What comes to mind when we think of Korea? Electronic brands such as Samsung and LG, automobile giants like Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo, emotional reunions of divided relatives living north or south of the demilitarized zone, and — of course — Psy of Gangnam style! My knowledge of the Republic of Korea was also restricted to only these things. This is a country too far east to be on the itinerary of many tourists from this part of the world. But as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and so is the beauty of Korea in experiencing it firsthand. November is the best time to visit Korea as nature presents itself in its full splendor: Flowers are in bloom, weather is pleasant, and the trees are all shades of color as the leaves are bright yellow, blood red and stained brown. Despite the common perception that Koreans are impatient ("pali pali" as foreigners teasingly tell them), I found them very patient — at least on the roads — as the traffic in Seoul, which is a heavily congested city, always moves at a snail's pace. This seemed alien to me as road rage is a common site in Jeddah where traffic is chaotic. Koreans love their cuisine, a main dish which is mostly a rice preparation and a number of side dishes which are mostly fermented. "Koreans developed the art of fermented cuisine because of climatic conditions and the country's landscape," Vivian Han, the owner of a ritzy ethnic Korean restaurant in Seoul's Palace-gil Junggu, told me over a lunch of pine nut soup, grilled chicken, kimchi and cinnamon ice cream. I was surprised to hear from Vivian, whose restaurant was selected by the Wall Street Journal as one of the best, that "earlier it was a taboo to serve Korean food to foreigners." But that was in the past. Today Korean dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap are world famous. So is Korean street food and herbal teas which are soothing and refreshing. Sandwiched between two giant neighbors — Japan on the east and China on the west — Korea has managed to outgrow their shadow. This peninsular country with rolling hills and flowing rivers has set its sight on the future while preserving its past. To glimpse the future, enter Samsung D'light — which stands for digital light. Located in Seocho-Daero, Seocho-gu, Samsung D'light is an exhibition space which "places you at the center of a whole new world." "Live Your Tomorrow" shows you a futuristic living room, a kitchen which is an interactive space, and a dressing room mirror which turns into a screen with Wi-Fi connectivity. Not to be left behind is Hyundai with its studio in Eonju-ro, Gangam-gu, where gurus — yes, car experts are called gurus here — show you the future auto technology. The five-story studio is made of environmentally-friendly metals. It houses a library, a cafe, an interactive giant screen, and a creche for the children of visitors. But places like Insa-dong Street, Furniture Museum and Gyeongbokgung Palace put a brake on your flight of fantasy, and transport you back in time to the past. A leisurely stroll along Insa-dong Street from the Jongno 2-ga to Anguk-dong intersection gives you an insight into the rich Korean culture and heritage through antique shops, art galleries, folk handicraft stores, traditional tea houses and Korean writing brush and paper stores. Korea is not only about electronics and automobile giants, it has also made its mark through advances in the cosmetics and healthcare fields. Arabs and US celebrities as well as patients with slim hopes of survival fly to Korea for advance medical care. "Korea excels in robotic and laparoscopic surgeries as well as minimum procedure surgery," Dr. Joong Haeng Choh, Director of the International Healthcare Center at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, told me during my visit to the 1400-bed hospital in Bundang. The Seoul National University Bundang Hospital has a tie-up with Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, and it manages the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in UAE. On my return from Korea, I was told by my friends that Korean TV soaps are gaining popularity in Indian and Pakistani homes. It was also a revelation for me to learn that many Bollywood hits have been copied from famous Korean songs. — The writer can be contacted at: [email protected]
