South Korea!

Let me start by saying that Korea was nothing like I expected. The capitol, Seoul, is a huge international city where eastern traditions meet the modern west.  Many parts of the city are still full of Korean traditions and culture...and other parts of the city are super hip, trendy, and artsy.  Way more so than I ever imagined.  In many of the main parts of Seoul, they have tons of live music, crazy asian markets, and food stalls everywhere.  The city is beautiful and surrounded by mountains.

Changing of the Guards, Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Walking the Suwon Fortress Wall

The people here are much more outgoing, outspoken, and more expressive than what I'm used to in Japan.  On the subway, people were actually talking, running to get seats...you know....like the normal. :)  I guess since I've been in Japan so long, I'm quite used to silence on the trains and everyone conforming to absolutely everything.  Although I do like Japan, South Korea was a MAJOR refresher.  :)

These food markets were HOPPIN  :)

I like to try new things, but I also know where to draw the line

I think I'll pass

My first night I went to a Korean professional baseball game....and let me tell you , I was pretty darn excited.  These games are NUTS!  Outside the stadium, they sell a bunch of different food and drinks that you can bring into the game.  Now you're probably thinking hotdogs and hamburgers...wrong.  Let's try more like fried octopus and I don't even know what the other things were.  But I did find the beer.  :)

This "tailgate" food honestly did NOT look appetizing

My high school friends for the game :)

Sunset at the game :)

The day I went for a hike to Bukhansen National Park it started raining right when I got off the subway.  I thought about not doing it, but then saw all of the other hikers (aka older Korean people) still going for it.  Mind you, they did have hiking shoes and rain gear...basically hardcore hiking clothes.  I had my little flimsy umbrella.  :)  Anyways, I decided why not...I had nothing else to do.
Let me just say, I had NO CLUE what I was getting myself into.  Especially since it was raining.
After a 4 hour hike, two guys who were totally watching out for me, one who even gave me a granola bar and carried my umbrella for me at a very crucial moment, I finally, somehow, made it to the top...for some stellar views of.....fog.  :)

The picture showing what my view should have been :)

At the beginning of the hike...in my "hiking gear"

It was about 5 minutes after this picture that I took a pretty hard fall :)

While traveling in South Korea, I didn't always know where I was or where I was going...but I always knew I was in the right place when I stumbled upon some pretty amazing views and sunsets.  :)

Sunset over the city of Seoul

Bukhansen Mountains surrounding the city

The Koreans, especially the kids, LOVE taking pictures with foreigners.  At times, I would ask someone to take a picture of me, and before I knew it, they pushed their entire family into the pic!!  :)

The kids here were pretty outgoing :)

Please note the small child in red

If you ever get the chance to visit Seoul, I would highly recommend it!  :)