Spring Arbor University Crusader

Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Features

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A country filled with so much culture and fashion that you might get overloaded. But guess what? I didn’t—in fact, I loved every bit of South Korea. The people were amazing and inviting. Initially, there was hesitation in interacting with the Korean people, but all you have to do is say ‘hi’ in Korea and they are off and running with a conversation.

The majority of the time we were in Seoul, which I think was the best possible decision that Dave Hopper ever made. When culture shock and language barriers showed up Seoul was the place to be. There were English translations in all the subways and the majority of the restaurants.  

What I appreciate now that I didn’t then was the hikes that we took to various places. For instance we hiked a trail right by the youth hostel that we stayed at then from there we took a cable car to Seoul Tower.  There were kids running around, older people talking, and a group of guys doing some form of martial arts with sticks. It looked complicated but they were all in unison and had a certain grace about it.

While in Seoul we went to the Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea. The DMZ brings you back to reality of the situation going on there. American and South Korea ROC soldiers worked together throughout the tour. During which we were able to go inside one of the United Nations buildings where they have peace talks. The ROC soldiers all stood six feet or taller were trained in martial arts, and held bachelors degrees or higher.

Even though Seoul was amazing, we had to continue. We stopped in Daegu where we spent a couple of days. For the most part, I remember some of us craving American food so bad that Paul Ort went on a mission to find us American food, which he did. A quick subway ride and we were in front of an Outback. Yes, we broke a way a little from the tradition food which by the way was amazing. But this time brought us together to make our group tighter and laugh about all the silly things that we did that day.

Then we were off to Gyeongju where Dave took us to every possible museum and place had to offer.  We stayed in a traditional guesthouse. It was amazing. Our host played us music and we made our own breakfast. Being in Gyeongju took us out of the ease and comfort of Seoul to let us experience traditional Korea.

Off we went to Busan where we spent five days. It was amazing. We stayed in a great place, a subway stop away from the beach, were live music played, kids were playing. Busan is the quintessential beach town of Korea on the Sea of Japan.

Amazing times were had in Korea where I experienced high-tech technology and some of the best Asian food that I have ever eaten in my life. I have a lot of respect for the people who were hospitable, and the traditions that seemed to infuse itself in modern culture.

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