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
Before reaching Namsan Tower, we couldn’t resist a pit stop at the infamous 12-storey Daiso. Yes, you read that right—12 glorious floors of shopping goodness! It was like stepping into a colourful wonderland of home goods, stationery, and quirky items. Some of us got a little carried away, filling our bags with everything from push/pull door signs written in Korean to overly cute plush toys. Who can resist a tiny panda-shaped sponge?
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!
