Our next adventure, thanks to Liz’s planning, involved a river cruise along the Han River. Not something I would have considered, given my tendency for seasickness and the stereotypical touristy connotations. However, it turned out to be quite interesting.
Upon reaching the area where the cruises depart, we were greeted by a multitude of tents. The entire area was bustling with people, leisurely lounging in tents, having picnics, and engaging in activities—an experience quite unfamiliar to me. Evidently, these tents were a daytime phenomenon; overnight sleep was not permitted. It seemed to be a social tradition, likely enhanced by the ongoing festival, originally the cherry blossom festival, although the blossoms had bloomed prematurely. Nonetheless, the festival vibes lingered. Amongst the vibrant atmosphere, numerous stalls offering snacks and drinks added to the intriguing scene. The majority of individuals enjoying the ambiance in these tents were young people, creating a lively atmosphere. All of this occurred right next to the river, providing a beaautiful river view.
We proceeded to the terminal, obtained our tickets, and, contrary to my expectation of a touristy crowd, once again found ourselves as the only non-Koreans, or at least the only non-Asians.
The cruise, though not overly large, featured two floors and was completely occupied. Consequently, we couldn’t secure seats together for the three of us. Undeterred, we opted to go upstairs to capture some photos during the sunset. Inside, numerous chairs were neatly arranged, creating an appearance that hinted at a potential live band performance, although no one took the stage, and the instruments remained untouched. Interestingly, despite being a sunset cruise, the boat returned before the actual sunset. Although we managed to capture some outdoor photos, the chilly weather prompted us to retreat indoors before long. The presence of numerous seagulls added an element of unpredictability, and I couldn’t help but envision scenarios where one of them might decide to leave an unexpected surprise.
The cruise journey was rather straightforward, navigating a bit to the left on the river before making a turn. While it may not have been an exceptionally unique experience, witnessing the vibrant cityscape from the water was undeniably captivating. The vastness of the city and the distinctive charm of its buildings took on a new perspective when viewed from the river.
Post-cruise, we delved into exploring Gangnam. My checklist included purchasing cosmetics, taking a photo in a photobooth (inspired by the trend among my Korean friends), and indulging in Korean barbecue on charcoal. This became the highlight of our evening, and I’ll delve into more details about our Gangnam escapades, encounters, and experiences in the upcoming post.
Subsequently, we delved into the vibrant district of Gangnam, where I had a couple of items on my agenda. My checklist included a few must-dos: purchasing cosmetics, experience taking photos in a photobooth (inspired by the countless images on my Korean friends’ Facebook profiles), relish Korean barbecue cooked over charcoal, and most importantly, experience the nightlife of Gangnam. True to our plans, we dedicated the rest of the evening to these activities.
Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share our adventure in Gangnam, detailing the encounters and experiences we stumbled upon.
Anyah Mroz 