Thus far in Korea

Upon leaving Incheon airport in Seoul, I met with Chris and went into the city. Of course the first thing we did was to eat some Korean BBQ.

We then went to his church, New Philadelphia. All I can say is wow. This church is on fire for Jesus! I'd felt this draw to come to Korea, expecting some spiritual encounter and I think I found it. This is a church full of true worshipers in spirit and truth. Check out their website and listen to the sermons. 

Right after church we went to the 찜질방 (jjimjilbang), which is the Korean sauna. If you've never been, go! Find a city with a Korean population and go. I have yet to go to a true Finnish sauna but nothing beats a Korean jjimjilbang in my experience. In the mean time, this article is the next best thing.

Chris's roommate Danny had some friends visiting from YWAM. We went to get some amazing fusion restaurant in Gangnam called Mies. The place had an industrial theme with steel beams and heavy hook lifts hanging from them. The walls had all kinds of canned foods from different places. When you order your food, they give you a construction hat with a number on it to indicate which order is yours. 

Yup. I was at 강남 (Gangnam)

Close-up of the metro station sign

Wearing the construction hat at Mies

The other day Chris and I walked around Myung-dong. With bubble tea in hand we explored and came across a performance of Maori tribesmen from New Zealand. They were performing their native songs as well as a selection of Korean songs, including Arirang and Gangnam style. The harmonies were pretty amazing to hear. Afterwards we took some photos and one of the guys taught me how to do a haka.

And of course, food. I know it's a cliche to post photos of what you ate, but I think I earned this after being in Europe for 2.5 years. They simply don't have flavors as in the east.

1,500 Won for Kimbap. Yes, Please!

Kyochon Chicken - Korean fried chicken perfection

All this time I thought Ramen was instant noodles. Boy was I wrong!

Sannakji - wriggling, freshly cut octopus legs. You can feel the little suckers inside your mouth as you chew.

Live octopuses in the tank

This is Gaebul. Usually it is supposed to be wriggling when they bring it out but I guess they cut it wrong at this place. Despite its phallic appearance when still alive, it is very good. This is certainly one of the most unusual dishes in Korean cuisine. 

Gaebul! 

This is what Gaebul looks like when it's alive. 

Good stuff. 

Dennis Yoon. He's alive!