Chuseok: Korean Thanksgiving

The day after we returned from our Jeju vacation was the beginning of the Korean Thanksgiving holiday Chuseok. It is a 3-day holiday where families get together to visit their ancestor's graves, dress in their traditional clothes, eat and enjoy each other's company. Everything shuts down and our island was a complete ghost town. Most Koreans travel so it is recommended to do minimal travel during that time to avoid the crowds. We laid low and had some great experiences with some great friends.

We decided to get E a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) to hang on the wall as decoration. We couldn't resist getting a few pictures of this doll!

Monday we went for a hike but it was so hot we didn't last long. That evening we decided to camp on the beach. It was a beautiful evening and the campfire was wonderful. By the time the sun went down our campsite was covered with bugs...not just any bugs...killer bugs. Half the bugs were a cross between a cockroach and an over sized silverfish and the others were rolly pollies that ate through cardboard and paper towels. Sick. We immediately packed everything up and went home. The next morning we went back to the beach and enjoyed the last really hot day of the year. (Side note - we saw several other tents set up at the beach that night that were still there in morning. We wondered if they didn't get attacked by bugs and maybe it was just our location on the beach? There is no way I'm curious enough to try another time!)

Jeju Vacation

Last week we took a quick trip to a neighboring Korean island called Jeju. Jeju is the ultimate getaway place for Koreans and several neighbors like the Japanese and Chinese. It is a volcanic island and the source of all good products (Jeju grown products like tangerines are better than any other according to most Koreans). It is also a hot honeymoon spot similar to Hawaii. It is only a short 50 minute flight from Busan which was perfect for E. The idea of flying was fun for her and she is at a great age to travel. We had great weather (except for the last day) and were able to do lots of fun things.

Jeju is full of local legends. One is about the grandfathers that are carved from the lava rock placed at entrances as a guard from demons. They also are thought to be gods offering protection and fertility.

Yongduam Rock was created by years of crashing waves but there are several myths like a dragon stealing gems from the mountain and being shot down into the ocean with his head frozen on top or a horse who dreamed of being a dragon was frozen when a soldier stopped him from ascending. Whatever the story it was a beautiful formation.

Chenjeyeon Waterfall is one of several falls on the island meaning 'the pond of the gods'. Seonimgyo Bridge overlooks the 3-part falls and is carved with seven nymphs which descend from heaven at night. E's favorite part was climbing on all the rocks.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak) is the top of a volcanic eruption that happened under the sea. It was quite an amazing site from below and at the top of the crater.

Manjanggul Cave is part of the longest lava tube in the world (about 13 km long). Only a portion is open for the public and at the end is this amazing lava formation. E really wanted to see a purple bat in the cave but we had to tell her they were all hiding because they were scared of people. One thing she kept saying about our trip was that she had to wear her jacket because it was cold and that the bats were hiding. It's funny what kids remember!

Jungmun Beach was beautiful! We made several trips back. The sand was course (nice for easy cleanup) and the water was clear, blue and a great temperature. We could be in about 8 feet and still see the bottom. We also loved having some real waves to play in as most of our local beaches are flat.

We decided to go watch a dolphin show and weren't disappointed. It was a 3-part show with monkeys, seals and dolphins. It was great for E and for us!

Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. Truly amazing.

On our last day we rode the bus to the Jeju Folk Village Museum which is a village created to resemble life on Jeju in the 1800's. Unfortunately the tropical store hit and we only made it to the gate before we went home. Maybe next time?

Overall it was a great trip. E was a great vacationer. We were able to find one of the best burger shops we've ever been to and E found a new best friend that we had to stop and talk to every time we walked by. A highly recommended vacation spot in Asia!

Summering

In Korea summer ends August 31 (if not before then). All outdoor pools close, the beaches are empty, vacation is over and the long sleeve clothes come out even if it still is 90 degrees outside. We aren't too familiar with the school system but we know kids go to school year round and I think the beginning of their school year is in March. They usually have a 2 week break in August.

We took full advantage of the summer in Korea (and yes, we're still going to the beach and loving the minimal crowds).

The waterfall is one of our favorite spots in the summer because it is cool and a great swimming hole. E with a couple of our playgroup friends.

We also fought the rainy season and sometimes got caught outside in a downpour. We also went to the Ship Building Museum which has a great indoor play-place.

We went to the Geoje Blue City Festival with outdoor performances. One night E was captivated with her friend and the other danced the entire performance (sorry for the poor video). We heard some traditional Korean music (and loved the instrument they use), watched a b-boys group dance, saw a clown performance and watched/listened to an amazing percussion performance.

We tried to enjoy all the hiking around us even in the heat and humidity. Here is a hike to a lighthouse on you can see out our window and across the shipyard. The coastline on the island is beautiful!

