#83 Day 2 - Samcheonpo to Haman-gun

[스티븐스 대사]

Today I felt we experienced all of Korea – past, present, and even glimpses of its future in the more than 70 km we traversed.  We rode over and through country lanes, reminding me of my first time in Korea in the 1970s, to busy expressways -- at times a little too busy! -- to purpose-built biking lanes along the Nam River that typify the network of bicycle paths that are becoming more common all the time in Korea as all of us re-discover the joy – and necessity for a green future --  of traveling with pedal power and two wheels.

We said goodbye to the first day’s riders and hello to the second day’s riders at Sacheon, with a cool breeze greeting us along the way. 

Before hitting the road, both with the first and second day riders...

Despite worrying weather forecasts, we suffered more from heat than the rain we expected.  When the skies did choose to open up, we were serendipitous enough to be inside, either for a wonderful lunch in Jinju, or listening to a briefing on the Korean War.  The one time we were caught by the weather, the cool showers were more than welcome.  Jinju Mayor Lee Chang-hee explained to us the history of his wonderful city as he joined us in riding along the Nam River cycling path.

Colorful structures along the Nam River

After many kilometers and some hours later we were lucky enough to experience anew the powerful history of this part of Korea.  At the summit between Jinju and Haman, we met Haman County Mayor Ha Seong-sik and three Korean War veterans.

We were welcomed by Haman County Mayor Ha Seong-sik and three Korean War veterans at the pass entering Haman

Both at the summit, at our final destination and campground, and at dinner that night,  we learned of the incredible bravery and sacrifice of those soldiers, Korean, UN, and American alike, who, vastly outnumbered, struggled for control of THE path to Changwon and Busan, and for control of the entire peninsula.  In our briefing, we learned that the key battleground changed hands 17 times before finally the South Korean and allied forces could forestall the North Korean advance.  We saw firsthand where South Koreans, Americans, and others gave their lives.  As we reflected on  the hardship and suffering of all, civilians and soldiers alike, seeing the breathtaking scenery and lovely traditional buildings  as we entered Haman-gun was all the more poignant. 

Briefing by Director of Gunbuk Reserve Forces Office on Korean War battlegrounds in the area

At dinner, we resolved to reflect on the county of Haman, and all that it suffered these sixty years ago.  Haman is short for ham-kke, “together,” and an meaning “peace.”   We resolved together to work together for peace not only in Korea but in the world.  The second day’s riders chose to reflect further on the meaning of Haman around a campfire that night.  I am eager to see what lessons we will take from tomorrow’s riding.

Samgyeopsal dinner with the riders, Haman County Mayor and Korean War veterans

What a nice campfire we prepared for the students!

 

[늘 푸른산]

Waa Woo
May God bless you