Under a clear autumn sky, 18 international hikers from diverse backgrounds gathered outside Exit 1 of Gwanaksan Station on Monday to kick off the three-week "2026 Seoul Hiking Week: Autumn." Their objective for Day 1 was Mount Hoam, one of the peaks on the larger Mount Gwanak in southern Seoul, an "extreme course" route designed to showcase Seoul's rugged urban terrain. Running through Nov. 15, the Seoul Hiking Week is centered around three mountains in Seoul: Mount Bukhan, Mount Bugak and Mount Gwanak. Before hitting the trail, participants stopped at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center directly connected to the station. By scanning a simple QR code, trekkers accessed a complimentary equipment rental service that provided everything from hiking poles, gloves and backpacks to windbreakers and hiking boots. After a quick group stretch at the trailhead, the multinational group set off into the forest. Just minutes into the uphill climb, the trail passed a row of wooden statues lined up along the left side of the path. The lead guide paused to explain the cultural signpost, noting they were "w