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!