Koreareise 2014 mit 대사범님 KIM & 대사범님 CHAE
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(27.07.)
Day 0
So ... the tension rises ... tomorrow at this time I'm sitting at the airport in Frankfurt and wait for the check-in to Seoul. The bag is packed and really is all in "dry towels" (German proverb for "Every thing is allright").
I'll try to keep you in the next 2 weeks up to date on my journey ... what happened or what not.
Actually, this trip should not bring much new. After 2 trips with grand master KIM and one trip completely alone with Steffi, Detlef, Jan and Heinz I should know a lot of Korea. But we let suprise us, what will happen in this trip.
대한민국 ... we come!
(28.07.)
Day 1
Let's go to Korea
Today it's now started. Even though I was struggling a bit with health problems, I went to the airport in Hamburg around noon and got my flew to Frankfurt.
There we met almost all together and in the evening we all started in an old Boeing from Asiana to Seoul. The flight in the old aircraft was not really comfortable, but I had no choice.
(29.07.)
Day 2
overnight
During the flight the next day of our travel is started, more or less overnight.
Around 1230 clock we are happily landed in Seoul. After the usual immigration and customs formalities a very relaxed acting grand master KIM greeted us in south korea.
As next we travel immediately with a bus to the hometown of grand master KIM ... Je-Cheon. We arrived after a few hours ride.
(30.07.)
Day 3 ... 제천시
first Training
First program point today - after breakfast - was the Taekwondo training with the Je-Cheon City team. This team was leaded many years ago from grand master KIM itself. His successor as head teacher and the athletes were very excited to train with us. It also happens not so often that Taekwondoins come from other countries and train with them.
Afterwards we went to visit a traditional market. Sorry I could not enjoy quite the market visit, because I had lost in the sports school my mobile. But before the end of the market visit, grand master KIM had my mobile again in his hands.
(31.07.)
Day 4 ... 속초시
Go on to Sokcho
And again, we are not travel really very far. Because after a few kilometers, Joachim (one of the athletes out of the group) noticed, that he forgot his Taekwondo Belt in the hotel. So all STOP! Grand master KIM was driven back to the hotel with a car and has brought the belt. The penalty then got on the evening. It was with me not much different.
When we arrived in Sokcho, the travel agent had booked a very, very bad hotel for us. But we could change nothing.
So taken walking gear out of the luggage and start to Ulsanbawi Rock (울산바위) ... the rolling rock. As the last time I was here in 2011, the mountain has made me fear. At that time the last stairs to the summit were in so bad conditions, that you had the feeling, it was going at any time in the abyss. But it has changed a lot. All stairs are now new and very stable. It was so not a big problem to get to the summit. But there was over 35°C and around 90% humidity, so it was really hard. I was completely drenched from sweat after the half of the way. At the summit, I looked like as I was jogged the route and not moved relaxed to the summit. A pretty tough experience.
The descent was a bit pleasant, because hour after hour the temperatures declined. On the last resting place before the valley expected us already master KIM. We washed ourselves with cold water the heads ... very refreshing. Then there were the some Pajons (Korean potato pancake), stuffed squid and Magoli.
Even while we were at this special lunch began the rain and was so strong that we had somewhat extended our rest. But in the end, the difference was not as strong ... whether one was wet from the inside or from the outside.
After we had reached our bad hotel, it was no long time to relax. We had only some time to change our clothes. Then we have to go to our raw fish dinner. A very tasty delicacy here in Korea. During the dinner grand master KIM said us that we will change the hotel after one night and so we have to stay only one night in the bad hotel.
(01.08.)
Day 5 ... 속초시
hiking alone
Today all could decide what they want to do. There was the possibility for all, in the morning to take the bus to the nearby sea, then you could with the hiking group (Detlef, Steffi, Jan & me) just go to the waterfall and afterwards go to the sea or you could participate the whole day of hiking group.
Some people decided to hike with us to the waterfall (name attached later) and afterwards to go with the motor-coach to the sea. That was really a Fantastic experience this waterfall with its wonderful river and the beautiful valley.
From noon we were - more or less - in the 2011 constellation together. After a short break we have made the Nature Park Sorak uncertain. Of course, we are still on the Sorak San (설악산) gone. This belongs somehow to.
In the evening we meet the rest of our group in the restaurant. Great master KIM was especially happy because he has become the 3rd time grandpa just this evening. Therefore, we went to the park in Sokcho after dinner to celebrate. One funny thing is that here in Korea a delivery services into the park is possible. Of course there were many very delicious side dishes and Soju.
(02.08.)
Day 6 ... 경주시
Travel to Kyong-Ju
On the way to Kyong-Ju we visited the tomb of a king of the Shilla Kingdom.
Of course we do not want to miss the monastery Bulkuksas.
In the evening room assignment we had this time really lucky. We were allowed to sleep Ondul. That is, traditionally on the floor. Very cool and very pleasant.
(03.08.)
