Hiking in South Korea: Is the National Sport Linked to Sex?

In South Korea, hiking is more than just a popular pastime; it's a national obsession, evident in the ubiquitous functional jackets and the sheer number of people flocking to mountains and scenic trails. However, a recent anecdote shared in Busan offers a surprising and somewhat scandalous perspective on this beloved activity.

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Because of sex!

Our friend, a local resident, offered a startling explanation for the hiking fervor: "Because of sex!" she exclaimed, when asked about the national enthusiasm for trekking. This assertion, that South Korean hiking trails are hotspots for extramarital affairs, might seem outlandish, but it taps into a persistent rumor that has circulated for years.

The idea is that for many married South Koreans, hiking serves as a form of analog Tinder. Couples allegedly meet at the trailhead, ascend the mountain, and engage in illicit encounters. This unconventional theory is further fueled by the historical context of South Korea, where adultery was once a criminal offense. Our friend suggested that perhaps this legal history forced individuals to become "creative" in pursuing extramarital relationships.

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On South Korean hiking trails, a lot of fucking goes on.

While Die Zeit presents this as a curious rumor encountered during a visit to Jeju Island, it highlights a fascinating, albeit speculative, aspect of South Korean social dynamics. It's a reminder that beneath the surface of a society often perceived as conservative, there can be complex and hidden currents of behavior, with even a wholesome activity like hiking potentially taking on a clandestine role.

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Perhaps that's why people have learned to be creative.