I think the winter has started. It dropped 5 degrees over the weekend and on Monday, everyone arrived in hats and gloves and the heating was full on at work.

After trying and failing, on Saturday, to install an English display language for my new Averatec laptop, I ventured away from Changwon again on Sunday.

I visited Wolchulsan National Park with a group of around 30 eager hikers, all part of a climbing club. My 25,000 Won covered the 4 hour bus ride there, some park fees and dinner at a 'sojubang' restaurant. An amazing day.

Taekwondo may be the national sport of Korea but, like fishing in England, hiking at the weekend is Korean's favourite pastime. It is incredibly popular.

The one person I knew was Monica, who I only met on Chong Byong San the previous Sunday. As well as speaking the best English of anyone there, she was also the youngest, at 29. Most were in their 30s, 40s and 50s. I think there were a few grannies too. No other 'foreigners' - just me.

We hiked for just over 6 hours, from Cheonhwangsa, in the east, to Dogapsa and its temples, in the west, via two main peaks including the highest, Cheonwangbong, at 809m. It was a streneous but highly enjoyable hike, with twists and crags at every turn, and at one point, a 52m steel bridge spanning two ridges.

I was amazed by the huge numbers of hikers on the mountain, sometimes having to wait their turn to climb or decend single-file steel staircases. Every possible aid has been given over the whole park to make hiking accessible for all - including ropes and several well-posted signs.

It begun to get very cold in the afternoon and begun lightly snowing. I was offered food and a pair of gloves. A very energetic group were led by three keen, organised guides who kept in contact by CB radio.

After, we had a hot meal and several shots of soju at a restaurant in Dogaspa, just past some newly built Buddhist temples.

I was mistaken in thinking that everyone would sleep on the bus journey home, but no - 3 and half hours of karaoke, loud as anything, and grannies dancing to techno up and down the aisle of the speeding bus. I duly performed 'Englishman In New York', 'I Want To Know What Love Is', 'The Tide Is High' and a duet of 'Like A Virgin' and was duly declared Mr Popular!

I came down to Earth next day, back at Jungchul, believing I couldn't teach to save my life.... so there continues to be (sorry) a mixture of ups and downs!

Some of the photos are from Monica's camera. There were plenty of others taken, most of these are only available to members of the club. I have, however, seen some of them. But not yet, the one of me doing the duet.

For a shot of me, on the summit, amongst all the others - see if you can spot me - go to the following homepage and scroll down:

http://cafe.daum.net/k055

Phil