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Kim, 23, a university student who enjoys hiking as a hobby, visited Mount Bukhan last month after a friend recommended it. The trip was part of what young Koreans are calling “fortune hiking” — climbing mountains believed to improve luck. Recently, online posts claiming that Mount Bukhan brings success in business and leadership have spread widely on social media. Kim said the hike was meant to help “improve personal fortune.” “I actually started two new tutoring jobs after the hike,” Kim said. “I don’t think it happened because I went to the mountain, but it still made me feel good somehow.” Another college student, Choi, 22, said a visit to Mount Gwanak with family members came after the student’s mother saw a television program claiming that “wishes come true if you climb Mount Gwanak three times.” “At the time, I was going through a difficult period so part of me wanted to believe it,” Choi said. “We talked about our wishes together while climbing, and after some of the problems were resolved, I think it gave me emotional comfort.” Fortune hiking has