Visiting North Korea in Seoul

We went to Seoul this last weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8/14-8/16.

The trip was a simple visit and relax with friends. No plans, and no motives except to visit with two friends, Summer a long time friend who is always wonderful to visit and spend quality time with...this time chilling and in Seoul (i tae won to be exact.) Summer showed us the 3 hills and all the best places to eat in Seoul. And after sampling the local Mexican food I can agree Seoul has some truly amazing restaurants, because they actually reminded me of home.

Next we hung out with an old friend of Miranda's Mandy McFarland (and her husband.) If you have read Miranda's post you know how amazing this couple is. They are truly blessed with the gift of hospitality. Yes, Miranda had a distant relationship with Mandy, which I had no idea it was going to be so connected, but we were still practical strangers. Yet, they welcomed us in as family and treated us as such. I immediately hoped this friendship will continue to grow, as I believe I can learn much from them, and I want the opportunity to share our hospitality with them. They are a wonderful couple.

While in Seoul the only real 'attraction' we saw was The War Museum. This was one of the most amazing museums I have seen. It went throughout the entire history of war in Korea. Every battle, every weapon, every major war and its impact on Korea and the world. It amazes me to realize that Korea is literally a country defined by its war, and even more incredible that Korea even exists after all the strife and pain it has gone through.

I feel I do have a better understanding of the Korean War, and where the country is with North Korea and reunification. Imagine if the South succeeded in the civil war and we still had two countries with large rifts and division yet is made up of torn families and loved ones. That is North and South Korea. The museum is something anyone who visits Korea should see. However, the museum has one odd note, on one wing of the museum is a child's play area with moon jumps, human hamster wheels and much, much more. It is truly a bizarre feeling hearing children laughing and playing next to imagines of war and conflict.

It is funny, I have heard most people end up in Seoul if they stay in Korea for very long. And perhaps we may end up in Seoul, but right now Miranda and I both feel that Seoul isn't the place for us. It is too crowded, and really too easy. You can totally live outside of the Korean culture and experience. Do you need to learn Korean....not if you live in I Tae Won...you can just coast with your English.

So, for now we are both happy with Gwangju and we can't wait to see where our next holiday takes us in the wonderful country filled with adventure.