weekend recap . . . weekend preview

As members of the Sangmu Kumdo Academy's Demonstration Team, we are most often called on to demonstrate combat situations wherein showing the practicality of what we're taught. Of course there are embellishments, like the unnecessary kicks, spins, and cartwheels, and honestly it’s sometimes like feeding children creamed-corn, but when the masses demand the “airplane approach”, it’s what’s done. In the end we were applauded and “whooped”, receiving rave reviews from young and old alike. Master Lee was quite pleased, and we were pleased it was over (if only to get our lives back).

Ah yes, living. It’s what we’ve promised ourselves to do this year. Since Alex was shackled to his former job, we could not escape the limits of Gwangju as often as we would have liked. This year is shaping up quite differently.

This weekend is the beginning of our quest to see the wonders of the Korean peninsula. On the agenda Mokpo (목포), this state’s major port city, and a historic strategic hold during warring times (most notably, the Imjin Wars 1592 & 1597). Unimaginably devastating wars where Japan’s main objective was to plunder, in the end were won thanks to Korea’s most revered Naval Commander, Admiral Yi. The country honors him for outmaneuvering and out-thinking the invaders with several monuments and statues scattered around the country, but there are reminders of him & the wars throughout most of Mokpo and it’s outlaying islands. I’m obviously my father’s daughter, as I can’t wait to learn more about the wars and Admiral Yi Sun-shin.

Also on our agenda is a visit to Hong-do (홍도,"Red Island",), National Maritime Museum, Yudal-san Park, and a Czech Beer Bar. Yes, beer is on the agenda.

Article: Imjin War diaries Are Memorial of Invasions For Koreans

Article: Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and the Turtle Boat

Mokpo City Homepage

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