Nature and the travel agent conspired to get me to Seoul, Korea at the best possible time. I landed at Incheon in early April to clear skies, nippy winds and the most beautiful trees in full pink bloom.
Could it get any better than this? Yes, it could! I was introduced to Namsan Park and I spent most mornings strolling along, admiring the trees, the profusion of flowers and the bird life there.
Tourists like myself visit with avidity, eager to take in temples, fortresses and malls and gawk at skyscrapers.
Your town planners have done a great job, citizens. Roads are broad and lined with trees, every area has its own little park (with gym equipment for the free use of all and sundry). Fountains, statues of famous personalities, some quirky colonial-style buildings and very interesting little bazaar-style markets break the monotony of these tall monoliths.
Korean people are very friendly and I learned to say “gamsahamnida” to all who spoke to me -- even when I didn’t understand a single word! They seemed to like my ethnic clothes and I, in turn, loved your traditional costume hanbok. Your quaint old-style houses remind me of our village dwellings -- the same tiled roofs, courtyards, etc.
The cuisine is hearty and simple. Kimchi and the wonderful use of greens elevates every meal to a gourmet’s delight. I learned, too, not to question what meat it is! We have our taboos, but life is easier if you quietly eat what is put in front of you and don’t question the ingredients. Especially as a tourist who doesn‘t know the language.
I thought I would expand with all those lovely fruits into a blimp, but, thanks to your steep and narrow lanes, I have huffed and puffed up and down enough of them to have lost weight in spite of my binge.
And don’t get me started on the Hangang River! I could spend days admiring it and the bridges over it. I read about the admiral who fought off an amazing number of invasions with sheer tactical brilliance. And admired the statue of the emperor who very wisely worked out language reform.
I’m a museum freak, so your national museum was just the thing the doctor ordered (or should I say the curator ordered?)
I love the fact that nobody impatiently honks, loud and long, at a dithering motorist. Most people are law abiding and follow rules ... now, isn’t that amazing?
I didn’t see a lot of this even in New York or Chicago. Or in Beijing. I don’t expect to see such behavior in New Delhi or Rome, anyhow! I’m a realist!
In short, I’m going back to India and will strain every nerve to tell all and sundry to make next April, a “Visit Korea” year. (They need to save up, right? It’s an expensive country!)
Chitra Doraiswami
Bangalore, India
