Day 9 and Beyond: Seoul Adventure

Hello, fellow explorers and martial arts enthusiasts! As we dive into Day 9 and beyond of our Seoul adventure, the atmosphere is a mix of excitement and bittersweet farewells. While Master Greg, Daniel, and Xander headed home, the rest of us were ready to make the most of our remaining week in this vibrant city. So buckle up and join us as we embark on a week of thrills, sights, and maybe a little bit of chaos!

Farewell to Our Fellow Warriors

The morning started with a bittersweet breakfast as we bid adieu to Master Greg, Daniel, and Xander. After another delightful buffet feast, complete with enough food to fuel a small army, we shared laughs and stories, reminiscing about our time together. Hugs were exchanged and we waved goodbye to our comrades as they headed to the airport.

Towering Heights: Lotte World Sky Tower

With a few of our crew missing, the remaining group set off to the Lotte World Sky Tower. This towering marvel offers breath-taking views of Seoul, and we were eager to take it all in. As we ascended, the anticipation was palpable. Once at the top, we gazed out over the sprawling city, feeling like true masters surveying our domain. The photo ops were endless, with everyone striking heroic poses against the skyline.

Thrills and Laughs: Lotte World Amusement Park

Next, it was time for some thrills at the Lotte World Amusement Park! We jumped from ride to ride, our laughter echoing through the park. Whether we were screaming on roller coasters or spinning wildly on the dodgem cars, the energy was infectious. We left the park with big smiles and even bigger cravings for snacks!

Lotte World is unique, featuring both indoor and outdoor sections, so we get to enjoy a variety of experiences.

A Scenic Stroll: Walking to Namsan Tower

Later in the week, we decide to take a scenic walk toward the Namsan Tower bus stop. The stroll through the streets of Seoul is delightful, filled with charming cafes, street vendors, and vibrant city life. We walked past Namdaemun market, another well known shopping area in Seoul.

Shopping Spree: The 12-Storey Daiso

Up, Up, and Away: Namsan Tower

Upon reaching Namsan Tower, we take the bus to near the top, eager to witness the stunning panoramic views of Seoul as the sun sets. From the bus stop there is still quite a climb to the tower itself. The city transforms into a sparkling sea of lights, creating a magical ambiance. We also saw lightning off in the distance over the Seoul mountains.

The tower is also famous for its love locks, hundreds, if not thousands of locks are attached to the fences at the tower. Lovers come here to add a lock to the love lock wall to show their love for each other. Many of us contemplating locking away our favourite snacks as a testament to our love for Korean food.

Relaxation at Aquafields Jjimjilbang

After a trip filled with excitement, we decided to wind down at Aqua Fields Jjimjilbang, a luxurious bathhouse experience. After a fortnight of martial arts training and theme park thrills, it was the perfect way to relax. The soothing saunas and rejuvenating baths were just what we needed. As we floated in the pools, we joked about our martial arts skills translating to graceful moves in the water—let’s just say some of us had more success than others!

Embracing Every Moment

As our final week in Seoul comes to a close, we feel a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. Our trip has not only strengthened our love of martial arts but also deepened our bonds as friends. It was an amazing trip. Thank you to all of the EMA students who came along, thank you to Master Tom Adam from Canberra for organising the Australian members for the trip, and also a big thank you for GHA for organising such an incredible event. We’ll miss you Korea! …. we’ll be back!

Day 8: A Bittersweet Farewell and Fun in Seoul

Hello, martial arts fans and fellow adventurers! Welcome back to our ongoing saga in Seoul. Day 8 was a day of mixed emotions as some of our Eagle Martial Arts (EMA) group prepared to head home, while the rest of us dove into new escapades. Grab your travel gear (and maybe a gaming controller), and let’s recap the highlights!

Morning Fuel: Buffet Breakfast Bonanza

Our day began as it should—with a glorious buffet breakfast at the hotel! Imagine a table brimming with delectable options, from waffles and sizzling bacon to a delightful spread of Korean delicacies. We savoured every bite, knowing that this would be our last breakfast together for a few of us. There were plenty of toasts (with juice, of course!) and even a few tearful goodbyes (almost, not quite) as our departing members prepared for their journeys home.

