Kim Dong-wan sends cheering message from Komakusa Plain after completing Daisetsuzan traverse

1057th Mountain Video Album>

'Asian Games Project' Part 2: Walking through the Garden of the Gods, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido

Kim Dong-wan marvels at Komakusa Plain, where the 'Queen of Alpine Plants' blooms in the barren volcanic zone

Broadcast: September 27, 2026 (Sun) 6:55 AM KBS 2TV

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. At its center lies Daisetsuzan National Park, designated as a national park in 1934. Daisetsuzan, a complex volcanic group formed by massive volcanic activity, boasts a scale so vast it is called a world unto itself rather than just a single mountain. With peaks rising in succession above 2,000m, it is a place frequently visited by those wishing to enjoy a traverse hike. To cheer for the South Korean national team's success at the 'Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games' to be held in Japan in 2026, mountain photographer Lee Sang-eun and singer and actor Kim Dong-wan set out for Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido.

The journey continues from Mount Asahidake. Being an alpine area where the sun does not shine well, they descend the slopes while stepping through patches of lingering snow that remain even in midsummer. Ironically, at the edges of the snow, wildflower meadows unfold. It is a landscape like a gift from nature where summer and winter meet. Beyond that, the path ahead and the mountain ranges stretching into the distance are visible at a glance. Moving forward, they reach the Ohachidaira Caldera, which spans approximately 2km in diameter. It is a massive basin created by a large-scale eruption about 30,000 years ago, and volcanic gases are still being emitted within it. Looking at the magnificent appearance of the seemingly endless caldera, they feel the vastness of Daisetsuzan.

Climbing along the rim of the crater, they reach the summit of Mount Hokkaidake. Mount Asahidake now appears small in the distance. The group, exhausted from the long journey, encourages each other with songs as they head toward Kurodake Ishimuro. This place has served as an important base for the Daisetsuzan traverse for about 100 years. They spend a night resting their tired bodies at this place, which acts like a comma where one can catch their breath during the long traverse. After enduring the cold seeping into the stone room and properly feeling the alpine night, they move toward Mount Kurodake the next day, greeting a new sun.

A path walking through low-growing conifers while enduring strong winds. At Mount Kurodake, where volcanic activity has ceased, they encounter a much more peaceful side of the mountain. After climbing through scree zones and stone stairs, they arrive at the summit of Mount Kurodake. Looking back at the path they walked starting from Mount Asahidake, they admire the wide world of Daisetsuzan. They then move to Sounkyo. Sounkyo is a massive canyon formed along the Ishikari River, where columnar joints created by the large-scale volcanic activity of Daisetsuzan form a spectacular sight. After admiring the refreshing scenery of Ryusei Falls falling powerfully along the cliffs, they head toward Mount Akadake, another peak of Daisetsuzan, which is named for being dyed red with autumn foliage.

The hike to Mount Akadake begins at Ginsendai, at an altitude of 1,490m. It is a mountain where footsteps of people wishing to enjoy winter sports never cease due to the vast areas of lingering snow. After passing through the 1st Flower Garden and 2nd Flower Garden, where lingering snow and meadows harmonize, they reach Komakusa Plain, called the 'Queen of Alpine Plants' for blooming even in the barren volcanic zone. A wondrous landscape that seems to traverse design, flower gardens, time, and seasons. Walking while feeling the mysteries of nature, they finally stand on the summit of Mount Akadake. Deep within the embrace of Daisetsuzan, they convey their cheering hearts to South Korea, containing the passion they felt with their entire bodies during the long time spent walking.

◆ Cast: Mountain photographer Lee Sang-eun, singer and actor Kim Dong-wan ◆ Route: Ginsendai – 1st Flower Garden - Mount Akadake summit (2,078m) / Round trip approx. 8km, takes approx. 6 hours

(Photo provided = KBS 1TV 'Mountain Video Album')

◆ At a Glance

· Publishing Institution: KBS

· Category: Mountain Video Album

· Distribution: September 23, 10:27

Source: KBS Press Release

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