The KDIS Hiking Club has officially wrapped up an unforgettable 2024, marked by breathtaking views, muddy chaos, and camaraderie that turned strangers into lifelong friends. From a conversation with outgoing club representative Alexis Gomez (2023, MPP), one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a year of hiking—it was a year of shared adventures and exploration.

January: Kicking Off the Year at Jeonwol Mountain

The year started on a high note—literally—with Jeonwol Mountain giving the club its first taste of elevation and adventure. “Jeonwol Mountain in Sejong was the perfect way to start,” Alexis shared. “It was cold, but the crisp air and stunning views made it worth every step.” Members hiked together, bundled against the chill, laying the foundation for a year of camaraderie.

February: Local Treasures and Celadon Festivals

February brought two unique experiences. On February 4, the group explored Geohwasan, the mountains behind KDI School. “It was great to discover the beauty in our backyard,” Alexis said. Later that month, from February 24 to 25, the club traded hiking boots for cultural exploration at the Gangjin Celadon Festival, admiring traditional Korean pottery and bonding over local delicacies.

March: A Packed Month of Peaks and Picnics

March began with a peaceful picnic at Gounteul Park on the 2nd. But just two weeks later, the group faced their toughest challenge yet—Daedunsan in Daejeon on March 16. “That hike was no joke,” Alexis admitted. “It pushed us physically, but the sense of accomplishment at the top was unmatched.” The month wrapped up with a breathtaking sunrise hike to an observatory in Daejeon on March 23. “The sunrise was magical,” Alexis recalled, laughing, “but we almost got lost going up. It was an adventure I’ll never forget!”

April: Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

Spring was in the air as the club visited Gobok Natural Park on April 6 to see Korea’s iconic cherry blossoms. “Walking under those pink blooms felt like stepping into a dream,” a club member remembered. Cherry blossoms weren’t the only things blooming at Gobok Natural Park—friendships were, too. Club members strolled through the park, snapping endless photos and soaking in the serene beauty of the season.

May: Barefoot Hikes and Buddhist Temples

May’s adventure on the 19th took the group to Bihaksan, where they hiked barefoot—a unique and liberating experience. Afterward, they were invited to a Buddhist temple for lunch. “It was so peaceful. We were so lucky to be there that Sunday because the monks shared a meal with everyone, and their kindness made the day unforgettable,” Alexis shared.

June: Seoul’s Skyline from Inwangsan

On June 1, the club traveled to Seoul to hike Inwangsan, famous for its panoramic city views. “The hike wasn’t too difficult, but the view at the top was absolutely worth it,” Alexis said. The group lingered, marveling at the sprawling skyline below.

August: Muddy Madness

The summer’s final adventure wasn’t a traditional hike but an unforgettable trip to the Boryeong Mud Festival on August 3. “It was pure chaos—in the best way,” club members said. They dove into mud pits, participated in games, and shared endless laughs.

September: Welcoming Fall at Wonsunsan Park

As the seasons changed, the club embraced their first hike of the semester at Wonsunsan Park in Sejong on September 15. “It was still hot, but the result at the end of the hike—the best view of Sejong—was worth it,” Alexis said. The group enjoyed the crisp air and the first hints of autumn colors.

October: Seoraksan and Cultural Delights

October was packed with highlights, starting with a cultural tour of Jeonju on October 3–4. “The food, the history—it was a feast for the senses,” Alexis shared. The month’s standout adventure came on October 19–20 with an overnight trip to Seoraksan. “It was majestic,” Alexis said. “Staying in Sokcho and hiking Seoraksan was the most impressive experience of the year.” Seoraksan had everyone feeling ‘rock-solid’ about their hiking skills, even if their legs were saying otherwise.

November: A Final Farewell to Fall

The club wrapped up its hiking year at Jangtaesan in Daejeon on November 10, marveling at the vibrant autumn foliage. “It was the perfect way to say goodbye to the season,” Alexis said. Jangtaesan in the fall was tree-mendously beautiful—a real autumn win for everyone.

On November 30, Alexis and club co-representative Christine Victoria (2023, MPP) passed the leadership torch to new representatives Sofia Narváez (2024, MDP) and Patria Reyes (2024, MPP). Alexis is confident that Sofia and Patria will take this club to new heights.

“I want to thank the members of the Hiking Club for giving me the opportunity this semester to lead, alongside Christine, KDIS students in exploring and falling in love with nature, enjoying outdoor activities, and learning more about Korea's culture and surroundings. It has been an invaluable experience that I will always cherish,” Alexis concluded.

2024 with the KDIS Hiking Club was nothing short of amazing. Every hike had its own story—some filled with stunning views, others with muddy hilarity or unexpected detours. There were challenging climbs that left club members breathless (literally) and peaceful moments under cherry blossoms that reminded us why we love the outdoors. But what made it all unforgettable were the friendships we built along the way. It wasn’t just about the trails—it was about the laughs, shared snacks, inside jokes, and the memories we’ll be talking about for years to come.