The first encounter with ‘California Dreaming’

In the summer of 1971, four friends who had grown up together and I decided to go camping. It might have been our last chance to gather before we were each called up for national service.

Though we had little money, we could just managed the ferry fare and a bag of rice. Our first excursion at Sido beach on the Yellow sea.

Si-island was relatively unknown at the time, but it offered a lively atmosphere and a beautiful beach. Many young campers seemed fully absorbed in enjoying the summer, indulging in food and drink luxuries we could not afford. We tried to spend quality time together by cheering each other on, swimming, walking, running, and relaxing on the beach. A little cooked rice was enough to keep us from going hungry, but without money, we couldn't do anything for fun.

One evening on the beach, we watched the sunset as SY unexpectedly pulled a transistor radio from his bag. It was a welcome surprise that lifted our spirits, especially since none of us knew he had it. When he turned it on, a new fresh song ‘California Dreaming’ began to scatter into the air.

“All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)…

California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day”!!!!!

I found myself deeply impressed by the music, as it resonated with me on a profound level.

As an aside, there was a notable increase in emigration during that time, and I began hearing that several acquaintances were leaving for the United States. LA was a popular destination for many Koreans, and my yearning for LA began to grow.

The mellow tune of 'California Dreaming' certainly inspired a longing for an enticing, exotic life that left a lasting impression on me. It was especially because when we were being so miserable penniless on that beautiful beach. Moreover, it was an anxious and uncertain time as conscription was approaching.

About ten years ago, I visited Seoul, where four of us reunited except for SY. Sadly, SY who produced the transistor, passed away a few years after that summer. While reminiscing, I told them about our summer camping in Sido and hearing "California Dreamin’" for the first time on SY’s radio. They all looked at one another, eyes wide, and asked, "What was that?" I thought, "Oh, heck!" The moment quickly dashed my anticipation away, as I had looked forward to sharing that cherished memory with them for quite some time.

They just recalled the camping trip, which they regarded merely as a shared pastime and nothing more. How irony!