Mid-Morning: Saying Goodbye

As the clock ticked, it was time to say farewell to some of our fellow EMA warriors. Who knew that a martial arts tour could create such lasting friendships? We waved goodbye, knowing they would carry our memories (and maybe a few souvenir T-shirts) home with them.

Late Morning: Levelling Up – The LoL eSports Arena

For those of us who stayed behind, it was time to unleash our inner gamers! We headed to the LoL (League of Legends) eSports Arena, a mecca for gaming enthusiasts. The energy around the arena was electric, with screens glowing and fans cheering. It felt like stepping into a virtual battlefield, and we loved every second! Some of us even tried our hands at gaming at the PC Bang (internet cafe) while others looked around. Who knew that our martial arts training could translate to some serious gaming skills?

Late Afternoon: A Serene Escape – Jjimjilbang Adventures

After the stadium Daniel and Xander opted for a more relaxing experience at the jjimjilbang in Dongdaemun. This traditional Korean bathhouse is famous for its soothing saunas and rejuvenating baths. After a week of martial arts training, it was the perfect way to unwind. They emerged from their day of pampering looking relaxed and perhaps a little too pruney—but happy!

Late Afternoon: Shopping and Snacking: Yongsan Station

The remaining members of our group decide to explore the Yongsan Station shopping centre. With a variety of shops and eateries, it’s the ideal place for last-minute souvenirs and a taste of local cuisine. We wander through the market, we grab some food, Bibimbap, Master Scott’s favourite Korean dish. As we shop, we gather small tokens of our journey—Korean snacks and souvenirs to remind us of this unforgettable trip.

Wrapping Up Day 8

As the day came to a close, we gathered back at the hotel, sharing stories of our adventures. From goodbyes to gaming victories and shopping successes, Day 8 was a mix of emotions but filled with laughter and camaraderie.

A Martial Arts Adventure: Day 7 in Seoul with the EMA Group

Hello, fellow adventurers! Welcome back to our epic martial arts journey through the vibrant streets of Seoul! As we continue our trip, Day 7 was nothing short of delightful, filled with cultural exploration and, of course, a sprinkle of humour. So, grab your dojang stamps and let’s dive into our itinerary!

As we reached Day 7, the official GHA Korea Martial Arts and Culture Tour has come to an end. Day 7 was free time for people to go explore Seoul, say goodbye to new friends and for some, start packing for the return home. For the EMA group it was another day packed with culture, cuisine, and a few quirky surprises with a visit to Insadong!

Rise and Shine: Buffet Breakfast Extravaganza

Our day began at the hotel, where the buffet breakfast was a feast worthy of champions. Imagine a spread featuring everything from waffles to savoury kimchi. We filled our plates like true warriors preparing for battle, ensuring we had the fuel needed for a day of exploration.

Mid-Morning: Subway Shenanigans to Insadong

After breakfast, we made our way to Insadong, a neighbourhood known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic charm. We hopped on the subway, and were there in no time. Upon arrival, we immediately felt the vibrant atmosphere, with galleries, tea houses, and traditional craft shops lining the streets.

Afternoon: Dojang Stamps and Bingsu – A Slice of Korean Culture

Our first stop was a shop where we picked up Korean name stamps, or dojang. These personalized stamps are a beautiful blend of art and tradition, often used for signing important documents. Choosing our designs was a fun process, and we left with unique keepsakes that reflect our names and this memorable trip.

We also visited a more traditional Bingsu restaurant where we treated ourselves to some delicious, traditional dessert.

Afternoon: A Journey Through Kimchi

Next, we visited the Kimchi Museum. Yes, you read that right! This was no ordinary museum; it was a celebration of Korea’s beloved fermented side dish. We learned about the different types of kimchi and its significance in Korean culture. A few brave souls even sampled some, leading to hilarious reactions that ranged from “Mmm, this is delicious!” to “Who knew cabbage could pack such a punch?”

