By Honorary Reporter Lewis Hooper from U.K.
Photos = Lewis Hooper

From Dec. 21-22, I visited the first destinations (Miryang and Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province) of the tourism campaign "Go Local to See Local 100" with Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon, along with 50 Koreans and expats.

The tour began on Dec. 21 at Seoul Station with a musical performance, presentation and news conference, after which we headed to Miryrang. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by supporters of the campaign there and the city's mascots. 

We went to our first destination by chartered bus led by an informative tour guide on the way. As it was my first time in the city, I was amazed by its natural beauty with mountains, rivers and old buildings. It felt as if the whole town had shown up for this visit and this gave a high sense of gratification for the cause.

The first event was learning firsthand to make kimchi and oyster kimchi, something I've always wanted to do, in a fun experience with locals, expats and reporters. It was my first time making kimchi and the taste, especially for the oyster kimchi, was incredible. 

 

Afterwards, we joined a traditional tea-making ceremony with an elderly local. This peaceful and reflective moment made me consider traditions and culture passed down through generations. The simplicity of the ceremony felt nostalgic and the tea had a rich flavor, with snacks made in the region also delicious.

After eating lunch with the kimchi we made as a side dish, we headed to a performance of the national folk song Miryang Arirang, one of the highlights of the tour that showcased regional beliefs and customs. It was great to see everybody enjoying a special moment together regardless of background or belief.

We then moved to the Yeongnam-daero cycle track along the Nakdonggang River. Minister Yu said he often bikes from Seoul to Busan and thus saw major benefits of expansion along the track, connecting towns and businesses more easily. After a news conference, select members and I went biked along the river, which was expansive but peaceful, allowing me to heal myself in nature. 

Later, we moved to a temple and shrine that served as a backdrop for a legend. Arang was the only daughter of the Miryang governor, and word of her beauty and kind heart spread to other regions and attracted many young admirers. One night as she went out to watch a beautiful full moon, a young man appeared and confessed his love to her. When she tried to flee, he killed her and secretly buried her body. Many years later, her spirit appeared before many other governors to plead for justice. Some women in the area started singing the song to remember her, and this story remains in the hearts of locals.

In the evening, we had a market experience at an old university complex, with many locals turning out for the event with the minister and market stalls selling area versions of tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup), eomuk (fish cake) and jeon (pancake). If more events are held like this, I feel that it will truly put Miryang on the tourism map and create business opportunities for residents.

The final stop in Miryang on Dec. 21 was the music hall to see Miryang Arirang performed by a regional group with members ages 5-15. This show showed the impact of the story of Arang on the area. It was great to watch this young cast express their passion and talents with confidence on stage to a large audience. I could feel the emotions of the actors from their performance.