My Journey out of Seoul

Saturday morning -- I checked out of Kim's Guesthouse and made my way to the subway, a bit unhappily (too much soju the night before). After a 45 minute subway ride I find myself at the express bus terminal stop, with no idea how to get to the actual bus station. 15 seconds after pulling out my guidebook for guidance, an older Korean gentlemen approaches me -- "Where? Where?" he asks -- I tell him Sokcho, and he leads me at a frantic pace up to the terminal ticket
booth. Sweet.

Saturday evening: Arrive in Sokcho, which is along the east coast of Korea and right near Seoraksan National Park. After marveling over the beautiful sunset and settling into my hotel (not hostel -- I'm living large!) room I am taken out to dinner by a younger Korean gentleman. Sweet. Until he tells me I should lose 5 kilos (that crappy man).

Sunday morning: I went to the beach. It wasn't sunny.


Sunday afternoon: I took the bus to the park.

Upon arrival I hoofed it up into the park and went for a hike. There were lots and lots of people. It was the weekend in Korea, so it's to be expected. Luckily they want to show the foreigners a good time, so I got a cup of coffee, a banana, a cup of tea, and a candy bar.


It was steep.


The stream.

Sunday evening: I ate sanchaebibimbap with an Austrain gentleman (my boyfriend, according to the Koreans on the trail -- just because we're the only two white people doesn't mean we're together...).

Monday: I took this trail --

It was not that long of a trail. Even so, there were multiple restaurants along the way. Two women, in an attempt to entice me to stop and eat their potato pancakes, gave me a shot of soju. Needless to say, I just kept on walking.

It was pretty.


Tuesday: I went back to Seoul via bus.

A successful solo venture out of Seoul, even though the weather was less than stellar.