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!