Travels: South Korea

The day after graduation, my sister and I went backpacking in Korea for two weeks:

Even though I have never been to Korea before nor did much destination research prior to departing, while there, there were several moments when I felt a strong sense of deja vu. About a month prior to our trip, I woke to a vivid dream of travelling through Korea and drew it down within minutes of waking (first image). It felt real, I felt the wind blowing as well as warmth from the sun and blue sky (that actually wasn't accurate, as much of the sky we saw there was always in a grey haze). I dreamt of a recreational trail / boardwalk that winded itself around and through a series of islands where at each opening were opportunities to explore. When we arrive at Busan (second image), I found that feeling. It felt incredible.

(Top left) Train station in Seoul.
(Mid left) On our first morning in Seoul, I met a carpenter in the prince's palace while noting how roof pieces fit together. He showed me his tool set, wood pieces, and pointed to the bright colours of pink, yellow, green painted at the ends. He was friendly and show pride in what he does. I was impressed. I forego sketching to listen to him.
(Bottom left) Rice patty fields were a consistent theme as we travelled by trains and intercity buses. I was beginning to identify a central pathway with the short end of each field abutting to the path. There are also a letdown into every field.
(Top mid) Tombs I observed on hills.
(Center) The most delicious seafood hotpot we've had from our first night in Busan. We pointed to our phrase book and grinned sheepishly, "What would you recommend?" A few awkwardly hand gestures later, the ladies brought us each a boiling bowl with squid, abalone, rice, spicy soup base, and of course, lots of side dishes. As we start fiddling with the spoon and rice, they felt compelled to guide us to put all the rice in the bowl. So much easier. That interactive dining experience is later succeeded with a BBQ place and the old man who showed us to grill meat...
(Bottom mid-right) Golf driving range over a parking lot. I adore that ingenuity!
(Top right) Hexagon train / inter bus station in Seoul.
(Mid right) Waiting outside a palace for admission.

 Dedicated to Patrick Condon, whom I immediately thought of when I saw the market in Yeosu, the coastal town that hosted Expo 2012. The neat thing about this market and other ones in Korea are the stores' deliveries are made in the front of the building. The scene of a motorcycle strapped with boxes and its rider keeping their bike upright with one foot is a common sight. Even chain stores like 7-11 would quickly park their van near / on the sidewalk, unload and deliver through the front door.

All in my head...

Left with little time to explore, and even less time to feel rejuvenated, I spent my bus rides recalling moments when I felt uplifted, content, or charmed. Places I could close my eyes and trace the memories.  Slightly different from most sketches posted to date, these were drawn from hindsight, months or years later.

Portland - journey to Washington Park / porch of our hostel.

Beijing - stone archway to boat dock within Old Summer Palace / inconspicuous alleyway 

Nanaimo - dinner company / Surrey - rough contemplation about thesis site

SFU - terraced pub with honey-combed patios / Unknown - based on someone else's description

Beijing - stone path floating on depthless green water, surrounded by the bamboo ravine. 

UBC -Bean Around the World cafe (I believe the interior setting was much nicer when Salt Spring Coffee owned the place, the barista table with its high chairs was the only part they kept intact and thank goodness for that). 

Vancouver - narrow cafe in Gastown