Man, what a day! I’m a forester, right? So, I’m used to chillin’ in the woods, not dodging cars in Sangju. But today? Phew! Let me tell ya, it was a wild ride.
So, I roll into Sangju early, like 7 AM. The sun’s barely up, and I’m already feelin’ the city buzz. I park my truck near Sangju’s famous Gyeongbuk-dong. You know, the area with all the cute cafes? Yeah, I thought I’d grab a coffee. But guess what? The line at that one place, Cafe 7th Heaven, was like a mile long! I mean, c’mon people, it’s just coffee!
Finally, I get my cup of joe. It’s decent, but I spill half of it on my shirt. Great start, right? I’m lookin’ like a hot mess. But whatever, I’m in Sangju! I gotta check out the Sangju City Hall. It’s this big ol’ building on the main street, and I thought maybe I’d get some info on local forestry projects. Spoiler alert: they were closed. Like, who closes at 9 AM?
So, I’m wanderin’ around, and I hit up the Sangju Traditional Market. Man, that place is a feast for the senses! The smells, the colors, the people! I’m tryin’ to haggle for some fresh produce, but my Korean is rusty. I’m like, “How much for the apples?” and the lady just stares at me. Awkward! I end up buyin’ way too many apples. I mean, I’m a forester, not a fruit vendor!
Then, I decide to take a stroll down the Cheonggye Stream. It’s beautiful, right? But then I see this group of kids throwin’ rocks into the water. I’m like, “Hey, chill out!” But they just laugh and keep throwin’. I’m thinkin’, “What if they hit a fish or somethin’?” I mean, come on! Respect nature, right?
After that, I’m feelin’ a bit hangry. So, I hit up this street food stall on Sangju’s main drag. I order tteokbokki, and it’s spicy as hell! I’m sweatin’ bullets, but it’s so good. I’m like, “Why can’t I have this in the forest?” I mean, who needs a campfire when you got street food?
Then, outta nowhere, it starts rainin’. Like, heavy rain. I’m soaked in seconds. I duck into a shop on Jeongdong-ro, and it’s this cute little place selling handmade crafts. I’m lookin’ around, and I see this wooden carving of a deer. I’m like, “That’s me!” I buy it, even though I’m broke. But hey, it’s a souvenir, right?
By now, I’m exhausted. I decide to head back to my truck, but I can’t find it! I’m walkin’ around like a lost puppy. I swear, I’m about to cry. Finally, I spot it near the Sangju Sports Complex. Thank goodness!
As I’m driving out, I see the sunset over the mountains. It’s gorgeous. I take a deep breath and think, “This city ain’t so bad.” Sure, it’s chaotic, but it’s got character.
So yeah, that was my day in Sangju. Full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another adventure for this forester!