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

A family with a border collie poses on the deck of a ferry sailing from mainland South Korea to Jeju Island.
FeaturedPawsSouth Korea Life & Travel

Smooth Sailing: Complete Guide to Jeju Island Ferry Travel

If you’ve decided to visit Jeju Island, South Korea, you’ll soon confront a crucial question: How do I get there? Unless you’re an Olympic swimmer, you essentially have two options: fly or take a ferry. I share my personal experience and explain why opting for the ferry might be your best choice. I’ll also guide you through the process, including how I brought my own car and dog along, to help you decide if Jeju Island Ferry travel is the best option for you.

Read More

A person is skiing at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, wearing Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots and K2 Pontoon skis. The skis were later transported back to South Korea in the Sukoa padded ski bag.
BoardsFeaturedGear

Sukoa Premium Padded Ski Bag: My Top Pick for Air Travel in 2024

After years of using rental skis in South Korea, I recently purchased the Sukoa Premium Padded Ski Bag to transport my old K2 Pontoon skis from Colorado to live with me in Korea. Though the Sukoa was the right choice for me, I delve into several more expensive options like the TOURIT Rolling Ski and Boot Bag Combo and the Thule Roundtrip Ski Bag which may suit those willing to pay a bit more for rolling capabilities.

Read More

A woman in a bright pink ski suit and a white helmet with a shiny blue visor is skiing down a beginner slope at Muju Deogyusan Resort.
BoardsFeaturedSki & Snowboard South KoreaSouth Korea Life & Travel

A Complete Guide to Muju Deogyusan Resort: a Hidden Gem in South Korea

Muju Deogyusan Resort is a hidden gem resort destination in South Korea's Jeollabuk-Do province. Compared to the popular resorts in Gangwon-Do, Muju's distance from Seoul makes it a more quaint alternative ski destination. This laid-back resort caters to all skill levels and offers diverse accommodation options. Check out this guide and review with terrain highlights, and practical tips for visitors.

Read More

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.

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