Tag Archives: sapgyoho

South Korea, Travelinds

Hangeul Day Adventure

Leave a comment

Hangeul Day – 09 October 2013

To celebrate the origins of the Korean language (Hangeul), Korea celebrates a national holiday on 09 October each year, known as “Hangeul” day. Since it was a day off from school, we ventured out with friends.

We drove into Dangjin for brunch and ended up at Lunar Rich (loo-nah-lee-chee), an Italian style restaurant opposite from the Art and Culture Centre. A delicious meal (we had the lunch set) with salad, pizza, pasta and coffee or cola.  A lovely ‘authentic’ Italian meal was a nice surprise from the usual ‘Kor-talian’ options that are usually available at these “Italian” restaurants.

We then headed off to the seaside village of Sapgyoho (only 20 minutes from Dangjin), to find the new circus being advertised.  The new building (which can be seen from the expressway) resembles a circus tent both on the outside and the inside.  It is not the ‘travelling’ circus concept we were used to from South Africa, but in fact, a troupe of Chinese acrobats that have apparently committed to performing at this venue for the foreseeable future.  It opened on 03 October 2013.

After the first act, we were both thinking this was more of an amateur show. However, by the end of the 90 minute performance we were absolutely stunned by the talent and professional, jaw-dropping routines of the young acrobats. Truly, the most amazing performance of acrobatic feats and fearless commitment to excellence I’ve ever seen.  Contortionists, swan dance acrobatics and so many other fascinating routines kept us rivetted throughout the show.

Head on over to the show (13.30, 16.30, 19.30 – every day) – it’s easy to get to Sapgyoho (by bus) from Dangjin.

South Korea, Travelinds

Picnic. Sunshine. Jellybellys. Love.

Leave a comment

06 June 2013

A little afternoon picnic was on our minds as we headed out today, not too far down the road from our place.

What You’ll Find in Sapgyoho

Sapgyoho is referred to as a ‘beach resort.’ It’s more like a fishing village. There are quite a few fish restaurants, a ferry, some little curio shops, a mini funfair, a park to sit under trees and a wooden walkway. If you are feeling energetic, you can follow this path right across the seawall (a couple of kilometres long). You’ll do so with some bicycles, motorized wheelchairs and even a few walkers.

We didn’t do the sea wall on this particular day, but we ambled around and tried some street food. We also marvelled at the endless supply of live sea creatures in buckets and tanks. You might have to dodge some cut-throat business ladies trying to lure you into their restaurants for lunch, but otherwise, it’s a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Just Have a Picnic and Look Out at the Sea

When we were tired of exploring the little village, we headed to the park. This area overlooks the bay and the seawall. There were quite a few families eating their picnic food, like gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). We settled down to our own picnic on the grass (on our genuine Korean silver picnic mat that looks like one of those shiny windscreen car shades).

It was nice to rest under some shady trees for a while and take in the scene. In fact, the most active thing we managed after that was a simple jellybelly tasting competition — guess the flavour! This is a surprisingly captivating (and delicious) game. It’s also a lot more difficult than it sounds with flavours like toasted marshmallow, crush pineapple and pina colada!

A great spot for future summer picnics to be sure!