There’s something magical about backpacking. Every trip feels like crossing an item off our bucket list, one adventure at a time. But why do we keep escaping into nature? Perhaps it’s the moments when we yearn to step away from the bustling city life and immerse ourselves completely in the great outdoors.
This time, our journey took us to Jobi Mountain, where a quiet cave awaited. With the dream of spending a night inside a cave, we switched on adventure mode and set out for a thrilling experience.
—
Setting Off on Our Adventure
All packed and ready to go!
Excitement filled the air as we packed our gear the night before. Researching maps and reading past hikers’ records helped us plan our route. There are two main trails leading to Jobi Mountain: one from Jocheonsa Temple and another from Jobi Mountain Garden. The former is best for those aiming for the summit, while the latter offers a smoother path to the cave. As our goal was to spend a cozy night in the cave, we opted for the Jobi Mountain Garden route, fueling up with a hearty lunch before setting off.
Meet Our Four-Legged Adventurers!
This trip marked the second backpacking experience for our Border Collies, Euntak and Otteu, along with our Poodle, Mallang. Leading the pack with the most experience was Byul, the Poodle, who had already completed three trips. As soon as the backpacks came out, the dogs couldn’t contain their excitement — tail wags and eager paws told us they were more than ready!
Testing Our New Multi-Use Trash Roll-Up Pouch
In our past trips, we realized the importance of carrying a dedicated trash bag. Previously, we relied on plastic bags to collect our waste, but we wanted a more sustainable solution. That’s when the TAILHIGH team developed a reusable Trash Roll-Up Pouch and decided to test it on this trip.
The pouch comes in two sizes: a smaller one for solo backpackers and a larger version for group use. Made of durable tarpaulin, it’s easy to clean and sturdy enough to withstand rough trails without tearing. Plus, its roll-top design allows for adjustable capacity, and the buckle attachment makes it convenient to strap onto any backpack.
Wouldn’t it be great if more people adopted sustainable practices on the trail?
The Climb to Jobi Mountain Cave
Despite the heavy snowfall the previous week, the day of our hike greeted us with warm spring sunshine and a crisp breeze. It was the perfect weather for a challenging yet enjoyable trek. The well-marked trail started off gently, but as we progressed, the incline became steeper. Carrying our heavy backpacks slowed us down, and the dogs — clearly unimpressed by our pace — paused occasionally to wait for us.
Jobi Mountain Cave: A Climber’s Paradise
At around 3 PM, we finally reached the cave. The sight of climbers scaling the rugged cliff face left us in awe. Jobi Mountain Cave was once a quarry, and the abandoned excavation site has since become a haven for rock climbers and backpackers. Its sheer, chiseled walls and spacious interior make it an ideal shelter from the elements.
As we waited for the climbers to finish, we explored the area and snapped some memorable shots. The natural beauty of the location, combined with our adventurous pups, made for the perfect backdrop.
A Cozy Night in the Cave
As the sun set, the cave grew colder. We set up camp near the entrance, laying out our sleeping gear while the dogs settled in. Dinner was simple but satisfying — instant noodles, kimbap, and, of course, a bottle of makgeolli. As we ate, we appreciated the shelter the cave provided from the biting night air.
A view like no other:
Stepping outside, we were greeted by a breathtaking nightscape. City lights twinkled in the distance, but the most beautiful sight was the glow of our tents inside the cave. This moment, this experience — this was exactly why we embarked on this journey.
Waking Up to a Serene Morning
With the first rays of sunlight filtering through the cave entrance, we brewed hot coffee and prepared a simple breakfast with self-heating meal packs. Our pups stretched lazily, savoring the crisp morning air. While they had slept soundly, we humans had spent the night listening to the occasional sounds of wildlife.
Byul’s morning motto: “The sleeping bag is too comfy to leave.”
A Quick Trip to the Summit
Before packing up, we decided to make a quick climb to the summit, just 100 meters above the cave. The trail, however, was steep, with wide stone steps nearly 30 cm high — too tall for small dogs like Byul. Carrying a 5kg pup up those steps felt like lifting a dumbbell! The final stretch was a rocky path that seemed a bit too dangerous for the dogs, but reaching the top was worth it. Standing there, taking in the expansive view, we finally felt like we had truly conquered Jobi Mountain.
Heading Back with a Lighter Heart
Packing up felt easier than ever. The dogs, now accustomed to our routine, waited patiently as we dismantled our tents and packed our gear. The descent was serene, with the cool morning air wrapping around us. Though we were headed back to the city, we couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to stay just a little longer.
As we walked, the dogs still had energy to spare, trotting ahead excitedly. Their enthusiasm reminded us that this wasn’t the end — just another adventure checked off our list, with many more to come.
Until Next Time, Jobi Mountain Cave
We may not know when, but we’re sure of one thing: this place is worth returning to. And as always, there are more bucket list adventures waiting for us just around the corner.
Happy trails until next time!
