Olympic Plaza and K-Pop

We didn’t have any Olympic events to attend today but wanted to head to the Pyeongchang mountain area to check out what the Olympic festivities looked like there. We also had a K-Pop awards show to attend back in Seoul in the evening.  Since we already had a chance to watch a mountain event in the form of the half pipe. But we hadn’t had a chance to visit the Olympic plaza area so we planned to do that in the morning.

Pyeongchang

From Gangneung, we hopped on a KTX train to Jinbu which took 20 minutes. We then hopped aboard a free Olympic shuttle for another 20 minute ride to Pyeongchang. Even as we were driving in, you could tell that the entire town had been caught up by the Olympics.

There were decorations everywhere, and even exhibits that weren’t directly related to the Olympics. We made our way to the Olympic plaza entrance, only to find that it didn’t open until 10. This was problematic because it would great reduce our time in the village, but there was so much going on around the city that it was almost a blessing in disguise. We ended up spending a bit of time in this frozen canal which had very elaborate ice sculptures.

Pyeongchang Olympic Plaza

When 10 rolled around, we entered the Olympic plaza and started exploring. We didn’t have a lot of time here but we did manage to visit the Korea Power exhibit which showcased a great deal of future technologies and VR exhibits. We also had a chance to visit the village “super store” which sold all manner of Olympic goods. I tried to pick up as many items as I could but both Suzy and I knew that we’d have to make a return trip at some point.

Sadly, because of the late open, we had very limited time in the village and had to leave in order to take the shuttle bus back to catch the KTX back to Seoul.

Gaonchart Awards

Suzy is a big K-Pop fan, so we had booked this event well in advance. I’m not as well versed in the K-pop scene, but from what I can tell this was the equivalent of a Korean billboards type award show. Many of the major acts would be in attendance and it was going to be a good night of celebrating Korean music.

I didn’t know what I was getting into, but when we arrived at the arena and I noticed that about 80% of the attendees were females, I started to get a little curious. As the red carpet event started, and the stars made their way into the stadium, I noticed a visible human wave collectively move towards the carpet area. I witnessed fans with binoculars or cameras and lenses I only saw the press use at the Olympics. A few even brought step ladders so they could get better angles over their fellow fans. I had a feeling I was in for a unique evening.

K-Pop

When we were finally allowed into the arena, I started feeling more and more out of my element. Three quarters of the fans were holding colored glow sticks with their favourite group’s logo in it. They all had posters and there was a great deal of excitement in the room. I’m not sure if this is what it’s like at other concerts these days (One direction? Justin Beiber?) But when the groups appeared, I’d never seen/heard anything like it. I’ve never seen an entire mass of people collectively lose their minds like I did that night. Fans were screaming in a manner I can only equate with death screams, but they weren’t. The glow of the light sticks waving in unison, the flashing of cameras and the screaming was all a bit much to take in. I’m not entirely sure what I witnessed, but according to Suzy, this was tame because some of the biggest groups weren’t even there (I’m not sure my ears would have survived anymore).

All in all it was certainly a unique and new experience that I really enjoyed. From what I understand, there are thousands of “crazy” fans that should have been in my seat. I’m glad Suzy was able to take me. I’m glad I was able to learn a little and enjoy a lot!

Late night Eats

By the time the concert was over, vocal chords exploded and camera batteries spent, we returned to our neighbourhood. It was late but we passed by a late night shop with some great looking dishes. So we stopped in to grab some Galbi, fried rice and dumplings. It totally hit the spot.

We’d be heading out to Gangneung early again to visit and explore further the next day.