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Colorado Saram

Korean: 콜로라도 사람

One who Embodies the Colorado Spirit of Outdoor Adventure

Colorado Saram

Korean: 콜로라도 사람

One who embodies the Colorado Spirit of Outdoor Adventure

Colorado Saram

Korean: 콜로라도 사람

One who embodies the Colorado Spirit of Outdoor Adventure

Welcome to Colorado Saram, the travel blog of John Buckley, a Colorado native and lifelong traveler. Born and raised in the ski resort town of Vail, I worked in resort PR before catching the travel bug, which led to a ski season in New Zealand and a year-long, solo, round-the-world adventure.

That year abroad changed the course of my life, eventually making South Korea feel like a second home. Despite years of international travel, I’ve always kept my Colorado roots close to my heart.

My goal is to use my passion for international outdoor adventure to serve as your guide to:

Colorado-Inspired Travel Adventures in Asia & Beyond

Fresh Tracks

Latest Blog Posts

Skiing at Mona Yongpyong Resort in South Korea: Standing at the summit of the Rainbow chairlift in Mona Park, with the Olympic rings in the background.
BoardsFeaturedSki & Snowboard South KoreaSouth Korea Life & Travel

Yongpyong Resort: Olympic-Quality Skiing & Snowboarding in South Korea

Discover the Olympic-quality slopes of Mona Yongpyong Resort in this in-depth guide.

Whether you're a beginner, an advanced skier, or a snowboarder, find out which of the resort's four distinct zones suits your style. Learn about ski lessons with English-speaking instructors, trail maps, dining options, and more.

Let me help you plan your next winter adventure in South Korea!

Read More

Skiers enjoying winter sports at High 1 Resort, Gangwon Province, South Korea
BoardsFeaturedSki & Snowboard South KoreaSouth Korea Life & Travel

High 1 Resort: A Complete Guide to Skiing and Year-Round Outdoor Activities

Planning a ski trip to South Korea? Look no further than High 1 Resort, one of the top destinations for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

This guide covers everything from accommodations and ski trails to gear rentals and dining options. Discover the resort’s dog-friendly ‘Pet Club’ Hill Condo, lift ticket prices, as well as summer trekking activities.

I’ll share personal tips and insider info to help you make the most of your High 1 Resort adventure, whether you’re visiting in winter or summer.

Read More

Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots in blue and white, a high-performance alpine ski boot designed for expert skiers.
GearBoardsFeatured

Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 Ski Boot Review for Advanced Skiers

A seasoned, former racer reviews the Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots. As a high-performance, low-volume option geared towards expert skiers, they offer heat-moldable customization, a stiff flex rating of 130 for control, and GripWalk soles for versatile terrain navigation. Priced at $799.95, the Salomon S/Pro Alpha 130 ski boots represent a sound investment in skiing performance and comfort for serious skiers.

Read More

Man posing with a dog on a viewing deck at the top of the Daegwallyeong Han Neul Sky Ranch trekking trail, South Korea.
BootsFeaturedPawsSouth Korea Life & Travel

Year-Round Trekking and Camping in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-Do, South Korea

In 2024, I explored Gangwon-Do’s diverse outdoor offerings through dog-friendly adventures at Pure Sheep Ranch, Han Neul Sky Ranch, and Sanneomi Ranch. This guide captures my experiences in both summer and winter, showcasing the best of trekking and camping in this stunning South Korean province.

Pure Sheep Ranch and Han Neul Sky Ranch offered incredible landscapes and memorable trekking opportunities, each revealing the region’s natural beauty across the seasons. My summer camping experience at Sanneomi Ranch added another layer to our adventures, blending comfort with nature.

While I considered Samyang Roundhill Ranch, its no-dog policy prevented me from including a personal account. However, it remains a notable option for those without furry companions.

Join me as I explore these scenic spots and share tips for making the most of your outdoor experiences in Gangwon-Do.

Read More

Traveler using Airalo eSIM to access internet on their phone while exploring Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
FeaturedGearVietnam

Untethering from WiFi in Vietnam: A Traveler’s Guide to Airalo eSIM Cards (2024)

For a two-week trip to Vietnam in summer 2024, I decided to purchase my first eSIM card.

