I tried to align my steps with Mr. Park who seemed agile for his age’s pace. Waiting for Seoul Metro at a side of station platform, we lightly chatted. I told him about my trip through East Asia. I tucked in some adventure stories in Tokyo, Osaka and Busan a few days before. Mr. Park seemed quite impressed to hear the story line that I told as short as possible.
While Mr. Park, In Chul Park his full name….Told about his daily activities as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (Obgyn) at Myongji Hospital in Deokyang District.
“My job is to help the baby to be born”, that was how he conveyed about his daily activities.
Seoul Metro arrived….
Being at Line 6, the two of us entered in center carriage. The whole carriage looked deserted that morning. Not many workers have started their activities. The two of us sat in the middle seat and continued the conversation to next light topics, ranging from his small family to a little bit about the city of Seoul, I was flooded with valuable information that morning. I mostly acted as a good listener in our conversations.
Twenty minutes into a worthwhile shared journey with Mr. Parks. I said goodbye first, because I had to get off at Euljiro 3 (sam)-ga Station to change to Seoul Metro Line 2. Mr. Park still continued his journey through another 14 stations more to Hwajeong Station.
Getting off at Euljiro Station 3 (sam)-ga platform, I started looking for the passageway leading to Hongik University Station. Seeing me confused looking for the corridor, a fat man approached me.
He: “Hello, Where will you go?”, he started greeting with a question.
Me: “Hongik University Station, Sir. Which corridor should I choose?”
Him: “Wait…”
He also looked confused and took the initiative to intercept a Seoul Metro officer who was walking in a corridor. The two of them seemed to be conversing and the Seoul Metro officer seemed to be pointing at the other side of station building.
He: “You must steps over there!”, the nice fat man showed me a direction after a few minutes then asked the Seoul Metro officer.
Me: “Thank you very much, Sir. You are a kind man”, I really feel helped by his help.
No wonder it was hard to find, the corridor was at the end of station building with a corridor opening that was not too big. Walking down the corridor, I came to a platform. Now I was on the right platform with a green color code in each hint.
Five minutes later the Seoul Metro arrived, I immediately flowed down the underground passages of Seoul City with it. Seoul Line 2 was bustling with students. The faces of educated youth seemed to be crowded in the carriage. Didn’t get a seat, made me have to stand for 20 minutes onward journey.
Finally I arrived at Hongik University Station…..
Time to head to Kimchee Guesthouse Sinchon