Geumsan Ginseng Festival

Here’s a trip I created because "canned" tours suck. Doing your own thing is a lot more fun and finding your way is better than following someone. I follow orders all week at work; I make my own God-damned rules when I'm off!

In a town called Geumsan, they grow a lot of Ginseng. As a matter of fact, they call themselves the Ginseng Capital of the World. Who am I to argue, really? There’s just no way I could possibly dispute it, so I don’t. But, what I can do is go check out their town, because every year, I heard they have a huge festival, celebrating ginseng and ginseng related accessories. How did I get there? Mr. N (Kool Korean Kat from the plant) hooked me up with some bus schedule info for traveling to and from Geumsan. How'd I find my way around Geumsan? Read on...

I found an easy way to get around Korea if you are a lazy American that hasn’t learned to speak Korean: Korean school kids learn English in school, and sometimes jump at the chance to practice with lazy Americans like me. I noticed the kids get real “Balls-ey” when they travel in packs. They will shout out “hi, hello, how are you,” and then you are in there. One kid might not speak enough to communicate with you, but if they’re in a group of 5 or 6, your chances just shot up that you’ll get the directions you need! I figure, the way my mind drifts in and out at school, so do theirs, but all at different moments! What one kid missed in Tuesday’s class, the next kid didn’t, and so on, until 5 or 6 kids talking at once equals 1 solid wealth of language skills, and a shit-load of fun!

So Geumsan goes on my list as a really nice town to visit. The kids were really cool to me, and they pointed me in the right direction of where to track down the ginseng festivities from the bus station. Here’s some pics:

Some of the cool kids I mentioned



















One tired ass little dog











ginseng in water or soju, not sure which














Closer Look














The soup from my lunch, under a yellow tent














Bi Bim Bap lunch, maybe the best bowl yet!














While I ate, a parade starts up











Little guy






































































A spry old man










































































Some shave ice with red beans, fruit and jello. Delicious!