Food always has a story to tell. Like magic, certain smells, flavours, and meals have the power to transport us through time and space. Whether it is a fleeting snapshot from personal memory that is evoked; or a larger, more encompassing tale that describes a culture, or colours a country and its people. Food is transcendent. Continue reading
After an Indian summer that seemed to stretch on forever, winter has come to settle in South Korea. There is no disputing this as I gaze from the window of our house, high up on a hill overlooking the northern edge of Dongducheon. Trees, naked and skeletal against the stark blue sky decorate the tops of nearby hills and columns of smoke rise from the valley below. There is wind. There is ice. There is winter. Continue reading
The Colours of Hahoe Village
I guess when a place is known as the ‘capital of the Korean spirit’ it should be pretty obvious there would be a lot going on. National treasures, important folk material, and even an intangible cultural asset…Where to begin? Continue reading
Ready…Set…Bibimbap!
People are not joking when they tell you that South Koreans love festivals. Every season boasts an array of celebrations taking place all over the country. Omija, medicinal herbs, body painting, makjeoli, azaelas…the list goes on. I will start by stating that not every festival is created equal, Continue reading
Finally! The humidity has left the air and our nights and mornings have a refreshing chill to them. We have been waiting for days like these to put on our hiking boots and Continue reading
We were off to a bit of a late start on Saturday…Perhaps we didn’t really need that last pot of coffee before heading out to Impo to find the golden Buddha of Manbulsa Temple after all.
There was a small debate over how to get there: should we take the shorter train ride that connects with the local bus for a nice, relaxing cruise through the countryside, or Continue reading
Wandering around Seomun Market in Daegu has quickly become one of my favorite ways to spend a day. One can literally get lost in this wondrously labyrinthian place. It is both overwhelming and inspiring. Continue reading