As I type this, Typhoon
Sanba is making landfall upon Busan, South Korea. Currently a
category 1 storm, Sanba was a category 5 just 2 days ago.
Fortunately, like most huge hurricanes, Sanba violently collapsed in
on itself. While Busan has been experiencing the feeder bands for the last
few days, as of now it is the wind, not the rain, that is the most
prevalent force.
Rather than walk the beach
to take photos like last time, I decided to venture in a different
direction to witness the approaching storm. I hiked the jagged and
rugged coast of Igidae, a protected preserve and chain of islands
nearby. This is a truly awe-inspiring place. Hidden outside of this
enormous city and its chaotic inner workings, it's no wonder these
remote mountains and coasts where the chosen locations of Buddhist
monks when constructing their temples.
The history of Igidae is
just as interesting and incredible and the landscape and views
themselves. When the Japanese invaded Joseon in the late 16th
century, they conquered Suyeongseong Fortress and held a feast to
celebrate their victory. The high cliffs and open views of the coast
were chosen as a more-than-suitable-enough spot due to their
serenity. Two enslaved Korean gisaengs (female professional
entertainers) were taken to the feast to entertain the Japanese men
for the night. After a belligerent night, they seized the drunken
Japanese commander during the festivities and jumped off the mountain
and into the sea with him as a reprisal against the Japanese invasion
of their homeland. Thus the name Igidae, which means two gisaeng,
was given to this place in commemoration.
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