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Published: June 26th 2013
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Traditional Korean outfit
No smiles from this soldier, though that robe looks pretty silky and comfortable! The final trip around Korea began with my jet-lagged father arriving in Seoul around midnight, followed by an hour of searching for the Sunshine Guesthouse in the busiest district of the city. There wasn't a lack of people willing to help us find the illustrious guesthouse, the problem was- all their directions were inaccurate. Finally, we somehow weaved our way down a back alley and saw the glowing fluorescent lights of SUNSHINE in tacky green and yellow hues. We were thrilled. I don't think my dad's head even touched the pillow before he was out like a light.
The following two weeks were a whirlwind.
We spent the first few days in Seoul, then a few days in a UNESCO town called Gyeongju, then a day in Busan, followed by three days on Jeju Island, then back to Seoul.
We had some unforgettable adventures, of which I will highlight a few of my favourite times and memories. One quote we will never forget, told to us by the man we rented bikes from on Jeju Island, in stilted English:
You know bike trip is ova when you reach light horses. Two light horses.
Assuming he of course meant to say "light houses" I corrected him twice, but he was insistent, so
Two Light Horses
Who had the last laugh? I eventually gave up, with a smile and a nod, and we were on our way. Sure enough, after a few hours of biking along the beautiful coast, we came to a beach. In the distance I could see two light houses in the shape of
horses, proudly standing like a beacon in all their glory! I guess our bike renter had the last laugh after all.
Another wonderful person we met on Jeju Island was Mr. Park. He drove us around half the island, and insisted on calling dad "Meester Bas" the whole day. He would drop us off at different tourist hotspots and then linger in the parking lot, chatting away to what seemed like half the island's population. He had friends everywhere we went, and would briefly introduce us to them before briskly leading us to the next location. We will never forget him!
Key highlights:
Dad's favourite food: Korean pancakes (filled with octopus, peppers and onions).
Favourite landmark: Lava tube (a one-kilometer-long underground tunnel of hardened lava).
Busiest place: Seoul subway (often had to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Koreans).
Biggest culture shock: Seeing hikers covered from head-to-toe, including face masks, gloves
and visors, to avoid the harsh, UV rays to upkeep their pale beauty. (Even in 25+ weather).
Unique experience: Visiting cat cafe
Scariest moment: Approaching the North Korean border and passing turrets with soldiers every few minutes, and seeing nothing but barbed wire fences and vacant fields.
Religious experience: Witnessing diligent Buddhists chanting and bowing to a huge, golden Buddha in a temple at the top of a mountain.
Overall, we were impressed with Korean people. Whenever we appeared to be lost, there was always someone who would stop and do their best to help, usually in stilted English. As well, it was clear that Korea was a hard working society, with a strong focus on family. It was also evident that Seoul was very modern; ahead of Canada in many ways. This was apparent in their efficient subway system, their buildings and technology.
Dad and I had such a great time- it was hard to believe two weeks was over, but before we knew it we were on the Incheon bridge heading to the airport. Now for the twelve hour flight, which happen to be on my birthday!
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Nice photo
Great shot.