By Bernard Rowan
It's summer. These days, I find myself seeking shade. It's something I didn't value much when younger. Those days I enjoyed outdoor fun and suntans. I celebrated hot weather. Now, I love to find the ease of shade. I still enjoy outdoors and find my way to sun but give me a way to beat the heat!
Fortunately, Korea has many places and ways to do so. I'm going to share a few favorites. One must resist the appearances of staying busy and damning the heat. I think Koreans find many ways to get rest and rejuvenation in summer.
In Seoul, one of the coolest places is a leisurely, lingering walk through Biwon, the Secret Garden of Changdeok Palace. There's the magnificent palace and grounds, and the garden is splendid. Its unity with the environment and many special touches make for lasting memories. And it's cool! I'd say many spots give a 10 or more degrees difference from summer heat. We can copy King Taejong and so many lucky people from the distant past, by tarrying in this spot.
I love Insadong, and nearby Tapgol Park. Enjoy Insadong's many places to stop and rest. Enjoy a meal or tea and take in the calming path of this art district in Jongno. Many older people stay in the park to rest. I feel some sympathy with them, as I'm getting older day by day!
I've never visited Gapyeong's Namiseom Island but understand its tree-lined walkways provide wonderful shade and beauty. I think one can enjoy some summer solitude there as well!
Also, Jeju Island, Korea's southeastern island of fame and delight, has many beautiful gardens. One wonderful place is Halla Arboretum. Its beautiful trees and shade are among the arboretum's benefits. Halla features thousands of plants, many gardens and several walking trails.
Korea's many mountains make an unlikely but nonetheless real respite. The shade of their trees complements the adventure of climbing a Korean mountain. Mountains afford many unexpected, wonderful views. Don't trek alone and know the route in and out. However, find the shade when climbing. It aids meditation and celebration of the scenery.
I strongly suggest going to a sauna. I've written about Korean saunas in the past. However, there's no better way, perhaps, to beat the heat in summer while helping the body. The ubiquity of saunas, as well as their comforting therapy, invite us to try or to enjoy regularly. Don't overdo the time in the pools, steam or other rooms. I've caught a head cold or two doing so. Properly used, saunas can form a daily or weekly habit to stave off summer's ill effects.
There's the physiology of opposing heat with heat. That runs counter to the line of thinking I've presented (to seek cool to oppose heat). However, it makes sense. Damning the heat can dull its effects. However, it's not about eating hot food for heat's sake. That's too popular these days, and it's not good. Bibim naengmyeon, bosintang, and samgyetang taste wonderful on a hot day.
I'd be careless not to remind all readers to stay hydrated. Likely more important than finding shade, drink plenty of water to restore what's sweated away! My grandfather always told me water counts as the best drink on Earth. It's also the best way to find some shade! Stay cool and await the beauty of fall to come.
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University
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Fortunately, Korea has many places and ways to do so. I'm going to share a few favorites. One must resist the appearances of staying busy and damning the heat. I think Koreans find many ways to get rest and rejuvenation in summer.
In Seoul, one of the coolest places is a leisurely, lingering walk through Biwon, the Secret Garden of Changdeok Palace. There's the magnificent palace and grounds, and the garden is splendid. Its unity with the environment and many special touches make for lasting memories. And it's cool! I'd say many spots give a 10 or more degrees difference from summer heat. We can copy King Taejong and so many lucky people from the distant past, by tarrying in this spot.
I love Insadong, and nearby Tapgol Park. Enjoy Insadong's many places to stop and rest. Enjoy a meal or tea and take in the calming path of this art district in Jongno. Many older people stay in the park to rest. I feel some sympathy with them, as I'm getting older day by day!
I've never visited Gapyeong's Namiseom Island but understand its tree-lined walkways provide wonderful shade and beauty. I think one can enjoy some summer solitude there as well!
Also, Jeju Island, Korea's southeastern island of fame and delight, has many beautiful gardens. One wonderful place is Halla Arboretum. Its beautiful trees and shade are among the arboretum's benefits. Halla features thousands of plants, many gardens and several walking trails.
Korea's many mountains make an unlikely but nonetheless real respite. The shade of their trees complements the adventure of climbing a Korean mountain. Mountains afford many unexpected, wonderful views. Don't trek alone and know the route in and out. However, find the shade when climbing. It aids meditation and celebration of the scenery.
I strongly suggest going to a sauna. I've written about Korean saunas in the past. However, there's no better way, perhaps, to beat the heat in summer while helping the body. The ubiquity of saunas, as well as their comforting therapy, invite us to try or to enjoy regularly. Don't overdo the time in the pools, steam or other rooms. I've caught a head cold or two doing so. Properly used, saunas can form a daily or weekly habit to stave off summer's ill effects.
There's the physiology of opposing heat with heat. That runs counter to the line of thinking I've presented (to seek cool to oppose heat). However, it makes sense. Damning the heat can dull its effects. However, it's not about eating hot food for heat's sake. That's too popular these days, and it's not good. Bibim naengmyeon, bosintang, and samgyetang taste wonderful on a hot day.
I'd be careless not to remind all readers to stay hydrated. Likely more important than finding shade, drink plenty of water to restore what's sweated away! My grandfather always told me water counts as the best drink on Earth. It's also the best way to find some shade! Stay cool and await the beauty of fall to come.
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University
