Now That We're Back...

I did not post this the day it happened. I did not want anyone to worry about us more than they already do while we were away. After we arrived in Busan and checked in at the Novotel Hotel, we went for a walk about to see the area. Off the back of the hotel is the beach. We immediately noticed a large police presence, all in riot gear. We stopped at the tourist information office to get maps and brochures for the area. When asked about the police they said they were expecting a large demonstration. So far it didn't seem like anything was happening.

 



We went to see a nearby traditional market street, bought some snacks and headed back to the hotel. As we came around the corner of the building, headed for the front of the hotel we walked into this scene:


We then made our way around to the back of the hotel to go to our rooms. Jennifer's room was on the front of the building. We watched the scene from there.

Here's the story about the protests in Busan.

Gangnam and Kukkiwon

After visiting the Hello Kitty Café yesterday, we headed over to Gangnam to visit Kukkiwon, headquarters of World Taekwondo Federation.

There were originally nine schools of taekwondo. What Bryan, Emma and I learned from Grand Master Cole are teachings from the Jidokwan school.

In front of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology building on the way back down hill from Kukkiwon we found this statue of Jang Yeong-Sil, a scientist and astronomer.

 

 This was our last full day in South Korea. Tomorrow afternoon we return home. So, we have our last dinner at the restaurant we enjoyed the most, Busan Galbi.

Hello Kitty Cafe

Today we have taken the subway to Hongik University stop and are sitting at the Hello Kitty Cafe near there. The girls are excited.

 

 

Back to Namdaemun

Yesterday started with heavy rain, but we still ventured out. We went back Namdaemun Market to finish most of our souvenir and gift shopping lists. We found a nice restaurant serving traditional local foods for lunch. After taking our goods back to the hotel, we split up. The girls all shopped in Itaewon while Bryan and I hopped back on the subway to Yongsan Electronics area. We were on a mission to find a USB charging cable for his Nintentdo 3DS. His wall adapter does not work here. It uses 60Hz, Korea power is 50hz. Going through Seoul Station during rush hour, Bryan got to experience how full subway cars can get. We made it through just fine and were successful in finding the cable we were looking for. Now Bryan is happy to have a fully charged 3DS for the flight back home Wednesday.

Cheongju

Yesterday, we took a bus to Cheongju, the city where both Amelia and Emma were born. After checking in at the Ramada, we took a taxi to see the clinics where the girls were born.

Then we asked the taxi driver to take us to a nearby mountain fortress, Sangdangsanseong.



We took a bus back into Cheongju. Before we took a taxi back to the hotel we explored a bit and found some market streets. We had dinner at a sushi restaurant we found there.

 

 

Temple Tour Busan

Two days ago we took a Busan City Bus tour to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The ride took us along coastal views and landmarks. Then we stopped at the temple where we could explore for a while before riding back to the bus station.

Exploring Busan

Yesterday, after a late breakfast we split up to check out different places in Busan. Bryan and I went to hike Dongbaek Park while Bonnie, Jennifer, Amelia and Emma went to the Busan Aquarium.

 

 

 



Rail to Busan

Today we took the high speed KTX train to Busan. It was a very smooth comfortable ride that took us from Seoul to Busan in a few hours. I wish airline seats were as spacious and comfortable as on this train.

Even though clouds threatened rain, it was still beautiful weather in Busan.



 After checking with the Tourist Information office for local maps and info we went for a walk. We found a traditional Korean market street for some shopping. Being a coastal city, a lot of fresh seafood available.

Seoul Grand Park Zoo Animals

Here are more pics of the zoo animals.