Prior to this experience, I knew very little about what eSIMs were, how to buy and activate one, and what to expect once I set foot abroad and attempted to put my phone to use without the need to connect to wobbly airport WiFi.

The following is a guide to the setup process and everything I learned along the way.

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At the top of Sky Ranch in Gangwon Province, South Korea
Alcohol-Free Life & TravelFeatured

Embracing Sobriety: Reflections on My First Year Completely Alcohol-Free

As I celebrate my first full year without alcohol, I look back on the journey and reflect on all the positive changes its absence has brought to my life.

Without minimizing its power, the hold alcohol had on my life feels released. I have no desire to go back to it.

Although it may always be lurking over my shoulder, I rarely even think about it anymore.

I don’t hold any grudges towards it; it gave me some of the best memories of my life. However, it became unsustainable.

They say the opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s indifference. And that’s where I choose to place alcohol for as long as I can.

I just don’t need it anymore.

Read More

The author loads his dog into the car on a ski trip in Gangwon Province, South Korea.
FeaturedSouth Korea Life & Travel

Drive in South Korea: A Complete Foreigner’s Guide

South Korea has a remarkably affordable and well-run public transportation network, making it relatively easy to get around without a car, especially in the major cities.

However, whether you are traveling in South Korea for a short time or living there long-term, having the ability to drive a car can make traveling around the country much easier.

It opens up difficult-to-access parts of the country and allows you to explore much deeper and get off-the-beaten-path.

Read More

What’s a Colorado Saram:

What's a Colorado Saram:

Colorado Saram:

What's a Colorado Saram:

Whether you live in Colorado, have visited on vacation, or have never even heard of it, if you seek to explore the natural world, then you are a Colorado Saram.

Translation: a Colorado person

Think of it like the movie Goodfellas: You ski, you hike, and you like to travel to interesting places. You seek outdoor adventures. Maybe you even have a dog.

In the words of Henry Hill:

“Like you’d say to somebody, ‘You’re gonna like this person. They’re all right. They’re one of us.’”

They’re a Colorado Saram.

My goal is to embrace the adventurous spirit that defines us, but also to inspire exploration beyond our borders—whether you’re from Colorado or anywhere else in the world.

Whether you live in Colorado, have visited on vacation, or have never even heard of it, if you seek to explore the natural world, then you are a Colorado Saram.

Translation: a Colorado person

Think of it like the movie Goodfellas: You ski, you hike, and you like to travel to interesting places. You seek outdoor adventures. Maybe you even have a dog.

In the words of Henry Hill:

"Like you’d say to somebody, ‘You’re gonna like this person. They’re all right. They’re one of us.’"

They’re a Colorado Saram.

My goal is to embrace the adventurous spirit that defines us, but also to inspire exploration beyond our borders—whether you're from Colorado or anywhere else in the world.

Befriended by Myanmar Monks

Getting Off the Beaten Path

Yangon Township, Myanmar

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal

Heading into the Himalayas

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Teaching the family trade to my new wife in Korea

Skiing Across Borders

Hokkaido, Japan

Teaching the family trade to my new wife in Korea

Dog-Friendly Travel

Jeju Island, South Korea

Trail Map

Content Categories

The author of Colorado Saram skis at Silverton, Colorado.

Boards

Explore My Top International Skiing & Snowboarding Content

Join me on the slopes!

The author of Colorado Saram skis at Silverton, Colorado.

Ski South Korea

Discover the Best Ski Resort Guides in South Korea!

The author of Colorado Saram skis at Silverton, Colorado.

Beaches

International Beach Adventures

Join me on distant beaches!

Dog Friendly Stand Up Paddling in Jeju Island.

Boots

Explore International Hiking & Trekking Adventures

Lace up your boots and hit the trails with me!

Dog Friendly Stand Up Paddling in Jeju Island.

Paws

Dog-Friendly Travel in South Korea

Explore dog-friendly destinations and adventures with us!

Dog Friendly Stand Up Paddling in Jeju Island.

South Korea

Experience the Best of South Korea

Explore the great outdoors in this mountainous country surrounded by stunning beaches!

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

Anthony Bourdain