Trip to 수원 (Suwon, South Korea) on 18 July 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-07-18_kr-suwon.htm

I walked through 수원 (Suwon, South Korea) on 18 July 2009 to see 화성 (Hwaseong fortress) in company of François, who had come for the week-end. Although clouds threatened to waste our visit, the conditions were pleasant, and the rain fell only on our way back to the subway station.

After eating tasty 냉면 (cold noodles) at the station, we walked through the city then strolled three hours along the fortress wall, starting at 팔달문 (Paldalmun i.e. South gate) and finishing at an outdoor market, with a tea break on the way. I was surprised by the views, which exposed Korean-looking buildings, churches, and tall and low modern buildings, including apartments decorated with harmonized scenes such as riders jumping from a building to another. The fortress is well-maintained, the explanations are clear, and the path is long but easy. This UNESCO world heritage site must be really exciting with a clear sky.

I enjoyed the refreshing atmosphere, and the tiring walk offered a perfect pretext for relaxing chats while drinking tea or chocolate.

Trip to 청주 (Cheongju, South Korea) on 11 July 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-07-11_kr-cheongju_unbo-house.htm

I discovered 청주 (Cheongju, South Korea) on 11 July 2009 thanks to my local colleague 남규 (Namkyoo), who wished to show me the house of 김 기창 (KIM Ki-Chang) aka 운보 (Unbo), a Korean painter notably known for drawing 세종대왕 (Sejong the Great) on ₩10.000 banknotes. A grey sky accompanied heat and humidity, a usual mark of the rainy season in South Korea.

After eating my best sushis in the country so far, 남규 (Namkyoo) drove me, his wife and daughter to 운보의 집 (Unbo's house). I appreciated the garden, compact but not overloaded, designed with talent and well maintained. I contemplated landscapes weaving nature with man-made artefacts and lotuses floating over miniature ponds carved in rock statues. I was surprised by the presence of numerous bonsais, which I solely associated to Japan, before admiring the artist's paintings at the gallery, enjoying his simple but deep colorful style. A few minutes away, we stopped the car near a long wall painted with scenes of the four seasons then again to face impressive sculptures made of junk, including an easily-recognizable version of the manga robot マジンガーＺ (Mazinger Z). Finally, we visited 청주 고인쇄박물관 (Cheongju early printing museum), which exhibited ancient artefacts and documents and exposed history using automata.

This day in good company was exciting and stimulating, and I only regret that my Korean language abilities were insufficient to chat with my colleague's young daughter.

Stroll at 국립서울현충원 (Seoul National Cemetery, South Korea) on 06 June 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-06-06_kr-seoul.htm

I first visited 국립서울현충원 (Seoul National Cemetery), located in 서울 (Seoul, South Korea), with 숙현 (Sook-Hyeon) on 06 June 2009 to observe Korean life on 현충일 (Memorial Day). Numerous civilians and soldiers walked the alleys of this huge cemetery under a bright sky; many paying homage to 육영수 (YUK Young-soo) and her husband, the ex-president 박정희 (PARK Chung-Hee), assassinated in 1974 and 1979. I was flabbergasted to see whole families gaily picnic among the tombs as I cannot imagine French people doing so but was told this is a normal way to commune with one's kin in South Korea. The vegetation and hills contributed to a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere while providing some intimacy.

After seeing atrocities displayed so gloomily (see Post 17 May 2009) at 독립기념관 (Independence Hall of Korea) in 천안 (Cheonan), this uplifting experience made me feel closer to the local population.

Trip to 경주 (Gyeongju, South Korea) on 22-25 May 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-05-23_kr-gyeongju.htm

I travelled to 경주 (Gyeongju, South Korea) for the second time on 22 May 2009 to visit 불국사 (Bulguksa temple), which is a UNESCO world heritage, and hike at 남산 (Namsan) with Olga and Yerbol, two friends studying in the region. Clouds hovered over the region but the weather remained pleasant.

I appreciated the local historical assets and traditional ambiance but was surprised by the distances: one may see much with a bicycle in two days. However, I was slightly disappointed as I expected older, bigger and more numerous touristic sites because several Japanese friends had compared the city to 京都 (Kyoto, Japan); Koreans indicated that the area would be markedly more attractive had Japan not damaged or destroyed so much during wars and occupations... From another perspective, I also enjoyed unique coffee shops, delicious restaurants and, as we kept on bumping into acquaintances of Olga and Yerbol, a countryside atmosphere in which all people seemed to know each other.

The air, ambiance and smaller crowds agreeably contrasted with my everyday life in 서울 (Seoul, South Korea). For newcomers, two or three full days seem appropriate to discover the historical sites and enjoy the city, with one or two additional days for hikes. I will gladly return there to complete my visit and explore 남산 (Namsan) from another side.

