Hiking along a trail marked by wooden planks, the high peak of the mountain came into view. The rocky, vegetation-covered top elevated similar to a miniature mountain stacked on top of another mountain. Upon observing the height of this peak, a shiver of nervousness and excitement ran through my spine as my hands started to sweat. Looking out towards the horizon, the clouds below me obscured the view of the cities and forests farther below. I inched forwards, waiting for my brother and father to catch up, before hiking further through the path up the mountain. 

Early in the morning, my father, brother, and I drove to the starting point of the hiking path up Hallasan, the iconic dormant volcano of Jeju Island. Hallasan is the highest peak in South Korea, and created the island tens of thousands of years ago. The last three times our family vacationed to Jeju Island over the summer, we had never gone up to the peak of Hallasan. Prior, the closest was around halfway, located at a large, open plains area with a ramen shop. Initially, my family and I could not get to the top of the mountain since the path at the ramen shop broke down. Other times, the weather was too dangerous or was excessively raining. This time, however, we took a different route up the mountain (My sister and mother decided to explore a K-pop museum instead). 

Through the hours of ascending, I primarily passed forests of trees, bushes, and ferns. A relatively small hiking bag swung behind my back as I walked up the path. Occasionally, large stones displaying the altitude of their position were found along the path. The summer sun shone above, while the shade of the forest protected me from the harsh heat. 

Eventually, we reached the halfway checkpoint with solar panels, restrooms, circular benches around trees, and a gate. The reason why we had to arrive at the mountain so early was because the gate closed after around noon; furthermore, hikers and tourists are then barred from entering up the mountain. Once we walked through the gate, we encountered rough, rocky trails. Hiking upwards, the terrain became increasingly more jagged. I carefully, yet swiftly, maneuvered my legs and feet up the rocks and boulders.

Staring towards the peak and watching my steps, my family and I hiked forwards. The trail leading up fortunately had railings, but remained somewhat frightening. Many other hikers, mainly Koreans, walked up the path alongside us. 

Once we reached the peak, we were greeted by a large wooden platform overseeing the crater of Hallasan. The crater is filled with green vegetation and hosts a rainwater lake at the bottom. As I walked around and observed the crater, a cloud drafted through the wooden platform, creating a refreshing fog from the strenuous, hot hike. Unusually large insects, mainly dragonflies and flies, inhabited the peak. A small mammal also lived near and under the platform. A sense of accomplishment filled my soul as I viewed the scenery; five years of waiting, and I had finally summited Hallasan.