Korean Lessons 101, Courtesy of David So

Full of extra syllables for your viewing pleasure.

#merrychristmaseve

xo

Holiday Season: Thanksgiving

Cheers to the holiday that celebrates all of the foods that are the most difficult to find in Korea! As most holiday weekends do, Thanksgiving started off strong, with a trip to the bars on Thursday to celebrate the Gyeongju waygook community and a birthday.

Needless to say, double gin & tonics made my Friday difficult…until my head teacher canceled all of my lessons, let me nap until lunch and then sent me home to feel better. He could clearly see through my façade of “No, I’m okay. Are you suuuure that you want to watch movies today? Okay, maybe that is best…” And it set the much needed, relaxed tone for the rest of my Friday. Just another reason to give thanks!

Saturday was reserved for the Thanksgiving feast, hosted by Jessica and Spencer. With over 25 people, it was quite the event! Like any traditional Thanksgiving, there were endless amounts of food and drink. It’s things like Saturday night that make me smile: Even in a country that most of us will only be in for a short time, we’ve formed such unique relationships with one another. Regardless of my seemingly bipolar feelings for Korea throughout the year, I’m really thankful for the relationships that have happened here.

Hope you spent the holiday weekend with your loved ones & enjoyed every minute of it! I can’t wait to spend my first few weeks in the states re-celebrated the holidays of the past year!

xo

Holiday Season: My Birthday!

Birthday girl!

So I'm officially old and busted in my MID TWENTIES. Jesus when did this happen. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that in the past few years, I graduated from UCLA, had a real person job and moved to a foreign country. 

Friday could not have started off any better—western breakfast! Then during school, my head teacher canceled half of my classes and gave me a present, calling me a "strong and mature woman." (I know, right? Of course I am.) As per any usual Friday night in Gyeongju, dak galbi dinner lived up to its glory, as did the soju shots that accompanied it. Not only did my friends sing Happy Birthday to me with a cake at the bowling alley, but then round two of the cake + singing combo happened at Cocos. I mean, seriously. How am I this lucky to have met such wonderful people? And I obviously beat everyone at bowling (bowling skills almost match my pool skills, duh), in case you were wondering.

Dak galbi birthday dinner!

A few friends and I continued the celebration in Daegu on Saturday. Not only did we get Mexican food (obviously including margaritas and, my personal favorite, tequila), but shots and bag drinks were at every turn. I ended up running into another birthday girl, who—upon seeing my empty hands at one point—bought me two bags of who-knows-what to enjoy. Um, clearly my hangover was dedicated to her. MK and I also had the pleasure of beating David and Juan at darts—cherry on top!

Celebrating in Daegu

I really want to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to send me well wishes, both in Korea and abroad. The letters and packages from around the world and the celebrations in Korea made this so special. I was a bit nervous about my first birthday away from home, and you all made it so lovely. I'm beyond thankful to have all of you in my life, whether we only chat a few times a year or every day. Truly blessed.


PS My mother decided to have a "surprise birthday party" for me back home. My dad, mom and Amanda went to Farrell's to celebrate. Yep. The photo below shows cutouts of me and Kristina...at the restaurant... Looking. Good. And clearly wanting some of that dessert.

Really flattering photo of me and K

xo

The Start of the Holiday Season

November is finally here! Also known as Movember, Thanksgiving month and, most importantly (!!!), my birthday month.

It'll also mark my nine month anniversary in Korea. Damn.

The holidays are an emotional time for everyone. Especially me. Ask my family; I cry during TV shows. 'Tis the season for loved ones, parties and an endless supply of food and alcohol. As I celebrated Halloween on a booze cruise in Seoul this past weekend—while blocking out a boy's "game recognizes game, girl" sad attempt #swag—I started remembering all of the adventures I have during the October-January timeframe:


Halloween in San Diego. Costumes. Thing One and Thing Two will forever be remembered. As will secret keeping.

My birthday in Vegas. Bottle service? Why not. Every time? Tradition.

Thanksgiving and Christmas. With family and friends. Cooking and baking and laughing. Experiencing joy. And, without fail, my mom's burnt cookies.

NYE in Vegas. I mean, it's NYE. In. Las. Vegas. Best friends and sparkle dresses. What's not to love?


But this year, I'm here. It's not the physical locations that I'm going to miss (okay, maybe a little), but the people and the feelings. These holidays are filled with fun and positivity and togetherness.

