Herb Island, located in Northern South Korea, is a beautiful mountain oasis dedicated to health and well-being. It is inspired by European architecture and boasts beautiful flowers all over the grounds. We took a chance to enjoy the final blooms before winter settles in and drink cozy herbal tea in the tea shop. It was a wonderful day.

A beautiful and chilly fall day-- fall and winter are fighting and winter is about to win. Soaking up the last glimmer of oranges and yellows high in the Korean mountains. And a visit to Chiaksan National Park with more of a country feel to life. Small villages and local produce stands set the tone for a cozy day in the woods. We stayed the night at Alpensia Ski Resort in Pyeongchang where the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held.  

Visiting with some kind ladies curious about us. Chiaksan National Park did not have any other foreigners.

Irrigation on kettle-full at a time.

A local selling indigenous produce at a road-side stand.

Low-tech bridge.

Last chance for food and drinks before heading up the mountain. 

Ominous dragon guarding the mountains.

Buddhist monks and a bridge crossing at Odaesan National Park.