Travel Blogs

BUDDHIST MONKS, BAD-ASS GRANNIES & SAUNAS WITH SNACKS

South Korea offers visitors experiences that are found nowhere else, and epitomize the local culture.  Incorporating any of these into an itinerary will impart a deeper appreciation for your hosts, not to mention enhance your social media feed.

While temple stays are possible in several Asian countries, the South Korean version is more of a crash course in Buddhism than a funky place to spend the night.  Guests are encouraged to check in for at least two nights, to allow time for the full range of activities, such as meditation, introductory lessons on Buddhism, vegan cooking and sunmudo, a Korean Buddhist martial art.  There are many templestay options throughout South Korea, some within 30 minutes of Seoul.

On beautiful Jeju Island, watching Haenyeo, the female divers whose livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean, is a sight not to be missed. Known for their independent spirit, iron will and determination, the Haenyeo are representative of the matriarchal family structure of Jeju. While the art of free diving is mostly carried out by mature to elderly women, they have not been resistant to modern innovation. With the introduction of wetsuits, Haenyeo found they could stay in the water for five to six hours at a time, even during the winter. With each dive, haenyeo plunge up to 100 feet deep and hold their breath for over three minutes.

You might have hesitations about getting naked with strangers, albeit of the same gender, but after a couple of hours at a jimjilbang, you’re inhibitions will be behind you and you’ll be planning your next session. A jimjilbang is a public sauna that incorporates steamy heat, massage, meeting the locals… and snacks. The tradition of a simple sauna has been elevated to a complete spa experience like no other.  After a long day of exploring Seoul, or an interminable international flight, treat yourself to a jimjilbang maekbanseok gyeran; an egg steamed in the heat of the sauna and sikhye; a cold sweet rice drink. Your body will thank you.