this weekend - insadong
April 23rd 2007 04:11
sunday provided us with the chance to check out insadong province in seoul. this is an area that is aimed at western tourists, so i had mixes emotions about the entire day. even at home a i generally stay away from areas that are aimed at these kind of markets, but when in rome... although it is quite a beautiful area that reeks with korean tradition, it is also quite plastic in that it is catering for the mass audience from the western world - and that is indeed who was there.
we did stumble across some nice galleries and i could have spent millions of won on many of the contemporary pop art pieces that were on offer, and there were of course many places to eat and nibble and refresh. one thing that i had to ponder over was why are we traveling to these places to see different cultures, yet these different cultures are trying so eagerly to accommodate and assimilate to our culture? but then who are we to tell them not to? i also had to wonder where it will all end up in a few decades from now.
the morning was excellent and this was completed by a lovely lunch of bip bim bap and bulgogi, all of which was washed down with a bottle of plum wine. however my tolerence ended there as i could not put up with the arrogance of to other tourists that were eating behind us. after hearing their stupid conversation of who farted and how cool they were, the straw that broke the camel's back was when they clicked their fingers and yelled out 'check!' now the style of this restaurant or sikdong was one that was quite tranquil and calming but i think even the owner saw red and had steam coming out his ears!
i had to also ponder over the fact of why come to another country and expect to find your own? isn't the reason you travel to learn and discover new cultures and traditions and not force your ways on others? i just couldn't understand it.....
but anyway here are some snaps from the day:
we did stumble across some nice galleries and i could have spent millions of won on many of the contemporary pop art pieces that were on offer, and there were of course many places to eat and nibble and refresh. one thing that i had to ponder over was why are we traveling to these places to see different cultures, yet these different cultures are trying so eagerly to accommodate and assimilate to our culture? but then who are we to tell them not to? i also had to wonder where it will all end up in a few decades from now.
the morning was excellent and this was completed by a lovely lunch of bip bim bap and bulgogi, all of which was washed down with a bottle of plum wine. however my tolerence ended there as i could not put up with the arrogance of to other tourists that were eating behind us. after hearing their stupid conversation of who farted and how cool they were, the straw that broke the camel's back was when they clicked their fingers and yelled out 'check!' now the style of this restaurant or sikdong was one that was quite tranquil and calming but i think even the owner saw red and had steam coming out his ears!
i had to also ponder over the fact of why come to another country and expect to find your own? isn't the reason you travel to learn and discover new cultures and traditions and not force your ways on others? i just couldn't understand it.....
but anyway here are some snaps from the day:
one of the coolest shop fronts i have seen
the world's largest plastic food...ever!
one of the local traditional musicians
they have some of the most amazing paper and hanji shops. image courtesy of leisa hutchinson.
some of the local delicasies
the day was finished off with some 13th century glass encased pagoda action.
......and a gift from an emporer.
| 59 |
| Vote |
Comments (4)
Add Comments
