Seoul Trip

Saturday July 14th and Sophie had a trip to Seoul planned to go and get her hair done. Yes apparently for you girls out there who colour your hair (blond) it's hard to find somewhere in Jeonju that has western hair experience and a trip to Seoul is the answer.

We'll ignore the fact that I got my hair done here in Jeonju by a Korean woman with perfect English who studied hair dressing in London's Videl Sassoon's salon because apparently Seoul is the only answer :)

I originally wasn't planning on going on this hair adventure and decided that on Friday night, I'd head to the local dive bar Radio Star. It's a good bar here in Jeonju popular with foreigners with live music and random instruments scattered around the room and an open DJ box for you to add whatever you like to the playlist.

I arrived back home somewhat intoxicated at 7:40, and in efforts to prevent waking up Sophie thought it was best to get undressed for bed - outside the apartment door - to cause as little distraction as possible. This however didn't work and whilst sneaking in Sophie awoke. She asked to wake her up at 7:30 to which I replied with the current time!

Sophie got up and started to get her stuff together for the morning bus to Seoul, now the night before my friend and co-worker had invited me to Seoul with him as he was heading to visit a friend, so still drunk thought that this would be good. We can all go to Seoul together, the girls can go off and do the hair thing and we can do our thing and meet up later for drinks. I packed a bag, poorly and was on my way.

I slept for the duration of the trip and when I awoke in Seoul I was struggling but, was determined to have myself a good time. We found our way to Chris' friends apartment where we we're treated to home made Mexican food! I feel now would be the time to mention that Chris aka Mexi-Chris and his friend Linda are both Mexican. It was the perfect food for the state I was in and ended up taking priority over any sight seeing we originally had planned.

We did however make it out to Seoul Tower and although the weather was a little rainy, in my opinion just added to the view over Seoul. The stormy sky for me really made the view so much more dramatic!

Martyrs Mount Jeonju

On July 9th after our trip to the museums the day before, we decided to hike Martyr mountain, Martyr Mountain is in the southern part of Jeonju and is the final resting place of six Catholic missionaries, killed for their beliefs. We walked there from Hannok Village as we were told it was just five minutes away. Not quite true, it's about a half hour walk from Hannok and fairly easy to find.

The trail itself was beautiful and laden with 13 crosses marking the burial sight of members from the Catholic Church. We were the only people on the mountain and found it a very peaceful experience, however the humidity and heat made it a challenge, the climb is very steep.

Towards the top of the mountain - just as we were thinking of turning back around - we came across a Catholic Church, outside was a much needed water fountain and inside was a wonderful Church that anyone religious or not can appreciate. There was a lady inside playing some 'your going to die' music on the organ and after an hour of thinking we were the only people on the mountain, it kinda felt like a scene from a horror film! Still this is an amazing place I'd recommend to anyone.

As we reach the peak there's a traditional-style tomb that marks the final burial place of the martyred family, six painted circles on the floor which, I assume, is one for each family member. A man appeared from behind us and stood in front of the tomb to say a prayer, he moved to the largest circle on the ground to say a second prayer. He then followed the circles that lead to a path that took you up to a cross overlooking the tomb and I can only guess that here he said a final prayer. 

Even if you aren't Catholic, as in my case, it's still an amazing and peaceful place to visit with some great views over Jeonju.

Jeonju Historical Museum and Jeonju National Museum

Ok, so it's been a month or so now since I've last blogged. This is largely due to the fact we've been really busy and not had much time at the apartment. That and it's the end of term so report cards, testing, and other goings on has kept me from this blog. However I find myself here on a Friday morning with nothing to do, the rain falls outside and I've exhausted Facebook already so let me take you back to July 8th.

About an hour's walk from our apartment are two museums - the Jeonju Historical Museum and The Jeonju National Museum.

Id did however take us about three hours as we had no real idea where we were heading. On our walk we came across what looked like a business park, all nice new shiny buildings with some nice surrounding grounds. Now, just out the front of this business park were a load of cars and bikes lined up, OK nothing strange there however these cars and bikes were Children's cars and bikes! I figured this must have been the HQ of Triple Velvet or something.