Visiting Korea, Hong Kong (& Shenzhen)

[JeffBrown]

Thanks for the MunGyeong photos...I heard the walk to the festival was rainy... I have been doing my research, watching videos taken by potters from last years event...practicing greeting phrases...I even learned how to write MungYeong in Hongul... I'm looking forward to learning about, and trying, the different teas...Experiencing how they are served in a traditional context, will better my understanding of how I should be making the teaware. I just wish that I thought ahead enough to have planned an extra day to explore Seoul

[JBaymore]

I'll add my thanks to this thread for the photos also.

I just started working on my potential clothing choices, figuring out how to pack the claywork that I'm bringing with me to show/sell (some stuff already shipped) so that airline baggage handlers will be fully defeated, and got a couple of immunizations for being in rural Korea (my arm is killing me tonight! )

Jeff... while I have no issues with speaking Japanese ..and am reasonably adept at it now...... Korean is twisting my tongue all up in knots! Guess it is "payback" for what I put my students through this fall taking them to Japan for the first time .

T minus 6 1/2 days and counting before the wheels leave the runway for me.

best,

...............john

[Tead Off]

The weather at Mungyeong can vary a lot within a day. I have been there the last 2 years. The 1st year, the cherry blossoms were still blooming. It was mostly sunny, shirtsleeve weather. But, when the clouds come in, the air turns colder, and, the clouds do come in. It can also rain and usually does at some point. 8-12℃ can be common and in the same day, it can warm up towards 20℃. Layering is necessary.

It is also muddy so leave the designer shoes at home. The long walk from the village/parking area is picturesque and prepares you for a beautiful venue for the teabowl festival. Bring an umbrella, warm clothes, shoes that are sturdy.

I wouldn't worry about the language very much. Somehow, it all works and Koreans are warm and welcoming. It's a very lovely setting to have a pottery festival in, it being a movie set of the Joseon period in a beautiful natural location. Very impressive.

John, I don't know why you would need an immunization. Never heard of this.

If at all possible, I would encourage visitors and exhibitors to explore more of Korea. It is a hidden gem, beautiful mountains, temples, super clean, excellent infrastructure, roads, services, coffee, unique cuisine, and, lots of artists and potters all over the place.

[JBaymore]

John, I don't know why you would need an immunization. Never heard of this.

My doctor, apparently as well as the U.S. Department of State and CDC, recommends some types of immunizations for travel in South Korea, particularly for more rural areas. Just following her (doctor's) advice. She hasn't steered me wrong yet. Just being cautious.

Thanks for the tips on the weather. I figured on layering as well as a small travel unbrella. And I was already told that decent shoes were a really good idea. When you say "mud", are you thinking more like hiking boots over something like running shoes / sneakers?

I've worked alongside many Korean artists when I've been in Japan over the years... so know how open and friendly they are.

The teabowl exhibition I was included in in Seattle at NCECA had two Korean National Treasaure artists included.... and the pieces they had in it were totally astounding. So I am really, really looking forward to seeing a lot more Korean work "up close and personal". And getting a chance to see some more Korean artists working.

One issue I have with learning the Korean language is that I keep trying to hear Japanese in it, because a number of the phonomes are very similar, and Japanese is a newer learned language for me. So my brain sort of "short circuits" .

The setting itself looks spectacular! I have a lot of Gigs of mermory cards ready .

I plan to stay on in Seoul for two days after the festival is over before I head to Japan to take care of some things. I have a reservation in a hanok-style inn. Looking forward to that experince too. (In Japan when I am booking lodging I always try to stay in ryokan.)

best,

..................john

[Tead Off]

Hiking boots are not a bad idea because they are strong and warm. But, I found my Reebok high tops worked well and they are very lightweight. I needed to clean them almost daily. It's not that you have to slosh through mud but all the paths are dirt and with the rain(depending on how much) it can get messy.

If you are staying in the hanok area just north of Insadong in Seoul, there are many lovely streets, shops, walks, palaces, that will fill your time nicely. Ondol (heated floors) style rooms are a bit austere. Pretty thin mats compared to Japanese Futon. Takes getting used to. Seoul is a nice city.

[JeffBrown]

The weather at Mungyeong can vary a lot within a day. I have been there the last 2 years. The 1st year, the cherry blossoms were still blooming. It was mostly sunny, shirtsleeve weather. But, when the clouds come in, the air turns colder, and, the clouds do come in. It can also rain and usually does at some point. 8-12℃ can be common and in the same day, it can warm up towards 20℃. Layering is necessary.

It is also muddy so leave the designer shoes at home. The long walk from the village/parking area is picturesque and prepares you for a beautiful venue for the teabowl festival. Bring an umbrella, warm clothes, shoes that are sturdy.

Sounds like May/June in New Hampshire ...

[JBaymore]

Sounds like May/June in New Hampshire ...

Ahhhhhhyah. Bout does.

best,

............john

[wyardley]

In case anyone else is visiting Shenzhen, the shop info is:
13928032211 ，0755-82621113 ，广东省 深圳市 罗湖区 深南路古玩城4—108# 真正功夫茶坊

If someone goes, let me know!

[JBaymore]

One more day before I'm off to MunGyeong!

best,

................john

[Tead Off]

I'm sure you will enjoy yourself. Lots of interesting folks to meet and pottery to see. Wish I was going, too.

[JBaymore]

I'm outta here!

[JBaymore]

I'm back. Will post pictures when I've recovered from the jetlag.

best,

.....................john