A Very Korean Road Trip (Day 2)

After piling back into the van, and leaving the crazy experiences from the previous night behind, we were in desperate need of breakfast. We stopped at Dunkin' Donuts (a popular establishment throughout Korea) and enjoyed, or tolerated, a few breakfast sandwiches and some stale donut holes. Although the Korean Dunkin' Donuts sells roughly the same items as an American store, the quality is definitely not on par. But, the familiar smell and colors abated our desire for comfort, as well as, the cushiony booth seating (a welcome feel after sleeping on a marble floor for the first time). 

On our way to the next adventure, we pulled up in front of a convenience store to grab some water. As two of the guys hopped out to get the drinks, the rest of us stayed in the van and rehashed the previous night's events. As we were talking, we heard a crunching sound and felt the van sway to the right. Just as we saw another car drive away, we realized we had just been the victims of an accident; which quickly turned into a hit-and-run.

Everyone:     What was that?

Everyone:     We just got hit by that car!

Everyone:     6428, 6428, 6428...

Everyone:     There he goes!  Remember that license plate number!

As Joey and Lee hopped back in the van, we took off in hot pursuit after the perpetrator. He was already several steps ahead of us and out of sight, but the small city offered few options to hide so our confidence was high. While searching every white Hyundai SUV for the correct plate numbers, we realized how common white Hyundais actually are. Most cars in Korea are either black or white, and of course, Hyundai rules the roost. After an impressive chase with no results, Joey called the police. In order to file a formal report, we had to return to the scene of the accident where officers could inspect the damage and record our information. As Joey (the only Korean speaker) took care of the situation, the rest of us waited inside the van and documented the events. Hyped up on adrenaline, we were excited and amused to have the Korean police become part of our journey; and knew our story would be that much more amusing.

Joey heading over to take care of business with the officer.

They were either pointing at the van, the location of the crime, or all of the foreigners inside the van who were taking pictures out the window.

After losing over an hour of our day due to the accident, we were all ready to head out. We decided to take a boat ride around some of the islands off the coastline—a picturesque part of Korea. As we drove toward the water, I couldn't help continuing to investigate the license plate of every car we passed. Within moments, my searching paid off...

Me:                Oh my gosh!  There he is!  6428!!!

Everyone:     Get him!

Joey:             [whips the van around and speeds off after the Hyundai]

Everyone:     [uncontrollable laughter and disbelief in the current situation]

As we sped after the guy, traffic loosened up and gave us the opening we needed to get closer. In a move only seen on TV, we pulled up alongside the SUV and stopped at an angle—blocking his only way out. Quickly, Joey hopped out of the van and marched up to the Hyundai's window. A lot of dialogue was traded in Korean, however, we were unable to understand any of it so we—once again—spied from the windows.

Exhibit A—the white Hyundai Santa Fe

The criminal and his captor

Apparently the man "didn't know he hit our car," but there was no mistaking the definite side-swipe that occurred. His actual unawareness is still unknown, but his face was unmistakably guilty. As teachers, we all know a guilty face when we see one; and he definitely had it written all over. Unfortunately, the excitement quickly wore off as time passed by. The small scratch on our car, which probably could have been buffed out, cost us three hours of the day. Because Joey was the only Korean speaker of our group, he was left to deal with the situation alone while Larry Lawbreaker had an equally guilty-looking friend to back him up. After talking to the police, both parties were instructed to take a trip "downtown" to the police station. Because we could offer no help, and our picture taking would've become a hinderance, the English speakers stayed behind to wait for the situation to pan out.

Lucky for us, we were already situated on the waterfront so there was much to see and explore while we waited. A live fish market provided a colorful and interesting look into the seafood industry of southern South Korea, while old boats bobbed in the harbor.

Tongyeong Live Fish Market

Fish just hanging out and drying in the breeze

Dried squid and fish—similar to the idea of beef jerky

Hundreds of fish options.  Not very big, small, teeny tiny, miniscule...

One fish, two fish, red fish...

The Tongyeong harbor

The famous turtle boat with a top that looks very reminiscent of a shell.

After putting the "van incident" behind us once and for all, we headed to the docks for a much anticipated ride around the Korean islands. We purchased our tickets and got in line for the 3 hour tour. Of course, with our luck that day, we held many superstitions about the trip and wondered which of us would end up as Gilligan. 

The boat ride, an interesting Korean cultural experience with dried squid snacks and Korean music, ended at a beautiful island reminiscent of the one Gilligan shared with his gang. The lush green trees surrounding Hansanman Bay (used during the Japanese invasion in 1592) hid several colorful monuments and statues. Our one hour of alloted time to explore and investigate was not enough to see everything; and our group, with its bad luck, nearly missed the boat back to the mainland. 

The tour guide loved his microphone too much, which resulted in an unbearable volume of chatter in a language we did not understand. Some of us, Derrick, were unable to stand it.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,

A tale of a fateful trip

That started from this tropic port

Aboard this tiny ship.

The shoreline was a little too rocky for swimming... or walking.

He asked to hold my hand. How embarrassing...

After heading back to the mainland, we made our way to Joey's hometown, Jinju. A site during the Japanese invasion in 1592, Jinju Fortress is breathtakingly beautiful at night. The lights along the perimeter lend a magical feeling to the surrounding grounds making it a perfect spot for a late night stroll. Jinju is much older than Ansan with an understandably richer history; and it was easy for us to wish we had known about the city before deciding where to live in Korea. 

The famous rock, where Nongae (a Korean courtesan) successfully killed herself and a Japanese general she had seduced by wrapping her arms around him and then plummeting to their deaths.

After a delicious dinner at a Korean restaurant, we left Jinju for the four hour drive back to Ansan. It was a fantastic weekend full of adventure, awkwardness, and hilarity; which I'll remember forever. However, more than after any other trip, I was definitely ready to sleep in my own bed.