At a grand size that matches the state of Kentucky, one would think that every Korean has seen all of his or her own country. Yet, that is not the case. Two weekends ago, I visited a traditional folk village called Andong ("ohn-dong") with my language class. When inquiring about it to some Korean coworkers, they seemed so confused. "Oh, that is far...no I never been there!" It's only about a 2-hour drive away. For most Koreans though, the concept of leaving their home city to travel for a hike or mere exploration is bizarre.
This is at the Folk Village -- we watched a mask dance!
There was quite the crowd!!
This is a picture of how Koreans used to make paper, stripping it from tree bark, wetting it, soaking it, stretching it...
This was some unnecessary free soak-jo
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!I'll admit, I've been pleasantly surprised with city outskirts. As for where I live, here's a bit more to understand the common sights of my walk around Daejeon.
E-MART ("ee-mart-uh") is like a Wal-Mart/Target
Not only has Spring brought many tomato, lemon and strawberry vendors, but also the HI-MART Dancers. These are high school girls, dancing and singing about the deals going on in a tech store. Hmm... I wonder who their target audience is?
This is a walkway I find myself on almost everyday. 
Despite the fact that I don't favor making generalizations, I am going to right now.
As for school, I am in love with my Kindergarten class (minus the nose-picking!)
For many of the Koreans, it seems as though they live in a bubble consisting of themselves and the routines they or their parents have carved out. Whether it is businessmen who work all day (likely to have little or no relationship with his family as he arrives home around 3am and smelling of sushi, soak-jo, and taxi seats) or women who aren't empowered to seek anything beyond basic skills jobs--I see and know many Korean who live their entire lives blissfully within a 40mile radius of their home/apt. I take back the generalization about men; I do see good fathers who play with their little ones or carry their girlfriends purse for her (haha...). When I tell them I'm going out to camp and hike 4hours away, they're shocked! "Too much traveling...too far away!"
This is a picture of a bar/diner in my dong, it's the typical sight: Businessmen out for booze! And, hey - you can even look up Mr.Seven online!
As for school, I am in love with my Kindergarten class (minus the nose-picking!)
I GOT TO SEE SOCCER!!!
My summer vacation is nothing like in the States. I only get one week off--the last one of July. Apparently, that is the week EVERYONE has off. So, in searching for places to go or things to do, I and a handful of friends have decided we're going to Mongolia. I'm quite excited. We'll be Ger-camping, getting lost on plains of openness, surrounded by mountains and maybe even catch some Zen off the Monks!
More to come...
