EMA Group’s Seoul Adventure: Day 3 – Arrows, Swords, BBQ, and Karaoke Shenanigans!

Welcome back to our wild ride with the EMA group on our martial arts trip to Seoul for the GHA Korea Martial Arts Seminar and Culture Tour 2024! Day 3 brought a mix of historical skills, mouth-watering food, and a karaoke showdown that we won’t soon forget. Buckle up for another fun-filled day!

Morning: Breakfast Buffoonery

We kicked off Day 3 with another glorious buffet breakfast at the hotel. The spread was so impressive that we could practically hear our taste buds cheering. Waffles, rice, and a plethora of Korean dishes lined the table, making it a challenge to decide what to eat first. A few of us attempted to channel our inner martial artists by grabbing healthy options, but let’s be honest—most of us ended up with plates overflowing with everything from egg to spicy kimchi. “I’m carb-loading for the archery!” we told ourselves.

Morning: Off to Songnam City

After breakfast, we hopped on the bus for a scenic ride to Songnam City. As we rolled through the streets, we had a chat and took some photos. The anticipation was palpable—traditional Korean archery and sword cutting? Talk about stepping into a historical epic! Exciting stuff!

Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Traditional Korean Archery and Sword Cutting Seminar

We first stopped at a traditional palace/fort for a full group shot before heading up the steep hill to the archery and cutting location. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our instructors, who were as enthusiastic as we were, despite the extreme heat of the day. After a great demonstration and a quick safety briefing, we donned our gear and picked up the bows. It was time to channel our inner archers!

As we took aim, we quickly discovered that hitting the target was more challenging than it looked. Our instructor chuckled and reminded us that practice makes perfect. After a few rounds of laughter and friendly competition, we finally hit our stride. Grand Master Greg Walters (Chairman of GHA Australia) did especially well.

Next up was the sword cutting seminar. Armed with traditional swords, we attempted to slice through various bamboo poles. It was both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking! The expert instruction from the Masters saw us all manage to cut through the Bamboo.

Evening: All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Dinner

After all that hard work (and a bit of sword-swinging chaos), we were ready for some serious refuelling. We headed to an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant, and let me tell you, it was glorious! The sizzling sound of marinated meat hitting the grill was music to our ears.

We piled our plates high with bulgogi, samgyeopsal, and every side dish imaginable. “Just one more round!” became our battle cry as we went back for seconds—and thirds—while swapping stories and laughing about our earlier antics. The camaraderie over grilled meat was unbeatable!

Late Evening: Norebang – The Karaoke Showdown

With our bellies full and spirits high, we headed to a norebang (karaoke room) for a night of singing and silliness. Some of us took it seriously, belting out classics like “Step by Step” with all the passion of a true diva, while others just wanted to have fun and throw in some questionable dance moves.

While not the most glamorous norebang, it was still a lot of fun! “Who needs pitch when you have enthusiasm?” someone shouted as we collectively attempted to sing “Bohemian Rhapsody,” resulting in a chorus that could only be described as unique. We laughed, cheered each other on, and embraced our inner rock stars.

Wrapping Up Day 3

As we wrapped up the night, our voices hoarse but our hearts full, we reflected on another amazing day. From traditional archery, sword cutting, to all-you-can-eat BBQ and karaoke chaos, Day 3 was a whirlwind of fun and friendship.

We returned to the hotel, exhausted but exhilarated, ready for whatever Day 4 had in store. One thing was certain: this trip was bringing us closer together—and giving us plenty of hilarious memories to cherish! Stay tuned for more adventures from our unforgettable trip to Seoul on the GHA Korea Martial Arts and Culture Tour 2024!

EMA Group’s Seoul Adventure: Day 2 – Kicks, Grading, and Shopping Shenanigans!

Welcome back to our epic journey with the EMA group! Day 2 in Seoul was packed with action, training, delicious food, and a healthy dose of retail therapy. Grab your favourite snack (preferably something Korean), and let’s dive into our fun-filled day!

Morning: Breakfast Buffet Bonanza

We started the day at the hotel with a breakfast buffet that was nothing short of spectacular. With options ranging from fluffy pancakes to spicy kimchi, it was a true feast. The competitive spirit was alive as we piled the food onto our plates. “I’ll take the waffles, kimchi and the toast, thank you very much!” was the mantra of the day. Afterward, we felt fuelled and ready to take on anything—except perhaps a marathon.

Mid-Morning: Hapkido Seminar and Grading

With our bellies full, we headed to a Hapkido seminar. The energy in the room was electric as we warmed up and got into the groove of things. We practiced kicks, throws, and some impressive self-defence moves that would make even the most skilled ninja envious.

As the seminar progressed, the moment of truth arrived: grading! Our hearts raced as our fellow students showcased their skills. Amidst the seriousness, we couldn’t help but exchange cheeky glances and inside jokes. “If they don’t break a board, we’re blaming the breakfast buffet!” one of our friends joked, drawing chuckles from those who heard it.

Late Morning: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Bonanza

Next up was a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar. This was our chance to roll with the best and learn some slick ground moves. Let’s just say, by the end, we were all experts at the art of awkwardly grappling with each other. Scott Sabeomnim had a roll with the under 17 champion BJJ blue belt that was helping to teach the seminar, he was good.

Lunch: Bulgogi Bliss

After all that hard work (and a bit of clumsiness), we were starving! We headed to a local restaurant for a bulgogi lunch. The savoury marinated beef, sizzling hot, was pure bliss. We piled our plates high and couldn’t resist going back for seconds—because why not? Everyone had a great time and were well and truly full by the time we left.

