For many Koreans, there’s one popular, easy way to get out of the country’s nonstop, hypercompetitive society ― hiking.

Mountains are everywhere, covering more than two-thirds of Korea. Most are open to the general public all year around. Thanks to the country’s wide-reaching, efficient transport network, particularly in Seoul, Koreans can have easy access to mountain areas on a day trip without having to drive.

On weekend mornings, subway trains in Seoul are frequently filled with people dressed in waterproof pants and jackets that look almost like uniforms. They have foldable hiking sticks fastened to their backpacks, with a tumbler and a bar of chocolate on the side. You don’t even need to ask where they are headed. 

The number of hikers in Korea is overwhelming. According to a recent study by Korea Mountain Trekking Support Center, a state-funded organization established under the Korea Forest Service, about 1 in 3 Koreans goes hiking more than once a month. There are more than 18,000 community-based clubs nationwide that go on group hikes, and the number grows every day, the report said.

Experts attribute increased leisure hours, economic growth and interest in health for the rising popularity of hiking.

“The implementation of the five-day work system, economic prosperity and the pursuit of a healthier life has led hiking to become a mass activity,” said Lee In-jung, chairman of Korean Alpine Federation, a private organization of mountaineers here.

“Personally, I think, it (hiking) is addictive … in good ways,” said Lee. “I could never live away from mountains. It has long been the vital source of my life,” said the 70-year-old who also runs a semiconductor business.

The popularity of hiking has led to rapid growth of the outdoor apparel market. The size of the market has doubled from 4 trillion won in 2011 to 8 trillion won this year, according to local reports. The size of the market is the second largest in the world, following the U.S.

The recent craze for mountains also reflects people’s desire to turn to nature amid a bustling city life.

For Lee Jeong-eun, 34, hiking is more than just a sport.

“I go mountain climbing every Saturday,” said Lee who works for a media company in Seoul. “I don’t go hiking for a sense of achievement, but to control my stress from work.

“It helps me stay calm and peaceful, after a long, tough week.”

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)