Across the River

SEOUL | DAY 02

-HAN RIVER-

Today’s goal for me was to take a good sunset shot from Seoul Forest (서울숲), so we took the train there. Tae had to leave to see Aaron because of his medical appointment, and I was in a rush. I felt bad now because she was with me the entire day, but I got frustrated only because I was worried about not catching the sunset in time and didn’t know where to go.

If I visit Korea again, I would give Seoul Forest another shot. I ended up on Seong-sun bridge instead of taking pictures with it in the background, and I was also on the wrong side of the bridge if I wanted to take pictures of the faraway Namsan Tower. It was too late to turn back, so I just kept walking across the bridge and came back on the other side. My feet hurt and my hands started getting numb, but what could I do other than keep walking?

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-PARK-

I decided to move on to the next photo spot at Ttukseom Hangang Park (뚝섬한강공원). On the way there, I had only 3% left on my phone, so I had to take a picture of the map from the phone in case my phone dies.

I got on the bus with a little bit of anxiety because I didn’t even know I would end up in a wrong “spot” like what I did at Seoul Forest, but I would just give it a shot. I was already got on the bus, so there was no turning back now.

I got off the bus close to the Ttuk-seom Park station(뚝섬유원지역), and I just kept walking toward the river. It started flurrying, and everything became white by the time I got near the riverside. God was gracious to me #HAHA. I love snow, and I couldn’t stop smiling like crazy. I’m glad no one was there because I kept saying, “우와~ 에쁘다~! (Wow, it’s so pretty~!)”, nonstop.

I took some shots and left because it was cold and the snow started getting heavier. I would definitely come back again for a sunset shot here.

Ttukseom Hangang Park (뚝섬한강공원)

Address: 서울특별시 광진구 자양동 112 (Naver Map)

-COEX-

My next stop was COEX Starfield. I thought it was in Seoul, but apparently not! I followed the sign that led me to the Starfield Libary (별마당 도서관). As soon as I got there, I found a place to charge my phone and sat down on the floor next to the wall, not thinking about where to go for a bit. Just kidding, all I thought about was how to get to the next place in time.

Isn’t that like how I spend my time every day wherever I am? At school, I’m thinking about what to do next, and what to do if I finish the next step. Why is so hard to rest and not worry?

For me, I think it's pride that keeps me worried. I think I could take control, and I think if I spend more time thinking, I would be able to figure things out and solve the problem by myself without relying on anyone. We can't rest until we find the place that is unshakable; just like Augustine said in his prayer,

"Our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you" -- Augustine

I don't know about where that place is for you, but for me, my resting place is in God, the Creator of the Universe who is gracious to save a wrethed person like me.

COEX (코엑스)

Address: 서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513 코엑스

-BBQ-

I got up, took some pictures and headed for the restaurant Tae and I were supposed to meet because Aaron — now, my friend’s fiancé — wanted to treat me some food.

I took the bus to the place, and my phone’s battery started running low again. I got off at the wrong bus stop, but it was faster to just walk than waiting for the next bus. I followed the map and arrived at the place, but it seemed close, and my phone died.

“What should I do? Tae and Aaron aren’t here either. Am I in the wrong place?”, I started to worry. After a few minutes that felt extremely long had passed, I saw a couple walking toward and waving at me. It’s Tae and Aaron!

Turned out that the restaurant might have two dining area, and I was in front of the one that they open only when the other one is full. We got a lot of food, and I can’t even name them all. This was the best part of my day: drinking Makgeolli (막걸리) with grilled meat when it’s cold outside together with my friend and her fiancé. I’m really really happy for them.

Han-il BBQ (한일정육점식당)

Address: 서울 용산구 보광로 13 (Naver Map)

Hours: 24 hours

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