Seoul, Korea Trip: Nov 10th-19th 2006

Seoul, Korea Trip: Nov 10^th-19^th 2006

I recently returned from a trip to a land, far, far away in Seoul, Korea. This was my first adventure overseas, and I could not have been more impressed, nor could I be more excited about traveling abroad again in the very near future. My excuse for going was the Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress 2006. JCI is the third largest international organization, with members from over 112 countries across the globe (Can you name the only other two organizations that have more global coverage?). As you know, I currently serve on the board of directors for the Atlanta chapter as VP of Communications and IT (Atlanta Jaycees). I have been a member for over three years, and was awarded Member of the Year for 2005.


My major responsibilities at the conference were to help the Atlanta Chapter promote for USA's national conference (Met Net 2007) in July of next year, and of course to have a good time. I met hundreds of great people, and made many quality friends from all parts of the Earth. Another responsibility was to tend to the incoming JCI World President for 2007, Scott Greenlee of JCI Michigan (USA). This is a great honor for both him and our wonderful nation.

This should be the largest Met Net in the USA in quite some time. Met Net involves all of the large Metro chapters across the USA, and any international chapter, gathering to promote and motivate for recruitment and involvement within organization. Atlanta is very excited to be chosen to host the event. More info can be found on our website at http://www.atlantajaycees.org/.

The conference started with a bang for Opening Ceremonies held at the site of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea (pictured below). One of the Keynote speakers was Han Myung-Sook, the first female Prime Minister of South Korea (equivalent to the President of the United States). They had traditional Korean dancers and a whole lot more. Each night a different county hosted a party, sponsored by Budweiser, and provided many different kinds of food from their native country.

The First night was Korean Night. I have posted several pictures below from this night, including the greeting entertainer, a Transvestite Karaoke singer. Korean's love their Karaoke. Apparently, they also love the song "Y.M.C.A.". I must have heard that song over 100 times throughout the week. The local drink was SOJU. I love this stuff, and took home many bottles after each night of partying. Again, I love this stuff, and hope to find more of it here in the USA.

The second night was USA Night. We were the first to serve ice cold Budweiser (served warm every where else, but cold every night after that). We also had over 600 pizzas delivered, and played some traditional games like baseball and basketball. I spent a brief stint in the USA kissing both, and it was quite interesting. Anyway, I have plenty of photos from that night. Everyone had a great time. I was on the Set-up committee, so I started drinking at around 2pm with some warm Buds left over from Korea night.

The third Night was Japan Night. Can you say Saki? I can still smell it on my breath. These guys are crazy in Japan. I don't know if the food I ate was still living, or just that odd tasting. Anyway, they put on a great show, and a great party.

The fourth night was a free night, and the Atlanta boys were invited to a private dinner with new 2007 World President Scott Greenlee, and his closest staff members to discuss thoughts on next year. We kick off our shoes, and sat down to a traditional Korean Dinner. It was phenomenal.

The fifth and final night was a Presidential Gala Dinner and Party. One of my pictures below with the Syrian and the Hookah was featured in the slide show that was playing the entire night. They served a five-course dinner, followed by a live band and dancing.

Most of the events above ended by 12:00 - 1:00am every night. JCI hosted an unofficial after party every night, sponsored with free Budweisers, and snacks, at the Seven Luck Casino, which was inside of the main hotel that we all stayed in, COEX Intercontinental Seoul (Native Koreans are not permitted inside of the Casino?). The after party generally lasted till about 3:00-4:00am on most nights. All but one night, the Atlanta crew did not stop there, or even stop there at all.

The nightlife in Seoul was crazy. We went clubbing most nights (arrived one day early to party all night), and returned only once before 5:00am. I think the latest we stayed out partying was around 8:30 or so. Very fun, very blurry, but very worth it. One night we were hanging with a Polish rock star that could barley keep up. I don't remember his name, but I don't think you all would recognize it anyway.

Some of my favorites that I met were from Catalonia (Barcelona Area), Finland, Syria, Tunisia, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and most definitely Mongolia. Those guys loved us.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photos below. Please feel free to leave me any comments regarding your experiences in ASIA.

Oh, yeah, the markets for shopping over there were absolutely amazing. I got some great souvenirs, and some very quality, but inexpensive tailored suits with my name embroidered inside of the jacket.

Pictures from Seoul, Korea

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