Fortress of Geumjeong Sanseong

Our weekend started with a yummy Mexican dinner over at some friends house with a few too many pineapple and soju shots! We made a quick recovery and Saturday morning headed to Mt. Geumjeongsan to hike to the Fortress of Geumjeong Sanseong built in 1703. We took the cable car from the bottom to a mid-point on the mountain and hiked to the south gate of the fortress.

On our way up in the cable car!

Once we arrived at the South gate we decided to go ahead and hike over to the East gate. We just so happen to met a new great friend at the East gate, Mr. Lee, one of the nicest people I have met here. (Everyone is Mr./Mrs. Lee or Kim).

Mr. Lee started talking with Justin asking him where he was from and before we knew it Mr. Lee was pouring us cups of whiskey. Wow and I don't drink whiskey so that was tough to take down. I am talking a few shots not just one. He was so generous to also share his cheese his girlfriend brought him back from Japan. I guess you could call that my chaser. After a bit of chit chat he asked us about our hike and we said we would like to hike to Beomesa Temple but did not figure we had the time today. He convinced us that we should be able to make it by sun down so we thought what the heck, lets give it a try. We asked if he was going to come with and he told us he would head down but show us the where the trail was. After about 30 mins or so he was still leading the way and pointing out all the flowers and their names as well as showing us the views and telling us what area of the city we were looking at. Justin and I just kept looking at each other like, I guess he will head down when he hits the trail but it did not seem like we were going down anytime soon.  You just never know, Korean people are very dynamic! After awhile he stopped and was checking his watch and muttering to himself as if we took a wrong turn or something. I think he just decided to show us the way although we never made it to Beomesa Temple nor did Mr. Lee ever mention that we were no longer heading that way. I think he realized that we would not make it before the sunset so he would just lead us down, but never told us we just figured since we were heading down. As we were approaching the mountain town, Mr. Lee pulled over by this peaceful stream to have a smoke and some more whiskey and cheese. This time I passed on the whiskey but went for the cheese. We ended up getting to the mountain town a little after the sunset and it was pretty dark! Once we arrived in the mountain town Mr. Lee asked if we would like to have super with him and of course we agreed. The mountain town we were in is well- known for its grilled goat meat and homemade makgeolli (a milky rice wine), both of which we consumed at dinner! My first time trying goat meat and it was actually quite tasty! After 3 bottles of makgeolli, we headed for the bus to take us to the subway. Once on the subway, Mr. Lee asked us if we would like to get a coffee with him in Seomyeon (considered the heart of the city). We joined Mr. Lee for a coffee and early on the subway I mentioned I wanted ice cream and when I was in the bathroom Mr. Lee zipped over and got me a scoop of ice cream! What a sweet man! 

Justin and Mr. Lee

View of the city

Hiking along the fortress wall