A fascinating read. I have to admit actually learning a lot about cities I had thought of knowing well.
Travel can be elevated to a form of art and the
grand tour tradition is still not dead. ^
Eating seafood in Korea is a social event as
moondog mentioned. It's a good excuse to knock back soju with the guys and people are ready to drive insane distances for the perfect evening by the sea.
Btw, one of the reasons that I have enjoyed the Dong Bang sauna ( and this includes all better hotels ) a lot is indeed the lack of overt curiosity. Just worn out BTDT businessmen who only want to relax and sleep and no noisy kids in sight.
Still waiting for the Chuseok finale...