Let me out! I’m sleeping outside tonight.

17°C below zero outside and you have nothing but your tent to rely on as you lie down to sleep.

Imagine that for a second. To backpacker Eomji Dongsan, it’s called pure exhilaration. She finds joy in these extreme conditions, heading out for outdoor overnighters almost every other week.

A devoted fan of the brand AND WANDER, Eomji Dongsan isn’t just braving the cold, she’s showing us all what it means to live fully. We sat down with this adventurous creator to talk about life, style, and what keeps her returning to the wilderness.

    

   

Q1. Nice to meet you! Could you introduce yourself to the readers of jente store? 

Hi, I’m Eomji Dongsan, also known as Lee Ah-jung. I love sleeping outside — simple as that.

    

Q2. ‘I want to sleep outside’ is such a memorable phrase. What’s the appeal of sleeping outdoors? 

Honestly, saying ‘I want to sleep outside’ starts from a place of discomfort. But that discomfort is exactly what makes backpacking so thrilling.

I’m scared of the dark, terrified of bugs, and super sensitive to the cold. It’s obviously uncomfortable not being at home, but to sleep outside you have to overcome those fears. I think I gain a sense of accomplishment and mental strength through that discomfort.

    

Q3. How many times did you hike in 2024?

I think I went about 30 times last year. Considering there are 52 weeks in a year, that’s almost every other week.

 

  

Q4. What’s a full-course hike you would recommend?

Here’s a solid hiking course for you:

1. 1. 1. Climb Akgeo Peak (Akgeobong)
      2. Grab coffee or pizza at Lake & Mountain
      3. Head to Manseon Restaurant for spicy pork stir-fry and soybean paste stew (je-yuk + doenjang jjigae)
      4. Wrap up at Arc’teryx Yeoju outlet (second floor, 10–50% discounts)

 

Q5. Spending so much time in nature must have changed your perspective on life. How has it affected you?

It’s taught me the importance of living simply and humbly. Nature doesn’t demand much. With just sunlight, rain, and the bare minimum, it shows us how to live fully.

   

Q6. Nature’s beauty hits differently. What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while hiking?

Watching the sunrise and sea of clouds (unhae) from 1,500 meters above sea level. The sky, painted in red hues, and the white landscape below are sights I’ll never forget. It was a moment of awe with a combination of natural beauty I’d never seen before.

    

Gariwangsan

 

Q7. Camping and backpacking require a lot of effort. What made you start?

Honestly, there wasn’t a dramatic reason. A dear friend suggested it. We were eating, and they told me to buy a backpack. I had no idea that moment would lead to where I am now. I still remember the meal: grilled pork ribs, haha. After that first trip, I wanted to spend more time doing it with my friend, so I just kept going with them. Now I love it so much that I go solo.

 

Q8. Nature can be unpredictable. What’s the toughest situation you’ve faced outdoors?

Winter backpacking during a snowstorm with strong winds comes to mind. The wind was so fierce in the open field that I could barely stand, and my 10 kg backpack was rolling all over the place. I had to use my crampons to pin down my tent, it was a limited edition tent, and let’s just say it’s now an exclusive ‘punctured edition.’

 

Q9. Climbing mountains is tough even without gear. How heavy is your backpack?

It’s usually around 7 to 8 kg. When I’m traveling super light, it’s about 3kg.

  

  

Q10. How do you recharge your energy during hikes? 

I keep going by thinking about the beer I’ll have at the summit, and the delicious food waiting for me when I get back down. (If you’re looking for a quick boost, I recommend the energy gel.)

 

 

Q11. What are three must-have items for camping or backpacking?

Sleeping bag, air mattress, and alcohol!

  

Q12. I bet you need a lot of survival gear. Are you naturally a planner?

I’m a ‘planned’ ENFP. I make grand plans but always manage to forget one or two things… Still, I’m the type to enjoy whatever comes my way. Happy-go-lucky!

 

Gariwangsan

  

Q13. Is there a place in Korea that made you think, ‘Wow, this country is stunning’?

Definitely Gariwang Mountain (Gariwangsan). It’s home to rare plants and animals, and it’s a government-designated mountain. I was in awe the whole climb. (Even the ‘hell stairs’ had me gasping, but in a good way!)

Note: According to the Korea Forest Service, Gariwangsan isn’t officially a no-backpacking zone, but interpretations vary depending on the situation. It’s not a national park, which is often cited as the reason backpacking is allowed. Regulations differ for each mountain, and backpacking permissions aren’t always clear.

 

Q14. Summer mountains vs. winter mountains?

Winter mountains, hands down. Summer is just a war with bugs. (I’m more scared of bugs than ghosts!)

  

Q15. What’s your outdoor goal for 2025?

I want to spend more time in nature than at home!

 

Raichosawa, Japan

   

Eomji Dongsan at Home

 

Q16. How is Eomji Dongsan at home different from Eomji Dongsan in nature?

In nature, I’m relaxed and focused on rest. At home, I’m a whirlwind. Working, cleaning, cooking, thinking… I can’t stand the idea of wasting time doing nothing!

   

Q17. What do you do for work?

I majored in visual design and now work as a freelancer. I mainly create brand logos and concepts.

  

Q18. What’s your wardrobe like?

It’s basically a crow’s nest. 70% outdoor gear, 30% everyday clothes.

  

  

Q18. Your favorite fashion brand is AND WANDER, right?

Out of all the outdoor brands, I love and wander the most. For everyday wear, I go for amomento. I’m really into the stories behind brands. When branding is well done, the clothes just naturally appeal to me.

Take and wander, for example. The designer, Keita Ikeuchi, used to work at Issey Miyake Men. He started the brand because he couldn’t find any clothes he liked for camping. Their philosophy is all about strengthening the link between fashion and the outdoors, and I deeply relate to that, which makes me love the brand even more.

  

Q19. How does your style differ between casual wear and camping?

For outdoor looks, I accessorize a lot to add flair. For casual wear, I keep it minimal and simple, choosing timeless pieces that complement my outdoor gear.

I think my goal is to blur the lines between the two. I want ‘Eomji Dongsan’ to become more than just a persona.I want it to reflect my identity. I want my style and hobbies to connect through that name.

    

   

Q20. What’s your at-home goal for 2025? 

To become as relaxed at home as I am in nature. And to build a huge room for all my clothes and gear!

  

Q21. Any beginner-friendly spots you’d recommend for someone starting backpacking? I’m thinking of giving it a try.

To be honest, it’s easier to stick with it if your first experience is comfortable. I recommend Nami Island. (It’s not a mountain, though!)

  

Q22. Some things can only be understood through experience. How has backpacking changed the way you see nature?

Honestly, my perspective hasn’t changed much. Nature has always been precious to me, and spending time in it still makes me happy. One thing that’s different now is noticing how much nature is hurting due to environmental issues, like the seasons being out of sync or trash left on trails. It’s heartbreaking.

  

Q23. Final question. What does backpacking mean to you?

It’s a hobby that lets me slow down and enjoy life. The world today moves fast, like Instagram Reels. Everything is quick, convenient, and stimulating, but with backpacking you have to invest time and effort to experience the joy of reaching the summit. It’s a hobby that’s incredibly meaningful to me.

Home is comfortable, but nature brings me back to my essence. The discomfort out there helps me grow and enriches my life. Being in nature, where nothing is expected of me, is the best stress relief.