When you ask a Seoulite when the last time they spent a weekend away from this restless city, most will probably scratch their heads. Then the discussion with friends usually go like this: 'oh, I wish I could get away for a few days...let's all pick a weekend and hop on a bus together!' This thought is usually short lived. You get stuck into your normal routine, and forget about the thought all together. Sad...
However, I did it! I hopped on a bus on a Saturday morning with my mom and aunt a few weeks ago...packed our gimbaps (Korean maki) and relaxed on a nice bus ride for 2.5 hours. Normally it's a 1.5 hr ride from Seoul, but the crazy weekend traffic is what pushed it back.
I spent a weekend at my aunts cozy country home in Chungcheongnam-do province, Seosan-si,which is west of South Korea. My mom is in town from Chicago for a few weeks, and we had a chance to take a breather out in a beautiful, quaint town: Dongmun-dong in Seosan. Some quality mom and daughter time that was long overdue.
I don't usually get many opportunities to leave Seoul, so this was such a treat for me. Basically I just ate everything that was offered to me, and there was no stopping...picked pears from the neighbors tree...peeled fresh garlic...played with some street dogs on the dirt road (literally)...steamed fresh edamame...and hit a few golfballs. Yup, there was a mini golf course behind the country home we stayed in (in which they own). Kinda random but awesome. I mean really, how often can you golf in Seoul?
The view of the home from behind...
We walked around block and blocks visiting different neighbor's garden with empty bags...hoping they would drop a few things for us...AND they did! I thought it was pretty hilarious. My aunt does this every time she visits, in exchange for some Seoul goodies (chocolate, cookies, etc). Each house had something amazing to offer...I so wish I had a photo of what I was wearing that day. Mismatched checkered pants with an elastic band, with a straw hat...this is what was offered to me the minute I entered farmland. It was a must uniform before we trekked out. Loved it.
These chickens couldn't be bothered by me. In fact, I think they were kinda posing for me while I took photos!
The mini golf course behind the home...
Of course reading was part of my schedule...always carrying a Murakami book wherever I go.
I just learned how to make this simple mint tea: just boiling fresh mint in a pot of hot water! Yeah, who needs mint tea bags when you can just make the real stuff. Not sure why I never thought about this. It's the simple things, really.
Do you see the wrapped Asian pear?
Uh yeah, we kinda swallowed all the chestnuts. Within 10 minutes. 3 ladies, what can you do...
I just love the front of the house...the logs and the jars...
Fresh anchovies...
This is baby Kalchi (칼치) my mom made this banchan (side dish) while we were there...
Saute with grape seed oil, corn syrup, red pepper paste, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and top with toasted sesame (stir in all ingredients and saute for 5-7 minutes)
Voila! It's so good eating with a bowl or rice and water...yum!
I'll end this post with a photo of some ugly corn. Yup, this was plucked from a nearby farm. Despite the looks, it was delish!!!