eunshan:

May 22nd, Hong Kong

May 25th, Shanghai

May 27th, Seoul

May 29th, NYC

June 4th, Dublin

Five cities, four countries, three continents, within three weeks.

Beautiful way to kick off the summer

Han River Riding

April 27, 2013

South of South Korea

May 3, 2013 - May 5, 2013

My parents were in Seoul this weekend and we took a quick road trip down to the tip of the Korean Peninsula. Time well spent out of the big city and away with the family to the south end of South Korea.

Cable cars & hike up to The Great Battle of Hansan View Point. Remember the statue of that General I posted before? This is the view point to where his battle took place. View was amazing(:

Next we went to a National Park and looked at more views!

 

Our next stop was the Dongpriang Wall Painting Village. I really enjoyed this place. It was a whole area where every part was covered in art! Beautiful.

The next day our only stop was to my Grandfather’s grave. It’ was a lovely day out and my first time getting to visit him since he passed. 

I always appreciate the times I get to share with the family like that(: It’s been a good four months since I’ve seen them last. One more month til I’ll be back home in the States!

“The Heart of Old Seoul”

May 1, 2013

My buddy Jake came to visit Seoul this week and I took him around to some touristy places. I figured every visitor, especially if you’re not Korean, needs the typical Korean cultural pictures. I took him to the Gwanghwamun area, also known as “the heart of old seoul.”

This is the statue of a general who fought in war against the Japanese back at the end of the 16th century. Koreans remember him as one of the greatest Navy Generals and saved us from Japanese occupation. 

And of course, you need your classic Asian pic in front of the statue of King Sejong, the creator of the Korean Language.

Lastly we went inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the changing of the guards. Reminded me of the Buckingham Palace in London(:

Nagoya, Japan

March 23, 2013 - March 24, 2013

A super late post, but pictures from my two day trip to Nagoya, Japan in late March.

Nagoya TV Tower & Oasis 21

View of the TV Tower from the top of Oasis 21

 

DBZ or die.

It’s not a Japan trip without sushi

On our way to Nagoya Castle

Castle & Cherry Blossoms

The Golden Dolphin

Nagoya is famous for their Unagi, or Eel(:

View high resolution

Vinyl

Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea

Just sippin cocktails from a ziplock bag

North Korea Tension

April 9, 2013 - April 14, 2013

Earlier this month, April 2013, there was a lot of tensions with North Korea. From North Korea declaring a state of war, to nuclear bomb testing, to advising foreigners to leave, even though thankfully nothing happened, it was pretty crazy living in South Korea through it. It was a week of non-stop checking CNN News.

In the end, nothing happened here in South Korea. Actually, none of the Korean residences seemed a bit scared at all. I supposed they’ve been living 60 years with this tension that until North Korea actually acts, they don’t really care. But as a foreigner, we were all a little bit on edge. But at the same time it was a little exhilarating to know we were here through it all. Who knows if it’s over or whats going on now. But I did get myself  a nice little souvenir memoir of the event.

The Makgeolli Man

Anyone who lives in the areas of Sinchon or Hongdae in Seoul, South Korea has probably heard of or encountered the Makgeolli Man. These two areas, Sinchon and Hongdae, are home of four really well known universities — Yonsei, Ehwa, Sogang, and Hongik. Therefore in this area the bars are poppin and the night life is great. And amongst the peak of the night, the Makgeolli Man comes out to play.

It’s like in your Pokemon gameboy game when you’re just walking around in the grass and suddenly a Pokemon wants to battle. You assume it’s going to be like a Rattata or something. But just your luck, it’s a on of a kind legendary Pokemon! Okay, lame example. But you get the point. Well this man, you can’t go out looking for him, you’ll just run into him by chance. 

Makgeolli (막걸리) is Korea Rice Wine drink. This man walks around the streets with a cart, carrying bottles upon bottles of it — selling drinks by the cup. But this business man has become a symbol of the area. He’s pretty much famous. You can’t miss his raggedy olive green hat with his precious big smile.

View high resolution

Street Art in Itaewon 

Interesting Ties of Korean History and Culture

Sixty years ago North and South Korea signed an armistice agreement ending the Korean War and splitting the country at the 38th parallel. Prior to that, Korea was no where near the country it is today. Today, the things that defy Korea are things like Kpop(PSY) and Technology (yes your Galaxy is made in Korea). But we so often forget that Korea was a country constantly in War or taken over by another country.

All advances in Korea were made during the 1960’s when industrialization was sweeping Asia. Korea, leading as one of the most industrialized Asian countries after WWII, falling right under Japan. But prior to all this, Korea was poor. It was just a little piece of land hanging off of China, there was no political or economic significance the country offered to the rest of t he world. For a country that was colonized and occupied for close to four decades and then went straight into a Civil War, this is going to play some major tolls on the citizens of the country. Korean is a fairly new sovereign state.

Starting with that one stereotype that will never be undone, Koreans eat DOGS. Yes, there is a dish called 보신탕 (boshingtang) which is dog soup. And on 재주(Jeju), the beautiful island off the shore of the mainland, people commonly eat horse. Weird? Yes. But for a country so poor, what else can you do? During war, no one lived in luxury. All boys and men were drafted to support the cause, and families were all driven out of their homes. Which is why during the time, people resorted to eating domestic animals.

Secondly, the war caused both military and civilian casualties. A small country with no army, all men were all sent off to fight. By the end of the war families had shrunk. Love ones have been separated, and brothers and fathers had died for their country. When you are left with nothing, the only thing you can do is work. Which is why Koreans are extremely hard workers. Korean students literally study from dawn to dusk and are willing to commute an hour or so daily for their education. And to my surprised minimum wage is only W4,000 (about $4)! Most Koreans generally work long hours and it is against the culture to say no or defy someone of higher position. It’s enrooted in us to work hard, we were a country that worked from the bottom up.

The loss from the war brought a drive in the culture of the country, but has also it’s negative effects. Today, when sharing our “Korea culture shocks” I explained that I was super shocked that no one says “excuse me” or “sorry” in the subway or any busy area. People simply push or shove right past you. In the same manner, besides the reserved seating section for the elderly, pregnant, or handicapped, people kinda just claim seats in the subway. If its open, and you’re near it, you’re allowed to just sit without really considering anyone else. My teacher explained that because after the war many grew up without parents or single parents, manners weren’t properly taught. I mean I’m not too sure how much of a directly correlation that one is, but I guess it has some logic and reason to it.

My trip has really opened my eye of my past and culture. Looking forward to visiting the Korean War Memorial soon!