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!