Homecoming

I am writing this from the United States, to which I returned on Monday after 26 hours of traveling!  It's strange being back, but it is great to be with my family again.  And.... I have more things to share with you about Korea!  As soon as I've settled in (and wrapped all my Christmas presents!), you can look forward to reading about:

- a famous Korean food market... complete with fruit and dog meat for sale!
- strange aspects of  Korea... men with handbags, spitting on streets, and more!
- my favorite Korean food (don't worry - dog meat is NOT on this list!)
- Dr. Fish pedicures
- and my readjustment to the States!

So stay tuned!

Anyang Art Park

Out at the end of the subway line is Anyang Art Park.  Once you get off at the station, signs direct you easily enough to the park entrance.  It's all free, so you can wander at will!  Artists from around the world created sculptures for the art park...and many are interactive!  I danced with Buddha, for instance.  When Vroni and I went, we had the place almost completely to ourselves. Great way to spend a cool, clear winter day!  On the way out of the park, be sure to stop at one of the adorable coffee shops like we did - great coffee and hot chocolate and an adorable dog to hug!  (But there aren't any restaurants directly in the park, so be prepared with snacks.) When Christmas music began playing in the coffee shop, we couldn't stop smiling!  What a winter wonderland feeling!

My Sassy Girl

In an attempt to be truly Korean, Vroni and I spent the evening watching My Sassy Girl (a 2001 classic Korean romantic comedy) in a DVDbang (bang = room)!  DVDbangs let you pick a movie from their collection to watch in the cozy comfort of a private room - complete with leather couch and leg rests, blankets, and heaters!  I've been told that DVDbangs are popular among young couples, because it gives them an opportunity to spend time alone together. In Korean society, kissing and cuddling is not acceptable in public, so it makes sense that a DVDbang would be an ideal setting for a little bit of quality time!

Vroni and I, unfortunately, didn't cuddle too much.  We did, however, enjoy the quirkiness of My Sassy Girl.  It's the only romantic comedy I've ever see that didn't show a single kiss!

Antiques galore!

If you take subway Line 5 to Dapsimni and go through Exit 2, you reach the Janganpyeong, Samhee 5, and Samhee 6 antique markets.  Inside the large arcades, individual rooms are so packed with furniture and other antique odds and ends that you are barely maneuver inside.  Vroni and I went on Saturday, but the place was practically empty.  Store owners watched Korean dramas on their televisions and welcomed us when we passed by.  Small items were in scarce supply, so, as I have no immediate furniture needs, I didn't buy anything.  Although I did fall in love with almost every traditional Korean chest of drawers - such beautiful artistry!  One day, I will call one my own.

Hongdae: Art, Coffee, and Cats

Hongdae is the area around Hongik University.  (In Korean, university is taehakyo, so Hondae is just a combination of HOKgik TAEhakyo. Pretty cool, huh?)  It's trendy and hip, with lots of shopping opportunities, restaurants, and coffeeshops. 

Cat Cafes are really popular.  In these establishments, you pay a bit more for your drink, but you get to play with the kittens and cats that call the building home!  I guess when most people here live in small apartments, pets are a special luxury.

Also a draw are the weekend 'art markets' and 'free markets.'  Hongik University is well-known for its art school, so on the weekends students and other artists set up booths in a small park.  They sell bags, jewelry, T-shirts, sunglasses, and bunches of other cute, artsy, reasonably-priced things.  Support the local artists and buy something one-of-a-kind!  I totally recommend it.