The Raw and the Cooked

1. Population: 402,458 in 2007 census, by Korean standards, it’s considered ‘ah, kinda country’. Earned it’s city status in 1986 [Here's a historical summary of the city]

2. It’s ‘pink light’ district boasts the only unionized sex workers in the country. 

3. US military headquarters in the country will be moved here eventually.  (UPDATE)

4. The news met with riots and silent protests that carried on for months, as farmers were forced off their land. Now, because of the economy, many are protesting the delay, as local contractors and businesses were anticipating the move.

5. It’s famous in Korea for it’s pears. Buy some online, why not?

6. Bird Flu was here. Jace and I even walked an abandoned chicken farm not knowing that fact.

7. Pyeongtaek Station has an very large picture of that narrow heritage building in Vancouver’s Gastown. Every time I leave the station it reminds me of my other home. [UPDATE: Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a similar structure in NYC, I think]

8. You can take a 24 hr. ferry ride to Lianyungang, China from here if you like. 

9. Ssangyong Motors, 90% of whose employees live in Pyeongtaek, recently filed for receivership. It’s now restructuring, laying off 36% of it’s workers. I know a few families who have been affected so far.

10. Every spring the Pyeongtaek Port Marathon and Half-Marathon takes place, attracting a lot runners. I thought about it.