Yeouido feels like the heart of Seoul, yet it’s surprisingly far from my neighborhood. On a busy afternoon, it takes a good 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from Gangnam Station, and from Jamsil, you have to change subway lines multiple times. So, even though it’s in the same city, it feels like one of those places you only see in news or photos, like Chiang Mai in Thailand or Soho in New York. 🌸 Every spring, I hear stories about Yeouido Park and Yunjung-ro, but I never really think of it as an easy place to visit. After all, the cherry blossoms next to the apartment’s trash area are enough for me.
Recently, I had to go to Yeouido for a presentation session. After a long taxi ride, I was feeling queasy and just wanted to head home. Upon arrival, I tried to get my bearings, but it was lunchtime, and the streets were packed like the entrance to a festival. How do people even live here? The towering buildings made it impossible to figure out where I was, even with a map. Maybe this is what they meant by a place where you could get your pocket picked with your eyes closed. But why did they say they’d take your nose? What would anyone do with that anyway…? 🤔
Yeouido used to be a sandy island where farming was tough. The name first appeared in 1751, but who cares, right? During the Japanese colonial period, an airfield drew attention, but it closed due to flooding issues. In the ’70s, Yeouido became a hub with model apartments, the National Assembly, KBS, and the stock exchange, solidifying its status in politics, economy, and broadcasting. Although the broadcasters moved out, making celebrity sightings rare, it remains a political and economic center and one of Seoul’s wealthiest areas. I used to feel sorry for a friend who commutes to Yeouido, thinking he lives in a crowded, polluted area, but turns out, he’s the one to envy. Life’s full of surprises! 💼
The building’s lobby for the presentation was narrow, reminiscent of the ’70s, and the elevators were crazy busy with attendees. After watching the elevator doors open and close countless times, I finally reached the venue, just before it began. While waiting with friends, I noticed snacks and drinks set up next to the event hall. On a simple display draped with purple cloth sat unexpectedly luxurious snacks and tea, as my friends pointed out. Without much thought, I grabbed a snack and a teabag, slipping the teabag into my pocket as the presentation started.
Now, let’s talk tea.
Yesterday, I found that tea in my bag. Instead of my usual coffee, I dunked the teabag in hot water, and wow, the aroma was incredible. It was so luxurious; I wanted to dip my fingers and dab it on my wrists, neck, and clothes. ☕ In my opinion, tea often has a significant gap between its scent and taste, making it more like a candle or diffuser. But this tea was delightfully smooth, with a taste as captivating as its scent. I refilled the cup once more that day, leaving the teabag in the cup in the cabinet. This morning, I poured water again. Though the fragrance had faded, it was still drinkable. Then, I accidentally knocked the cup over, spilling tea on my desk and keyboard. What a waste of tea. I quickly refilled the cup, but the diminished aroma left me heartbroken. 😢
If there’s another presentation there, I’ll definitely attend again. (Still not planning to buy it though.)
Leave a Reply