I’m an Environmental Scientist based in South Dakota, working in the Waste Management sector. I’m also an avid hiker and trail runner with a deep appreciation for rugged landscapes and long-distance trails —a passion that first took root during my time backpacking in Pisgah National Forest while at Duke University. From 2018 to 2024, I lived in South Korea, where I earned my Master of Science in Ecological Engineering from Korea University and completed both the BlackYak 100 Mountain Challenge and the BlackYak Baekdudaegan Ridge Challenge.
I started this blog in 2019 to address the lack of detailed English-language information about hiking in Korea. In 2020, I published a comprehensive guide to the Korea National Park Passport program, which quickly gained traction among hikers. The response led to a series of exciting collaborations, including consulting for the Korea National Park Service, a feature in Wolgansan [월간산]—Korea’s premier outdoor magazine—and a sponsorship from OnRunning.
Since then, my blog has evolved into a space where I share trail guides, travel insights, and personal stories—from Korea’s mountains to weekend getaways in South Dakota and surrounding areas. I take great pride in keeping the blog free of intrusive ads, relying instead on carefully selected affiliate links for lodging to support its upkeep—so readers get a clean, useful experience without the clutter.
In 2025, I’ll be expanding coverage to highlight some of Korea’s most underrepresented national parks online, including Deogyusan, Taebaeksan, and Odaesan. I’ll also be exploring lesser-known attractions across the northern plains and Black Hills region of South Dakota. Whether you’re planning a trek abroad or a weekend escape close to home, I hope this blog helps you discover your next trail!
Happy Trekking!
-Aurora