Glamour & Grace

While taking a stroll or biking along the Bukhan River, you can appreciate the stunning scenery on a designated bike path with clear directional markings. Cyclists can ride at their own pace without obstruction or causing any disturbance to pedestrians.     I decided to walk on a roughly 10 km journey from Paldang Station to Ungilsan Station on one of my days off. I spontaneously boarded a bus heading towards Paldang Station on the Central line. Paldang Station is situated near the Paldang Dam, and beyond the dam, there's a natural reservoir that extends all the way to the Ulgilsan St area and beyond. The map indicates approximately 9.~ km to reach Ulgilsan, so I walked along the river and through the mountains tunnel towards Ulgilsan Station, my final destination. About five years ago, I resided at Deockso Station, two stops behind Paldang. I purchased an affordable bike for riding on this man-made path, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I rode almost every day, spending 4 to 5 hou...

  류시화 작가님의 지구별 여행자를  읽고,  책들은 기본적으로 내가 어렴풋이 생각하고 느꼈던 것들을 , 문장으로 발현 시켜, 그 감정들을 명료하게  각인 시켜 준다.  결론적으로는, 내가 느끼는 감정들을 많은 사람들도  같이 느끼고 있다는 생각에, 나란 존재가 그렇게 특별할 것  없는 평범한 사람이라는 걸 다시 한번 알게 해주고,  거기엔 정답이 있지 않으니, 자책 과 부러움에서 오는 괴로움도 사실, 필요 없고  자랑스러움 뒤에 오는 공허함으로 괴로워 할 필요 없다는 걸  책을 읽는 과정에서 배우게 된다.  결국엔  , 주어진 인생 버리지만 말고, 살아 가기로 결심 한다.  개인적으로 여행 관련 서적을 좋아하고 , 적극적으로 찾아 본다.  여행은 육체적 끈기를 요구하지만, 그 힘듬을 여행 중에 느끼는 새로운 오감의 체험을 통해 치유받는다.  그래서인지 기억에 오래 남고, 그 추억들이  다시 여행을 하게 하는 원동력이 되는것 같다.  물리적으로 맘껏 여행을  갈 수 없는 상황 일때, 유일한 위안은 책을 통해서이다.  일단,  책을 내신 작가님들에 대한 무한한 존경심이 생긴다, 나도 언젠가 여행 관련 쓰고 싶다는 생각도 해본다.   나를 포함 하여 많은 여행자들이 동기 부여의 원천인 류시화 작가님의 책을 정말 좋아한다.  머릿속에만 둥둥 떠다니는 생각과 감정들에게 단어, 문장의  옷을 입혀  정말 찰떡같이  표현해 내신다.  내가 가장  좋아하는  인도 여행기 , 지구별 여행자는 언제든지 시간 날 때 어디를 펴서 읽어도 재미있다.  책을 펴는 순간  인도에 가 있는 나를 상상 한다.  뉴델리 공항에 도착했을 때 느껴지는 공항의 꿉꿉한 공기부터, 낯선 여행자를 바라보는 그들의 끈적한 ...

Since my mother is in great health , I decided to plan a short trip with her. We had both grown weary of enduring long-haul flights, so I chose destinations with reasonably short flight durations, around 4 hours and 30 minutes. These places still offer an exciting blend of exoticism and new cultural experiences, with diverse climates, atmospheres, languages, customs, people, and cuisine. Initially, I had contemplated selecting a destination spontaneously, embracing the thrill of the unknown with minimal preparation. However, I realized it would be too risky for my late 70-year-old mother. As a result, I shifted my focus to careful planning to ensure everything ran smoothly. I researched well-traveled itineraries to know exactly what to do and where to go beforehand.  After careful consideration, we settled on Moal Boal in Cebu as our final destination for a delightful 3-night, 4-day getaway. Before our journey to Moal Boal, I shopped on Coupang, an online marketplace. One of the i...

In South Korea, electric underfloor heating is a popular method for warming homes and heating water using electricity, particularly in multi-unit housing like apartments and one-room villas. These systems offer individual control and temperature adjustment through wall-mounted control panels, with heaters installed on the ceiling, providing radiant heat for comfort. However, some individuals with respiratory or sensitive skin concerns may find the heated air less pleasant. Since electric underfloor heating relies on electricity, it can result in higher electricity bills. For those living alone or in smaller spaces, it's essential to explore cost-effective alternatives to keep their homes warm while saving money. There are three simple and effective ways to save on energy costs, Heating plate Image from Coupang   Heating plate is economical, providing localized heating and reducing energy consumption by targeting specific areas. Savings potential: Using a heating plate to suppl...

October is finally here, and in 2023, it's often considered the most beautiful time of the year in Korea. The weather is perfect, with plenty of sunshine and a gentle breeze. Nature itself is bustling with activity, preparing for the upcoming winter. In Korea, especially in regions with numerous mountains, the leaves on the trees put on a mesmerizing display of colours, transforming the entire landscape into a breathtaking sight. People who have a deep affinity for the outdoors start planning their adventures during this season. They gear up with the right equipment and clothing, ready to adapt to the changing weather from morning to evening. For some, enjoying the beauty of autumn can be done without venturing into the mountains. They visit local parks or camping sites surrounded by nature to unwind during their holidays. As a result of the growing desire to make the most of this incredible season, camping sites have become increasingly popular. For those seeking an adventure, the...

  South Korea presents different faces throughout the seasons. Soon, the upcoming winter in Korea will offer a unique experience compared to other seasons. For travelers who enjoy active journeys, winter might seem like a time to take it easy, but there are plenty of activities in Korea during this season that can create wonderful memories. Instead of the typical museum or art gallery visits, here are some activities that are more active and will allow you to cherish the memories of a Korean winter for a long time. First, let's talk about Temple Stay. Temples in Korea are often nestled in the mountains, and many of them offer Temple Stay programs where civilians can spend a day or two living like monks. During your stay, you can participate in chanting ceremonies, experience daily routine of Monks by participating in their rituals, and share meals with the monks. Additionally, you can learn about the traditional temple architecture and its history. While during the pandemic, one-on...

As Autumn arrives at our doorstep, you'll find bustling merchants selling vegetables, marking one of the busiest months of the year. It's the season of Kimchi-making, leading up to the Chuseok family holiday. This is when farmers' hard work bears fruit, and it's time to prepare fresh Kimchi, ensuring the family is well-prepared for the upcoming, enduringly cold winter.   Traditionally, families needed large volumes of Kimchi, often requiring hundreds of cabbages, around 50 to 100 lots, for this annual ritual. However, recently, with a declining birth rate, many have opted for the convenience of buying pre-made Kimchi from traditional markets or even ordering it online. Kimchi, a quintessential element of Korean cuisine, Kimchi is more than just a dish made from fermented vegetables. It's a cultural icon deeply ingrained in Korean tradition. It connects people through the yearly tradition of Kimchi-making known as "김장" (gimjang).     For those seeking a fir...