Day 38 - Gangchon Rail Bike to Seoul - Aug 1

It's August! How times has flown since we started in June. But there is no time to dilly dally, still so much to see and do. 

Above is a photo with all the signs translated. Thank goodness for Google Translate — without it, I’d probably still be standing on the platform trying to determine which direction to go.

Today was another navigation headache. We left our bags in Chuncheon because we had no idea where else to stash them, went to Gimyujeong Station, then later had to backtrack to Chuncheon to retrieve the bags, then back to Gimyujeong again, and finally onward to Seoul. Next time I’m just taking the bags with me and locking them to a post; Korea feels safe enough for that, even if my instincts from back home disagree.

With another day comes another heat warning. But only 36 degrees? We've had worse.

Gangchon Rail Bike

The Gagnchon rail car is a can't miss attractions and is frequently booked out weeks in advanced. Essentially you take a rail car on an old train track and you provide the power by way of some foot pedals. It promises themed tunnels, river views and plenty of scenic views.

The trip starts out at the station where you board the rail car. At about the 1/2 way mark you transition to a passenger train. And then at the end you take a bus to loop back to the beginning. 

Seoul Costco

The train passed a Costco when entering Seoul. And because your membership works everywhere, we had to check it out.

        

Other than the merchandise selection and the cart friendly elevators the layout wasn't that much different from back home.

 

The best parts remined the same - namely the food court. Reasonably priced bulgogi pizza and Tteokbokki? Sign me up please!

Myeongdong Street Market

After settling into our hotel, Ava took a rest while I went for a walking tour of the area. We picked a place right near Myeongdong Street Market. Korean street food has become so popular in Canada, with kiosks popping up in food courts everywhere. We’ve travelled from south to north and so far I hadn’t seen anything that resembled what we have back home. Now I know why — they’re all hiding out in Seoul. Now I am beginning to regret eating so much at Costco.