About 70% of South Korean land is made of mountains, and hiking is an avid hobby of many Koreans. Many avid hikers have the goal of conquering the “top” 100 peaks in South Korea.

In 2002, the Korea Forest Service compiled a list of 100 famous mountains. The list was made after surveys and consultations with experts. The list includes peaks in national parks, provincial parks, and county parks, in the Baekdudaegan Mountain Region, in the Baegunsan Mountain, in the Daeamsan Mountains, in the Jeombongsan Mountains, etc., on islands, etc.

There are also other lists of “top” mountains in Korea. The hiking organization, Korean Sanha has a list of top 100, top 200, and top 300 mountains. The company Black Yak also has its own list of top 100 mountains.

In just the few months since I’ve become a more avid hiker, I’ve met one person who has climbed all 100 mountains, and another person who has climbed 99 of them, but is holding off on the last one not because it is difficult, but to save it so that he still has the 100 mountains goal ahead of him.

At the peak, I often see individuals taking photos with banners saying they are taking up the 100 mountains challenge.

I’m still just a beginner hiker. I’m not sure whether I will visit all 100 mountains or if I will ever make that one of my goals or not. For now, I’m just enjoying the scenery and nature.