Fall in Korea is gorgeous. The summer is not so wonderful, but fall totally makes up for all the sweaty, rainy, and ridiculously sweltering weather. Last weekend my friends and I joined a tour group and went hiking, stayed in a folk village, and went to green tea fields. It was an amazing weekend of breathtaking views, great weather, and good company. It was Eryn and Jeff's first time out of the city, so it was nice to share that new adventure with them. They were troopers when we stayed in a minbak. They are basically cheap shotty little rooms that are known for being less than cleanly, but a great place to stay in for a few hours. That is exactly what we did. I don't think I slept more than two hours though. I was worried about getting possible critter bites, but mostly crapping my pants about my sleeping location in the room. My friend Sarah and I were sleeping right next to this strange door that led outside to a forest. I am someone who always thinks of the worse possible scenarios that could happen (thank you scary movies), and I was convinced that someone was going to open the door and pull both of us out by our feet. Luckily, we survived and no diseases or critters got the best of us. We woke up bright and early for our hike. It was an amazing hike! We took our time and laughed a lot. We had a lot of sweet encounters with Koreans giving us snacks, booze, and candy. That is one of the many things that I love about Koreans. They are so giving. They are great sharers, especially to us foreigners that probably always look like lost puppies. Also, we were in a lot of pictures with our fellow hikers, many of them were taken without asking (just my style). We ended the hike with ramyeon noodles and makkoli (rice wine). This a staple that everyone has before, during, and/or after a hike. I swear they drink all day. I don't know how they can hike and not fall off a mountain. Obviously, they are more coordinated than I am. Drinking + hiking = take Megan to the hospital.
Naejangsan Mountain
Minbak. We slept in our jackets and hoods. Anything so our bare skin wouldn't touch the crusty blankets and pillows.
Pretty amazing couple shirts
I don't know what Korean's infatuation with chicken fighting is, but people of all ages do it. (see halloween post) I guess its a great way to end the day? I hope I am that awesome when I am old. Like old as in my parents' age. :)
enjoying the lanterns at a temple on the mountain
lunch for champions
some of my favorite people
Combay (cheers)
best seat on the mountain
be careful. this mountain is notorious for rocks falling on bears.
I want to be her when I grow up. bad.ass.
Folk Village
We stayed overnight in this cute folk village. It is a village that looks, feels, and functions like old time Korea. It is surrounded by cobblestone walls. Inside is peaceful, green, and has cute little houses with roofs covered in straw. I'm not exactly sure what people do there, but we slept and enjoyed this strange place in rural Korea. We were there a total of 14-ish hours so we didn't do much there. However, I'm sure it would be a wonderful place to bring your family and spend the day. I got to pet a cow. That was fun! ha! But seriously, it was. I miss animals. I need a dog. stat. Good thing my mom promised to buy me a dog after graduation. I think I need to remind her of that.
Tea Fields
Our last stops for the weekend were at two tea plantations. Our first plantation was extremely expensive and well-known in the tea industry. We were able to pick tea flowers in the fields and then do some tea sampling in the cute cafe. The tea was delicious, but not worth the price. Apparently, it is the only plantation that plants each bush with a sprinkling of gold dust. I don't understand why that is an amazing thing to do, but the price reflects the gold. Each small cup runs about $30. Personally, I'll stick with my box of peppermint tea for $4. Our last stop was a green tea plantation. Both places were beautiful. It reminded me a lot of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Tea plantations are by far one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. I hope you all get the chance to see one someday.
It was a fabulous weekend. I miss the fresh mountain air and space. Times like this I get so excited about moving back to Colorado. It will be soon enough though.
I hope you Minnesota folk are enjoying your snow. I am a bit jealous. However, I'm sure the feeling will leave in two minutes. Have a wonderful weekend! Miss you all!
xoxo
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