Daehanminguk

So as I'm sure some of you know, and a lot of you don't... Korea played it's first World Cup game on Saturday. The opponent? Greece. Now from what I've been told Greece isn't a powerhouse, but there was a pretty strong feeling that Korea was going to lose, even coming from many Koreans. That didn't deter us, we were certain (almost) that Korea could pull out a draw at minimum.

There were multiple locations around Seoul where you could join in the crowds and watch the game. Our group chose Seoul Plaza (a square near city hall) where there was giant screens set up and a stage for performances before the game. Most of our expat crowd had arrived well in advance to grab decent spots... our small crew showed up minutes before game time, shoved our way through the crowd and solidified our spot.

The game started promptly at 8:30 and craziness ensued. There was so much pushing that it felt like a rock concert. When Korea scored it's first goal the crowd went insane. Jumping, screaming, cheering, high five-ing. It didn't matter who was around you, you celebrated like you were one big family.

Standing around in the rain, drinking beer and soju.. it was bound to happen that a bathroom run would be needed... getting through the crowd to and finding a bathroom was a difficult task. Luckily we made it unharmed. After Korea pulled out a solid 2-0 victory we stayed around to wait out the crowd and celebrate the win.

The game was amazing, and it officially made me a soccer fan. Being in the middle of 250,000 fans was something else, and something I'll never forget. After the game we headed to Itaewon to wait out the next game, then cabbed back to Incheon to check out the England/American game. Very disappointing game I must say.

The game ended at 530, and since the buses were running I decided to be thrifty and take the bus home. I normally take the #4 to get home but it wasn't set to arrive for 15 minutes so I hopped on the 6-1 which I knew went to my subway station at least. I headed in the same direction that my other bus goes. Apparently this was wrong as I ended up in the very southern area of Incheon where there is nothing... NOTHING. And then I got kicked off the bus. So I get on a different but on the other side of the street, remembering I have been on that number before. Awhile later I remember that this bus goes to east Incheon, I live in the west, very west. Eff. Eventually I realize that I can jump off and catch a cab. Walked in my house just after 730. Yes I took a two hour bus ride when a cab would have taken 15 minutes at most. Terrible ending to a fantastic night/morning.

Daehanminguk is the cheer we chanted throughout the game and subway after. It basically just means KOREA!