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Namwon

Namwon is a small town in Jeollabuk-do which is home to a Korean style Romeo and Juliet story. A boy and girl fell in love, got married but then the boy had to move away with his family as his father was called away on business. Another man came to the town to do the administration. He took a fancy to the girl and wanted her for himself. She said no, so he had her tied to a chair and beaten. This went on for a while with her still refusing despite the beatings. So he decides to have her executed at his birthday banquet. By this time the boy is coming back and is part of the secret police. He finds out what is happening and saves the girl just in time for them to live happily ever after.

Above: Hyun Mi and I in front of the home of Chunhyung who was the Korean Juliet. Right: Hyun Mi throwing hoops at Namwon. Below: Hyun Mi and a friend of hers playign on a Korean style seesaw. It is very difficult to do as you have to time your jumps perfectly to make it work.

Above: Me on the type of swing the girl was on when the boy fell in love with her from the story. Left: Hyun Mi and I in a pavilion overlooking a creek in Namwon (where the story took place) Below: A famous bridge in Namwon which is supposed to represent the bringing together of the heavens and earth, or something like that.