Slices of Our Seoul

Hi everyone, it’s Pat! Since it has been over two weeks since our last post—and since there’s SO MUCH interesting stuff to share—Perry and I each wrote a blog post today. While his gives an intro on the Eastern Orthodox Community here, mine will update you on some of our recent news and daily life experiences.
First, thanks to all of you who have checked in to make sure that we’re okay, given the recent heightened tensions between North and South Korea. Let’s all keep praying that those in power cool down the rhetoric and find a diplomatic solution. Here are the Korean Times headlines from Saturday and Monday. 

Koreans here in Seoul are going about ‘business as usual,’ but some will add that Kim Jong-un’s behavior is not easy to predict. So far…we’re not worried.

The kids have officially completed two weeks of school and they are off to a great start!  After only two weeks in their Korean language class, they’re already reading all the neighborhood signs.

Although August 15th in the Orthodox tradition is a big feast day for the Dormition/Assumption of the Mother of God, here in Korea it is a national holiday – their Liberation Day. Think of it like the 4th of July in the US. There were many celebrations happening across the city, including fireworks. We had the opportunity to attend a Korean performance at the Seoul Art Center with our friend, Gabriella, which entailed two traditional Shaman ceremonies and a traditional Korean circus (yes, CIRCUS).

A shaman ritual for the dead, led by a female chanter and accompanied by drummers.

Before the performance we enjoyed a CRAZY-DELICIOUS buffet that beautifully presented traditional Korean cuisine with spatterings of Japanese and Chinese entrees as well. The Seoul Art Center is Korea’s foremost art and culture complex. Can’t wait to go back for future exhibits and musical performances…and buffets.

Fresh Crab legs, sushi, and steaming hot bulgogi…This is definitely NOT, “Old Country Buffet” (from what we hear…)!

Several of you have asked what we have been cooking since arriving in Korea. Although we have eaten and enjoyed lots of Korean food cooked by others, and lots of fruits/veggies that are pretty-much unknown in the US, we don’t know how to cook traditional Korean cuisine…yet! The exception, of course, is “pop” (Korean rice), which we make in our trusty rice cooker.

In our home we’ve been cooking the same types of foods that we do in the US with a twist or two. The trade agreement that took place a few years ago makes finding many products that we use in the US possible – you just have to know where to find them. 🙂 There was definitely time spent the first couple of weeks exploring various supermarkets (e-mart, lotte, etc.). What you may find in one market you may not find in another. Yes, there is a Costco here and we did make a “Costco run,” but that can only take you so far. The local open-air produce markets have been especially great. We’re so used to farmer’s markets being only on certain days in the US but here they are everyday! Yesterday, a church friend, Diaconissa Angela, took me to a nearby organic market/co-op that is unionized, so the prices are quite low. Among other items, I stocked up on Korean mini-melons.

It seems like every few days we learn about a new place to go check out. On Saturday, we went to Namdaemun—a famous market in Seoul. It is a wholesale market where prices are low and you can bargain for an even lower price. Merchants from all over South Korea come here to buy the merchandise for their stores – from little souvenir shops to high end stores. It is open every day from 10am-6 pm and 10 pm-5 am. The night hours are when the merchants go and most things are 50% off. It is HUGE – spanning a few blocks in both directions with multi-story buildings and underground stores. 1,700 stores, aside from the clothing stores, and 50,000 people work here.

Namdaemun Market

Pretty much anything you might be looking for from textiles, jewelry, folk art, electronics, home supplies, clothes, accessories, food and goods (local and imported) can be found there. It’s completely mindboggling how many people are selling products and most of the “stores” within the buildings are literally right next to one another (could be as small as 8×8’), no walls, and narrow walkways in-between. Can you say, “fire hazard”?? It wasn’t uncommon to see two merchants right next to each other selling exactly the same thing for significantly different prices! Maybe one of you marketing geniuses can explain it to me… We had a good time exploring, bargaining, picking up a few needed items, and having lunch together at Shinsegae.

Shinsegae

Shinsegae is right next to Namdaemun Market and is Korea’s first department store (it houses all the high-end retailers). It has an amazing food court and market. Reminds me of Harrod’s in London…except the workers here bow reverently to their customers. Wow. Hard to imagine the the employees at Westfield Mall back home doing this…

Sending you all big hugs–thank you for all your loving support!