Korean lessons

 
 

I have to admit that my first time visiting Seoul, I landed in Incheon airport with no expectations, feeling quite naive and ignorant (I was a fan of Park Chan-wook and Korean food but apart from that I had never watched a K-drama or listened to K-pop). ⁣

After a couple of days, I was immediately fascinated, intrigued and enraptured by the richness of Korean culture, the intensity of its history and the paradox of embodying both very conservative values while also pushing the boundaries of innovation.⁣

Ever since I flew back home, I knew I wanted to return for a longer period of time to explore as much of the country as I could.⁣

A month in Korea wasn’t nearly enough to see as much as I wanted to, however, I was fortunate enough to visit Seoul, DMZ, Sokcho, Gangneung, Andong, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju, Udo, Suncheon, Gwangju, Jeonju, Damyang, Daejeon… ⁣

I was captivated by Korea’s ancient appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship in their rituals, hapjukseon, art, soban, banchan, buildings, hanbok, celadon and moon jar ceramics, najeonchilgi, and so much more. ⁣

I was inspired by their sense of honesty, harmony, hard work, community, and respect.⁣

I was moved by the unimaginable pain they have endured, their incredible resilience and their ability to rebuild and be reborn in the most spectacular way. ⁣

It’s been a true honour getting to know this country better. ⁣

I am a different person now to who I was when I first started my pilgrimage.⁣

Thank you Korea for all the gifts you have given me, I will treasure them forever. ⁣

사랑해요 한국, 모든 것에 감사해요 ♥️🫰

 
 
Jeanine Gasser