Afternoon Adventures: Shopping at Myeongdong

With our appetites satisfied, we ventured to Myeongdong, a shopping paradise. The streets were alive with vendors selling everything from skincare products to delicious street food. We split into small groups, and the hunt was on!

There were plenty of shenanigans—like impromptu photo shoots with oversized hats and some seriously questionable fashion choices.

The group then split up, some continued shopping while the rest of us need a break and what better way to unwind than with some furry friends? Our visit to a cat café was a delightful pit stop. Picture this: a cozy space filled with playful kitties lounging around while we sipped our coffees and ice teas, and tried to ignore the fact that we were all secretly plotting to take one home.

The cats, indifferent to our presence, were the real stars of the show. We snapped endless pictures and tried to coax them into posing. Spoiler alert: they had other plans. They were still cute though.

Late Afternoon: Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace

Our next stop was the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. Though it was a very hot day, we were still in awe of the intricate architecture and beautiful gardens. The stark contrast between the traditional palace and the modern cityscape of Seoul was truly a sight to behold.

Evening: Shopping in Hongdae

As the sun began to set, we headed to Hongdae, another shopping hotspot known for its youthful vibe. The streets were buzzing with energy, street performers, and all kinds of shops. We wandered through boutiques and cosmetics stores.

Wrapping Up Day 2

As we wrapped up our day, our bags were full, our hearts were light, and we were all buzzing with excitement from the experiences we’d shared. Day 2 was a whirlwind of martial arts, delicious food, and unforgettable moments.

As we drifted off to sleep that night, we couldn’t help but dream of more adventures to come. Here’s to more kicks, laughs, and maybe even a few more questionable fashion choices on this amazing trip! Stay tuned for more of our escapades in Seoul on the GHA Korea Martial Arts and Culture Tour 2024!

Day 0/1: EMA Group’s Seoul Adventure: Day 0/1 – The Journey Begins!

Ah, the thrill of adventure! Our EMA group’s martial arts trip to Seoul for the Global Hapkido Association’s (GHA) Korea Martial Arts and Culture Tour kicked off with all the excitement of a high-energy training session. From the moment we boarded the shuttle bus to Melbourne Airport, we knew this was going to be a trip to remember. Let’s dive into the highlights of our Day 0/1!

The Shuttle Shuffle

We piled into the shuttle bus, filled with anticipation and excitement. The drive to the airport felt like the opening scene of an epic movie—friends chatting and laughing, some ridiculous jokes being thrown around. Cue the laughter!

Flights of Fancy

After check-in and a few rounds of airport selfies, we boarded our flight to Singapore. As we settled in, we made sure to have our travel essentials ready: neck pillows, snacks, and—most importantly—queueing the martial arts movies for the flight!

Layover in Singapore

Once we arrived in Singapore, we marvelled at the airport, unfortunately though, it was quite late, so a lot of the shops were closed. We had just enough time to get some snacks, have a quick look around and have a rest before we had to board our next flight. Between movies and snacks, we cheered each other on as we navigated through our travel fatigue and excitement.

Touchdown in Incheon

Finally, we landed in Incheon, and the excitement hit us like a roundhouse kick! We were met at the airport by Grand Master Choong Woo Lee, the head of GHA Korea, who organised the quick shuttle bus ride that brought us to the Yongsan Ibis Ambassador Hotel. We felt like true warriors as we checked in, ready to rest up for the martial arts adventures ahead.

Exploring Yongsan Station

With introductions done, we set out to explore Yongsan Station, a bustling hub of shops and eateries. We divided into small groups, with some of us on a quest for the best Korean snacks, while others were simply trying to navigate the signage (which was a fun challenge at times!). The excitement of being in a new city was palpable, and we couldn’t help but capture it all with our phones.

Greeting Grand Master Lee

After a bit of freshening up, we gathered to meet the legendary Grand Master Lee (founder and President of GHA International) and Master Tom Adam (Canberra Martial Arts Master and Vice Chairman of GHA Australia). They greeted us with warm smiles and a sense of humour that instantly put us at ease. We could already feel the energy shifting; we were in for an inspiring experience!

Group Dinner

After our adventures at the station, we gathered for dinner with the tour group. The feast was a delicious introduction to Korean cuisine. We dove into bibimbap, bulgogi, and, of course, the mandatory kimchi. As we passed dishes around, jokes flew as fast as chopsticks, and we bonded over shared stories and, for some of us, soju.

Evening Stroll along Cheonggyecheon

To wrap up the day, we headed to the stunning Cheonggyecheon Stream. The illuminated waterway was the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll, and the atmosphere was magical. As we wandered, we took turns posing for goofy photos, capturing the essence of our adventure. We even had a spontaneous martial arts poses by the stream—complete with exaggerated moves and lots of laughter!

Wrapping Up Day 0/1

Exhausted but exhilarated, we finally made our way back to the hotel, already reminiscing about our day. From the laughter-filled shuttle ride to meeting our esteemed masters, every moment was filled with joy and camaraderie. We crashed into our beds, dreams swirling with martial arts moves and the promise of more adventures to come.

Stay tuned as we continue our journey through Seoul and the GHA Martial Arts and Culture Tour — who knows what tomorrow will bring? One thing’s for sure: with this group, it’s bound to be entertaining!