Insider: Frizmworks
Our Insider series embarks on a new continent with founder of Frizmworks, Jay. In this latest instalment, Jay takes us on a magical weekend in the great outdoors of South Korea.
On weekends, I usually leave the city where I live with my family and head into nature for a camping trip. Recently, we visited a camping spot in a region called Chungju, about a two-hour drive from Seoul. It’s not a well-known tourist destination like Seoul, but a lesser-known and beautiful area that I’d like to introduce.
Located in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do, there’s a reservoir called Chungju Lake, surrounded by mountains with breathtaking scenery.
I wake up early to prepare for the camping trip. The car trunk is packed full of tents, tables, and various camping gear since we’ll be staying for the entire weekend. Once everything is loaded, we head out together as a family toward our camping spot.
I wake up early to prepare for the camping trip. The car trunk is packed full of tents, tables, and various camping gear since we’ll be staying for the entire weekend. Once everything is loaded, we head out together as a family toward our camping spot.
After arriving at the campsite, we first take a moment to enjoy the open scenery and the beauty of nature. We set up our tent in a reserved spot with a great view and install all the camping equipment. Though it can be physically demanding, I find joy in the process — it’s part of what makes camping fun for me.
Once everything is ready, we enjoy a delicious lunch — grilling meat over charcoal, roasting marshmallows and chestnuts, and even playing Nintendo Switch games we brought along.
As the sun sets and darkness falls, we turn on all the lights around our campsite and gather together to play board games. Tonight’s winner is my youngest daughter. As the night grows deeper, it’s time for everyone to rest.
Everyone wakes up early after a deep and refreshing sleep — perhaps it’s because we slept in nature. In the distance, we can see people kayaking across the calm lake. After a simple breakfast, we decide to visit Antonucci Café, a nearby café run by an Italian owner.
This café is designed in the style of a traditional Korean house (hanok), but it’s run by an Italian, making it a rather unique place. Their gelato is especially popular with kids. The owner was very friendly, and the coffee and desserts were excellent.
Now it’s time to head back home. After spending a weekend fully immersed in nature, I feel completely refreshed. We pack up all our gear, tidy up the site, and drive back home.
That’s how we wrap up our weekend — ready to start a new week ahead. Next weekend, we’re planning to head somewhere new again — this time, to the sea.
