JK Business Trip (Kunming)

On a gloomy Friday evening with heavy traffic,

thanks to my Chinese coordinator—my right-hand person who serves as my ears and mouth—forgetting their passport, haha

(cold sweat running down, heart pounding),

we faced a crisis of having to head back home, but managed to reach the airport just in time. ㅎㅎ

The place we headed to by plane was none other than

‘Kunming’

Arriving late at night,

I unpacked and collapsed into sleep, only to wake up to

this view outside my window welcoming me!!

This place, well-known in Korea as ‘Gonmyeong’,

has an average annual temperature of 15 degrees Celsius (low 7 ~ high 19).

Thanks to its incredibly pleasant natural environment,

it is famous as a tourist destination.

It is also said to be a popular region for Chinese and Europeans

seeking a comfortable life after retirement.

The Grand Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the hotel

where today’s event will take place.

Everyone is busy with preparations.

After checking if the large screen is working properly,

it is time for breakfast.

I am hungry.

Perhaps because a French chef was invited to the hotel,

both the food and the atmosphere feel very exotic.

By the way, this place is said to have the highest concentration

of ethnic minorities in China.

There was a sense of freshness in seeing diverse Chinese people everywhere

(hairstyles, skin tones, languages, etc.).

After breakfast,

I stepped out of the hotel

to get some light exercise.

I felt like I wouldn’t have another chance to look around if not now...

A peaceful park was situated around the lake in front,

and I saw many people jogging along the lakeside.

The weather and the air were truly pleasant.

I heard that right now (early May) is the hottest time in Kunming.

The rainy season is about to start soon,

which will make the weather a bit chilly.

Kunming is also known as the ‘City of Flowers’.

Thanks to the mild temperatures,

it is a perfect environment for various flowers to bloom,

ranking 1st in China’s flower market

and 2nd in the world.

Walking along the lake,

I spotted a Starbucks, as expected of a tourist city.

The entrance leading to the park.

I saw a leisurely boatman cutting through the water lilies.

I stared blankly at the picturesque scene.

If I had more time...

I would have loved to sit there for a long while.

It felt as if the clock in Kunming ticks slower...

Everyone looked so relaxed.

It seemed so different from the fast-paced clock of Seoul ㅠ

Going further into the park,

I saw elderly people dancing in perfect synchronization to Chinese music. ㅋ

Ah... ㅋㅋ

I love this kind of thing when I come to China.

Early in the morning (probably around 8 AM),

and on a Saturday morning no less!!

Coming out to the park, playing music,

and dancing together—how healthy and charming is that?

I could watch this forever.

But...

even when the song changes,

the dance seems to stay the same. ㅋ

After a pleasant walk,

I quickly went back to get ready

and headed to the event venue.

Sitting in my designated seat

and looking back...

there were still many empty seats.

After waiting while watching the prepared video,

I looked back again

Oh! Many people had arrived in the meantime.

According to the organizers, about 300 people attended.

I hope everything goes smoothly without any mistakes,

just as we prepared.

Clients watching with deep interest,

even taking photos.

The event began with a greeting from the MC, elegantly dressed in a gown.

‘Da jia hao ~’

Manager Jackie’s presentations are always amazing.

The right tone of voice and pace.

Mixing in jokes occasionally,

he seems to know exactly how to keep people focused without getting bored.

Morning schedule.

The presentation concluded successfully.

As the tension fades, I am hungry again.

Leaving the hotel, we headed to the reserved restaurant.

Starting with walnut juice, various dishes were served.

Unlike typical Chinese food,

there were almost no greasy or overly stimulating flavors.

True to the City of Flowers,

every dish contained flowers,

and with fresh colors and textures like flowers,

it felt like a healthy taste.

The most famous dish here was

rice noodles served in a massive bowl the size of a washbasin.

At first, I naturally thought

we were supposed to share the noodles from that bowl

into individual plates.

But it turned out to be one bowl per person! Wow. ㅋ

Rice noodles with thick strands and various ingredients,

based on a broth simmered from chicken for dozens of hours.

It had a very savory and clean taste.

I was full, but I finished it deliciously.

Before starting the afternoon schedule,

we were served Pu-erh tea.

I could once again feel the Chinese people’s love, interest, and pride in tea.

The afternoon schedule consisted of 1:1 consultations with clients.

Among them, this mother and daughter had the longest consultation.

They wanted to capture the moment of their consultation,

so we took a photo together.

Hope to see you in Korea next time :)

After finishing the afternoon schedule,

we headed out for dinner.

We went to a place known for the best chicken dishes in town

(boiled chicken dish with broth, similar to Samgyetang?).

I noticed the attention to hygiene,

with the tips of the chopsticks covered like that.

It seems China has many clever idea products too. ㅎ

If we had soup rice noodles in the morning,

this time it was stirred rice noodles.

It was so~ delicious. ㅠ

Felt like a mix of Korean Paldo Bibimmyeon + Makguksu??

I ate it so heartily that they ordered another bowl for me. ㅋ

Followed by

dumplings (Baozi), yam, pork, mala seasoned jerky, pine mushroom porridge,

and finally, a slightly shocking baby pigeon.

I also tried stinky tofu for the first time that day.

According to a colleague next to me,

‘The only thing Bear Grylls can’t eat is stinky tofu,’

they exaggerated, but...

it wasn’t as smelly or inedible as I thought.

However, it wasn’t exactly delicious either. ㅋ

Cheers everyone!

After eating and chatting happily,

dinner came to an end.

Since it was still bright outside,

it felt like a waste to go straight back to the accommodation...

So we decided to walk around Kunming’s largest lake.

I was told the lake in front of the hotel this morning was just a small one... Wow.

It’s... big!

Really big!!!

If I didn’t know, it would just look like a river.

They say the shape of the mountain across looks like a reclining woman...

but... I couldn’t really tell... ㅋ

Out of curiosity, I opened Google Maps.

At first, I wondered if it was a coastal area by the sea.

But zooming out,

it is indeed a lake. ㅋㅋ

They say walking the entire circumference is about 30km.

Isn’t that the distance from Seoul to Suwon...??

The walking path was very clean without a single piece of trash,

and the wind was very cool, making it perfect for a stroll.

Not surprisingly,

the apartment prices nearby are said to be very expensive,

just like Gangnam apartments with a Han River view.

Taking a commemorative photo with everyone who worked hard today.

On the way back to the hotel.

There was a cool bar near the hotel, so we went in.

Ooh. Great atmosphere.

I don’t usually go to bars like this even in Korea,

but thanks to the business trip, I get to visit such places.

Nice. :)

Suddenly, a familiar melody and lyrics are heard.

Looking at the stage on the 1st floor,

Uhm Bok-dong... no, Rain is dancing!!

He spoke Korean well and danced so smoothly

that I thought it was actually Rain!!

Looking at the reaction of the audience, it’s very hot!

It seems Rain’s popularity in China is still going strong?!! ㅎㅎ

And so, this business trip came to an end.

The way back to Korea is always tiring ;;

I want to go home and get some deep rest...

but I wonder if my two princesses will let me... ^^

Looking forward to the next trip!!