This post is gaining traction because it offers a raw, detailed account of an exceptionally difficult solo hike, contrasting it with more popular mountains. Koreans appreciate challenging outdoor activities and sharing such intense, first-hand experiences resonates with the online hiking community.
Hiking is an extremely popular pastime in Korea, with many challenging mountains like Mt. Seorak being highly regarded. Detailed reviews and tips for difficult treks are common, and comparing foreign mountains to well-known Korean or Taiwanese peaks (like Mt. Yushan) helps convey the level of difficulty to local audiences.
A recent post from a Korean hiker has taken the internet by storm, detailing a grueling 4-day, 3-night solo trek up Taiwan's Mt. Xiuguluan that he's dubbed his 'worst ever' mountain experience. Known as Taiwan's third-highest peak, Mt. Xiuguluan is a challenging climb, but this hiker's account reveals just how technically demanding and unforgiving it can be.
Starting with a monstrous 23kg backpack (12kg base gear, 4kg water, 3kg food, 4kg personal equipment), our intrepid adventurer set off at 9 AM. Despite forecasts of 100mm of rain, the weather held until he reached the first hut. However, the clouds thickened, and the notorious Taiwanese fog rolled in, accompanied by intermittent rain. He wisely donned a helmet, which proved crucial as he was hit by falling rocks three times – a common hazard on Taiwanese mountains. Originally, the path went right, but a collapse forced a detour left – a steep route where he spotted a few **Asian giant hornets**, advising caution. His first stop was Lala Hut, 6.5km in, but deemed unsuitable for sleeping due to collapse risk. He pushed on another 8km to Guanguao Hut, arriving at 4:30 PM after a grueling 7.5 hours. The 15km journey involved a 1500m altitude gain, made even tougher by his heavy pack. He found Guanguao Hut deserted; everyone had either cancelled or been a 'no-show' due to the rain. As night fell, a storm raged, only for three other hikers to arrive around 8 PM, looking utterly battered – likely having just summited Xiuguluan. He wouldn't see another soul until he returned from the summit himself.
Day two began at 8:30 AM with the rain finally gone, though the trails remained slick. The first 3km out of Guanguao Hut were particularly brutal due to steep inclines. He noted the fresh snow on **Mt. Yushan's** peak in the distance, hoping for clear weather for his own summit push. After a challenging start, he enjoyed a much-needed hearty meal. The next 5km to Bunaieker Camp were surprisingly flat and easy, allowing for plenty of photos under clear skies. He reached Bunaieker at 2 PM, another hut deemed unsafe for sleeping inside. He advises future hikers to push on another kilometer to Central Jhinshan Hut. Opting to camp outside, he prepared his 'attack pack' for the summit, leaving his tent and unnecessary gear behind. Sleep, however, was elusive. Lying down at 6 PM, he finally drifted off at 8:30 PM, only to be startled awake by something pushing against his tent. Fearing a bear, he made a noise, and the creature fled – likely a deer. An hour later, it happened again. Then, the rain and wind picked up, making sleep impossible. His condition was, in his words, 'totally messed up.'
Starting at 4:30 AM, the early morning of day three was treacherous with heavy rain and dangerous paths, making photos impossible. He passed another hut, noting that Central Jhinshan Hut was the best option for an overnight stay. After a surprisingly easy flat section post-junction, he was lulled into a false sense of security. The next section was 'hell.' This mountain, he discovered, required full-on climbing, with no chains or ropes to assist. He had to put his trekking poles away and use his hands. The descent was equally terrifying, with five such 'technical' sections. The rain only added to the difficulty. He then faced a steep scree field, again made harder by the rain, requiring him to scramble up rocks. This mountain demanded a 1000m altitude gain over just 4km from 2800m to the summit – a truly insane climb. He reached the summit at 10 AM, taking 5.5 hours, much of it spent navigating. The fog was so thick he couldn't see the surrounding peaks. The descent proved even more challenging; he got lost multiple times, constantly climbing up and down walls, exhausting himself. He eventually found his way back, packed his tent and sleeping bag, and began the long trek back to Guanguao Hut. Day three was the hardest, with no sleep, a heavy pack, and an 8km walk after the summit. He described his condition as 'feeling terrible.'
The final day brought a welcome break from the rain. On his way down, he encountered a pheasant, adding to his list of wildlife sightings which included civets, squirrels, deer, and monkeys. Nearing the end of his descent, he reflected on why Mt. Xiuguluan sees far fewer hikers than Taiwan's **Mt. Yushan** or Korea's **Mt. Seorak**. He concluded it was the most technically difficult mountain he had ever attempted. While beautiful and Taiwan's third-highest peak, its extreme difficulty makes it a challenge for only the most experienced. He recommends it only for those confident in their physical abilities and even suggests attempting it solo for the ultimate test.