Korea...Round 2

I shamefully admit to being incredibly neglectful of my blog last year. Things in Korea became mundane and nothing really surprised me anymore. Exiting the bars as the sun was rising was a common occurrence. Soju and beer in a cab was a norm. I was not even phased by the belligerent business man meandering the beach at 11am in his suit from last night, but no shoes. The culture shock wore off and everything started to be just normal incidents in my everyday, Korean life.

Before leaving in September of 2009, I was fortunate enough to experience Korean white water rafting (sitting in a calm river on a tube and trying not to hit your oar on the rocks 2 feet below you), temples, festivals, beaches, restaurants and bars galore, amongst other splendid Korean forms of entertainment. I drowned myself in alcohol and stuffed my face with cheese that costs triple the price as it would in the states. I woke up at 5pm every Saturday to find texts messages I don't remember sending, to people I swore I wouldn't speak to again. The hang overs were killer. The dinners after were filling. The nights enjoyed were plentiful. But, this time around, something has to give.

I have sworn to myself that not only will I not misplace my precious weekends at the bottom of a bottle, but also to explore, travel and experience this fine country.

So far, I have been able to savor many experiences in the 8 short weeks since my return. I have celebrated with feast and friends, games and wine...all the comforts of home with far more life and personality. I have hiked mountains, gone to shows, ran, enjoyed festivals and still been able to enjoy a cocktail, without braking the bank of my liver. The adventure continues. I have put together a list of things that I must do or see in Korea this time around. Thus far, my progress is great.

I vow to document these events this time around. If not to feel a little accomplished, at least to give me something to do besides my Master's homework...procrastination is my speciality.

So, here is the list thus far. No particular order or method to the madness...just things that must be done and places that must be seen. Keep you posted!

• Hike some mountains (vague....yes)
• Camp on Geoje Island (고제도)
• Mudfest (Boreyeon...July 17th 2010)
• Lantern Festival (Jin Ju, October)
• Snowboard on Mt Muju
• Green Tea Fields (May 5th 2010)
• Beomosa Temple (Busan)
• Temple Stay
• Paragliding
• Ziplining (May, 2010)
• Runs (next 10k in Busan is May 16th 2010)
• Ocheonjang Spa (Ocheonjang, Busan)
• Spa Land (Shinsaegu Department Store, Centum City, Busan)
• Rafting
• Go to Daegu and actually see the sights...not just the food and boys
• explore Changwan
• Turtle Ship (Jinhae)
• Jagalchi fish market at 5am (Jagalchi, Busan)
• Everland themepark (Seoul)
• Go to a water park
• Firework Festival (Gwangali, Busan, October 2010)
• See the sites of Seoul
• sit in the "Exciting Zone" at a Lotte Giants baseball game (Sadgik, Busan)
• See a Busan Mighty Wings basketball game (Sadgik, Busan)
• See a Busan soccer game (Sadgik, Busan)
• Stripper Norebong (Kyungsun, Busan)
• Screen golf
• See Suwon
• Jeju Island
• Kunsan
• Ice fishing Mountain
• 소락샨 National Park
• take silly Korean photos
• Drink in a bag...as much as humanly possible
• Songjeon Beach
• Ulsan
• Wine train

This list will be constantly updated as tasks are completed and added. I SWEAR.

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erika