Seoul, South Korea

Nov 2, 2011

Evidenced by all the pictures and smiles, you can see that my friends Charlie, Jon and I had an absolute blast at the Trick Eye Museum in the Hongdae area of Seoul tonight. We spent a couple hours wandering around the museum trying to see how we could best use the pictures to make our own art. Every painting has its own three dimensional aspect or optical illusion. The hardest part was trying to figure out who would hold the camera because we each wanted to po...

Seoul, South Korea

Nov 1, 2011

Since my home stay in Chengju, I have returned to my hostel in Seoul. My goal is to do at least one big cultural activity each day. It doesn't seem like a lot but it is a better way to travel as you get to experience it much more than just being the tourist who sees something, takes a picture then leave. The War Memorial of Korea gave some good insight to the suffering and pain the Koreans have gone through during their history as a result of all the wars they...

Cheongju, South Korea

Oct 25, 2011

Today was an emotional day. I had to say goodbye to my family again. This time it was my new South Korean family. It is ironic because I talked to most of my family the day before on skype. I would consider my Korean family as Sung-il, Kim and his family where I did the home stay and Mi Rim, Yoo and her family who gave me enough food and drink to last me for a year. I am so grateful for their hospitality. I could easily return to Korea because of the wonder...

Cheongju, South Korea

Oct 25, 2011

Some things I've learned about Korea: Having an alcoholic drink in Korea is very socially important. Most women drink rice wine while the men drink soju. However, this does vary with each individual. The first drink, everyone says "Kombe" and everyone finishes thei drink. After that, it is acceptable to"Kombe" and sip your drink. This is different in Taiwan because there, you finish your drink with each "Kompai." Most families in Korea have two fridges, one...

Cheongju-Si, South Korea

Oct 23, 2011

Anyong-hazeo, Sung-il and his Korean family in Cheong-ju have been absolutely wonderful. Each day has felt like Thanksgiving not only for the many wonderful things he and his family have organized for me but also for always having something on my plate or constantly being offered wonderful food. Koreans love their spice and I have embraced it. Typical korean food involves one main dish (or sometimes two with a soup) that everyone shares and takes as needed on...