident or get lost.
Conserve 30% of your body energy, and avoid mountaineering longer than eight hours.
Don’t overwork. Don’t overestimate yourself. Over-confidence in strength and hiking technique could result in emergency situations caused by exhaustion or undiscovered health conditions. Once the hike begins, a ten-minute break every hour is recommended. Avoid drinking a lot of water. It may overload the stomach and disrupt the balance of oxygen rate in the blood, which causes fatigue.
Keep bags light and hands free.
Weight can be a threat while hiking. Heavy packs may threaten your safety in case of fatigue, injury or any delay due to bad weather.
It is important to carry a well-packed bag in order to keep the hands free at all times. This helps avoid accidents caused by slipping and loss of balance on wet rocks or frozen trails.
Use designated routes only
Do not enter restricted trails, which are off limits because they are dangerous or damaged or because they are protected for their ecological value. Do not go into the water in dangerous waterfalls or valleys.
Eat sparingly but frequently.
It is important to keep your energy up. Consume candy, chocolate or something with high water content, such as cucumber. Don’t eat too much at one time, but eat small amounts frequently. Get drinking water ready in advance and fill it up whenever there is a chance. It is dangerous to eat wild vegetables or mushrooms.
* Food requirements for hiking :- Small but high-calorie
- High sugar content for easy digestion
- Instantly burning calories
- Edible without cooking
- Non-perishable
- Carried individually (snacks and emergency rations)
Keep a map and check your location frequently.
As you hike, compare and check the geographical features on the map and confirm your current location frequently. Bring a map even for familiar mountains. Hiking without a map is dangerous, even if you have a guide. You need to identify your current location in order to conserve your energy and set an appropriate pace. Check the current spot on a map if you get lost or separated from the group.
If you find yourself lost, turn back immediately.
There is no other option. If you find yourself lost, turn back immediately.
Be aware of bush fire.
There is a high risk of bush fire in spring and autumn when the air is dry. Do not bring any flammable substances such as matches or cigarettes. Cooking or wood-fires are permitted only in designated areas. If you see a bush fire, call the forest authorities or fire stations immediately. If you are trapped in fire, do not panic. Stay calm and find a spot where the fire is weakest. Check the direction of the wind, and then move away from the fire without delay. During the danger period designated by the Korea Forest Service, hiking routes are restricted or opened in accordance with bush fire forecasts. Checking with forest authorities or the forest related website is recommended before planning a hike.