Yesterday I ventured out to Yeouido park for the cherry blossom festival. It was quite interesting. Seoul has nearly 13 million inhabitants, and at times is seemed like the majority of them joined me at Yeouido. The blossoms were already a couple of days past peak, but they were still beautiful of course. The setting was not as pretty as the tidal basin in DC, but it still reminded me of springtime back home.
Another thing that was different was that out of the thousands of people that were there, I saw maybe two foriegners. It was a strange feeling as I have grown accustomed to seeing western faces in the crowd in Itaewon. No one bothered me of course, although it seemed like I was being stared at sometimes (or maybe I’m just a little paranoid). Anyway, it was a good day to be out and walking about. Plenty warm, although a little overcast. Last night we had a big thunderstorm. Loudest thunder I’ve heard in quite sometime, it woke me from a deep sleep. I was disoriented at first, and thought it was an explosion. Didn’t know if the NORKs had decided on a pre-emptive strike or what, so I was relieved when I saw the next flash of lightning.
Alright, here’s some photos from the day:
As I said it was crowded (not unlike DC at cherry blossom time). I don’t do well in crowds, so I moved off this sidewalk after a very short time.
I liked the contrast of the gaenalee flowers with the cherry blossoms.
I had to escape the crowded sidewalk, and found this little park-like area. It was nice to see regular Koreans enjoying a Sunday afternoon.
I sat on a bench for awhile and saw this cute little girl running around. When she finally stopped for a minute I snuck taking this picture. Made me think of my little granddaughter Gracyn who is going to be born in about 3 weeks.
Moving on, I encountered this Magnolia tree (called monjoun here). Again, a few days past peak blooms, but still quite impressive.
I spent a few minutes listening to some Korean music. I was pretty far from the stage and in the midst of a large crowd, so I moved on pretty quick. I don’t like crowds generally, and it was just so strange to be the only person who looked and talked like me. Still, I was able to see over everyone’s head, so that was an advantage.
I believe this is the ROK National Assembly building. I thought it looked pretty cool from this perspective.
So, I moseyed on down to the riverside. Bought a couple of boiled eggs, a bag of chips, and a soft drink and sat by the river to enjoy my snack.
I bought the eggs because I at least recognized what they were. If I am not mistaken, this local delicacy is silkworms. Yum! (not).
So I walked along the river for quite awhile, then crossed the bridge and headed home. It was a good day all in all. Certainly better than sitting at a bar….
What gorgeous spring photos, John. Looks the way it looked here — a week or two ago. Cherry blossoms looked that good — and forsythia for the yellow here. Enough to lift the spirits for a good while.
Don’t know if you are aware or not, but it looks like you are traspassing in EUSA OFF LIMITS areas. Check out this site for the current list.
https://www-eusa-1.korea.army.mil/_vti_bin/owssvr.dll?Using=Default%2ehtm
🙂
I wanted to type “trespassing” sorry. Alos I hope you are aware that off post barber shops, dental and medical clinics are also off limits unless refered.
Good Luck! 🙂
Thanks, concerned. I do not believe Yeouido is off limits. Also, as a civilian I am given no other options but off post medical treatment (unless it is an emergency). I get my haircuts on post though.
Check out this publication:
In the “Applicability” section it points out that “DOD Civilians” are covered by this reg. Also, Appendix A list all of the general off post areas.
Maybe you can tell me why you believe that “civilians” have no other option but off post treatment. As a DOD civilian my I have used the on post facilities and received the bills and paid them. I am curious to know the orgin of this information. Thanks ❓
Also, concernig Yeouido, I was here when it was declared “Off Limits” as an area and then later updated to the politicaly related sections of Yeouido (ie “The Assembly Building” and the surrounding area). These areas where declared off limits because they attract huge groups of protestors whenever the Korean government makes an unpopular decision (i.e. Sending troops to support the US effort in Iraq). These protest can be rather spontaneous and sometimes violent.
This site:
List the following off limits areas in Yeouido:
Nat’l Assembly Bldg (FP) – Yoido
Grand Nat’l Party HQ (FP) – Yoido
Millenium Democratic Party HQ (FP) – Yoido
Any Political Party (FP) Bldg 63 – Yoido
The (FP) indicates that the area is off limits for “Force Protection”. That is for civilians “Your Safety”.
Hope I did not bore you with the details, but that is where the devil is. 😈
Thanks again, concerned. I was not technically on the Assembly Bldg. grounds, just at the park where they were doing the cherry blossom festival. I’m not sure what the perimeter of the off limits area is, but I was mostly down by the Han River (it’s where I took the picture from).
As to medical care, I am sure I read in my orientation materials that you could use the facilities in an emergency on a fee basis and civilians were the bottom priority. For example, I went to the dental clinic when I lost a crown, and they referred me to a dentist on the economy (even made the appointment).
I am not sure if you are reading the Regulations I posted, but yeah, you were in line with the regs on the dental visit. I am saying that to be in line with the regulation (190-2) you have no choice but to go to the on post facilities first, and if they are too busy and/or can not provide service then they “must” refer you “before” you can legally use the off post facilities.
Is that not what the regulation is inferring when it states as being off limits :”USFK REG 190-2 Section A-1. All acupuncture clinics, civilian medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, drug stores, and civilian hospitals except for the purpose of receiving treatment or prescriptions when referred by U.S. medical treatment facilities, receiving emergency treatment, or visits to patients”? My visit was not an emergency and seeing as they were not too busy I was seen right away and no referral was necessary.
If I had bypassed the on post facility I think I would have been in violation of the regulation would I not?
Thanks again, apparently now my colleagues are confused on this issue too.
I won’t bother you again…:!:
Thanks for your good advice, Concerned. It is never a “bother” to have a reader offer helpful advice. I guess I read the regulations on medical care as applying only to military folks.
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Seems like the Koreans like their cherry blossom trees just like the Japanese 🙂