So on that note, I came up with my birthday present list. If you're in Korea, I want a hug. Not a we're-drunk-girls-and-love-everyone hug or a half-assed, side-armed hug. A legit, I-like-you-as-a-person hug. I miss those. Or if food is more of your thing, either french toast, pancakes or a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup will do. If you're in another country, letters will be perfect.


Sidenote: Since coming back to school for second semester in August, I have yet to have a full schedule of classes. Something I'm thankful for? Check!

xo

"For your health"

My head teacher has this habit of trying to save my life.

During the summer, with the aircon blasting and making the humidity slightly tolerable, he would open the doors and windows. To even out the classroom and outdoor temperatures? To waste energy? To screw with the foreigner? No idea. Now, with the temperature dropping INTO SINGLE DIGITS already, I am holed up at my desk using two blankets, with no heater (it's not "cold enough" yet, after all) and the windows open. In case any of you are in this situation too, rest assured that it's all with your best interests in mind:


Head Teacher: Let's maybe open the windows (meaning that he is going to open the windows).
Me: But Teacher Park, I am very cold (motion that I am in my coat and still freezing).
Head Teacher: (Having finished opening the windows, has proceeded to the classroom doors and corridor windows) Do you know why we must do this? Very important.
Me: No. I don't understand. It is very cold outside.
Head Teacher: Circulation. It is for your health. If there is no circulation, you get sick. You will be very sorry.
Me: ::cries while slowly getting pneumonia::


It sounds like it came from the same group of ideas as this Korean-specific fan death mystery.

So, see parents? When it would be 100+ degrees during the California summers and I'd leave the windows open with the air conditioning on, I was really just looking out for you guys.

xo

KTO Mission: Mediacity Seoul 2012: Spell on you

Social media. 

Can you imagine life 10, 15, 20 years ago, when we didn't have the constant comfort of Facebook, Twitter and smartphones to combat boredom? Social media and the technology that we use to access it have forever changed our lives. I, for one, don't think that I could survive in Korea without Google Translate and KakaoTalk. 

But with the increasing lack of privacy that is associated with social media, does it do more harm than good? Arguments can be made for both; the "good" can be found here and the "harm" can be found here). I think your answer depends on both your age group and your depth of knowledge (or ignorance) about the matter, as shown in the comments of the previous links. It's such a hot topic that CNN has created an entire section on Our Mobile Society. 

That's what the Mediacity Seoul 2012: Spell on you exhibit highlights—the effects of social media on our lives, for better or worse. The pieces typically have an effect on the audience, if only because they relate to our generation in ways that are both fairly obvious (i.e. being able to easily search, read and reproduce non-private tweets) and a bit mind-blowing (i.e. placing listening devices throughout the museum and being able to listen to others' conversations). 

My favorites are below!


The Tenth Sentiment, 2010 by Ryota Kuwakubo

This artwork embodies the quote that modern art gets all of the time: "I could have done that." Using only a mini-train, railroad track and everyday objects, the artist creates another world. This seemingly simplistic exhibit is in a pitch black room, with the only light coming from the train. Simple objects (think a wastebasket, paperclips and pencils) are placed around the track. The true art is the shadow that the train's light casts while moving along the track. While you can clearly see the plainness of the objects when the light hits them, the shadows create an ever-changing scene that looks ridiculously similar to one that you would see if you were on a real train.


Eye-Tracking Informatics, 2011 by Seiko Mikami

"Observing the act of observation" describes this piece perfectly. Using a PA system, an eye-tracking system, actuators and binaural headphones, this artwork allows the participant to create a 3D structure using their eyesight alone, both consciously and unconsciously. It's an ever-changing process in a space that, initially pitch black, has no top or bottom. When creating your own neural network-like pattern, you're only able to see your own pattern and the one created by the person before you. Make sure to use this at the beginning of your trip, as it overheated during the day and was shut down for a short time right after I had used it! My vision track is in the upper right; I clearly have no direction.


