January Overlook.

Hello Readers,

I notice this is the first post in 2023 and it’s already February. But to make up for that, here’s Korea in January . . . a year ago.

One day, a lone hike near my home in Taebaek took me further than usual along a steep ridge. I took a photo and put it on canvas later. Artistic license — the tree and the pagoda — attempts to indicate the Asian setting. But I see “Korea” etched all over those steep, grooved mountainsides with river and road curving in between; apartment buildings, shacks, factories, convenience stores, a post office, a town hall, a school, and more, all clustered alongside. My apartment building is out of sight behind a mountain, around the curve of the frozen river.

I’ve made a few treks recently, this time in Yeongwol, more spacious than Taebaek but mountainous just the same. Now I’m looking forward to spring, but I love the rugged thrill of clambering up a mountainside in winter.

As February begins, I’d like to welcome you to Seasons of Community Living substack where I will contribute alongside Norann from Australia and Marianne from New York. Other voices will surface too.

For those who prefer Substack, my Why Korea posts will now also appear on my personal substack. Thank you for your continued interest. It might be my second year in Korea, but new experiences still come faster than I can share them.