Lunchtime: Savouring Authentic Korean Cuisine

After our cultural excursion, it was time for lunch! We found a local restaurant that served a variety of traditional Korean dishes. We feasted on delicious bulgogi, mandu, kimchi jjigae, and of course, more kimchi. Everything tasted amazing—each bite a reminder of why we travelled all the way to Korea.

Late-Afternoon: Coffee Break at the Poop Café

Now, here’s where the day took a wonderfully quirky turn: we visited the infamous Poop Café! Yes, you read that right again. This whimsical café features everything from cute poop-shaped pastries to drinks served in toilet bowl mugs. It was an Instagram dream, with everyone striking poses next to the “poop” décor. As we sipped our “number two” lattes, laughter filled the air. After all, what’s a martial arts tour without a little silliness?

Evening: Reflecting on a Memorable Day

As the sun began to set over Seoul, we reflected on the day’s adventures. From hearty breakfasts to unique experiences at the Poop Cafe, Day 7 was a perfect blend of culture, food, and fun.

EMA Group’s Seoul Adventure: Day 6 – Supplies, Shopping, the Grand Awards Night and the ‘Special’ After Party!

Welcome back to the fun-filled journey of the EMA group in Seoul! Day 6 was a delightful mix of martial arts supplies, shopping shenanigans, and a night to remember at our awards ceremony. So, let’s jump right in!

Morning: Breakfast Bonanza

Our day started, as all good days do, with a lavish buffet breakfast at the hotel. Once again, we found ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options. From fluffy omelettes to spicy kimchi, it was a breakfast buffet that would make any foodie swoon. We chatted about the adventures of the past few days while trying to balance multiple plates. “I’ll just have a little more of everything,” one person declared, as they made a heroic effort to carry a tower of food.

Mid-Morning: Martial Arts Supply Store Shenanigans

After our hearty breakfast, we headed to Moosoolsa, a martial arts supply store that felt like heaven for any martial arts enthusiast. The store wasn’t for everyone as its specialty is custom made gear, including embroidered belts, custom uniforms and T-shirts etc.

Some of us stocked up on gear, excited to bring home some Korean martial arts memorabilia.

Afternoon: Yongsan Station Shopping Mall

Our next stop was heading back to Yongsan Station shopping mall. This modern complex offered a stark contrast to the traditional martial arts store we had just visited. We explored a variety of shops, from electronics stores showcasing the latest Korean tech to fashion boutiques featuring trendy K-pop inspired styles. The food court provided a great spot for lunch, where we enjoyed a mix of Korean and international cuisines.

Evening: Awards Night Ceremony

The highlight of our day, and indeed a fitting conclusion to our entire trip, was the evening’s awards night ceremony and buffet dinner. Held in a banquet hall, the event was a celebration of our achievements and experiences throughout the tour.

The ceremony began with a recap of our journey, showcasing photos and videos from our various training sessions and cultural excursions. It was amazing to see how much we had learned and experienced in just six days.

The evening wasn’t just about individual achievements, though. Our instructors, including Grand Master Lee and Grand Master Walters, were honoured for their guidance and expertise in teaching martial arts.

As we enjoyed a gourmet Korean fusion dinner, we shared our favourite moments from the trip and exchanged contact information with new friends. The atmosphere was one of joy and camaraderie, tinged with a bit of sadness that our adventure was coming to an end.

As we returned to our hotel for our final night in Seoul, we were filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Our martial arts tour had not only improved our skills but had also given us a deep appreciation for Korean culture and history. We went to bed with full hearts, already planning when we might return to this fascinating city for more martial arts adventures.

Late Evening: The After Party (While Doing Laundry)

After the ceremony some of the group mentioned they had some of the rather sweaty doboks/uniforms that they’d like to wash before either heading back to Australia or continuing with the trip, it was then that someone suggested that we grab some snacks and drinks from the convenient store in the hotel and have an award ceremony night after party! … while washing clothes. It was an EMA group exclusive party (in the laundry room/kitchen at the hotel) where we shared stories about the trip, funny stories about ourselves and enjoyed a drink and a chat, a great end to an already great night!