In Between, 2012 by HYBE (Hive for Hybrid Environment)

This artwork was really entertaining for the kids and interesting to try and figure out what the meaning behind it was for me. Using a projection, tracking camera, and computer, the participants' physical presence affected the art's movement. Instead of simply walking in a pattern, if a person stood in the invisible man's path, the footsteps would stop and change directions. Before reading the description, we thought that this may have just been the pre-programmed pattern. However, when four of us surrounded the projection, it stopped. It just stood there. Childlike wonder, party of one. This invisible character is meant to represent strangers, outsiders and "others" alike. After reading the description, I had a completely different reaction to the art: Not only did I feel sorry for it, but I can imagine the feelings of loneliness and being trapped, having all of your actions being necessary reactions to your environment. It felt very...forced. And evoked some contradictory emotions, which, I suppose, is the point of art.


Be Your Own Souvenir, 2011 by blablabLAB

It was surprising how nonchalant the employees were about this exhibit. I mean, come on—3D printing!! By taking volunteers from the museum's visitors, the audience became the art—the viewer became the viewed. First, an audience member (or two, if you wanted to do a couple shot, which Koreans are big fans of) stands in the 3D scanning area (my image is on the left). It takes awhile, but the image is scanned and then details are perfected on the two computers. Once the image is completed, red or blue wax is used to create a 3D wax print of the participant(s). Again, this is one to sign up for early; this exhibit closes earlier than the museum (around 4PM).

Final products

Don't take my word for how captivating and relatable this is. It's a unique thing to do in the city known for it's connectivity factor. Mediacity Seoul 2012 will be at the Seoul Museum of Art until Sunday, November 4. It's free (even the audio guides, available in Korean and English, are free) and I highly recommend spending a morning or afternoon there when in Seoul. The website provides more details about the other exhibits.

Bulguksa Elementary School—Sports Day!

It's been decided, and not even the days with curry for lunch compare. This is, by far, my favorite part of the school year. Not only are classes cancelled, but this day (also called the "Sports Festival" by my head teacher) is used to show the physical prowess of the Bulguksa Elementary School kids. Sure, there were normal activities like relay races, but there were also a few that used some imagination. Or maybe I just don't remember having this much fun during recess (we certainly didn't have days that were dedicated to sports—not fair). Plus, families are invited to attend and even participate in a couple of events! 

I had the pleasure of racing sixth graders, participating in the teacher activity and being part of a relay-race-meets-scavenger-hunt. And, before you ask, my team won each activity. Yes, I beat elementary school children. Whatevs.

Kindergardeners, with the help of their parents

First graders

Intense school-wide tug of war

Relay race/scavenger hunt

6 Month Mark

The past six months have been full of euphoric highs and hellish lows. 

I've had some amazing experiences: I met great people from all around the world; I learned parts of a language that I couldn't even initially differentiate from others; I finished my first 10k; I know how to use public transportation (!!!); I went to uniquely Korean places in Bulguksa Temple and a mud festival; I've happily watched the sunrise more times than I can count. 

And some not-so-good ones: FIFTH GRADERS; I've gotten hopelessly lost; My iPad was broken; I've had 50+ mosquito bites; Two words—butt shot; I've been homesick; My co-teacher sometimes lacks common sense; Oh, and Korea has seasonal weather (think below freezing in the winter, disgustingly humid in the summer and more recently, typhoons).

I came across an article in the Opinion section of the NY Times (full article here) a few weeks ago that sums up my experience using slightly more erudite language: 

Our wandering is meant to lead back toward ourselves. This is the paradox: we set out on adventures to gain deeper access to ourselves; we travel to transcend our own limitations. Travel should be an art through which our restlessness finds expression. We must bring back the idea of travel as a search.

Which led me to this:

God, grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change,

 Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.

I'm not necessarily religious, but it's basic logic made sense. So with that in mind, I'm looking to focus my efforts on circumstances that I have the power to change; as the article above states, my travel has definitely gone full circle as a search within myself and of my ability to "transcend [my own] limitations." 

I've slowly been having a more negative view of my time here, but it wasn't until a conversation this past weekend that I was finally able to accept that it's all in my head. And that I can change how I perceive this experience. I was starting my days with a defeatist attitude instead of looking to what I could accomplish in that next 24 hours. So here's to changing my mindset in order to enjoy the six months that I have left in this wonderful country, one day at a time.


xo

Summer Lovin' Had Me A Blast

Summer lovin' happened so faa-aa-aast.

After a week of summer camp and a week of desk warming (i.e. downloading music, eating snacks and nap...errr LESSON PLANNING, of course), I made my way to Europe for a two week vacation!

