Sunday, September 30, 2007
♥ First Holiday in Korea♥
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 BridgeAfter 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.
--------------------------------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).
--------------------------------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.
We took our lunch in 1 of the nearest seven 11. We noticed none of the shop open on that day because ChuSeok holiday. (Leong, He is from New Delhi India)
Lastly, here is the group photos. (All international(Germany, Finland, Indonesia, China, India, and Malaysia students in Dongseo University)