Day 7 ... 부산시
bathhouse
As already matched on the eve, this morning was a little bit later the start. What was of course welcome in our great room.
Because the weather was not quite so gorgeous, we go into a bathhouse nearby. Very nice. Unfortunately, there were not really as many sows. But it was great anyway. After lunch or late breakfast that we have enjoyed in the bath house, we go with the motor-coach towards Busan.
On the way was still another tourist spot ... the Seokgulam grotto. This of course we could not miss. The giant number of colored balloons with wishes and the Budda statue inside the cave are more for every visitor of the region is a must.
In the early evening we reached Busan. The 2011'er gang was actually the opinion "We know Busan." But ... we were taught better. Of course, our estimates by was perhaps also overdone. In the few days stay in 2011, we naturally can not get to know all the million metropolis.
This time we were not placed in the well established tourist main bay like 2011, we get our free time in the traditional region of the fish market. A completely new side of Busan.
As dinner there was ginseng cockerel. A specialty for themselves. After that we had for almost 2 hours of free time, which we used for a stroll through the streets and alleys of the fish market area.
After we were back at the hotel, we have quickly clarified that tomorrow we can all take our breakfast independently and that we meet 1000 clock.
(04.08.)
Day 8 ... 진주시
Haidong Gumdo
Meeting was - after the individual breakfast - 1000 clock. Then we took the motor-coach to Jin-Ju, where first we could watch a Haidong Gumdo training with the best Haidong Gumdo coach in Korea. After that, Grand master Lee had taken time for us. We had gone only training with wooden swords for bamboo cutting and then we are all go to the river Nam, where we have cut with real swords real bamboo. A very impressive exercise.
From there it went for us for dinner. The region around Jin-Ju is known for its Bibimbap. We should definitely try. I really have to confess that I have never eaten in all my travels better Bibimbap.
After a short stop at the hotel we went back in the Haidong Gumdo school. There, Master Lee had prepared everything for a lovely evening. He, his family and some students were there to spend with us a relaxed evening. A really nice touch and nice contacts has been connected here.
(05.08.)
Day 9 ... Yeo-Su ... 여수시
Hiking and to the beach
Today we continued the trip to west, on a peninsula in the area around Yeo Su. There, the first stop was after several hours for a short hike. It went to a mountain monastery which is lying on the tip of the peninsula. It was not a long climb, but all was still feel the party of Jin-Ju in the bone.
Of course, we also took advantage of the time to strengthen us. The local variant of kimchi and a bowl Magoli have rewarded us later in the village for the arduous ascent.
Then we go by bus on to a beach nearby. There we were can relax for a few hours and enjoy the cooling breeze from the sea.
What was simply outstanding on this trip is the fact that you can find on every corner and every end of the country an open wireless network, where you can do everything ... WhatsApp, Facebook, KakaoTalk ... So were our friends and relatives almost always well informed, because the made photos were ... chop, chop ... at home.
In the evening we travel back into our hotel nearby the Expo site in the port of Yeo-Su. Next to the hotel was a small fish restaurant where we had dinner. After that was "free training", that means we could Yeo-Su explore on your own.
(06.08.)
Day 10 ... 태권도원 ... 무주시
Taekwondowon - Training with Prof. Lee Kyu-hyung
This morning there is a certain tension and curiosity. Today we going to the Taekwondowon 태권도 원 (or Taekwondo Park) near Muju. Everyone needs to see the "new Mecca of Taekwondo" and all are eager to see what awaits us there. One thing is clear for us taekwondo training is on the program. But between us and the Taekwondowon are again a few hours bus ride. So on to the track.
Upon arrival in Muju the special aura that this place has is palpable. The Taekwondowon is an area that was built over 2 km in a mountain valley near the city of Muju. Unfortunately, the actual main building are decorated in an ultra modern Korean architecture. Only the traditional quaint training grounds and buildings have the charm of the original Korea feel.
Then suddenly entseht excitement. Grand master KIM runs elated to a older Men in suit, in turn, he shows the same reaction. You get the feeling two brothers see after a long time and look forward very happy to see. Only by the acclamation by grand master KIM "Professor Lee!" we know that it is not a relative of grand master KIM. It is Professor Lee Kyu-Hyung. He was President of the Kukkiwon, is a professor at Keimyung University and he has the 9th Dan. In Korea and the world, a highly recognized and respected teacher.
This very special teacher teaches in the normal case, only groups of 50 students and more. Of course for grand master KIM he has made exceptions and taught the small group of 15 athletes from Germany nevertheless. I can only say a great experience and an impressive man.
Prof. Lee was the men who has organised, trained and managed the Taekwondo Demostration during the opening of Olympics 1988 in Seoul (start from 26:37)
(07.08.)
Day 11 ... 태권도원
Taekwondowon - Competition training with SHIN Yoon Sook (신 윤숙)
After a good night in the most feudal room so far, today was still a strenuous program item on the list ... "competition training". Even though quite a few have struggled with minor injuries, is wanted nobody really miss this experience.
