Korea

Between 2003 and 2006 I was in Korea, teaching in Busan and then for the Korea National University of Education in Gangnae, north of Daejon. As of July 2009, I am back as a professor at Keimyung University in Daegu. The world has become more dangerous since I left Canada, but if I can survive the food here I can face most trials.

This page is written more for photographs and for tourist travel to Korea. I work there now and I have a separate English teachers in Korea section here.
Korea isn't a must-see from a tourist's point of view, but I think it is underrated as a fun stopover for a week or weekend. Seoul has some good shopping and sights. The lack of English can be a problem outside Seoul, but there are mountains and beaches worth seeing and it's not hard to get around. Seoul to Busan is a three-hour train ride on the KTX bullet train. In Canada, three hours is getting the engine warm to change the oil.

 

Cherry blossoms, Jinhae. It's hard to feel masculine with all these flower trees everywhere in April. At least they aren't totally pink.

Buildings next to Songdo beach, Busan, on a warm September Saturday. "Someone's waving at us– up, in that window there!"

Beomosa temple, Busan. The home of many solemn monks who have dedicated their lives to study and celibacy like their fathers before them.

Jeonjeyeon Falls, Jeju Island. There are three falls of increasing size. Is this where that stupid Froot Loops bird hangs out?

A stone guard at the entrance to Gapsa temple, Gyeryongsan. Touring places such as this is popular and makes Koreans very sedimental (sorry).

An ancient Chinese terracotta general, Coex, Seoul. These statues were meant to guard the emperor, who took nothing for granite (oops).

Namdemun Gate, Seoul. Like many medieval European cities, Seoul has ancient gates at each corner to keep out children selling raffle tickets.

One of my last nights in Busan, with Gordon, Julie, Tony & friend, Suzanna, Dave, Ariel & me. To commemorate my first year in Korea, we had Indian food.

Chinese medicine and spices, Nampo-Dong, Busan. Medicine?– don't laugh; it works. Except for the broom.. don't eat that..

Autumn scenery at Seoroksan, on the east coast. Color overload.

Daechon beach, northwest coast. Great beach, peaceful, and lots of restaurants surrounding the beach.. as long as you like fish.
Fishermen at Taejongdae, Busan. Cue another rock joke.

The view from my previous apartment. The pagoda-ish building overlooks the sea. Drunk people seemed attracted to it at night as a place to sing!

Gate to Mungyeong park, near Songnisan. The path was a traditional route to write civil service exams in Korea. Opening the metal gate is a test in itself.

Rock garden, Keimyung University, Daegu. My type of garden where nothing dies on you.

Beach maiden, Haeundae beach, Busan, preparing for her shot-put entry.

A chef cutting sashimi (raw tuna) in Seoul. "I always forget– poison fish, tasty fish."

An old-style building in Gyeryong mountain park, near Daejon. Things I'd like to see: the TV antenna pops out when the park closes!

Jeju harubong, near Jeju City. Harubong is close to the word for 'grandfather'. Pretty low-maintenence relatives.

Night-time in Gupche market, Busan. I'll give Korea credit in that I've never been sick from street food. Any bacteria that can bear all that spice deserves to live!

Preserved roots and vegetables, Miryang. My mother-in-law's friend owns a small farm and bottles much of her food. Let's just say it's better than it looks.

The south coast at Tongyung, near Masan. If you stop filling the water with garbage.. they will come.

Ornamental boxes, Insadong, Seoul. Intricate art– I would feel guilty just keeping paper clips in them.

Nightlife in Gangnam, the Manhattan of Seoul. Assuming Manhattan has a neon sign every ten feet.

One of my last nights in Busan, with Gordon, Julie, Tony & friend, Suzanna, Dave, Ariel & me. To commemorate my first year in Korea, we had Indian food.

Chinese medicine and spices, Nampo-Dong, Busan. Medicine?– don't laugh; it works. Except for the broom.. don't eat that..

After the rain on Dadaepo beach. The water is colder than Bali... but then, there aren't ten thousand hawkers trying to sell you junk. Life is a trade-off!

Autumn leaves at Mungyeong, northeast of Cheongju, in October. Still a little too close to pink for my comfort.

Continue to