Chrissy Renae

Located in the center of Seoul on any local map you will see a green shaded portion marked as “Seoul Forest.” I’ve been excited about the prospect of such a place and anxious for spring when we could go check out the giant FOREST located right in the center of the city. Of course with the title forest I had images of tall pine trees, green brush, seclusion, and chirping birds. I guess when you grow up in the middle of a Deer Lake forest, the image kind of sticks.

Apparently, however, something has been lost in translation, and it should actually be called Seoul Park. It is big and cool, and a nice change of pace from the rest of the city, but it is by no means a “forest.” I think there has to be a certain tree per square yard ratio to qualify or something. But anyways, we went there last Saturday to celebrate Mieke’s birthday and had a lovely picnic in the park. The theme was “Madhatter’s”, so everyone sported a variety of unique headware. It was really nice to just have a quiet afternoon in the park and soak in some much needed sun rays.

Afterwards a few of us went to Sinsa for dinner, which is definitely one of my new favorite areas in Seoul. The architecture, shopping, and cuisine transcends into a whole new dream world that you think only exists in movies. (Annalicia, you would simply die if you saw it.) I definitely can’t afford to spend much time there, but it sure is beautiful.