Inner Journey

  The lofty pavilion is standing in the backdrop of the perfect autumn sky. The structure is called Banghwasuryujeong, meaning seeking flowers and willows along the stream. This building is a part of Suwon Hwaseong, which is a castle built to make a new town in the current location of Suwon by the 22nd monarch of Joseon, Lee San. However, there is more than such practical reason to build this castle and fancy pavilion overlooking dragon pond. The castle was also meant to be a part of mausoleum dedicated to his father, a crowned prince Sado or Lee sun. Lee sun was confined in a rice chest and left there for nine days, eventually starved to death. For me Banghwasuryujeong seems to be a giant rice chest. The cross patterns, a symbol of Christianity, on the western wall of the pavillion facing Hwahongmun Gate, have been enduring mystery for long time. At first glance, it seems to have been carved to avoid monotony, but if you look closely, it seems to be an intentionally done for some...

  Despite the worries on release of radioactive water of Fukushima, the season of dotted gizzard shad (Hereafter just DGS) has come, and everybody seems to enjoy. I had this fish several times with friends and family members too. DGS was famous for its autumn delicacies but was cheap and considered side menu rather than main dish in the seafood restaurants. In the past, due to the lack of the development of transportation technology and infrastructures, these perishable fish were mainly consumed in ports and coastal areas, and the amount that could be transported inland was limited. Therefore, it was not uncommon to sell this delicious fish at a lower price. In addition to DGS, monkfish (Angler fish if you like to call) have also been rediscovered as delicious fish in modern times, but they have been treated like garbage or something in the past.   The reason why autumn DGS is delicious is because of its rich fat. From September to November, it boasts three times as much fat a...