Matt in Seoul
Trip Start
May 18, 2006
1
20
27
Trip End
May 30, 2007
Seoul, Korea Rep.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The semester is going so fast, only three weeks to go and then a 7-week holiday!!
Last week, my Friday schools decided they didn't need me, so I decided to head up to Seoul for the long weekend (as we do around here). I fired up www.couchsurfing.com, sent a few emails out and in a few hours had a floor to crash on for the weekend.
I decided to take a bus up to Seoul, mostly because I am a tight arse, however, in Korea you can catch 'business class' buses that are great; huge chairs which recline so much! If it wasn't for the bus going 150kms over potholes you would swear you are at the front an airplane.
So I got into Seoul late Thursday night and crashed early on Jen's floor. Jen is also an English teacher at a public school so we had a lot to compare - however, it was obvious I was getting a much better deal in regards to the little things like holiday and pay!!! I guess that was one of the perks of living in the sticks compared to a big city like Seoul.
After the money burning experience and break neck speed that was Tokyo, Seoul was amazing, though instead of hot and sweaty it was freezing, easily below 0 degrees.
I pretty much followed the guidebook regarding what I saw, and made sure I stayed away from any department stores so as to make sure no 'extra' money was spent.
Regarding what I saw:
1) I went to the war museum, which was the best I've ever seen, and a prison which was in use when Japan occupied Korea. While both were great, what was obvious was the hatred that Korea has for Japan or the 'infidels'.
2) As I'm sure Nicole told you, the subway was great, and SO cheap (at least 2/3 cheaper then Japan)
3) The Xmas lights were starting to be put up and were great.
Hope you enjoy the pictures, we just bought our Xmas presents, for our co-teachers, principles etc. and the Secret Santa we are in with the other foreigners in town, and Nic is wrapping them up right now. Hope you are all going great and enjoying the nice weather (it snowed last week up here).
