Continuing our Asia / Japan travel series, I would like to recall my visit to Seoul, Korea. It’s summer vacation time and the decision is made that a trip to Korea is in order. So with a cheap ticket in hand, limited Korean money in the pocket, but a very tightly packed suitcase in tow, three Jamaican girls board a late night flight to South Korea. After our first day, we realize that Korea is very different from Japan, our most recent country of residency. Where Japan is quiet in its beauty, reserved and unassuming, Seoul, Korea is like that loud Aunt who hugs you just a little too long, but by the end of it you realize it was what you needed all along.
The People
We were no longer stared at strangely, well not as much, or treated like a weird type of eggshell that should never be touched. We were pushed in the subway stations, asked to move by the more polite commuters and I dare say, even admired. What is this place, we thought, it could not be Asia, which is notoriously known for staring at foreigners, especially Black people unflinchingly? But before we could finish that thought, we are hailed by a Korean B-boy with a loud “Hey sistas”. Could this be real? He then followed that up with a big smile and a very loud Jamaican, “Irie.” Now I know, this is the place I needed to be.
Even amidst threats from a nuclear enhanced North, Korea never sleeps. From morning until night there are people, smartphone and iPad attached, fast talking and high fashion wearing, going about their daily lives. High rise buildings with futuristic and artistic designs catch our eyes as we walk the streets. Inside the mall we are greeted by robots that usher us into a digital wonderland. There is a kid seemingly fighting with himself, combat army style in the middle of the room and up the stairs there is an extreme 4DX theatre, which literally gives you the chance to feel the kicks and punches from the movie. It doesn’t take us long to realize that we had also unknowingly stumbled upon the new technology capital of the world.
The Food
Korean food is spicy, colorful and delectable. Just like the energy of Seoul itself. The food is usually full of flavor and you feel the passion in every bite. The street food is just as tasty as the food that you get inside the restaurants and the outside energy just adds to the ambience and taste. Most restaurants are also set up for group meals which is good for eating out with friends. As a Jamaican, I'm used to spicy food, so it was very welcomed when we got the Seoul Korean version of it, which was full of flavor. While the food in Japan is good as well, it is quite understated when compared to the food we had in South Korea which had an extra zest in each meal. We ate out every single night while we were there because we wanted to try as many restaurants as possible. And I must say we didn't regret one restaurant choice.
A Visit Within
Along with the technology, the fashion and the candid nature of the people, we also saw that there is a religious undercurrent that guides the lives of the Korean people. Though they are not overtly religious, the traditions and the need to protect their culture are still quite present. This we learnt from the many Buddhist temples we saw and the people worshipping in them while we were sightseeing and taking pictures like crazy tourists. In the middle of the day we could also recognize the sounds of Christian hymns being sung in Korean. How welcoming and peaceful was the call to just step in and join the devotion. Foreign, but still so familiar, like that same loud Aunt that we never visit, Seoul felt like that part of me that I had never visited but needed. I can’t wait to visit that part of myself again.
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