ChuSeok

Hello, it is time to update the blog again. This post i will be talking about how I spent my "moon cake festival" in this foreign country, Korea.

Before that, I must show you how's Korea moon cake looks like. For this, we bought it in LOTTE market. It cost around 12USD.

Chuseok, also sometimes spelt 'Chuseok', is a major holiday inKorea, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar Korean Calendar. It is similar to our "Chinese New Year". That why I got 5 days holiday. In Korea, Chuseok is a time where families get together and remember their ancestors. For us foreigners at the dorm, we travel.

---------------------------------Nampodong--------------------------------------------------


On Monday(24/9/2007), we went to Yongdusan Park in the Nampodong area of Busan. In Korea, 'yongdu' means dragon's head and 'san' means mountain so it seems this is Dragon's Head Mountain Park. Apparently the mountain looks like a dragon's head from the sea. We quickly made our way to the collection of buildings which form the base for the park's tower to escape from the heat. Amongst the usual cafes and shops selling tourist trinkets, were an art gallery which perhaps was not too keen on photos being taken(shit, got scolded by old man in the art gallery corner).


---------------------------------Busan Tower------------------------------------------------

After that, we went to the Busan Tower, the highest storey in the city
Busan Bridge

------------------------------Yongdusa Park---------------------------------------------



------------------------------Busan KTX Station-----------------------------------------

After that, we headed off to Busan KTX Station. Korea KTX train, perfectly exemplified my description of Korea as an average of Japan and China. The train in China had floors covered by regurgitated food, children sitting on overturned buckets, and shredded seats. They cost only a few dollar to go half way across the country.

On the other hand, Japan's bullet train cost upwards of $140, but are silent, spotlessly clean, and look like airplanes from the future. The seat rotate so that everyone always faces forward regardless of the direction train is going, and all staff is required to turn and bow to the passengers before entering or leaving the train car. (That's what Japanese told me)

Now, what i noticed is that, Korea KTX was not dirty but was not flawless, but did not hurt your ears when the brakes were applied, and cost a mere $40 from Busan to Seoul( cheaper when holiday). Just right in between Japan and China.


-------------------------------JagalChi Market----------------------------------------------

Jagalchi market was stinky, full of every type of sea creature and a lot of ajummas (old woman that selling these creature, all with curly hair and a visor cap), but it was interesting to walk through.

-------------------Geungjeong Mountain Fortress------------------------------------



--------------------------------Children's Park-----------------------------------------------

On Tuesday, we went to a Children's Park, a theme park meets botanical-garden type place. It was built a few decades ago but is still very popular. This park is enormous and you could spend hours just walking around in it. Along the way, you see little Korean kids laughing shouting, crying, pointing etc. In the center of the park is a large dam and corresponding lake. It's very relaxing place to be.


In the various wooded ares of the park, you can see many familiar picnicking. I'm assuming that's how you spell 'picnicking'. Since coming to Korea, I've noticed my English deteriorate significantly. Sometimes I'll write a word and think, hm.....that does not look right, only to find out later that it was the correct spelling.

And then, right at the back of the park tucked neatly into a mountain fold is an aging theme park. Entrance is free and most rides only cost a couple of dollars. So we had a ride on the roller coaster, which was largely constructed from old wood and the major safety feature was 'holding on tight'. It was scary for those two reasons alone.

--------------------------------Haeuadae Beach-------------------------------------------
I am lucky to live/work in Busan, South Korea. The beaches are fablous and so easy to get to using public transportation. We made our way to the Busan Aquarium just beside the beach. The entrance fee for international student is cost about 7USD dollar(Offer for international student) which original price is 14USD. My company is just facing the Haeundae Beach. (I am waiting next year summer).

Gwanggann Bridge

--------------------------------Yonggungsa Temple--------------------------------
Yonggung Temple means King's Dragon Palace. Its also a Buddhism sanctuary with a wonderful view of dark blue sea and breaking white splintering water.