Our day began at the National Museum of Modern Contemporary Art in
Seoul, just beside Gyeongbokgung Palace, where we encountered Damien Hirst’s
famous shark, “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone
Living”. Suspended in its tank, the work was at once unsettling and
fascinating. I understood why it continues to provoke conversation decades
after it was first exhibited. It was larger than life. It attempts to go beyond
the precipice of death. Like much contemporary art, it demanded attention and refused
easy answers.
Kuya was especially ecstatic since the shark had only been a
topic of conversation in his humanities class. Seeing it in real life, in all
its enormity, was, for me, life-affirming. I can relate to Hirst’s vision of
the life-death-life cycle.
From there, we made our way to Cafe Homie for coffee and a
much-needed respite from the summer heat. What we did not expect to discover
was that Namjoon had once spent time there. As it turned out, I was sitting in
the very corner where he had taken a photograph years before. Sometimes the
universe has a sense of humor.
The surprises continued in Insadong, where we stumbled upon
a free gallery displaying pottery, ceramics, and tri-colored paintings. We
entered out of curiosity and left reminded that art does not always reside in
major museums. Sometimes it waits behind an unassuming doorway, ready to reward
those willing to step inside.
The day ended at Yeouido Hangang Park. We rented bicycles
and joined families, couples, and friends making the most of a summer evening
along the Han River. The greatest surprise awaited us there: a shallow stream
where people removed their shoes and waded through cool water. We did the same.
After days of walking, traveling, and exploring, the simple pleasure of cooling
our feet felt luxurious.
Looking back on it today, none of these experiences had been
carefully planned. Yet they make up the moments I will remember most. This is
supreme Namjooning.
Perhaps travel is not only about reaching destinations.
Perhaps it is also about remaining open to pleasant surprises, trusting that
some discoveries are meant to find us.
We found them in the place and country they call home.
#BTS_ARIRANG #bangtanpilgrimage2026 #Festa2026
#southkoreatravel Savedbythebest Travel and Tours
No comments:
Post a Comment