Detour

GO TAKE A HIKE In Seoul, where exercise tends to consist of the occasional sprint to catch an incoming subway, and seclusion is what you find in the private compartments of a noraebang, or karaoke parlor, NamsanSouth Mountainis a quick fix for the nature-starved. The mountain's ribbon of concrete steps may seem daunting at first, but you'll soon find your rhythm. Exertions on a Stairclimber are never rewarded with a panorama of Seoul.

Namsan was once known for its magnificent pine trees, and its shaded heights were a haven for scholars seeking alpine inspiration amid the pedestrian pre-occupations...

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