South Korea Explorer

A note-worthy adventure unfolded this weekend.

Starting off in a drained and delirious state as a result of ECC's Halloween party, I boarded the overnight bus heading south.

A wake up call for 5AM, and we found our way to a mist covered lake with beautiful mountain surrounds and fall colors filling the eyes. The lake is a famous spot for photography because of the trees growing in/around it and the crystal reflections in the water. The masses of Koreans were decked out with their tripods and fancy cameras. They weren't shy to holler if you were in their shot or if a kiddy (or adult) tossed a stone into the lake for the kurplunk and growing ripples.

Next stop: Joo Wong San. The trek to the top took about two hours. The view of the valley and fall leaves was 아름다운, aramdaun. Coming down was a three hour stroll along the river, leaf covered earth, Korean filled paths, and mountain trail construction sites.

Andong Hahoe was the final destination for the day. We arrived for the Traditional Mask Dance where the common trails of Korean life was played out. A poor, overworked widow, a love story between an incompatible pair, and a drunk bum.

Home for the night was traditional Korean village. Hahoe Village in Andong is a spread of thatched roofed and clay built houses, garden plots, fruit trees, and cycling adjusseis. We stayed in a 300 year old chip. Within the entry was an open courtyard where we BBQed Andong style Dakk Jjim, marinated chicken stew. There were numerous rooms for three to five sleepers that were cozy, one window niches with heated floors and piles of blankets.

Sunday was a mission underground, into the caves of Guso.

On the way back to Seoul we stopped at a location unknown to me, with a rock island and stone bridge.

We played cooks in Hoeing Sung, famous for its beef. You purchase your meat, then grab a table upstairs, and help yourself to the buffet style lettuce, garlic, and red pepper paste.

Korea in the autumn is beautiful. Weekends outside of the city almost cure my desire to be in upstate NY sipping hot cider, going to a pumpkin farm, and smelling the crisp fall air!