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Mount Mudeungsan’s rocky peaks
Mt. Mudeungsan (1,186 meters in height) features three rock peaks called Cheonwangbong, Jiwangbong, and Inwangbong. These peaks are also known as the “Jeongsang Three” and can be seen on all sorts of logos in Gwangju. I’m not sure which of the peaks I took today’s photo through this time last year, but it was one of my most memorable days in Korea.
Korean wine
One year ago today I was flying to Korea. Today’s photo comes from a few days after that arrival in Korea. I rarely knew what I was purchasing at Korean grocery stores or restaurants, but this item had a bit of English and Japanese on it. 無等山 means the mountain without equal, and I knew that was the name of Gwangju’s mountain. I climbed it a week or two later in an all-day adventure and made it to the rocks shown on this beverage. However, this “wine” was pretty nasty, and I didn’t bother to finish it.
Jangseung (장승 or village guardian)
Today’s photo comes from the grounds of the Gwangju Folk Museum. Wooden totem poles are common in Korea, but in the southern portion of South Korea you will also see stone versions. Jeju has its own kind called “dol hareubang” that look somewhat similar to this one.
Gwangju’s Speakeasy
If you ever find yourself in Gwangju, you may notice that socializing can be rather difficult. This is especially true if you can’t speak Korean and are by yourself. Unlike Japan, where I can walk into any establishment and quickly make friends, Korea can be rather isolating. Menus in restaurants and bars are designed for groups, not individuals, in Korea. Seating is designed for groups. If I walked into any normal pub in Korea, there was no place for me. Nor would anyone attempt to communicate. People simply don’t go out by themselves.
I read online about Speakeasy, drew a map, and headed out. The neighborhood was a long bike ride from where I was staying on the CNU campus. However, even after finding the general area, I couldn’t find Speakeasy. Eventually I did, but it wasn’t easy. Nor was it the second or third time I visited. The streets surrounding it are a maze. Maybe if you have GPS it won’t be so bad. In any event, Speakeasy is a place you should find if you are in Gwangju.
May 18th National Cemetery
Chonnam Back Gate after dark
Gwangju’s night life areas required a long bike or taxi cab ride to get to from my residence on the Chonnam National University campus. The back gate neighborhood was the only exception, but with my lack of language skills I could never find anything fun to do or anyone to talk to in this part of town (with Corona being the only exception).
Speaking of Gwangju, if you happen to be in the area, one of my photos was featured as the April 2014 Photo of the Month in Gwangju News.