Two weeks ago I returned from my third trip to Korea. The first trip was in 2005-6 teaching english, the second in 2007 for a holiday. But this one was pretty special for a few reasons. Firstly I visited Jeju Island off the South Coast which, contrary to some reports I had heard was stunning. Lush, green with volcanic rock formations and a beautiful coast I really couldn't fault it. Added to which I went on my own and found friends there at the guesthouse, and since one of these people was born on the island and knew the place like the back of his hand we all toured the island together.
Also this trip was special because I had to decide something really major. Can I live here again? Can I give up a life in the UK and make one here? This isn't an easy decision to make once you have embarked on a career and not one to be taken lightly. There are plus point and negative points in all places, it's just a question of balancing these with what your fundamental needs and ambitions are. Months of mental wrangling eventually led me to one conclusion. I had to go and visit again first.
I think the answer came to me in the first week of being in Korea. It was about 11pm and I was sat in the office of my Hapkido master's dojang chatting with his wife and playing with their baby daughter. My master had finished training for the night and he was using chiropractic technique to straighten out Ha Kyung's bad back while we sat and drank tea. I realised that I couldn't remember the last time I felt so at peace. It was like going back in time, like the last three years never happened. Some connections are never broken. After that, we went to a restaurant where we stayed, talking about hapkido, the world, everything until 6.30am. At the end of the day all anyone wants is to feel that they belong somewhere, and in Korea I am never alone.
Silly perhaps but there it is. And damn it I'll finally learn to speak Korean and cook Korean properly with any luck.
ok so back to the food.... my foody review of my trip is coming up in the next day.
3 comments:
Yay! I'm so glad you're moving to Korea. Now I can get cooking lessons from you IN PERSON! And I am so jealous of your trip to Jeju. Still haven't been and neither has Kenny, if you can believe it.
He he. I'm going to try and find an adjumma to teach me. You must go to Jejudo! But at a nice time of year, and during the week, not weekend. I heard its also very beautiful in Winter with the snow too.
Great to see you blogging again. I've been avoiding mine for some time too, but have returned to it in the last few days. Looking forward to reading the next cooking posts!
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