Within less than a week of my original departure date, I cancelled my Philippines plan and booked a flight for my Amsterdam-Paris-Munich journey. Yes, I was freaking out, but I needed a break.

It was the best vacation that I could have asked for. Not only did I go on adventures, but I was able to share this experience with my family. It was a refreshing breath of fresh air and I'm really glad that I made the last minute decision, although my wallet may tell a different story!

More in-depth city stories after the jump!

xo

You Want To Read Hangeul? Easy Enough.

Instead of making hundreds of flash cards to learn Hangeul, I came across an amazingly helpful tumblr post within my first few months in Korea. (Source: ryanestrada.com) The author is 100 percent correct in saying that it takes a matter of minutes to learn how to read Hangeul once going over these images a couple times.

Seriously. So simple.

Although I haven't tried it out, the Korean Tourism Organization site also has a quick beginner lesson posted on their site.

Trust me when I say that having at least a low level ability to read will work wonders for your sanity.

"15. The only good reason to go into debt is for traveling. Not Isabel Marant boots or expensive groceries."

Usually when I see a list calling out 19 things that I (i.e. 20-somethings) should know, I highlight a few of them and store them in the back of my head, or on my desktop. I might even quote my favorite on twitter and share the link, if I feel so inclined. 


I couldn't do that with this Thought Catalog list. 


I've read it over a few times and there aren't any that don't relate to my life in some way. Are we really all that easy and simplistic that this one article can sum us up? Because I'm pretty sure that I've come across a majority of these kinds of thoughts/feelings within the past week, if not in the past 24 hours. 


Ryan O'Connell - GET OUT OF MY HEAD.


xo

What I Learned From English Summer Camp 2012

Moral of the story: Kids come to camps for the snacks. And maybe the aircon. But it's mostly the massive amount of snacks that they get. If less kids came, shit got cray with the amount of kai bai bo (rock scissors paper) games to see who got the extras.

On top of that, to get said snacks, all they had to do is play super awesome, fun games with me. I extensively planned out my week-long summer camp that consisted of two 1 hour & 20 minute classes, with the first being grades 3-4 and the second being grades 5-6. 

Ugghhh...I didn't do anything that I had planned. 

Instead, I played games that allowed the kids to use their English, both speaking and writing, including the whisper game, a writing/speaking game that focused on phonics, a photo scavenger hunt and a slapping game (originally based on the song Down By The Banks of the Hanky Panky, but using numbers, letters, etc.). Note: Some great camp games can also be found here and here. I had worksheets on worksheets (on worksheets) for the Tangled movie that I was planning on incorporating, but I learned within the first class that that was probably not going to fly. 

I started the week dreading camp, but this past week of lessons, even without a coteacher or a textbook and increasing the regular lesson time from 40 minutes to 1 hour & 20 minutes, was my favorite time at Bulguksa thus far. Some of the kids are so much smarter than they let on in regular classes and I'm incredibly thankful that I got to know them on a more personal level.

I now have less than two weeks until I take my vacation to the freaking Philippines!!

xo

...you mean you can't tell that this is me?
Courtesy of one of my favorite boys

Some of the kids with their stashes

Experience Vs. End Result

I've always wondered about which part of the learning process our society should emphasize, and this article address a number of my questions. When I was in school, good grades were everything. To us honors kids, it didn't matter how little or much we did, as long as we received that A grade at the end of the semester. For some, this meant studying for hours each day. For others, this meant cheating and taking adderall. The thing is, these groups generally got similar marks. The means didn't matter because the end result was the same.

What I got from the article: In order to start something (whether that be to get the top grade or lose weight), an end goal is a great motivator. However, while being results-driven is a positive career trait, people also tend to be less enthusiastic about the process and the overall experience isn't enjoyed as much, possibly resulting in worse results. If the sole focus is on the goal, the act may seem more like a chore. In order to continue something long-term, keep the goal in mind, but focus on the experience of the task at hand.  By focusing on the experience, there tends to be more enjoyment from the learning process, which may eventually lead to your goal anyway. Maybe this is what our parents were talking about when they said that some activities are "character building" (also known as intrinsic motivation).

