Mt. Sorak (and practicality)

We recently took our first real road trip since we've been in Korea. We went to Mt. Sorak (Soraksan in Korean-- san meaning mountain).
It was the longest we've been in the car during one stretch since we left the U.S. Our usual mode of transportation is bus, subway, or taxi because it's easier than dealing with traffic, but we decided to brave it this time. To our surprise it turned out to be a very pleasant and very beautiful 4-hour drive.

(below) rice field ready for harvest











Mt. Sorak National Park is in the Gangwon province of South Korea. The following is an exerpt from Wikitravel.com (for you geography junkies like my Dad)...
http://www.pbase.com/dbh/soraksan

Gangwon (강원, 江原, [1]) is the northeasternmost province of South Korea. Geographically elongated north and south, Gangwon-do is in the Korean peninsula's central eastern region. About 82% of the land is mountainous. The eastern region runs along the coast (East Sea), the western region lies face-to-face with Seoul, and the southern part is connected to another inland region. The Demilitarized Zone divides northern Gangwon-do, and Gangwon-do is the departure point to the Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains and Mt. Baekdusan in North Korea. An overland course to the North is also under development. The variegated beauty of Gangwondo's four seasons radiates even more against the rich natural environment here. An excellent assortment of leisure activities is very well developed for each season. In the winter when plenty of snow falls, the Gangwon-do mountains transform into a skiing paradise that is sure to excite the most rabid aficionado.
Size: 150 km East to West, 243 km North to South (coastline length is 212 km)
Capital of provincial government: Chuncheon
Local administration: 7 cities (si) and 11 counties (gun)

We spent one whole day hiking/walking on the absolutely beautiful nature trails, looking through buddhist temples, riding the cable car to the mountain top, and just enjoying nature. We spent most of the other day in the coastal town of Sokcho,where we observed fishing boats unloading their catches, played carnival games, and rode battery-powered 4-wheelers around a family park. Can you guess which day the kids enjoyed the most? I'll give you a hint... T loves anything he can drive, and K loves any activity in which she can win or buy a new piece of junk to play with.
Aside from touristy stuff we also had good ol' fashion fun family bonding time at our condo swimming at the indoor pool, telling stories and playing 'Go Fish' at night before bed. Which brings me to my next point. This was also our first time staying overnight in a Korean hotel/condo. What I find most interesting about living here in other countries is observing the cultural differences (probably why I have a BS in Sociology).

First, I must say that this is a great counrty! The people have been nothing but courteous, friendly and helpful to us. Modern Koreans are very technologically advanced, sophisticated people. They are ingenuitive, hard working, master space savers, energy conservators and recyclers. Thus they are very practical.

Case in point: The floors in most Korean dwellings are heated. This serves several purposes: Koreans remove shoes when entering the home out of respect and cleanliness, so the feet stay warm. This also saves money on the utility bill because there is no need to have a furnace to because the radiant heat warms the house. Lastly, because of sleeping arrangements--roll-out mats on the floor. T and R got to experience this traditional Korean style sleeping. They thought it was GREAT! R and I thought it was great as well--- that we didn't have to sleep like that. Let me tell you how grateful I am that the master bedroom had an actual mattress for us spoiled Americans! Whew!

Also, some of you aware that I am quite particular about my pillow. It must be fluffable but not too lofty, sinkable but not flat. So, based on a friend's advice, we took our own pillows. Again, so very grateful! Korean pillows are not fluffable or sinkable. They are basically 15 lbs rice bags, about 1/3 the size of a good ol' American ones, covered in a pretty pillow case. Ugh!!! Imagine the headache in the morning! How do they do it?

The bathroom situation is also very practical. When showering don't expect a shower curtain. We discovered it really isn't necessary if your bathroom is practical enough. Toilet..sink...tub. Who cares if they get wet? The bath towels are not the 'bath sheets' that we are accustomed in American hotels. Oh no, they are hand towels-- one each. Yes, hand towels. They don't even cover my whole head, much less my whole body.

One last thing. Until now I haven't mentioned the public toilet situation in Korea. Remember, Koreans are practical. Therefore, public bathrooms are always a surprise, depending on the type of area you are in. They are often co-ed (yes, men and women together), or the toilets are literally on the floor (to avoid plumbing issues I assume or to squeeze more into the space?). Sometimes the toilets are just the opposite; so advanced that, when attempting to flush, a person could inadvertantly push the wrong button causing the little spray nossle thingy to spring forth and soak your daughter's backside, hair and clothing, as well as the bathroom floor (not that this has ever happened to us).

(left) K was kind enough to demonstrate (fully clothed ofcourse) how to use the 'on the floor' toilet for you during this rest stop.

(below)Don't have an electric dishwasher in your restaurant?

Just take the dishes out back and use the hose...

(left) Did I say practical? Koreans always like to look "good"-- no matter what the activity. When it comes to ones appearance, practicality is out the window if you are a young Korean woman. This is a typical ensemble of a Korean woman in her 20's to mid 30's. Whether hiking a mountain, meandering in an amusement park, or going out for dinner, its mini skirts and heals.

(Atleast she wore boots to protect her ankles.)

(below) T and K's blonde hair and fair skin attract attention everywhere we go in Asia .