I met Jessie for lunch at Jeongbalsan station. Turns out that's a two-hour subway ride away from home. Jeez. So I was late, but not to worry. Jessie took me out to a buffet-style restaurant before showing me all around her neighborhood.
We bussed over to a huge street market where we wandered, examining bowls of live sea creatures and observing open-air butcher shops. On the main street adjacent to the market, one of the candidates for mayor was giving a speech from the top of a campaign bus.
Next we went to a place that was either a museum or an art gallery - I'm not sure which. It was definitely about the Joseon emperors' tombs, but most of the exhibits were modern art based on the Joseon dynasty. It was all really interesting, and some of it was a little spooky. It didn't help that two attendants in black clothing were following us everywhere (I suppose they were making sure we didn't touch anything). They kept their distance, but it was still unnerving. Especially when we walked through a dark, narrow hallway draped with silk partitions while numerous grandfather clocks softly struck six (the death hour, according to Jessie), that feeling of being followed isn't really pleasant.
Finally we went to a huge park on a lake very near Jessie's apartment. It was gorgeous there. There were cute little walking and biking paths, bridges so you could completely circumnavigate the little lake, docks and islands, sports courts... I would go back if it wasn't two hours away. Yeesh.
Okay, planning time. Right now I have a month and a half left in Asia. Next week I'm going to go to see The Phantom of the Opera with Eunmi, and then go on a trip with Kris and company to meet her parents. I don't know how long that will be, but one way or another I'll be back in time to catch my flight to Beijing on June 13nd. I'll return on the 22nd just in time to start subbing for Doug while he's in California, and immediately after that my Korean class may be planning a field trip to Busan. Then I go home.
Somewhere in there, I will find a day to go to the DMZ. I can't go to Korea without going there; it's a thing. And for those of you who are worried about me being so close to North Korea, if Kim Jong Il wants to start trouble he can drop a nuke on Seoul. Therefore, he doesn't need to waste time kidnapping tourists from off his borders. There, did I make you feel better?
Also on my list is Damyang, which I have been researching. If travel guides and a few pictures are any indication, guys, I think I already love this place. Bamboo forests! Hot springs! Limestone caves! Affordable hotels! Haha. Seriously, if I don't find a few days to spend there I'm never going to forgive myself.
And if time permits, I might try to hit Jeonju. It's lighter on the nature and heavier on the history, but it looks like fun and apparently it's known for killer bibimbap.
I'll keep you guys updated as plans change!
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Speaking of dorks! I was about to ask, "Two hours with traffic?" Then, I remembered--SUBWAY. That is a BIG city.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you . . .
Wow - sounds like you have great plans! Dad mentioned that you should be sure to go to the great wall of China when you visit China in June.
ReplyDeleteGrandma sends you her love. We just had dinner at Grandma's with Aunt Clara, Uncle Chet, Aunt Rosemary, Uncle Chet, and Roger. Tomorrow we are going to spend the day with your Bellingham causins. They are all doing Ski to Sea.
It took a while but your Mom figured it all out as I knew she would and now I can post comments and you will actually get them. I am so happy that you are taking time at this time of your life to have this great adventure. Your descriptions of Seoul are so good it is like I'm on the tour too. Since I've been back from Tucson it has been crazy. Too much happening. From now on you will get frequent comments. Today is the pre-Ski to Sea Race bash at Chet and Clara's and tomorrow is the post-Ski to Sea Race bash at Chet and Clara's. It is great to have all four here. Tom will be in later today.Gotta make a huge potato salad for the bash tomorrow.I love your blog. Grandma
ReplyDeleteHi Grandma! Man, knowing you're reading makes me feel even worse for swearing all the time, haha!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're all having a blast. I wish I could be there.
By the way, I got in at 3AM tonight so I'm going to write my next post tomorrow morning. Sorry for the delay. :)
Hi Christina, It's always fun and fresh for me to read your blog, as a person who came from there! I'm glad you could make Jeongbalson(it's one of areas in Ilsan). My parents are living there now and I love that big man-made lake and the park. Ilsan is out of Seoul but it's like a Seoul Metro(Tigard is like a Portland Metro).
ReplyDeleteYou should visit Jeonju if you really want to try the real good food and more traditional atmosphere. I was raised in that area until I was in the middle school and then we moved to Seoul so i can tell Jeonju is my home town.
You're very smart that you already figured out Damyang in the tour list. Bamboo forest would make you feel peaceful and give you the mediation. Oh i should mention about the food too in Damyang. All Jeolado area(including Jeonju and Damyang) has the fantastic food with the reasonable price.
Thank you for allowing me to brag/share my information on Korea with you! Take care!