Colorado
An American state in the Rocky Mountains, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, and a contagious spirit of adventure.
Saram 사람
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 a travel bug bit. This led to a ski season in New Zealand in coordination with a year-long, solo, round-the-world adventure.
That year abroad changed my life’s trajectory, eventually leading me to consider South Korea a second home. Through many years of international travel, I’ve always kept my Colorado roots close to the 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
Getting Off the Beaten Path
Yangon Township, Myanmar
Heading into the Himalayas
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Teaching a New Colorado Saram to Ski
Vivaldi Park, South Korea
Dog-Friendly Travel
Jeju Island, South Korea
Fresh Tracks
Latest Blog Posts
Mona Yongpyong Resort: Olympic-Quality Skiing and 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ruffwear Front Range vs. Switchbak, Singletrak, and OneTigris: Dog Pack Review
The review explores the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack, which was trail-tested with my Border Collie, Winnie. Although pleased with the sturdiness and design, I reflect on the fact that a more compact option like the Ruffwear Switchbak may have been more suitable for my dog and our lack of deep backcountry adventures. I delve into additional alternatives such as the pricier Ruffwear Singletrak, which offers hydration bladders, and the
more economical OneTigris Dog Pack.
Exploring Jeju Island: A 5-Day Dog-Friendly Adventure Itinerary
In summer 2023, we packed up the family car in Daegu, South Korea and traveled to Jeju Island by ferry. This is a dog-friendly, 5-day itinerary of our adventure.
Trail Map
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Boards
Explore My Top International Skiing & Snowboarding Content
Join me on the slopes!
Ski South Korea
Discover the Best Ski Resort Guides in South Korea!
Beaches
International Beach Adventures
Join me on distant beaches!
Boots
Explore International Hiking & Trekking Adventures
Lace up your boots and hit the trails with me!
Paws
Dog-Friendly Travel in South Korea
Explore dog-friendly destinations and adventures with us!
South Korea
Experience the Best of South Korea
Explore the great outdoors in this mountainous country surrounded by stunning beaches!
The story begins in Colorado
A hike in Borneo leads to a new path
A ski season in New Zealand broadens my horizons
Korea becomes a second home.
Colorado Saram is born.
Are you a Colorado Saram?
“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.”