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Goodbye Korea for now....

From Seoul’s bright streets to Busan’s shore, We wandered paths unknown before. Beneath the sky of tender spring, Korea seemed to wake and sing. In Seoul we stood where kings once trod, Past ancient gates and courtyards broad. The imperial palace, still and grand, Held the living memory of the land. In Busan by the shining sea, The harbor wind moved fresh and free. The city rose with strength and grace, With light and life in every place. We climbed to temples, calm and high,

Deborah Kade

Apr 22 min read

And Today, Michael Cried

This is our last day in Korea. It has been quite a memorable time for us! Michael and I were happy to be able to spend some time with An, who is our Korean teacher. Our tour guides Jun, in Seoul, and Young, in Busan, were very knowledgeable and helpful in navigating the cities and sites. The drivers were so helpful in getting me in and out of the van. The UN Memorial Cemetery is a historic and meaningful site dedicated to United Nations soldiers who lost their lives during th

Deborah Kade

Apr 23 min read

Quite the Special Day

It was quite the special day!!!! The whole day felt like we were part of a fantasy world. I was able to see the bamboo forest where one of my favorite Kdramas, The King: Eternal Monarch, was filmed. I was surrounded by the beauty of the cherry blossoms which made me quite emotional. We experienced the stillness and spirit of a temple. Finally, Young shared a favorite traditional tea house with us. Our driver knows how much I have enjoyed looking at the cherry blossoms. Ins

Deborah Kade

Apr 16 min read

Gamcheon Village and the Markets

Gukje Market (Kkangtong Market area) A traditional market packed with street food, vintage goods, and a nostalgic atmosphere reflecting Busan’s history. Jagalchi Market Korea’s largest seafood market, where you can see (and taste) a wide variety of fresh catches. A lively and authentic Busan experience. Gamcheon Culture Village A colorful hillside village known for its maze-like alleys, vibrant murals, and artistic atmosphere. It’s often called the “Lego village” Gamcheon Cul

Deborah Kade

Mar 316 min read

Tongdosa Temple

Tongdosa Temple is one of Korea’s most significant Buddhist temples, Tongdosa is unique in that it enshrines sacred relics of the Buddha rather than statues. Its peaceful grounds and historic halls set a calm tone for the day. "Tongdosa Temple, esteemed for its establishment in 643, is a revered site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. This temple proudly houses Buddha's genuine sacred relics. It also boasts an array of significant Buddhist cultural treasures, such as the

Deborah Kade

Mar 308 min read

Contest Winner

The winner of the contest is my great niece Emilie. The correct answer was 674 pictures and she guessed 670. Congratulations, Emilie!!!! There was a wide range of guesses...... 1012 328 313.5 703 600 1201 1200 398 757 777 4500 475 I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to enter the contest.

Deborah Kade

Mar 291 min read

A Phoenix, A Dragon & A Man Ascend Over Busan

Can you see a man, a phoenix, and a dragon ascending into the sky over the temple? Today we visited the Beomeosa Temple, "Temple of the Nirvana Fish". Beomeosa Temple, built in the Silla dynasty in 678, stands as a historic site known for producing outstanding monks. Situated amidst the splendid landscape of Geumjeongsan Mountain, it boasts a long tradition and rich history, housing numerous cultural relics. The temple is a historic Buddhist temple over 1,300 years old. It is

Deborah Kade

Mar 298 min read

Goodbye Seoul - Hello Busan

This is the view from our room at the Park Hyatt. From our corner room we can see Gwangan Bridge. Park Hyatt Busan is situated in the heart of Haeundae, the city’s premier shopping and beach destination, alongside world-class shopping malls and Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO). I believe you can never get a first impression back. June, our tour guide in Seoul, gave us the best first impression of any country ever. Her introduction to Seoul guarantees we will def

Deborah Kade

Mar 282 min read

Secret Garden

Royal Prince's residence Changdeokgung Palace Complex In the early 15th century, King Taejong ordered the construction of a new palace at an auspicious site. A Bureau of Palace Construction was set up to create the complex, consisting of a number of official and residential buildings set in a garden that was cleverly adapted to the uneven topography of the 58-ha site. The result is an exceptional example of Far Eastern palace architecture and design, blending harmoniously wit

Deborah Kade

Mar 2712 min read

Walking, Walking, Walking...........

Walked and walked and walked today. Trees are budding and flowers and trees are starting to bloom. First stop took us to Ha-dong Plum Street where we walked along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Hadong Plum Street, famously known as the filming location for the TV drama Dokkaebbi (Goblin) is a long walking course along the promenade by the Cheonggyecheon Stream from Yongdap Station to Sindap Station. The street was named Hadong Plum Street after Hadong-gun of Gyeongsanggnam-do Pro

Deborah Kade

Mar 265 min read

Only Cried Once Today

Today we left Seoul for the DMZ as Michael was interested in going there. We left our driver in Paju and boarded a special bus that took us on the tour of the DMZ. The first stop had us being close to the peace bell. Michael thought it would be memorable to actually ring the bell. The Peace Bell (Pyeonghwauijong) at Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park in Paju, South Korea, built in 2000, symbolizes hopes for national reunification and world peace. Located near the DMZ, the 21-ton be

Deborah Kade

Mar 257 min read

I Cried Twice Today

This morning at breakfast, I thought of all my friends reading this blog. I especially loved breakfast this morning! However, I chuckled to myself knowing most of you are "gagging" on all the different breakfast choices being offered. fried dumplings and fried glass noodles The person sitting next to us thought this was tasty The octopus was yummy but a little too spicy The spicy chicken was delicious Meats, cheeses, and breads Homemade strawberry, apricot, and blueberry jam

Deborah Kade

Mar 245 min read

Taraksan, Tea, and a Temple

June, our tour guide, planned so many exciting experiences for us today! Thank you for another wonderful day!! She is the best! Naksan is is a mountain in the Jongno Distric of Seoul . It is 125 meters (410 ft) tall. It and Namsan are well known for their panoramic views of downtown Seoul. The mountain and its surrounding area is Naksan Park. Naksan Park is named for its shape which resembles a camel's back. As this place used to be a royal ranch that supplied milk for the

Deborah Kade

Mar 236 min read

Busy Day in Seoul

We are staying at the Four Seasons and the breakfast buffet is included. If you go away hungry, it is certainly your fault! There are so many different selections from Korean fare, typical American breakfast of made to order omelets and eggs, etc. There is a salad section, hot prepared dishes, etc. I could have spent all day tasting everything! My favorite was the egg special of the day! It was so delicious, I went back and thanked the chef! It was soft scrambled eggs with bl

Deborah Kade

Mar 2213 min read

Korean Air from Los Angeles to Seoul

We have a morning flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Incheon International Airport. Flying first class will make the long flight less stressful and more comfortable, for sure. So....we leave Friday morning and do not arrive in Korea until Saturday night. We have to cross the International Dateline. We were the first ones to check in this morning. I wish I had taken pictures of the process. The Koreans are just as precise as the Swiss. There were no lines at the

Deborah Kade

Mar 216 min read

Part One of the Journey to South Korea Phoenix to Los Angeles

We are off to South Korea for vacation. Unfortunately, we couldn't go from Phoenix to Los Angeles and then onto Seoul, South Korea because of flight times, so we are spending the night at the Marriott near LAX. Early tomorrow morning, we will board the plane to Incheon International Airport. and then on to Seoul. Camelback Mountain " The PHX Sky Train is a free, 24/7 automated people mover at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, connecting Terminals 3 and 4, East Economy

Deborah Kade

Mar 193 min read