Summary of The Trip

--Saturday August 8

Jongsoo picked us up at Global Hall in Konkuk University and we went to have a brief look at his university (Korea National Open University). Then we picked up his family at their home south of the Han River and, after lunch in Seoul, got on the highways south and east and drove to Andong. We stopped a couple of times at highway rest areas---very busy and very interesting. After dinner (see menu summary) we arrived very late at the hanok home, where we were to spend a night in traditional Korean style.

--Sunday August 9

After an amazing breakfast spread at the hanok house, we drove to nearby Sosu Seowon, an old Confucian Academy. We wandered around, had tea and lunch and also had fun checking out the old traditional village there.

Then we drove a bit to Buseoksa Temple, a beautiful complex in a gorgeous setting in the hills.

Back to Andong, supper at a chicken restaurant in Andong and spent the night at Andong Park Tourist Hotel (very pleasant).

--Monday August 10

Our main focus today was Hanoe Village,

outside of Andong. It’s a working traditional village, part real-life, part tourist, and absolutely fascinating for giving insight into Korean traditions and customs. We viewed the village first from the cliffs overlooking the Nakdong River, which winds round the village, creating a peninsula. To get from there to the village, we crossed the river in a wooden, flat-bottomed boat, poled by a local villager.

Drove back into Andong for a special late

noodle lunch, and then drove on the highway (past Daegu) to Gyeongju, where we had 2 nights at the Gyeongju Park Tourist Hotel.

--Tuesday August 11

This was a day of visiting places in and around Gyeongju. First we drove up into the hills to Seokguram Grotto, with a sacred temple and statue of Buddha. On the way down we stopped at the famous, and very popular, Bulguksa Temple, then we drove through the mist and the mountains to the port town, Gimpo, where we had am amazing Korean sushi lunch. Nearby is the Underwater tomb of a Silla King----sadly, rather underwhelming.

Back to Gyeongju, to visit the Tumuli Park and Observatory, all rather mind-boggling, even though it was raining.

--Wednesday August 12

First to Gyeongu National Museum, a marvelous place for giving an overview of the Silla Dynasty.

A brief stop at Bunhwangsa Temple and Stone Pagoda, then we were on the road back to Seoul. Lunch just off the highway in Daegu. About an hour and a half out of Seoul, we took a small detour to visit the family farm---they bought it mostly for the family cemetery, but Jongsoo now also raises indigenous Korean cattle---beautiful beasts.

Back in Seoul we had our last meal together (another special one) of eel and all the trimmings.

Time to say goodbye, and we thank them again---we had an amazing time on this trip.

Name: Chang Jongsoo

Wife: Kwon Mi (they are both scientists, and so were very happy to stop and explain many things about Korean culture, history and agriculture)

Sons: Augustin (14) and Thomas (8)

Home town: Seoul