Leaving Seoul gives a space for reflection. Whilst we only saw a very tiny slither of a huge city it was a great place. The city planners and investors have done a great job. Two of our group were here 25 and 40 years ago and are astounded by the transformation.
The infrastructure is great – everything works well. Although it’s very dense on paper, the reality feels different. Busy in places, not congested, everything including traffic flows well. OK it’s very rule based and pretty non diverse. People are friendly and helpful. The multitude of multistories don’t feel oppressive.
It took some 20 miles to cycle out of the city on our first day. Whereas leaving a city is usually a start stop left right stop affair, today was a delight. The 4 Rivers Cycle path meant we were on a dedicated cycle way all day. along the Hangang River. Toilets galore to save the bushes. Ourdoor gyms being used. Flat. Better not get used to this!
So after the city it’s like a sharp knive says “now it’s rural”. Slightly poorer, certainly lower buildings. Paddy fields. A working landscape. The cycling infrastucture continues though. Some words are universal on the signs. Stop, Slow.
Destination Yeoju. A smaller city of 114000, specialities: rice, melons and ceramics. Hosts the World Ceramics Show every year – hope theres no breakages. We had rice for food tonight: the special bit was a tad missing. Luckily it was conjealed so I could get some onto the chopsticks. Melons didn’t appear. Tomorrow’s speciality if pheasant – hope that’s not be mishearing peasant.
Lovely start to the journey as we head south eastwards.
Travelling reflections 