{Mom and Dad in Korea: Part Three}

Gyeongju is Korea's ancient capitol.  It's my favorite place we've been to in the country due to its history and inherent beauty.  Naturally we decided to share the lovely city with my parents as part of their visit.  

Gyeongju looked and felt much different from the last time Ryan and I were there, but we still had a wonderful day despite the winter cold.  I especially relished the company.  Having my parents experience some of the memories I've made here with Ryan brought me so much happiness.

Bulguksa Temple

These rock formations are made to create wishes by temple visitors

 Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park

Ancient tombs of kings from Korea's past in the distance

 Last stop: Japanese dinner

Later that night we were back in Busan to spend Sunday in the country and on the coast.

Still more to come... :)

{Mom and Dad in Korea: Part Two}

Last Tuesday I met my parents' train from Seoul into Busan.  Our first stop was the glitzy Hotel Diamond, perhaps better known for its downstairs nightclub, "Arabian Nights."  

In my defense, I chose the Vegas-style accommodation based on its proximity to our apartment (less than a ten minute walk) and hoped my parents would embrace the gaudiness.  They had no problems with it, besides that their room was a balmy 85 degrees and the hotel staff couldn't quite get the message that they wanted their heat OFF.  Cue help from a  Korean co-worker, and problem solved.

I took off work for my parents' first couple of days here and played tour guide, showing them Nampo-dong, home to Busan's traditional market and the infamous fish market where Ryan and I once ate "live" octopus.  We discovered a second outdoor fish market which paralleled the ocean, with numerous vendors displaying the day's catch on ice and in tanks.

 

 

Our midday snack was fried vegetables and shrimp at a charming food stand.

 The three of us stopped to warm up from the icy ocean wind to sip hot cocoa, a daily tradition my parents had started in Seoul.  We later met Ryan for dinner at our all-time favorite Korean restaurant for some spicy, cheesy rice.

The following day was spent at the United Nations Cemetary and The Busan Museum to soak up some history.

Dinner that night was steamed tofu with kimchi and delicious green onion and carrot pancakes at a bustling University hang-out.

Over the weekend the four of us traveled to Korea's old capitol.  Stay tuned!

{Mom and Dad in Korea: Part One}

Two weeks ago today, Ryan and I made our way to Seoul.  

What made this trip different from others is that two very special people were waiting for us when we arrived at our hotel.  My parents!  It didn't seem real when we first saw them there in the lobby.  I haven't been that happy in a long time.

We spent our Saturday in Korea's capitol visiting the ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace.

 

In the afternoon we had the privilege of catching a traditional Korean performance.  It featured an amazing variety of captivating music and folk dances.

photo source

We wandered around even more neighborhoods that evening, stumbling upon a maze of run-down old houses and a neon-lit street dedicated entirely to restaurants offering the beloved Korean snack of tteokbokki.

The next morning we strolled along the quaint streets of Samcheong, a lovely neighborhood my dad discovered while reading about Seoul.  The area is home to  countless art galleries, cafes, boutiques and a beautiful temple.  Good find, dad!

 

Later we explored nearby Bukcheon, one of the few neighborhoods in Seoul which remains mostly unchanged by modernity. 

 

Next we introduced my parents to our favorite Korean lunch and the most delicious winter dessert.  Oh, I didn't mention that it was freezing? It was. I'm talking weather in the teens.  Yikes! 

  In the afternoon we took a tour of Insadong before Ryan and I said goodbye and headed back to Busan.

Mom and Dad stayed in Seoul to tour the DMZ, explore the bustling center of Seoul and visit Korea's most famous market.  
I met them at the train station in Busan last Tuesday to begin their week-long visit in our home away from home.  
Details on the rest of our time together soon!