A population of over 25 million people, a history stretching back over 2,000 years, one of the technological capitals of the world; Seoul is big in nearly every way imaginable. Gyeongbokgung (경복궁), one of the premier historical attractions in the city, is no exception. The 14th century royal palace grounds have a wall encompassing them. Beyond the …
Korea
Seoul: the City of Mountains (Part 2 of 2)
I recently posted an entry about one of many mountains in and around Seoul: Namsan. Today’s entry is about the second mountain Brandon and I hiked that weekend: a mountain by the name of Bugaksan (북악산). The area around Bugaksan was only recently opened for the the public’s enjoyment. Until 2006, it had been a military …
Seoul: the City of Mountains (Part 1 of 2)
When I mention Seoul, what is it you think of? The city with the largest population in the world? A sprawl of skyscrapers, high-rises, and other buildings stretching as far as the eye can see? A place of neon lights, dimly lit soju-bangs, and bustling markets? It is all of these things, but there is …
The Cherry Blossoms of Gyeongju
One of my favorite memories from my first year in Korea involved riding my new scooter to Gyeongju to see the cherry blossoms with my friends. This year, I rode my motorcycle along the same winding, rural road from Pohang to Gyeongju–the cool breeze of early spring whipping the falling cherry petals in swirls and eddies of …
Chocolate and Executions: Valentine’s Day in Korea
Many people have dubbed South Korea as one of the most romantic countries in the world. Taking ‘romantic holidays’ to the next level, many amorous young Koreans celebrate an unofficial ‘love’ holiday on the 14th of every month of the year. For an excellent write-up on what those holidays are, as well as the traditions …
The Beauty of Being Still
Sometimes, the best thing to do is to be still–even if only for a moment. The first flakes of snow fell yesterday, as I soaked in an outdoor spa in Gyeongju. Cries of delight rose with the cloud of steam and we all enjoyed the stinging chill of snowflakes on our skin. The snow continued …
Eating Sannakji (Live Octopus)
Every culture has foods which cause people from the outside to raise an eyebrow and exclaim, “You seriously eat that?” In the US, some people eat deep-fried butter on sticks. In France, foie gras is a tasty thing to slice (not spread!) onto a baguette. In the Philippines and other countries, partially developed duck eggs …
Two Temples and a View
The last several weeks have been busy ones; a hectic work schedule combined with numerous personal projects–such as creating this new site–have left me with very little time to get out and enjoy myself. Last week, I bailed on an engagement with friends and spent a few hours alone exploring a new corner of the …
Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon
I was lucky enough to have a 5 day weekend for the New Year, so I got the heck out of Pohang for a few days. Don’t get me wrong, I love my home away from home, but I’ve been feeling a mite cooped up lately. It was good to get out for a bit. …
Daewonsa: The Dragon Temple
This week’s post will be short and sweet. Along with my friends Grant and Tammy, I rode up my favorite coastal road to see a hidden Pohang jewel known as Daewonsa (대원사)–or the Dragon Temple. When Grant pitched the idea for the ride to me, I assumed it was a long distance away. “Dragon Temple? …