Kayaking and Beaching

For summer break, I went on a lot of adventures, such as vertical caving, rock climbing, kayaking, and sailing. It was a great end to my time in Korea. 

This is Namhae, which I have always loved, you can see it in the spring here. Mike, Eoin, and I went back there to go kayaking in the ocean. The area is around these smaller islands, and you can watch the waves crash into their rocky shores... it was really beautiful, especially for someone like me, who love rocks. I didn't bring my camera into the boat, though so these are all taken from shore.

For more info, check out their super helpful site! dumotown.com or call 010-8500-5863

We went to Busan's Gwangalli beach, which was unsurprisingly crowded. Korean beaches in August are really packed, but it was nice to lay out (under an umbrella, per Korean culture). 

The last day of break we went sailing with Pat. I wish I had taken some pictures of that adventure, but let me just say it is awesome. If you want to rent a dinghy to sail (one or two people boats), go to Dadaepo beach and walk over to the very far left. It cost us 20,000 for three hours, including life vests and wet suits. They did not offer to help set it up at all, though, so make sure you know what you're doing!

Rock Climbing in Korea

Since I last posted about climbing, I have done quite a bit of it. Don't get me wrong, I still don't know what I am doing. I scamper up the rock, and hope I don't bust my knees or face up too badly. I often make it to the top, albeit after falling once or twice. I've tried climbing in a gym, which is all of the struggles of climbing without the freedom to pick your own holds or the beautiful scenery to make it worth it. Not my thing. But, outdoor climbing is enjoyable. I think I've gotten a little better, though I really should consider things like technique and building muscles to improve. Maybe I will take a class on it at some point, but for the moment I am enjoying meandering around on some rocks. 

We took Mara out for her first climbing experience at An Nam in Busan. She did really well!

I've also learned out to belay, which is vital. 

This is in Yeoung Yeoung on Palgong Mountain in Daegu. It is set up with lights so you can climb at night. 

Back at An Nam!

It is really getting too hot to climb now, but I hope to go at least once more before heading out of Korea! 

Busan Sandcastle Festival and Geoje-do

This Monday was a holiday, so Chris and I went on a trip for the long weekend. First, we went to Busan for the annual sandcastle festival. Here are some of the memorable contest entries...

Geoje Island is beautiful. There are black pebble beaches and giant hills covered in deciduous forests. I'm really glad we went.

We ate some very authentic Korean seafood. This seemed to mean fish cut in half and grilled: lots of bones and scales. Chris loved it, and I did my best to ignore the fishy parts hah.

The black pebbles were perfect shapes and sizes for skipping stones.

The next morning we tried to go on a boat tour, but it was sold out. We opted for "Artland" to see the natural rock formation and traditional Korean art.

For some reason, phallic objects are traditional Korean symbols in art.

We saw some pretty lakes with duck boats.

Next we hiked up to a waterfall.

It was an excellent weekend, and I think I will go back to Geoje-do again.

Busan's Temple by the Sea

This past weekend Corinne, Sean, and I went down to Busan. Saturday the weather was beautiful, so we went to this temple right on the water.

Lots of visitors leave small Buddhist statues or stack stones to make pagodas in and around the temples. Since this was on the beach, these huge rock formations had statues and pagodas all over them - on top and in small crevices.

This is a popular Buddhist symbol and is used in most of the temples.

The roofing was especially intricate here.

On Sunday, we had more adventures planned but the poor, rainy weather convinced us to stay inside instead. We got some very authentic Thai massages and went to a beautiful, clean jjimjilbang. I think I've described them here before - they are public baths. There is a bathing area with different temperature tubs that is gender segregated, and a communal areas with saunas and varying temperature rooms. This one in particular was unique because it is the largest in Asia. Also, it has so many different saunas and an outdoor hot bathing tub; it was incredibly relaxing. The best part might be that it has a rule - no kids under 14! It felt like a 5 star hotel spa, really. I really wish this one in particular was closer to Daegu, but settle for less glamorous ones while in town.