A little over a month ago, three friends – Lucy, Owen, and Jun – and I went to Sokcho and Goseong for the weekend. We traveled together to Cheongpyeong two years ago, so we were long overdue another trip. Lucy’s birthday was coming up, so Jun (her husband) organized this supposed-to-be-a-surprise bash (eyes on you, Jun).

We left Lucy’s house later than anticipated, so we got caught up in traffic. Luckily for me, I actually brought and took my motion sickness medication. The last time we ventured off together, I forgot it and spent a lot of time reevaluating my existence. After several hours, we pulled over at a rest stop. Rest stops in Korea trump anything I have ever encountered in the U.S. and Europe. The amount of food options is borderline overwhelming. After stuffing ourselves, we hit the road again.

Most people who visit Sokcho go to spend time on the beach. For those of you who actually know me, you know that beach + summer = no. I dislike being half-clothed sweating/baking in the sun. Hopping in the ocean is not a preferred option either because I am 1) not the best swimmer 2) deathly afraid of fish touching me. Fortunately for me (unfortunately for my friends), it was freezing at the beach! The joy in my heart almost caused it to burst.

I am team umbrella hat. 

Not today, Satan.

Owen and I bought bubbles and charmed couples and children alike. Our bubbles were the source of many good photo opts for the people around us. Jun and Lucy, on the other hand, played in the sand. Bubbles and sandcastles – being an adult is not so bad at times.

After frolicking for a while, we went to go eat crab. We stopped at 365 붉은대게공판장 and completely inhaled whatever was put in front of us. I am proud to say I did not find the “spicy” soup spicy at all. My spice tolerance has greatly improved since coming to Korea. It is either that or I am dead inside. Although it was expensive, we all considered it an experience rather than just a meal. I highly recommend eating crab if you go to the east coast!

Sorry in advance.

On the way back to our Airbnb, we stopped by E-mart (much to the chagrin of Jun). Lucy and I bought matching dresses to wear to bed. I am actually wearing mine now. Owen, the wonderful bottomless pit that he is, grabbed some sushi. We all hung out in the flat until nightfall. While Jun took a nap, Owen, Lucy, and I figured out our camera settings to properly capture sparklers and fireworks. Finally, it was dark outside. We bought fireworks and lit up the night sky with what seemed to be the rest of the population of Sokcho.

Prior to going to bed, we played Monopoly Go and Bananagrams – two favorites of our group. Lucy and I talked about waking up to see the sunset, which meant we had to be out the door by 4:40AM. When my alarm went off that morning, I realized I would be heading off to the beach alone. Truth be told, I liked it that way. There were probably thirty people scattered about on the beach waiting for the sun to appear. I finally went back to the Airbnb after about an hour and slept for a bit. We all finally woke up, got in the car, stopped at a Makguksu (막국수) restaurant, and continued on our way.

Going to Goseong to see the lavender fields was next on our agenda. If you have hung out with my for more than an hour, you have probably heard me talk about Hungary. The Goseong Lavender Festival (고성 라벤더축제), located at Hani Lavender Farm (하늬라벤더팜), did not compare to the “lavender fields of Tihany,” but was still lovely. Since it was much hotter on the day we went to Goseong, I swapped out my cardigan for my electric fan. I do not know how I managed three Hungarian summers without a hand-held electric fan. I suppose I was stronger in my youth. We took more pictures than I would care to admit, but I suppose that was the whole point in the fields. You should check them out if you are ever in the area.

Lavender ice cream.

It was finally time for us to head back to Seoul, which of course took a long time. I slept in such an ugly manner in the backseat that I resembled a thumb. It is a gift, I suppose.

Overall, I had a lovely time in Sokcho and Goseong. There is still so much of Korea for me to see. Cheers to another blog post that is long overdue. I will get back on track one day… some day…