October 8,

We both slept in due to getting so many steps in yesterday. We had over 18,000!! Being able to go to the DMZ was amazing and something I will not forget. Anyway we finally got around and had our Javas. Jeff actually finished off his hot chocolate mix, and will have to get more at our next destination. That’s right, we will be leaving Seoul and going to Jeonju. We had the last of our yogurt and cereal/muesli. We repacked and readied; checked out by 0945.

Rolling our bags, we walked to the subway. Of course, the day was sunny and very nice! 🙄 Anyway, Jeff planned the way via escalators! He is amazing. 🥰 We arrived at the train station, where we had begun our Korean journey three days ago; but this time we boarded the train. It’s not a highspeed train, but it has limited access, not much time difference, and we could get seats together. We had some issues with our passes getting through the gate into the station, but an attendant helped us with our single entry passes. We arrived by 1030 for our 1052 train. The track information was revealed at 1037. So we went to that track and our train was there waiting. We were the second couple in the car. Jeff went back out to get some drinks. The other couple were tourists like us – from Berlin, Germany, I found out after I asked. I mentioned we had been there and that Jeff was there when it was East and West Germany – having gone through Checkpoint Charlie. They seemed surprised. Jeff reboarded and we talked a tiny bit more, but the car was filling up, so we stopped conversing.

The train left on time. It was to be just over a three hour journey. We passed out of Seoul proper which Google says is 10 million people. I blogged some as Jeff read. We passed through one small town/city after another. There were small individual patches of farmland that became more numerous as we came to our destination. We arrived by 1412, a bit late, but pretty close.

     Welcome to Jeonju!!

We unloaded and found the taxi line up. Once it was our turn we entered a taxi. Our driver did not speak English, but we got our place relayed with mapping programs. I must add here – Korea has blocked Google Maps. So Jeff had researched and downloaded the mapping program they use – Naver. It works, but it is a learning curve. Anyway, we arrived by 1420; paid our driver 6,000 KRW, or $4.22 for the 2.9 km or 1.8 mile lift; and checked in at Winner Hotel. The lady behind the counter doesn’t speak English much either, but we managed. I keep reminding myself, I don’t speak Korean at all! We found our room on the fifth floor and unloaded, but went back out to get lunch. Unfortunately all the restaurants seemed closed… HUMPH! We ended up going to a 7-Eleven for snacks. We took them back to our place. When we entered, the hotel receptionist was making popcorn! So of course we got a bag of mixed popcorn (butter and caramel) and had it with some beef jerky, and garlic pretzels.

We unpacked and cleaned up. We finished the DMZ blog. Next we went out for supper at 1800. We walked, choosing Jeounju Hyundaiok. We were the only tourists, but there were lots of people. We were directed to a table. A waitress pointed to the menu – all in Korean. I opened Google translate and we chose Hyundai Ok Steak and Kongnamul Gukbap, which is Bean Sprout and Rice Soup and their signature dish. She placed our order and then brought us some of the free extras/side dishes, called Banchan. One is always kimchi, which we have come to love. Then the “steak”came – it was like a pork formed-patty with a BBQ sauce. Jeff finally recognized the sauce tasting like his mother’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs! My soup was very unique and good as well. They both seemed like comfort foods in a way. We paid 17,000 KRW, or $11.97.

After we finished, we walked back to our place, stopping to get some Chilean Cab Sav. We ended the day with chocolate and wine, watching some YouTube. Good day in another place.