Stroll at 여의도 (Yeouido, South Korea) on 12 April 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-04-12_kr-yeouido.htm

I first walked in 여의도 (Yeouido, South Korea), a part of 서울 (Seoul), on 12 April 2009 to enjoy its famous cherry blossoms. Although the peak had passed, the streets were beautiful, and the blue sky greatly highlighted the flowers. Moving to 여의도 공원 (Yeouido park), I got greeted several times in English by Korean children, who then asked whether I was American, which is unsurprising as most white guys in the country must be American soldiers; the kids looked pretty confused to learn I was French! However, the young adult who accosted me to offer an Easter egg and invite me to join a Christian group was not unsettled by my nationality. Later, I started wondering what spontaneous contacts to expect from women and elders in the capital as well as from all kinds of Koreans in the countryside... Beyond the social sphere, the park itself was enjoyable, with a beautiful statue of 세종대왕 (Sejong the Great) and specific ambiances associated to each area.

Since my move to South Korea, it was my first time to actively visit the capital and reflect upon life here while observing children, families, couples, small and huge groups of friends, and a few elders. People visibly enjoyed their afternoon with diverse activities, infusing the park with peacefulness and liveliness. The nearby cherry trees reminded me of Japanese spots but the open spaces of 北京 (Beijing, China) (see Post 28 July 2007); the greetings from smiling kids, however, had a unique touch.

Trip to 那覇 (Naha, Japan) on 25-29 March 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-03_jp-okinawa.htm

I travelled to 沖縄 (Okinawa, Japan) for the first time on 25-29 March 2008 to give a talk at the 22nd International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications in 那覇 (Naha) with Christian. We drove nearby to discover the landscapes, relax on the coast, and reach great coffee shops and restaurants. The climate was so warm at night that I barely slept without air conditioning.

Christian and I were globally satisfied by the most famous places of the island. We were impressed by the depictions of war at ひめゆり平和祈念資料館 (Himeyuri Peace Museum) and by the live 7.9m-long whale sharks of 美ら海水族館 (Churaumi Aquarium), which is a great and unique aquarium. Nearby, the less well-known 熱帯ドリームセンター (Tropical Dream Center) was also worth a visit. However, we were disappointed by 首里城 (Shuri castle), a UNESCO world heritage, which was crowded and radiated a theme-park aura; we enjoyed much more the modest and quiet 識名園 (Shikina garden).

After several cold months in 東京 (Tokyo), this stay was a pleasure. Although moving without a car is unrealistic, the pace is slower and the food delicious. I recommend カフェくるくま (Café Kurukuma), オリーブの木店 (Olive tree restaurant), 花人逢レストラン (Restaurant Kajinbo) with its funny menu written on a fan, ブリリアント・モトブヒルズ (Brilliante Motobu Hills), and above all the extraordinary ぱいかじ上之屋店 (Paikaji Uenoya restaurant). Beware however of the アメリカンビレッジ (American village): we enjoyed an interesting ambiance but had terrible food there.

[Update 04-Nov-2008] I explored jungles, walked among traditional houses, and toured beaches in several Southern islands of 沖縄 (Okinawa) during my second trip there, from 31 October to 03 November 2008 (see Post 04 November 2008).

Trip to 서울 (Seoul, South Korea) on 03-08 September 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-09-08_kr-seoul.htm

I travelled to 서울 (Seoul, South Korea) for the first time on 03-08 September 2007 to give a talk at the 10th International Symposium on Analysis, Design, and Evaluation of Human-Machine Systems (aka HMS2007) and another at 연세대학교 (Yonsei university) (see Post 07 September 2007). On my first day, I explored the city center and walked to the top of 남산 (Namsan park), where I lingered on great views over the capital. On my last day, 자영 (Jayoung), a Korean researcher from the university, and her friend 질 (Jin) guided me inside 경복궁 (Gyeongbok Palace) and accompanied me for lunch in the charming 인사동 (Insadong) district.

I loved the relaxing and lively atmosphere of the capital, its great landscapes and tasty food, its classy women and skilled jazz musicians. Behaviors and costs differ greatly from 東京 (Tokyo, Japan): people are more friendly but more noisy, notably in subways; traditional dishes such as 비빔밥 (bibimbap) and transportation, even taxis, are quite cheap. Living several months in 서울 (Seoul) would certainly be a heartening and enriching experience.

Stroll in Parc oriental de Maulévrier (Oriental park of Maulévrier, France) on 17 April 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-04_fr-maulevrier.htm

I keep being surprised by places friends take me to when I go back "home" to France. I owe my first visit to the Parc oriental de Maulévrier (Oriental park of Maulévrier, France) on 17 April 2007 to François-Xavier, who drove me there. Except for the castle, I would not have guessed I was in France! Although the sky was a bit cloudy, our timing was wonderful: the vegetation was colorful and flowers blooming, which was particularly moving for the Japanese landscapes.

Walk in 桜木町 (Sakuragicho, Japan) on 11 March 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-03_jp-yokohama.htm

I walked in 桜木町 (Sakuragicho, Japan), a popular area of 横浜 (Yokohama), on 11 March 2007 to enjoy the sunset and night scene. I discovered this place in 2002, during my first stay in Japan, and keep going there because I love its open spaces, relaxing atmosphere, and lovely-human-fauna.