Korean Memorial Day.
Paul and Jenny hiking
The rocky river valley in Seoraksan
Tree leaf overhang
Paul and Jenny on the stairs to the waterfallWednesday was Memorial Day (Hyeonchung il ) in Korea, and most of us had the day off. On this day the nation pays tribute to its war dead. Memorial services are held at the National Cemetery in Seoul. Civilians and soldiers alike are honored in ceremonies held throughout the country, especially at Seoul's National Cemetary. Koreans hang out their national flag,Tae-guk-gi, at the front door of their homes to remember the civilians and soldiers who were dead during the war.
Our friend Jenny (Korean teacher at AP) had planned to do some hiking in the morning at Seoraksan, so we decided to join her. It was a perfect sunny day, and she took us on the hike to Piryoung Waterfall. It wasn't a strenuous hike--only about 5k, through forest and up some stone stairs. It was nice and cool underneath all of those mature trees, and the waterfall wound and stopped, creating small but deep pools along our walk.
When we finally got to the waterfall, we stopped and did what everyone was doing--we peeled off our socks and shoes and rested them in the cold water. There were several families doing the same, resting in that shady space and enjoying a snack. Jenny befriended a hungry chipmunk by sharing her apple, and he kept returning to beg for more. She looked so peaceful resting there on the rocks, as if she was meditating...maybe she was...
On our way back, we stopped at a series of outdoor cafes (these are all over the park, especially near big attractions), where a couple of women beckoned us to choose their spot (they entice you on the way by offering you free cold water and wine, hoping you'll eat at their cafe on the way back...). Jenny graciously offered to treat us, so we chose the second lady (who'd given us free wine!). We had a "picnic" out underneath an umbrella'd table, complete with a great view of the mountains. Our hostess brought us free potato pancake (twice!) and free wine, in addition to our meal! We bought ice cream from her as we left, and the other cafe owner became quite angry, since we hadn't chosen her. "Here! At least buy a cold drink from me!" she yelled at Jenny in Korean. She hassled us until we'd gotten clear of the cafes...pretty funny...
Our friend Jenny (Korean teacher at AP) had planned to do some hiking in the morning at Seoraksan, so we decided to join her. It was a perfect sunny day, and she took us on the hike to Piryoung Waterfall. It wasn't a strenuous hike--only about 5k, through forest and up some stone stairs. It was nice and cool underneath all of those mature trees, and the waterfall wound and stopped, creating small but deep pools along our walk.
When we finally got to the waterfall, we stopped and did what everyone was doing--we peeled off our socks and shoes and rested them in the cold water. There were several families doing the same, resting in that shady space and enjoying a snack. Jenny befriended a hungry chipmunk by sharing her apple, and he kept returning to beg for more. She looked so peaceful resting there on the rocks, as if she was meditating...maybe she was...
On our way back, we stopped at a series of outdoor cafes (these are all over the park, especially near big attractions), where a couple of women beckoned us to choose their spot (they entice you on the way by offering you free cold water and wine, hoping you'll eat at their cafe on the way back...). Jenny graciously offered to treat us, so we chose the second lady (who'd given us free wine!). We had a "picnic" out underneath an umbrella'd table, complete with a great view of the mountains. Our hostess brought us free potato pancake (twice!) and free wine, in addition to our meal! We bought ice cream from her as we left, and the other cafe owner became quite angry, since we hadn't chosen her. "Here! At least buy a cold drink from me!" she yelled at Jenny in Korean. She hassled us until we'd gotten clear of the cafes...pretty funny...
posted by streetwise at 10:36 PM
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