Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a charcoal burner, right? Yeah, I know, not the most glamorous gig, but it’s honest work. Anyway, I woke up in my little shack near the Hwaseong Fortress. You know, that UNESCO World Heritage site? It’s pretty dope, but I was too tired to appreciate it this morning.
So, I’m out there, chopping wood, getting ready for the day. The sun’s barely up, and I’m already sweating like a pig. I’m thinking, “Great, another day of burning wood and smelling like smoke.” But then, outta nowhere, my buddy Joon calls me. He’s like, “Yo, you gotta check out the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace today!” I’m like, “Dude, I’ve got work!” But he’s persistent, and I’m weak, so I say, “Fine, I’ll swing by.”
Fast forward a few hours. I’m done with the charcoal for now, and I head over to the palace. Man, it’s packed! Tourists everywhere, snapping pics like they’re at a K-pop concert. I’m just trying to blend in, but my charcoal-stained hands are kinda giving me away. I’m walking around, and I see this street vendor selling tteokbokki. You know, the spicy rice cakes? I can’t resist. I grab a plate, and it’s like heaven in my mouth. But then, I spill some on my shirt. Ugh, just great. Now I look like a walking mess.
While I’m munching, I overhear this couple arguing. They’re going at it, and I’m just standing there, trying to enjoy my food. The guy’s like, “You never listen!” and the girl’s like, “Well, you never talk!” I’m thinking, “Man, I’m just here for the tteokbokki, not your drama.” But it’s kinda funny, right?
After that, I decide to check out the Hwaseong Temporary Palace. It’s beautiful, but I’m still thinking about that tteokbokki stain. I mean, come on! I can’t be the only one who has food issues, right? Anyway, I’m wandering around, and I bump into this old lady. She’s selling handmade crafts, and she’s super sweet. She tells me about the history of the place, and I’m like, “Wow, I didn’t know that!”
But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I mean, like, monsoon-level rain. I’m soaked in seconds. I’m running for cover, and I end up in this little café on Jeongjo-ro. I grab a coffee, trying to dry off, and the barista is this cool dude. He’s like, “You look like you’ve been through a war.” I laugh and say, “Nah, just a day in Hwaseong-si.”
So, I’m sitting there, sipping my coffee, and I start thinking about life. Like, why am I burning charcoal? What’s the point? But then I remember the smell of the wood, the crackling fire, and it kinda makes me happy. It’s simple, but it’s mine.
After the rain stops, I head back out. The streets are all shiny and new, and I feel like I’m in a movie or something. I walk down to the Hwaseong City Hall, and it’s all lit up. I’m just standing there, taking it all in, when I see a street performer. He’s playing the guitar, and it’s actually pretty good. I toss him a few won, and he gives me a nod.
Finally, I make my way back home. I’m exhausted but happy. I think about the day, the tteokbokki, the rain, the palace, and that random street performer. It’s wild how one day can be so full of ups and downs.
So yeah, that was my day in Hwaseong-si. Just a charcoal burner trying to make sense of it all. Life’s crazy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.