Korea (Part 1)

You know what? I’m feeling some Korea nostalgia right now. And this is probably as good a time as any other to have a Korea post a la Hoe’s.

South Korea is a unique place, especially if you’ve read anything about the Korean War. Once again, as in Italy, the weight of history clashes with the wave of modernity. Buddhist shrines reside on high hills, while Christian evangelists march the crowded byways of the city. Nature morphs into urbanity. The glass-clad skyscrapers of Seoul rub shoulders with hastily reconstituted buildings, leftovers from the Korean Conflict.

The first day was mostly spent in Singapore. I played KotOR for 4 hours. Then, in the evening, it was off to Changi where I visited the rather impressive Terminal 3. The flight was dreary, but sleep was in order.

The second day saw the start of a brilliant rampage through Korea’s considerable natural beauty and rich history. The climate, of course, was a welcome change from Singapore’s (at the time) stifling rain-threatening gloom. It was freezing cold. Which is always a plus.

Us outside Incheon. I blame poor lighting and Facebook’s image compression for the bad quality.

The ride to the DMZ was replete with natural wonders (which equates to anything that does not resemble a coconut tree to us tropical Singaporeans). Mountains, breath that mists, huge expanses of farmland, enormous blue sky, strange road signs, and driving on the right side of the road are some of the examples.

The DMZ itself was not without its own peculiar brand of resonance. Far from studying the Korean War in a classroom, the physical artifacts of the North-South split spoke powerfully of the reality of war. Korea, unlike Singapore, had a great sense of historical baggage. No matter how modern it may be, the truth of the DMZ is a constant reminder that Korea’s history still haunts it today, and is still a part of its cultural and national identity.

Case in point, une!

That’s North Korea. Yes, North Korea. Woo.

Us, braving cold and North Korean vistas.

Relic of the Korean War.

Nice picture of Korea’s natural splendour.

After DMZ, we went on to visit Nami Island, which is some kind of shrine to Winter Sonata, the Korean drama. Naturally, my interests lay primarily elsewhere: in the appreciation of natural beauty, throwing stones at frozen ponds, and obsessively taking pictures of colourful leaves.

Nice tree with leaves.

More natural beauty.

After which we returned to our place of residence, the Vivaldi Park Ski resort, the best hotel of the three we would be staying in in Korea. It’s got an entire shopping belt, a nearby water theme park, the ski facilities, and a nice bar, as well as heated floors and beauteous natural environs.

Having furtive sips of alcoholic beverages to celebrate Korea’s first snow.

Next morning’s snow layer. Gorgeous.

Winter is beautiful.

Unfortunately, no pictures of the skiing slopes were taken, and with good reason. Beginner’s skiing mandates that you fall over often.

Okay. Part two shall chronicle days 3 – 6.

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