When we came into the training room and see an obviously quite young lady preparing herself. In this moment some of the athletes - above 35 years - had asked itself, I'm really well prepared for this training. But it does nothing ... all or nothing.
Master Shin Yoon Sook (신 윤숙) has passed a really nice workout that all has demanded and has also made all fun.
Unfortunately, the training had an abrupt end 15 minutes before the regular end for Jan. He hurt his foot and had to receive medical care. Of course, Master Shin has taken care of the injured students even after the end of training and accompanied him to the hospital.
For the rest, the plan was quick shower after training and quick to the "check out" desk. After that we had requested from grand master KIM whether perhaps we can take a few minutes for us, to seen and visit something better the Taekwondowon (link to official video). And we could.
Because unfortunately the weather had been steadily deteriorating. We drove with the bus the 2 km close to the top ending of the park. Only the last steps to the monorail in direction "Observation" we had to go and this small steps led to a general drenching of everything.
When we arrived back at our "summit" tour with the bus at the main building, Jan was back from the hospital and was able to join us with an medical cared foot back. What exactly is with his foot, they could not tell him.
Unfortunately, the planned visit to the largest golden Buddha was a victim to the weather. So we go on to the next hotel and see what we can still experience there.
(08.08.)
Day 12 ... Seoul ... 국기원
Let's go to Seoul (Kukkiwon)
Today we go to Seoul ... well ... between us and Seoul were again a few kilometer that we had to overcome with our bus once.
Since the weather had greatly improved, we still have made a little trip to Buk Ju Sa (temple) to see the golden Budda. That was a really nice temple with a really huge Budda.
Then now really we start to Seoul. In the evening we had an invitation to dinner, therefore not much time remained on that day. So we only come to Kukkiwon and some Taekwondo equipment shops near by.
For dinner we were invited by friends of KIMs. A very good restaurant in Seoul was our destination. According delicious and rich was the food.
Afterwards a few from us made the surroundings of the restaurant unsafe. Unfortunately Lotte World had closed its doors.
(09.08.)
Tag 13 ... Seoul ... 서울시
Seoul shopping (Gyeongbokgung palace, Insadong, Itaewon)
Today is shopping day. After the breakfast we jumped into the bus, that drove us to the famous Gyeongbokgung palace (경복궁). Here we have some time to walk thought the park and see the palace buildings.
Afterwards we pick the bus to go to the Insadong area. This is one of the famous shopping streets in Seoul. Here you will find more traditional goods. We got enough time to stroll around through the shops. The next stop of our bus was the also famous itaewon shopping street. This area is known for more modern goods and dresses.
After this shopping marathon, we need to relax a bit. The majority of the group meets later to have a dinner together in an chinese restaurant. Steffi, Detlef and me have an other appointment. Detlef wanted to have a tailor made suit. Therefore we had an appointment at a tailor shop.
If we come back we had an special invitation with master Chae from one of his friends from school time. We have also dinner in an chinese restaurant with very, very delicious food.
(10.08.)
Day 14 ... Seoul ... 서울시
Seoul with free time
The last day in Seoul and the last day in Korea. Everybody try to move this thought away. After breakfast - kimbap and soup - we got all free time to stroll through Seoul. Some want to make a tour with the ship on the river "Han". Other people what to go to shopping again or stroll through the olympic area and park.
Meeting together was planned for quarter past 3. Then we go to a Taekwondo musical called TAL (탈) - means mask. It was nice staged a story about good and evil within lot of impressive Taekwondo technics and fracture tests. After the show some of us made a group photo with the actors.
Afterwards we go to our last dinner in Korea. Or better we try to go to our last dinner in Korea. During we took the way to the restaurant it started to rain. In only few minutes the complete area are flooded with rain water. ... the road, the sidewalk, everywhere ... and "Jan" in the wheelchair with us. We found a roof at the entrance of a church. Master Chae looked for the restaurant and it was near by. So we wait some minutes and as the rain was less again we made the "small jump". For the way back to the hotel lot of us used taxis.
Some minutes after the arriving in the hotel grand master KIM want to meet us again and want to celebrate the last evening in Korea. Because of the weather conditions we done it in the hotel bar.
(11.08.)
Day 15 ... Seoul/Frankfurt
return flight
We have to leave. I know minimum 3 other who want to stay. But I believe there are some more. But there were no choice! Unfortunately!
We were picked up early in the morning from the hotel. So we arrived the hotel lobby a very big surprise is waiting. Yeon-Ji KIM was waiting on us. 11 days after the birth of there first son she and her husband stood in the lobby. It was nice to see her again after the years and meet first time her husband. But also this was only a short moment, than we have to leave.
We have also to leave grand master Chae. In the noon time of this day he had his examination for the 8th Dan. In mind we all was with him. But in reality we was on the Incheon airport and wait for the start.
Our last real korean breakfast we had after the check-in of the luggage in the airport. After a short shopping tripp thought the airport duty free shops, we go back to Germany.