Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Christian writer and speaker Memory House Publishing

Seoul, South Korea

by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in Destinations

Visiting South Korea after almost 40 years brought surprises. Some things were familiar, others not. It changed and it didn’t change. Yes, I was astounded at so many new developments. Tall sky scrapers, wide highways, iphones and bottled water, modern restaurants and hotels, E Marts, shopping malls, clean market places, and a subway system to beat New York’s.

And, of course, thousands of fashionable college-bound young people representing the future roamed the streets at midnight. 

But the old, the ancient way of life that has been there for thousands of years, still exists.  That’s the part I remember, the culture I hold dear, like the rice paddies flooding the valleys while shrines grace the hillsides, the sight of flounders and squid at the open fish market, Hangul or Korean-lettered signs up and down the narrow streets, umbrellas flashing like rainbows, older generation men wearing traditional baggy pajis or pants.

We visited three markets, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Insadong in two days. We could have spent much longer at each one.

And the food! The delicious food still entices me to overeat! Kimchi! Yes, I can eat my share of the spicy fermented napa cabbage, along with easier foods like bulgogi, chop chae, and kimbops. Do try.

Temples of historical dynasties represent a colorful past, like the one we visited, Deosku Palace of the Joseun Dynasty, which was right in the middle of Seoul. We timed it right and watched the changing of the guard.

One evening we ate dinner on Yeouido Island, and saw the Han River at night. What a gorgeous place.

We visited a traditional Buddha Temple, but worshipped in the English service of a Christian church. We enjoyed it all, especially the kind and helpful people who live there!

This dichotomy of cultures only touches the sights and sounds of Seoul, South Korea – definitely worth another visit!

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Korea: Time to Leave on Trip

by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in International

We leave for Korea today, and while packing, I found that my favorite black pants needed hemming. Ducked taped it and then remembered Mrs. McDonald, my high school home-ec teacher who never approved of my methods. So I found a needle and thread, but only found brown, so I sewed the hem and it looked worse than the duck tape, so I went back to the duck tape. Fellow classmates please don’t sigh.

My new wood floor looks great. I know it’s a crazy thing to do just before our trip, but the trim still needs re-done and the walls painted where I used the wrong color. I made 4 trips to the store to try to match the paint. No luck. Guess Bill will have something to do while I’m gone. 🙂

Anyway, I’m almost packed and looking forward to seeing many former students, lovely young men and women who visited our home in Edmond for Bible studies, a meal, or simply a chat. Please pray for our time with them. Here’s part of our schedule. We’ll spend 3 to 4 days in three different cities.

In Seoul, we’ll meet Seung Heon Daniel, who will take us to the hotel. We’ll see Jung Hwa, (our shopping tour guide) her son Minsu, HD, HongKun with his children Ruth and Joseph, JongChae, SungEun, Song Hee, and Victoria. We’ll see lots of sights because it is Buddha’s birthday.

Then we’ll travel to Daejeon and have lunch with Solji before going on to Gunsan to visit the orphanage.

Lastly, we’ll go to Pusan and visit Yeong Eun, Jiin, JongHoon, BoMi, SoonMi. Also, Jessica Lough, who is teaching English there, will come sometime that weekend. What a wonderful time we will have.

If any other friends are in Korea, please contact me. We don’t want to miss seeing you!

We can still get texts and facebook (hold the phone calls because they cost $2.59 a minute).Gotta go finish rolling up shirts. We’re meeting at my daughter’s house tonight to drive to Dallas and then at 5 am, we fly to San Fran before leaving the good old USA. See you in a few weeks!

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