There’s something magical about backpacking. Every trip feels like crossing an item off our bucket list, one adventure at a time. But why do we keep escaping into nature? Perhaps it’s the moments when we yearn to step away from the bustling city life and immerse ourselves completely in the great outdoors.
This time, our journey took us to Jobi Mountain, where a quiet cave awaited. With the dream of spending a night inside a cave, we switched on adventure mode and set out for a thrilling experience.
—
Setting Off on Our Adventure
All packed and ready to go!
Excitement filled the air as we packed our gear the night before. Researching maps and reading past hikers’ records helped us plan our route. There are two main trails leading to Jobi Mountain: one from Jocheonsa Temple and another from Jobi Mountain Garden. The former is best for those aiming for the summit, while the latter offers a smoother path to the cave. As our goal was to spend a cozy night in the cave, we opted for the Jobi Mountain Garden route, fueling up with a hearty lunch before setting off.
Meet Our Four-Legged Adventurers!
This trip marked the second backpacking experience for our Border Collies, Euntak and Otteu, along with our Poodle, Mallang. Leading the pack with the most experience was Byul, the Poodle, who had already completed three trips. As soon as the backpacks came out, the dogs couldn’t contain their excitement — tail wags and eager paws told us they were more than ready!
Testing Our New Multi-Use Trash Roll-Up Pouch
In our past trips, we realized the importance of carrying a dedicated trash bag. Previously, we relied on plastic bags to collect our waste, but we wanted a more sustainable solution. That’s when the TAILHIGH team developed a reusable Trash Roll-Up Pouch and decided to test it on this trip.
The pouch comes in two sizes: a smaller one for solo backpackers and a larger version for group use. Made of durable tarpaulin, it’s easy to clean and sturdy enough to withstand rough trails without tearing. Plus, its roll-top design allows for adjustable capacity, and the buckle attachment makes it convenient to strap onto any backpack.
Wouldn’t it be great if more people adopted sustainable practices on the trail?
The Climb to Jobi Mountain Cave
Despite the heavy snowfall the previous week, the day of our hike greeted us with warm spring sunshine and a crisp breeze. It was the perfect weather for a challenging yet enjoyable trek. The well-marked trail started off gently, but as we progressed, the incline became steeper. Carrying our heavy backpacks slowed us down, and the dogs — clearly unimpressed by our pace — paused occasionally to wait for us.
Jobi Mountain Cave: A Climber’s Paradise
At around 3 PM, we finally reached the cave. The sight of climbers scaling the rugged cliff face left us in awe. Jobi Mountain Cave was once a quarry, and the abandoned excavation site has since become a haven for rock climbers and backpackers. Its sheer, chiseled walls and spacious interior make it an ideal shelter from the elements.
As we waited for the climbers to finish, we explored the area and snapped some memorable shots. The natural beauty of the location, combined with our adventurous pups, made for the perfect backdrop.
A Cozy Night in the Cave
As the sun set, the cave grew colder. We set up camp near the entrance, laying out our sleeping gear while the dogs settled in. Dinner was simple but satisfying — instant noodles, kimbap, and, of course, a bottle of makgeolli. As we ate, we appreciated the shelter the cave provided from the biting night air.
A view like no other:
Stepping outside, we were greeted by a breathtaking nightscape. City lights twinkled in the distance, but the most beautiful sight was the glow of our tents inside the cave. This moment, this experience — this was exactly why we embarked on this journey.
Waking Up to a Serene Morning
With the first rays of sunlight filtering through the cave entrance, we brewed hot coffee and prepared a simple breakfast with self-heating meal packs. Our pups stretched lazily, savoring the crisp morning air. While they had slept soundly, we humans had spent the night listening to the occasional sounds of wildlife.
Byul’s morning motto: “The sleeping bag is too comfy to leave.”
A Quick Trip to the Summit
Before packing up, we decided to make a quick climb to the summit, just 100 meters above the cave. The trail, however, was steep, with wide stone steps nearly 30 cm high — too tall for small dogs like Byul. Carrying a 5kg pup up those steps felt like lifting a dumbbell! The final stretch was a rocky path that seemed a bit too dangerous for the dogs, but reaching the top was worth it. Standing there, taking in the expansive view, we finally felt like we had truly conquered Jobi Mountain.
Heading Back with a Lighter Heart
Packing up felt easier than ever. The dogs, now accustomed to our routine, waited patiently as we dismantled our tents and packed our gear. The descent was serene, with the cool morning air wrapping around us. Though we were headed back to the city, we couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to stay just a little longer.
As we walked, the dogs still had energy to spare, trotting ahead excitedly. Their enthusiasm reminded us that this wasn’t the end — just another adventure checked off our list, with many more to come.
Until Next Time, Jobi Mountain Cave
We may not know when, but we’re sure of one thing: this place is worth returning to. And as always, there are more bucket list adventures waiting for us just around the corner.
Happy trails until next time!