But then the nuclear reactor started acting up again and all of our Korean friends, co-workers and students were telling us not to go because it was too dangerous at the time. We really did do some research, and it was kind of all a "maybe it is, maybe it isn't" situation, but what really had us thinking was the travel arrangements and the money. Once we really thought about it, we were going to be spending about $800 for 3.5 days in Japan. I really didn't want to be rushed, but I really didn't want to back out either. So after much deliberation and thought, we decided to cancel our plans and stay in Korea for Chuseok.
Kaleena, Krissy, Adrienne and myself at the Gyeongbokgung Palace
First on the agenda was heading up to Seoul. We've been to Seoul a few times, but I hadn't gone to any of the palaces, and I can't turn down an excuse to go shopping. So we shopped a bit and visited my favorite street, Insadong, that has cute little craft shops, pottery, traditional crafts and super tacky souvenir shops. We also headed to one of the palaces which, to be honest, was much like the Forbidden City. I'm starting to think that, if you've seen one palace, you've seen 'em all.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Year of the Rabbit
We also decided to head to Busan for a few nights. We wanted to enjoy the beach before it got too cold. Well, if you know me at all, you know I hate the beach, particularly laying out on the beach. What I was looking forward to was strolling on the beach, drinking coffee and/or a beer (depending on the time of day), people watching and enjoying the beautiful sight, sound and smell of the water. We spent an awesome night chatting on the beach, enjoying the full moon and watching a few small fireworks being set off by people on the beach. Oh, and eating some AWESOME Korean BBQ.
Busan at night
Amazing BBQ
Just before sunset
Morning Haeundae
The main reason for wanting to go to Busan, though, was to see the temples. Note to self, don't try to visit temples on holidays. They are PACKED. But they were beautiful. One was inland and one was on the coast. I'd seen pictures of the second temple before from friends that had visited... It looked beautiful, and man it didn't disappoint. Though extremely overcrowded, we had a great time watching little kids play around and the weather was beautiful, so it was a great day.
Beomeosa Temple
Yonggungsa Temple
The crazy line to get to the temple, and it wasn't always moving
After returning home, Adrienne and I decided to rent bikes (though they were free- you just leave your ID) and bike along the river and I also decided to take a full day and rest (it was vacation after all). We also decided to hike Palgongsan again, but we made it a short hike because the bus ride there was RIDICULOUS. It was so crowded that Adrienne was LITERALLY pressed up against the window, face first, and I was supporting my entire body weight on one arm against the window in order to stand because we decided to give our seats to two older ladies.
Biking along the river
Palgongsan
Next year I really hope to get tickets before they are all sold out so I can leave the country, but it was actually really nice to hang out in Korea and see what my "home country" had to offer.