When I first started teaching, I brought in candy to draw my students out (and hell, to make them like me). It eventually got to the point that they would 1) 'work together' on assessments to get the 90%+ that would merit a candy and 2) flat out not answer questions until I gave them a reward. Well, I eventually decided that this had to stop; kids aren't pets that need to be rewarded with food. So I did. Cold turkey. And those first couple of classes sans sweets were a challenge. But then they started raising their hands again, without the question of "candy?" that was seemingly attached to the gesture before. Instead of doing things for a goal (in this instance, a candy), they were again having positive experiences in English class.

I'm starting to get the feeling that I'm getting more out of this experience than my students.

xo

You're Saving HOW MUCH?!

While Spain was calling my name when I simultaneously applied for the Korean and Spanish government programs, I'm glad that I ended up choosing Korea as my first destination to be a Guest English Teacher. Unlike the majority of the programs in Europe and South America, the Korean government has a pretty legit set up for us here. Not only do we get paid more overall (including a nice year-end bonus), but our housing is taken care of and, pending contract completion, our flights to/from Korea are paid for as well. My expenses have leveled off over the past few months, so I felt the need to post my numbers to share with others and to keep a certain level of accountability with myself. Feel free to comment on how much I'm wasting on soju.


Income: 2,000,000 won
Income generally ranges from 1.8-2.2 million won (not including any overtime), with 100,000-200,000 won coming out for lunch, insurance, etc. by your school. Yes, schools provide delicious, authentic Korean lunches for about 3,000/day. I'm paid 2.1 million won with no overtime. I know, it's weird that my ridiculously short hours don't have some overtime pay thrown in there for good measure! After the above expenses are taken out, I have a little less than 2 million won to play with each month.


Expenses: 685,000-885,000 won
Note: I also bought a gym pass for 210,000/3 months that I don't plan on renewing at the end of July. Damn those cute trainers who sucked me in!
Smart phone (unlimited data ftw): 80,000
Utilities (A/C, heater and electricity): 20,000
Food (Groceries are 70,000/week if you buy fruits/veggies and the occasional pastry; eating out ranges from 2,500-15,000/meal): 325,000
Bi-weekly coffee shop dates (4-5,000/drink): 10,000
Bus pass (to/from school): 50,000
Social outings: 200,000-400,000 -- This is the reason why the numbers above mean little to nothing regarding your overall savings each month. It can be as little as 20,000/month (meaning that you get a coffee and stay in your hometown every weekend) to 300,000/weekend if you decide to go to Seoul. On an average weekend of going to Daegu, Busan, Pohang, etc., it's reasonable to spend 100,000/night, which is why I burned through my income so quickly during the first couple of months. However, we're now traveling less often, but still going out in our own hometowns, which decreases the number significantly. I'm feeling more responsible already!


Moral of the story is that it's rather easy to save over $10,000 by the end of a contract. And this includes summer (Philippines!) and winter (Australia!) vacations. Unfortunately for me, all this post made me do was realize how much more I could and should be saving. For grad school, to take a teaching position in a desirable country with minimal pay for a certain football tournament (cough Brazil 2014) or, if I'm feeling really brazen, a Roth IRA. And now that I'm thinking about it, I should really hide this post from my mother...


xo

Xenization: My Reason for Coming to Korea

Xenization - the act of traveling as a stranger.


Not that the above is the best description, but isn't this exactly what I want to do professionally? Note: FSOs live in a different country almost every two years for a good chunk of their careers. Sorry, but I didn't come to Korea specifically because my heart is set on being a teacher, and a lot of the individuals who I have met didn't either. Most of us came for the experience of living in a foreign country as an immigrant, to travel and to be challenged. My emphasis was on that last bit: to be challenged. In every sense of the word. In mind, body and spirit.


I've never seen myself as a stranger, an 'other', because I've never really been on my own. When I went to university, not only was I always living with people (uh, hello sorority housing with FIFTY OTHER WOMEN), but I was also within an hour of home...and it stunted my personal growth. I readily admit that being alone with my thoughts for extended periods of time still makes me nervous, but isn't that where you learn the most about yourself? In places where you're uncomfortable? It occurred to me that moving to Korea was the first instance in a long time that I did something that moved me past my own comfort zone.


I knew coming into this experience that that was going to be the toughest challenge for me: being alone. How fucking scary does that sound? I'm not talking about having alone time; I mean flying to a foreign country to live in a yet-to-be-determined rural city where all of 20 people speak your language, a place where the role of your support system is drastically reduced and at least one bout of homesickness is guaranteed. All of this boils down to one thing: you're going it solo, my friend. 


