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!