Beach, beach and more beach. We've loved having several beaches near with the closest one only 5 minutes away. We pop over to play or swim or eat dinner or hang out for a little bit.

The last weekend in August we drove to Bugok which is about 1.5 hours away. They have a large resort facility with a hotel, amusement park, indoor/outdoor pool, hot spring tubs and tube sledding in the winter. It was half priced that weekend as it was the last weekend for the pools to be open. Like most places we've visited in Korea it was in need of some maintenance but we had a good time. E loved the slides in the indoor pool (the outdoor pool was too cold and the slides were too big for her).

The amusement park was a little creepy as it didn't appear to be open. It reminded me of one of the Shrek movies where they walk into the castle/amusement park and it is quite until they open the door with the puppets. Yes, a little creepy. They had these hilarious animals that you could actually drive around the entire park.

Finally, as part of the half priced weekend they let you into the "Ice Land" for free. It must be part of their winter activities. The sculptures were fun and we even got to ride down a really fast ice slide. We could only spend a few minutes in there because it was soooo cold!

Summer is finally winding down for us with a very welcoming fall. We can't believe we have been here for 4 months and look forward to more fun ahead.

You Know It's a Holiday in Korea...

When the grocery store is full of extremely over priced gift boxes of Spam, oil, fish, fruit, body wash, etc (you name it, they have it in a gift set). I think I saw a box of 6-8 Asian pears for about $80.

And when traditional honbok's are out for sale. (Yes, I might just have to buy one for E and use it as an art piece to hang on the wall in her room...they are beautiful!)

Chuseok is Korea's holiday similar to our Thanksgiving and is held September 11-13 this year. We are going to Jeju (Korea's Hawaii-like Island) the week before and then will be trapped inside our house for the holiday as everyone says not to travel and don't plan to eat out because everything closes and everyone is traveling to see family. We look forward to our first big Korean holiday in a couple weeks!

Future Star

So, you know that Justin Beiber movie that came about about his life and how he started in music so early? Well watch out world because you are getting the first videos of this little girl's career (don't forget the video of her busting out 'happy birthday to you' in a previous post)!

Watching her play this piano is hilarious because she has some serious rhythm in her shoulders! Now if we can keep this motivation for playing the piano she'll be much better off than me.

And here is just a little bonus video.

Party for Monsters

For E's birthday party we just decided to an extra special playgroup at our house. The party planner in me had to do a little something! Here is a glance at the theme...

We made a monster bean bag toss and monster eye cupcakes.

There was lots of chaos and fun with about 20 moms and kids.

We are so grateful to have such great friends here in Korea. They sure did make E feel special.

When E saw her monster cupcakes she was more excited about eating the jelly bean eyes than anything else so blowing out the candle was of minimal interest...at least we were able to pull it off since we didn't do it on her actual birthday! Her favorite part of the birthday experience was opening presents. She is still asking for more presents to open...I guess we'll have to re-wrap some and let her go at them again. Thanks to all those who have sent their love her way!

Two

We celebrated yet another year of us (as parents) managing to take care of this little cutie.

We started a tradition to give our kids a couple books to read the night before their birthday. We plan to have them based on their 'birthday theme' that year but we'll see how that goes. This year E was having a monster party so she got a couple monster books (which she hasn't been able to put down).

The 15th (E's birthday) happens to be the Korean Independance Day so daddy had the day off work. We decided to go to Tongyeong for the day. Tongyeong is the closest city on the west side mainland (it is a much shorter bridge than to Busan) and takes about 45minutes to get there without traffic. We joined the crowds at the Hallyeo Cable Cars. I think half the population of Korea was there. I'm pretty sure B told me it was a really stupid idea as we were walking up to the ticket booth. Somehow we lucked out and were able to walk right up to catch our ride up the mountain. (We are pretty sure the ticket lady gave us the foreign treatment and gave us immediate tickets when everyone else was given a time frame in which they could ride...but we weren't complaining!). The cable cars take you up the mountain where a trail was constructed to get you to the summit. Many people would then hike down but we didn't come prepared for that.

Side note: Korean's carry their kids on their back for years. We took up this custom and love it! This carrier is way more convenient around town than our huge hiking backpack.

After the ride we went to E-Mart. This is only noteworthy for us because we love finding new stores that carry a wide variety of items. Besides Costco this is the most familiar store we've been too...and with a huge selection (more like Wal-Mart). Nice to know it is fairly close!

E was then spoiled with presents. I had to go through the house and pack up or get rid of lots of old things to make room for the new. Our next children are totally getting re-wrapped gifts! E knew exactly what to do with the wrapping paper and took her job very seriously.

One of E's favorite gift was her piano from her dad. The video below is hilarious! She totally busted out singing "Happy Birthday" out of no where as we had only sung it a few time before. Love this little girl. Happy Birthday!