Wrapping Up Day 6

After a night filled with laughter, cheers, and a few tearful goodbyes (because let’s face it, it’s always hard to leave such an amazing trip) we headed back to our rooms. Day 6 had been a perfect blend of martial arts, shopping, and camaraderie.

As we tucked in for the night, we couldn’t help but reflect on all the incredible memories we had made together. With one more day left in our adventure, we were eager to see what surprises awaited us. Stay tuned for the grand finale of our epic trip in Seoul on the GHA Korea Martial Arts and Culture Tour 2024!

Day 5 in Seoul: Kicks, Quirks, and a Hamstring Saga

Welcome to Day 5 of our martial arts trip to Seoul! If you thought martial arts was all about discipline and focus, think again. Today was a delightful mix of high kicks, unexpected mishaps, and a sprinkle of cultural exploration. Grab a cup of kimchi-flavoured coffee (just kidding, that’s not a thing) and enjoy our escapade!

Morning: Breakfast Bliss

We started our day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel that could only be described as a feast fit for warriors. There was everything from crispy bacon to steaming bowls of rice, and yes, plenty of kimchi to kickstart our taste buds. We all agreed: carbs are essential for high kicks—right? With our plates piled high, we indulged in a bit of friendly competition over who could eat the most breakfast. Spoiler alert: it was definitely not the healthy option.

Mid-Morning: The Taekwondo Seminar Showdown

With our stomachs full and our spirits high, we headed to the Taekwondo seminar. The seminar began with an intense warm-up, followed by technique drills that pushed our limits. Our fearless leader, Scott Sabeomnim, was ready to demonstrate some impressive techniques. But in a twist of fate worthy of a dramatic film, he pulled a hamstring mid-kick! Still holding his ground, and still nice and warmed up, he continued on, smashing a board at the end of the seminar.

Other members of the group also had a go at breaking boards, even the one of the youngest of the group managed to break one! Great work!

Fun was had by all, lots of kicking, sweating and kihaping but soon it was time to leave.

Afternoon: Honoring History at Yongsan War Memorial Hall

After our seminar adventures, we made our way to the Yongsan War Memorial Hall. This was a sobering experience (once Scott Sabeomnim managed to get up the stairs with his, now cooled down, pulled hammie), and we took a moment to appreciate Korea’s rich history. The exhibits were both fascinating and eye-opening, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect for the resilience of the Korean people. From the exhibitions of the scaled down ‘turtle ship’ to the full sized tanks and planes they are in the memorial hall, it was definitely worth the visit.

Late Afternoon: Kukkiwon and the Taekwondo Museum

Our next stop was the Kukkiwon, also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters. This iconic building is considered the global center of Taekwondo. We toured the facilities, including the main training hall where numerous championships have been held. The adjacent Taekwondo Museum offered a fascinating look at the art’s history and evolution, from its roots in traditional Korean martial arts to its current status as an Olympic sport.

Evening: Split Adventures

As the day wound down, the instructors headed off to an “important” dinner—probably to discuss Scott’s hamstring woes and share tips on how to not pull one while showing off (just kidding Sabeomnim). Meanwhile, the rest of us decided to explore the glitzy COEX Mall. This place is like a shopping wonderland, with enough stores to make your credit card weep. We lost ourselves in the aisles, with one friend getting way too excited about a karaoke machine. (Karaoke night is going to be epic!)