After almost five months of living by myself in Gyeongju, which included a solid three weeks of the homesickness dreaded by new and experienced expats alike, I'm getting to the point where I've realized that being alone is not the disastrous terror that I once envisioned it to be. The experience of being an outsider in a place that I'm supposed to call home for the next 7.5 months is still daunting, but it's easier to accept because I have realized that I can handle it. I'm looking forward to seeing how much I've grown throughout this year because I already feel different (stronger? more confident?) after a few months. And before you mumble anything else under your breath, I know that this sounds like a college application essay, but it's true. Friends have said that this type of experience will change your life and I agree with them now more than ever.


The word 'stranger' generally has this negative connotation (my mom taught me and my sisters the phrase STRANGER DANGER! from an early age and we still use it on one another to this day) of unknown individuals who may go against the grain. But I'm learning that I'm addressing the differences in people, countries and cultures here with a more positive outlook. Besides, I'm of the opinion that being interesting is a rather lovely compliment.


xo

Edit: An article on why alone time is important for everyone at every age:

But it's also important to remember that alone time is a crucial, and too often forgotten, part of development. The real world is not a constant party, or a day at camp. Real world includes downtime, and it includes alone time. And your job as a parent isn't to entertain your children 24 hours a day. Introducing your child early on to the idea of spending time alone -- and liking it -- will help your son and/or daughter become a better companion to others and get more from their relationships with friends -- and with you. They will grow to be an adult who can be happy on his/her own, or with someone else. And isn't that the goal?

Yeosu Expo 2012 Food Porn

Yeosu Expo 2012 was not all fun and games. There was eating to be done! Below are some of the delicious cuisines that I had while at the expo this past weekend. They can be found outside of said country's pavilion and are relatively inexpensive! If you have the time (and stomach room), make sure to check out Spain's tapas bar and let me know how it is! A good chunk of the choices there were between 5,500-8,500 won, but I really could not fit more food into my belly. 

Not pictured: Turkish kebab - Can be found outside of the Turkey Pavilion or at a number of stands throughout the Expo. 5,000 for chicken and 6,000 for lamb. Personally, I'd skip these and eat other countries' foods that we cannot readily find outside of the bigger cities. The Turkish kebab places in Daegu have bigger portions and taste better.

Japan - Being that Japan is so close, it's no surprise that there was a whole bottom level of Japanese restaurants that featured the usual sushi and noodle dishes. However, this restaurant was also selling Japanese street food - takoyaki - and cooking it so that everyone could see! Takoyaki is a fried street food (quite similar to Korea's panjeon in that it has pancake qualities) that generally has some sort of seafood, green onions and whatever else they feel like throwing in there. 6,500 won

Japanese Takoyaki

Belgium - In California, we have this pretty amazing place to get a solid burger and fries. I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but it is ridiculously good. Oh In N Out, you've spoiled me. So much, in fact, that I refuse to eat McDonald's while in Korea regardless of my cravings for fries, but after going through the Belgium Pavilion, these smelled too good to pass up. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Made to order and perfectly crunchy. Huge portion. 4,000 won well spent.

Note: If you make it to the Belgium pavilion, they have a restaurant and a take out stand (I opted for the take out). Try something. A group next to me was literally fighting over their mini waffles (4,500 won or 5,000 won with sausage) and the couple in front of me were head over heels about their coffee.

Belgian Fries

Italy - I might never order gelato from a Korean coffee shop again. It will never, ever compare to Italian gelato, and Giuso certainly provided the best. While the other flavors looked delicious, I opted for their berry option. Doesn't it look like absolute perfection?! It was the ideal treat to sit outside of the Italian pavilion and people watch. 3,000 won for a single scoop cone and 5,000 for a double scoop cup. Clearly you know which one I went for.

Note: The Italian Pavilion had both a restaurant and gelato stand, with restaurant prices for salads and pastas being about 10,000 won. The Italian Pavilion is diagonally across from the Joint Pacific Ocean Pavilion, where they consistently have performances, so you're also treated to a concert!

