Musings on Travel

My boss just back from his business/personal trip to Asia. He went to Seoul and his wife's hometown in Southern China. They had brought their young kids and thought one visit to Seoul was plenty. I personally had a blast but then part of it was I can understand some Korean, love the dramas, love the food and history. It was only within the last few years after my Korean drama fixation have I wanted to put South Korea on my traveling map. Even when my brother was there and my friends have visited there, it was not high on my list to visit over Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam within Asia.

My boss and I had an interesting conversation about Seoul. I loved my time there. My boss was not so enthused. Partially not knowing the language, plus having two jetlagged young kids in tow, he and his wife were really limited in what they could do while in Seoul. They enjoyed Namdaemun and Myeong Dong for the shopping and the food. But once was enough for them to visit South Korea. I felt a bit sad. I did have a great time but it did help to have a great friend and hostess there. Though I ventured a bit by myself, they were hindered needing to take cabs than the subway system (which I got used to using while in Seoul) with the kids in tow. Plus without a local host, it was not as enjoyable.

When the usual person thinks of East Asia to visit, it is more Japan and China. For my boss, he thought Japan was more compelling than Korea and he felt that it was a not as exciting to be there. I can see what he means. But South Korea was great to me.I do want to go back to see friends, visit other historical places and hit Jeju Island. Hopefully by then, my Korean will be better or as good as my listening. I have yet to take a Korean language lesson. But the constant listening to Korean spoken in the dramas has helped my own basic understanding and knowledge. (I picked up my Cantonese that way by watching a lot of Andy Lau dramas/movies and listening to Anita Mui, Alan Tam, Jacky Cheung and Leslie Cheung songs.) The more you are immersed in a language the better you can become!

I cannot wait to go back again to Asia. But I think South East Asia is due for a visit!