What happens when you take people who have never hiked before and bring them to climb one of South Korea's level 3 most difficult mountains? This is the concept of "Take A Hike!", the latest reality show by Park Hyun-Yong in collaboration with Na Yeong-seok, the producer behind popular shows like Three Meals a Day and Jinny's Kitchen.
Take A Hike! gathers four Korean celebrities who have never hiked before—some even dislike it—to journey together. The cast includes Car from The Garden, a famous singer; Lee Chae-min, actor from "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty"; Dowoon, drummer of DAY6; and Tarzzan, rapper from Allday Project. While some have a fitness routine, others have almost no experience, especially Car and Lee Chae-min, who openly dislike hiking. The show's appeal lies in its realism and straightforwardness, as in the first episode viewers learn the cast was invited to discuss a show without knowing it involved hiking, making their surprised reactions a key source of entertainment.
The hiking routes are divided among different mountains. The first featured is Seorak Mountain, the tallest in the Taebaek range and ranked as the third most difficult hiking trail in the country. Other mountains include Hallasan and the Yeongnam range. Everyone, including the cast and production team, must prepare well. Expert guides oversee the group from a distance, teaching proper layering of clothing and safety protocols. Within the group, roles are assigned as fun gimmicks, such as treasurer or group leader.
"No one is putting on airs or acting in the show," Na Yeong-seok said. "Everyone is very straightforward and genuine. Take Lee Chae-min, who seems calm on the outside but is actually quite talkative when you get to know him. I realized there are sides to him the public hasn’t seen." Lee Chae-min holds the role of the group's diplomat. The group jokingly says he’s a good communicator who asks many questions. He also honestly admitted in a pre-show survey that he “hates hiking the most.”
The show's comic relief is Car from The Garden, or Cha Jung-won. At over 30 years old and with a lifestyle unrelated to exercise, he popularized the catchphrase, “Why climb mountains? You’ll just walk down anyway.” He is the most discouraged member and uninterested even when told about the beauty of nature. Car serves as the group's treasurer, managing finances during rest stops.
Dowoon, DAY6’s drummer, acts as the group's secretary and errand runner, handling equipment and organizing food supplies. The youngest member, Tarzzan, is appointed as the group’s president due to his exercise experience. His cheerful attitude provides positive energy to everyone during the climbs.
"My goal is to create a new generation of reality stars for the next 10 years," Na Yeong-seok explained. "So I invited people no one expected, who can then make people think, ‘Wow, they’re actually this talented.’"
More than just a reality show, it's a form of South Korean tourism soft power.
Beyond entertainment, Na Yeong-seok also aims to promote South Korea’s hiking culture. With about 70 percent of the country mountainous, South Korea offers numerous national parks and hiking trails. You don’t even have to leave Seoul to hike; nearby green spaces and Bukhansan Mountain—recognized by Guinness World Records as the most visited national park—draw over five million visitors annually.
This ongoing hiking culture dates back to the 17th-century Joseon era when nobility hiked for relaxation. While hiking was once associated with middle-aged people, it has become popular among young adults in their 20s and 30s seeking stress relief and digital detox. This trend also fuels outdoor fashion, with more stores opening and local brands like Black Yak, Millet, and K2 gaining prominence. The Black Yak 100 Mountain Challenge offers certificates to those who complete it. Some hikers pursue spiritual reasons, believing in receiving energy through geomancy from mountains like Gwanak in Seoul, thought to bring wealth, career luck, and investment success. Others practice barefoot hiking, called "manbal deungsan," to connect with nature and reduce stress.
With increasing hikers, the South Korean government is enhancing trails for safety and ease, adding photo spots marking altitude achievements. However, this surge sparks debates among conservationists about environmental impact, posing a challenge to balance nature preservation with tourism.
Take A Hike! not only entertains but also educates viewers about each mountain and trail, showcasing stunning natural views. Airing on Netflix, it serves as a global invitation to hikers, signaling that South Korea offers adventurous challenges comparable to Japan, Nepal, and South America. Much like Korean dramas and films subtly promote Korean culture, especially cuisine, the show highlights hiking culture as another cultural export, just as Korean instant noodles, street BBQ, and makgeolli have introduced Korean flavors worldwide.
Take A Hike! has 10 episodes currently available on Netflix.
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