Weekend in Sokcho: Hiking and More

View of Sokcho from the hotel restaurant

Last week concluded with a weekend field trip to Sokcho, further in the north, on the east coast of South Korea. After a lecture on Buddhism in Korea and a trip to a temple, some of us ETAs spent the rest of the evening on the beach, listening to the waves break on the shore. I always find something oddly comforting about the water, as it connects all parts of the world together. The water that laps on the shore of Korea also touches the shore of Australia, Japan, and somewhere far off Europe. I know they are technically all different oceans, but the water is connected, and through that the entire world is. I like the thought.

Our lecture hall in the hotel

Saturday in Sokcho was spent enjoying nature as a big group of us went hiking in Seoraksan National Park. It was simply breathtaking, and if possible, I'd like to return in the fall to hike under colorful foliage. A few of us chose to hike to the waterfalls, about a 1.5 hour hike. Once achieved, hikers have the option of continuing on for .4 km, to the outlook. However, the .4 km are climbing straight up stairs. I am afraid to say I only made it half of the way before my head began to pound unbearably and my legs became jello. One of my many goals for this year is to one day make it back to Seoraksansan and conquer the remaining .2 km!

Korean hikers are so fit!!

After our hike, we payed 10 000 won ($10) to take the cable car up to the top of one of the many mountains in the park. The money was well spent, as I have never seen a more breathtaking view. The jagged cliffs, and the beautiful, resilient trees growing in high up places; the mist surrounding the mountains like a blanket. It was beautiful.

View from the cable car

View at the top of the mountain

Sunday we returned to Goesan for another week of orientation, Korean language classes and F.E.P. (Fulbright English Program, an English camp for middle school and high schoolers). Tomorrow and Friday are midterm days for Korean classes, and Friday I teach my first ever lesson plan in class for F.E.P. I am nervous...I think almost all of us are. But I am also very excited to finally meet students first hand, and begin the life long learning process of how to teach, something I think only experience can truly teach.