Over the past few months I've become involved in a club that is unlike any other I've encountered before. The "Hash House Harriers" is a running and social club. With the slogan (title) that is used to represent this club I was instantly excited. Physical activity and beer was a winning combination in my books. What I found out is that this is not just unique to Korea. There are over 1,700 groups (Kennels) around the world and has been around since 1938.
There are multiple kennels in South Korea and mine happens to be "Southside Hash House Harriers". We meet Sunday mornings at a selected location south of the Han River at 11am. After introductions, songs and a warm up the 'pack' begins the Hash. Whether your a runner or walker it's friendly to all levels of fitness. Each "Hasher" attempts catch the 'Hares' who have left 15 minutes before everyone else. They leave a series of hashes (X's, arrows, check points, etc.) that everyone must follow. Some lead you off the trail, confuse you and direct you over obstacles including walls, water, mountains and through busy streets. Catching the Hare or "Snaring" one as it is called in Hashing lingo requires a fast pace, determination and sometimes luck. It is rarely accomplished but isn't the real goal of the Hash at all. After completing the trail the pack gathers for "Circle" where a series of celebrations, songs, awards, food and of course the Hashes beverage of choice, Beer.
Since joining back in August, I've really had a blast meeting the great people that make up my Kennel. Although it's not for everyone, with such a diverse demographic of people that make it up and the amount of new people that join each week there's gotta be something appealing about it. It's certainly made my experience of Korea that much better. Knowing that you can find a Hash anywhere in the world, lets me safely say I'll be doing it for some time to come.
There are multiple kennels in South Korea and mine happens to be "Southside Hash House Harriers". We meet Sunday mornings at a selected location south of the Han River at 11am. After introductions, songs and a warm up the 'pack' begins the Hash. Whether your a runner or walker it's friendly to all levels of fitness. Each "Hasher" attempts catch the 'Hares' who have left 15 minutes before everyone else. They leave a series of hashes (X's, arrows, check points, etc.) that everyone must follow. Some lead you off the trail, confuse you and direct you over obstacles including walls, water, mountains and through busy streets. Catching the Hare or "Snaring" one as it is called in Hashing lingo requires a fast pace, determination and sometimes luck. It is rarely accomplished but isn't the real goal of the Hash at all. After completing the trail the pack gathers for "Circle" where a series of celebrations, songs, awards, food and of course the Hashes beverage of choice, Beer.
Since joining back in August, I've really had a blast meeting the great people that make up my Kennel. Although it's not for everyone, with such a diverse demographic of people that make it up and the amount of new people that join each week there's gotta be something appealing about it. It's certainly made my experience of Korea that much better. Knowing that you can find a Hash anywhere in the world, lets me safely say I'll be doing it for some time to come.