After our shopping spree, we made our way to Bongeunsa Temple. The contrast was refreshing; the serene beauty of the temple offered a peaceful end to our bustling day. To cap off our day, we made our way to the nearby Bongeunsa Temple. This 1200-year-old Buddhist temple offered a serene contrast to the bustling modernity of COEX. As night fell, the temple was illuminated, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Wrapping Up the Day

As we headed back to the hotel, we reflected on the day’s hilarious ups and downs. From Scott’s dramatic hamstring saga to our cultural explorations, Day 5 was a perfect blend of fun, learning, and laughter. We hit the pillows that night with dreams of martial arts moves, shopaholic antics, and a new appreciation for both the history and hilarity of our journey in Seoul on the GHA Korea Martial Arts and Culture Tour 2024! Here’s to hoping Scott Sabeomnim’s back in action soon—because we’ve got more adventures ahead!

EMA Group’s Seoul Adventure: Day 4 – DMZ Delights and Culinary Crusades!

Welcome back to the EMA group’s escapades in Seoul! Day 4 was a whirlwind of historical exploration, delicious food, and some serious martial arts action. Grab your imaginary passport and let’s dive into the highlights!

Morning: Breakfast Extravaganza

We kicked off the day with another fabulous buffet breakfast at the hotel. With a smorgasbord of options, we once again attempted to balance our plates with both sweet and savoury delights. And with that, breakfast became a delightful mix of waffles, eggs, rice, and just a touch of healthy options (because we’re definitely health-conscious… most of the time).

Mid-Morning: DMZ Tour – History with a View

After breakfast, we hopped on the bus for a much-anticipated tour of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Our guide regaled us with stories of the region’s history, and we were all ears—except for a few who were too busy taking selfies with everything in sight!

The highlight was the cable car ride that took us right up to the edge of North Korea. The view from the cable car was breath-taking, but also sobering, the emptiness of the DMZ, offering a unique perspective on the geopolitical landscape of the Korean peninsula. The museum on the other North side showed information about the war and signing of the ceasefire.

Lunch: Budaejjigae Bliss

After our epic DMZ adventure, we were famished and ready for lunch. We enjoyed a hearty bowl of budaejjigae, a spicy Korean stew that was perfect for refuelling after our morning excitement. The mix of ingredients was like a party in a pot—ramyeon noodles, sausage, and a whole lot of spicy goodness!

Late Afternoon: Kalhap Knife Fighting Seminar

As we paired up to practice, the atmosphere shifted from serious to hilariously awkward. “If I accidentally poke you, it’s all part of the training!”. Laughter echoed through the room as we fumbled our way through the techniques, each of us trying to channel our inner action hero—minus the Hollywood polish. By the end of the seminar though we doing some of the basics like pros… or so we thought.

Next on our agenda was a Kalhap knife fighting seminar. Now, this was a new level of martial arts! We learned techniques that were as impressive as they were intimidating. Our instructor demonstrated some moves, and we couldn’t help but be awed (and a little scared).

Evening: Shopping Spree at Dongdaemun

After the seminar, we headed to Dongdaemun for some much-needed retail therapy. The market was a vibrant maze of shops and stalls, bursting with everything from fashion to souvenirs. We scattered in different directions, excitedly texting each other about the best finds. The downstairs discount store was especially great to look around for all of its trinkets.

Sweet Treats: Heottdok and Bingsu

As we wrapped up our shopping adventure, it was time for some sweet indulgence. We treated ourselves to heottdok, a delicious stuffed pancake that was sweet and oh-so-satisfying. “Sooo Goood!” someone exclaimed, eyes sparkling with delight.

But wait, we weren’t done! We also had to try bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert that was perfect for cooling off after a long day. The fluffy ice, topped with sweet red beans, fruits, and condensed milk, was pure bliss. We treated Winnie to some Birthday Bingsu to celebrate her ‘on tour’ birthday. Happy Birthday Winnie!

Wrapping Up Day 4

As we returned to the hotel, our hearts and stomachs were full. Day 4 had been a blend of adventure, laughter, and culinary delights that left us all smiling. From the dramatic views at the DMZ to our martial arts training and delicious treats, we made memories that we would cherish forever.

With another amazing day under our belts, we drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the next adventure awaiting us in the vibrant city of Seoul on the GHA Korea Martial Arts and Culture Tour 2024! Stay tuned for more fun as we continue our journey together!