Daewangam Park, Ulgi Lighthouse, and Patbingsu

I met up with Jay at the same McDonalds where I'd first made his acquaintance. He was set to take me to a lighthouse in nearby Dong-Gu. We went with two of his friends, Ken and a really nice young fellow with a Korean name that escapes me. (Apparently Sue was working and couldn't make it out.) We all got into Jay’s car and made our way.

The entire drive there, Ken was fascinated with all things Canada, and was eager to share with me about his experiences in Vancouver, Jasper, and Banff. He said they were all “beyond description.” He also showed me pictures of his trip to New York City with his son. Every time he smiled, his entire face scrunched up around his nose and forehead, and it made me smile and laugh. Ken was a really affable guy.

The other guy seemed really nice, but I sensed that he was a little self-conscious about his Korean, as many seem to be, so he was a little on the quiet side until towards the end of the trip, when perhaps he started warming up to me.

This awesome looking playground sat at the entrance to the park. I wanted so desperately to be 8 years old again at that very moment.

Since Jay brought me to Daewangam Park specifically to show me the lighthouse, we didn't go on an extensive tour of the park, but what I saw was beautiful. We walked down this dirt path that was lined with pine, bamboo trees, and unidentifiable fruit trees. 

Some of the thinner pine trees in the back had trunks straight out of the Lorax.

There were also these things. Ken couldn't quite translate what they said, but it was something to do with looking past first impressions. At least we think that's what he was trying to say.

As we got towards the end of the trail, the tall white lighthouse came into view.

The lighthouse was built in 1905. Between 1906 and 1987, fishing and whaling industries, an iron foundry, and a shipyard all helped develop Bangeojin Port.

For whatever reason, I couldn't find any information on this other, much larger lighthouse.

From there, we began our descent down towards the water, following a wooden ramp. Once we got to the bottom, off to the right, the ground descended further down to the shore. There was a camp of older women sitting among the rocks and waving us down, like a couple of aged mermaids trying to seduce a boat of explorers. It turned out they’re in fact called “sea women.” They catch fish and sell it to people passing by.

Directly in front of us, though, was a gorgeous view of the ocean, so we had to turn down the sea women. Equally breathtaking was a sort of boardwalk that stretched across a large collection of huge rocks, twisting around every bend until you get to the end of the rocks. Once there, you find yourself on an elevated and overcrowded wooden deck looking out towards the ocean, with nothing but blue water and sky for as far as the eye can see. (Just ignore the gross industrial section off to the side.)

King Munmu, who was responsible for unifying Korea in 668 AD, wished to become a dragon upon his death in order to protect his kingdom from his enemies. After he died, he was buried under a large rock in the East Sea, where it is believed his spirit became the guardian dragon of his kingdom, and the rock thence became known as Dae-wang Am," which translates to "The Rock of the Great King." Inspired by her husband, the Queen's spirit also became a dragon, and made this rock its new home in order to protect the East Sea. This rock also came to be known as Dae-Wang Am.. 

Two fascinating notes: People love to fish way too much there. There were some guys out on the rocks, and I have absolutely no idea how they got down there. I scanned the area looking for a way to get down there, and I was completely stumped.

Do you see him?! HOW? HOW DID HE GET THERE?!

Jay also informed me that apparently he’s seen cats living among the rocks, presumably surviving off of the fish that they catch. Sad face. I told him he should take one home next time.

From left to right: Jay, myself, and WHY THE HELL CAN'T I REMEMBER HIS NAME?! GAAH!

After out little sightseeing walk, Jay took us out to a place called Moby Dick for some dessert. It was right across from Ilsan Beach, which I don’t know if I’ll ever visit, because the water is literally right beside the industrial area. Gross.

Pretty, right? Just don't pan to the right.

Our dessert was an interesting bowl fit for the four of us called patbingsu. It contains shaved ice, sweetened condensed milk, various fruits, and topped by red beans. Then you mix everything together and you get something that looks like a weird sort of rice pudding. 

I was warned by some of the other Canadian teachers who have been in Korea for a long time to not eat any desserts with beans in them because they’re gross, but I was curious. It didn't disappoint. It definitely won't be the last time I stuff myself with patbingsu. (Sorry there's no picture; I'm not the picture taking type when it comes to my food. I like to enjoy it more with my mouth than with my eyes.)