It’s officially summer in Ongdalsam, and the beginning of the monsoon season in Korea. I love waking up to clear mornings after a night of heavy rain. Today is one of those days the air smells faintly of the earth, perfect for a walk in the forest.
I’m new to walking alone in the forest. Used to the constant murmurs of the city, I realize I’ve become afraid of silences. But standing still, the forest comes alive and I realize I’m surrounded by sounds–cuckoos calling out and water trickling downstream.
I wanted to share the sounds I recorded with you–
“Smile, breathe and go slowly.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
In some ways, running is much easier than walking slowly. When I run, I hardly need to think of anything. When I walk alone in the forest, the thoughts that linger and pass are usually worries and insecurities. Surrounded by age-old trees, the thoughts untangle on their own, ever so slowly.
P.S. The giveaway winner has been announced! I’ll be hosting a new one with my Korean recipe zine this month, so stay tuned.
14 Comments
Megan
July 4, 2013 at 2:38 amOh wow, what beautiful photos. The forest around you seems amazing. I also love the clear skies that come with monsoon season. <3
Congrats to the giveaway winner! 🙂
Sewon
July 4, 2013 at 10:28 pmThank you, Megan. The monsoon season can sound quite dreary but it’s also a beautiful time for the year. 🙂
Lise-Marie
July 4, 2013 at 3:33 amI usually never comment on your blog. I read it every time a new post comes out, but I never comment. Now I had to. I listened to the “Forest Walk” and I loved it. That is such a wonderful sound. And looking at your photographs while listening to it was even better. I love the sound of silence, when it includs bird, the leafs in trees and water.
Sewon
July 4, 2013 at 10:30 pmIt’s wonderful to hear from you, Lise-Marie! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words. I’ll be sure to continue capturing these little moments and sharing them with you.
Matthew Pike
July 4, 2013 at 4:10 amwe don’t get that earthy smell much but when we do it’s just bliss. stunning photos, i never tire of this stuff
katie
July 4, 2013 at 4:33 amsuch beautiful beautiful sounds! it’s amazing how sounds transports us to another world in some ways even mor than photos…
Sara
July 4, 2013 at 7:50 amWow, i love the sounds you captured and the forest is so so beautiful.
You are a lucky girl*
emilie
July 5, 2013 at 1:18 pmoh my god, thanks for sharing those sounds… it’s priceless !
J Dubbs
July 6, 2013 at 1:48 amYour recorded sounds sound like the ones the CDs they sell at bookstores!
north creatures
July 8, 2013 at 4:55 pmi love your recording, sewon! the sound of the forest is so calming.
Fenne
July 12, 2013 at 12:18 amIt looks lovely. I’m always happy when I can go to the forest to balance out all the daily life or city sounds snd noises 🙂
Lindsey
July 13, 2013 at 11:41 amI really want to get into running again, but I’m just so lazy. I use working all the time as an excuse not to 😛
I love these photos and your descriptions, makes me feel like I can smell the wet earth!
Katrine Ü
July 15, 2013 at 12:03 pmI am new to your blog, but I really like it! What a wonderful text about forest walking, I can absolutely relate. I love to walk in the forest, it’s kind of.. refreshing 🙂 Beautiful pictures and absolutely wonderful with the sounds!
Ceri
August 2, 2013 at 4:03 amThese are such beautiful pictures. <3 I get so squeamish in forests and too much countryside but you make me want to go for a big nature walk.