The next morning, I break camp early and make my way downhill, seeking the nearest town centre in order to survey the area closely. If I am to convert the vacant office building into a secured, self-sustaining fortress capable of surviving the coming anarchy, I must first thoroughly familiarise myself with the surrounding geography and infrastructure.
I follow mostly overgrown rural routes, avoiding major highways to evade attention. After 30 minutes, I spot indications of civilisation returning as power lines parallel the road, bringing electricity from Hanul to the coastal villages.
Before long, humble shops and ageing housing blocks emerge, signalling the town boundary. I park near the inlet pier and proceed the rest of the way on foot; cap pulled low. The atmosphere seems suspended in time - faded building facades displaying weathered banners and cracking paint surrounding a nearly empty main square.
Clearly, the town's better days have passed alongside its namesake nuclear plant going offline. I spot only a handful of slow-moving elders ambling about on the morning's errands. But few other humans stir. Perfect for my clandestine purpose.
I spend the next few hours crisscrossing the vacant streets and alleys, popping occasionally into sparse shops to smile.
Quickly, I assimilate spatial details and mentally overlay my own tailored survival adaptations onto the existing topography. There - an abandoned warehouse with sturdy fencing for scavenged supplies. And that vacant dockside mechanic garage would convert nicely into a vehicle bolt-hole when transportation becomes more perilous.
With my site survey complete, I decide my next priority is to clean out and start properly fortifying the purchased 5-story office building that will become my apocalypse stronghold. However, I will need to hire local workers to help with the renovations.
Approaching a grey-haired grandmother watching her grandchildren play in the town square, I politely ask, "Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find people willing to do some cleaning and construction labour?"
The old woman eyes me curiously. "Building work? Not much call for that around here lately, I reckon. Most younger folk with any gumption done left for city jobs."
I explain, "Well, actually, I was hoping to hire a full crew to help empty out and clean an old building I just purchased on the outskirts of your village." I gesture vaguely inland. "And then I have plans to reinforce the structure – installing fences, wiring, security measures, and the like."
Her eyebrows lift. "My word...you ain't talking about that old finance company building been empty for ages now, are ya?"
When I nod, she points her cane stiffly down a side street. "Well, best place to ask is Jung's Hardware, I reckon. Old Jung knows all the family connections. If any idle hands be looking for coin, he'll know who and where."
I thank her sincerely and make my way to the indicated shop. The television flickers away, forgotten behind the counter as always. But soon, I aim to disrupt this weary little hamlet from its inexorable slumber. And prepare refuge that will outlive even elderly watchers like her...once the wider world wakes up.
I follow the grandmother's directions down the dusty side street to a modest corner hardware store. A faded sign reading "Jung's Hardware & Repairs" creaks above the entrance in the afternoon breeze.
Inside, an elderly man glances up from a small television behind the counter, showing grainy security footage of the empty aisles. He scratches at his greying beard and mutes the volume as I approach.
"Good afternoon," I greet with a respectful bow. "I understand that you, Mr Jung, are the one to consult regarding hiring local labour for some building repairs and various tasks."
The man, who must be Mr Jung, examines me with a mix of curiosity and caution. "That's right, I might know a few folks willing to work for a fair wage," he replies cautiously. "What sort of work are you looking to get done?"
I proceed to explain that I've recently acquired the long-abandoned office tower on the edge of the village, with plans to refurbish and strengthen it. Being new to the area, I admit my lack of local contacts to put together a maintenance crew.
"Hah, that old monstrosity?" Jung lets out a short, amused chuckle. "Been empty for over a decade. Even the birds seem to avoid it." He gives me a scrutinising look. "Why the interest in such a dilapidated building?"
With a confident smile, I respond, "I need a large, secure structure for a project I'm undertaking. My time will mostly be occupied overseeing the installation of some specialised equipment, so I need assistance to clean the place up and build fortifications like fences, install lighting, and other security measures."
Jung strokes his beard, pondering my proposal. "Well, I might be able to round up a few men who'd be willing to help out with these tasks if the pay's right. Most are just looking for temporary work before they head to the larger cities for the winter season."
Curious, I ask about the payment he considers fair. Jung names a daily rate. Without hesitation, I offer to double it and also cover all material expenses. I quickly extend my hand, sealing the deal with a firm handshake before he has a chance to second-guess the arrangement.
He seems taken aback by my swift agreement. "You sure about this? It's not a small undertaking and that building... it's a lot of work."
I nod, unwavering. "Absolutely. I believe in compensating well for hard work. And I assure you, Mr Jung, the results of this project will benefit more than just myself."
Jung nods, newfound respect in his eyes. "Well then, I'll start gathering a crew. We'll get your tower fixed up in no time."
As we talk, the television on the counter behind Jung switches to a breaking news update. The anchor announces rapidly spreading outbreaks of a mysterious respiratory illness in China. The Korean government has suspended all flights from China in response.
Jung glances back at the broadcast. "Wouldn't want to be over there now, I reckon. Seen this kinda business before." He turns back and scratches his beard. "So about those workers you need..."
But I am no longer listening closely, the news sending my mind racing. The outbreak is accelerating faster than prior cycles on the mainland. I must hurry preparations here in Korea before the window shuts.