Italian Gelato

Singapore - There was no way that I could pass up this fried rice. I was on my way to catch my bus, thinking what kind of Korean food I would get for dinner on the way (that would, undoubtedly, include rice), when I passed by the Singapore Pavilion and restaurant. I had just talked with my sister about fried rice and decided to check it out. It definitely doesn't compare to hers (which includes more flavors...yum), but it satisfied my craving for her homemade fried rice. Personally, I could have used some kind of meat and a bit more pepper, but it was the right amount of spicy, packaged for take out, and I could eat eggs for the rest of my life. 7,000 won

Note: The restaurant has about 10 dishes, with prices ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 won. Everyone around seemed to be enjoying their food and the staff was really friendly. In the afternoons, their "special meals of the day" (generally the ones priced between 12,000 and 15,000) are discounted by 20%. Get on it.

Singapore Fried Rice 

Moral of the story is that I need to find some way to travel around the world to eat each countries' delicious blend of flavors. And not gain 20 lbs in the process. Suggestions?


xo

KTO Mission: Yeosu Expo 2012 International Pavilions

Expo 2012 Yeosu, Korea

As I mentioned, I was chosen to join the Korean Tourism Organization as a K-Supporter at this year's Expo in Yeosu, an international event that focuses on the international community's responsibility to the marine sector. There were so many things to do that the weekend was not enough time to explore the entire expo, but below is the list of international pavilions that we were able to journey into and my favorites:

Peru                         Argentina

Thailand                   Korea

Singapore                 Denmark

USA                          Israel

Philippines               Turkmenistan

Italy                         Spain

Belgium                   Pacific Ocean Joint Pavilion

France                     Russia

Singapore - They had multiple rooms, each teaching visitors something unique. The tour began with a brief introduction to Singapore (below left). They had an entire room showing ocean pollution (below right). Fun fact: Singapore has a floating landfill island that will last the country until 2050!

Singapore also focused on how important one droplet of water can be with an exhibit that visitors created by writing a wish and placing a drop of water onto their paper. Truly a thing of beauty.

Philippines - This was an interesting one for me because I got to learn more about a country that I will be visiting in August! It was beautifully designed and shared knowledge with the visitors about the Philippine marine life. They also had different colored sand to be admired: black, white, pink and brown; the kids loved it. Below are ceiling shots.

France - This was a smart pavilion. They had eye-catching rooms (below left), as well as just downright interesting concepts that were portrayed in fun ways. France is currently working with robots in their marine sector, but showed them off in an audience-friendly way by having them play guitars and swing on swings (below right). They certainly have a sense of humor!

Korea - It's not surprising that Korea had their pavilion in the largest building, and it did not disappoint. It highlighted how the oceans have helped shape Korea's history, in both good and bad ways. They also had traditional Korean dancers come out, and guess who they chose to dance with them?! That's right, ME - the foreigner in the front row. Overall, there were 5 traditional dancers and 5-10 audience members dancing around the entire group. It was so much fun to dance around a group of people where the mood was so positive (and this is coming from someone with zero dancing ability). If you get a chance, get up there! No skill required :)

Denmark - If there was ever a country to get their viewpoint across, it was Denmark. They put their money where there mouth is by promoting green energy at the Expo this year. They were voted as 2011's happiest country and I can see why: because they get to play with legos! Okay, that may not be the only reason, but seeing as how legos were invented here, I'm glad that they showed off their skills with some fun exhibits (below).


Highlighted on one of the walls (and one of my new life quotes): "Systematic Creativity: A particular form of creativity that combines logic and reasoning with playfulness and imagination." 

Spain - I'm not going to lie, I was really excited about visiting the Spain Pavilion. It's my next destination after my year in Korea, so I was thrilled about being able to ask questions about my soon-to-be home country. Hence the photo of me!

Russia - The Russian Pavilion was really well executed. And their mascot was adorable (below)! The tour began with a brief introduction video and a walk through an 'ice cave' that also had displays about Russia's history with the Arctic. We then moved onto their movie, which was shown in a boat-like atmosphere. After the movie concluded, we walked around to the other side, and they've completed the vision - it's a boat on the outside too. Just great execution (and that's the advertiser in me talking, apologies).

Overall, it was an eye-opening experience and I'm glad that I was able to partake in it (particularly because I was provided with everything except transportation and food). However, I'm not quite sure that it was worth the 5+ hour journey for a day trip from Gyeongju; this would definitely have to be a full weekend adventure! It made me want to travel to these countries more than anything, which may have been the countries' goals! Here's to international cooperation and exploration!

xo