Adventures in South Korea: February 2015

Over the past five days, Korea has been celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year called "Seollal". Technically the holiday was Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but I'm going to count the weekend as well. So, we've had a wonderful rest from school... before the big rush of new teachers, classes, tests, graduation, etc. My first Seollal was spent with past SLP teachers and a friend from Texas. We stayed in traditional Korean hanoks and went to the Lunar New Year Festival at Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul. My second Seollal was used to extend my time at home in America. For this Seollal, I decided to save some money by sticking it out here until my dad comes to Korea and we go to Japan together. Luckily, some other co-workers were hanging out here as well. I got lots of school work, trip planning, shopping, and other errands done during the days. At night, it was time to go out and feast on amazing food. Also, Daniel is leaving next week, so we had to make sure we were getting some good grub in before he goes.

"Chimaek", chicken and beer at one of our favorite joints. The chicken warrants this much excitement, it's sooo good.

Kat and I went shopping in Myeongdong. We bought loads of cute stuff ;)

Kat trying 'egg bread'. She said it tasted like heaven. I've gotta try it next. Also, look how perfect she is...

Bingsu blues...

Don't let our expressions fool you... we freaking love this stuff.

Night out in Hongdae. First up, dinner.

Five cheese top secret recipe dukgalbi. It was phenomenal. It had cereal on top of it!
We were the only foreigners in the restaurant and we had to wait like 45 minutes to get in.
So, we knew it was going to be good.

Kat is a pro at making 'somik' (beer and soju mixed together). It's a particularly dangerous combination.

Live music and DJ afterwards? Yes, please. So much fun.
We danced the night away. I'm not joking... we didn't leave till 5 AM.

Kat and I's new bff, Alex! She is snazzy.

Now to refill our tummies after a night of dancing...

We made some new friends. You can't see them... but, they helped us order, cook our food, and refill our water cups. After they finished and paid, they left, but then one came back and asked for my number. Haha.

On the prowl for yumminess.

More dukgalbi for Nicole's going away lunch. :(
Liezel is not impressed with me.

I love you Nicole! I will miss your wonderful personality and smiling face.
You are an amazing woman of God and an inspiration... seriously.

Amigos!

Desert? Gigi's cupcakes in Gangnam. Beautiful! Worth every cent.

Nicole and I split a turtle cupcake and a mochachino cupcake.

And, just for fun... a very close arm wrestling contest... haha...

Korea is known for it's considerably mountainous terrain. Loads of people here go hiking as a pastime and have the gear to prove it. As a Valentine's day adventure, some co-workers and I decided it would be fun to go hiking just north of Seoul. The weather was supposed to be warming and clearing up for that day. We set off nice and early from Dongtan to Bukhansan National Park. We decided on climbing Baegundae Peak for the incredible view. The way up was not very fun... I was dealing with some respiratory problems and slight tunnel vision, but overall, it wasn't too bad of a trek. However, when we got to the peak... that's when the real adventure begins. It was freezing and there were bitterly cold winds swirling around. We literally climbed into a cloud... we couldn't see anything! The rocks were covered with ice. So, we basically clinged to the poles and cable wire up and down the peak. I'm pretty sure I had a mild panic attack. If it wasn't for Daniel constantly encouraging me from behind, there is noooo way I would have done it. When we finished, my adrenaline was pumping so hard that I couldn't stop laughing... I wanted to hug and kiss everyone on the mountain (I did hug a stranger for letting us get in a taxi she was waiting for... but, that was later on... and after a few cups of makgeolli).

Hands down, it was the craziest and most memorable Valentine's day I can recall. I'll never forget it.

Thomas demonstrating our clinging technique.

We never strayed from the poles!

What a trooper... no gloves. Seriously, she's a hoss.

So close to the top and you could barely make out the Korean flag!

Death... everywhere, death. There was also a rescue helicopter hovering around while we were at the top. We were never able to see it... it seriously failed to lighten the mood!

I hate you ice!

Daniel is such a professional. Look how much fun he was having...

We did it!

You look like a model Thomas... appearing as if we just went for a stroll in the park...

A well deserved lunch: kimbop, chocolate, and lots of makgeolli!

Ajusshi is not pleased, Daniel.

Beautiful hike down the other side.

Less wind. Less people. Less ice... much better.

You two go first...

Let's take some pics.

Before we race down the stairs.

Daniel's playground.

Katie pleading with Daniel to make Thomas... act less like Thomas.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

That completes Valentines day. I cannot forget about going out for Indian food after and feeling like all was right in the world again.

I'm going to call this next section: Food, Friends, and Fun.

Since the new year, this is a little bit of randomness I feel like sharing.

Paul (fellow LHN graduate) came back to visit Korea! This was the fourth time I got to see him here. Always a good time!

One of my favorite Korean co-workers had a baby and she invited some of us over to see the little angel.

He is perfect.

I love him.

Look at HIM! Ahhh... heart breaker.

Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

Ahin is such a good big sister. My coworker also treated us to chicken and pizza. It was a perfect evening.

Beautiful mom! She is glowing!

Another night at Cocky Pub with my loves!

Yes?

No!

Go away!

Every time Josh and I get together, we just take pictures of food. ;)

You can't deny, it's pretty awesome looking...

Eating with them is gross... and I love every second of it. Here is the indian food we get from Dongdaemun... at a place called Everest. It's fantastic.

One of our many movie nights... so fun.

We read an article about how "duck face" and "selfie" were among approximately 1,000 new words added to the Oxford dictionary. So, I let them whip out their phones in class and try them both out. June is obviously doing it correctly.