Everland: Where Everyday is a Holiday

The weekend of July 18th the Harrington's found themselves on the road with Kolt and Holly Callaway, drinking smoothies from a Ziploc and hoping that Everland would live up to it's hype. Just under a couple of hours by Kia Matiz and the couples were parking, gathering thier water, cameras and peanut butter jelly sandwiches and heading into the main gates of South Korea's Everland Amusement Park owned by one of Korea's leading companies, Samsung. Upon entering the park, the couples were greeted by the magic of dolphins hanging from trees and European mountain scenes...it was bound to be a good day.

Not wanting to waste any time, the group of four quickly made their way to Everland's claim to fame, the T-Express. Known for being the world's steepest wooden roller-coaster, T-Express draws in the crowds year round. For the Harrington's and Callaways, the T-Express was first on the list of rides to ride, and the four were far from disappointed. After a short 40-50 minutes of standing in line, the crew took their seats near the back of the coaster, buckled up and hoped for a thrilling ride. After a steep climb the couples were SHOCKED by how quickly and how steep the 'steepest wooden roller coaster' lets the riders fall into a series of twists, turns and near decapitations. Having survived the coaster once, the four friends made a few rounds in the animal 'kingdoms' before returning for another go on the T-Express. That's right, T-Express, 2 Times because they're champions!

For the Callaway's and the Mrs. of the Harrington clan, the animals always hold a special appeal. Everland's animals were no disappointment. From 'Wild Babies', to swimming seals, to acrobatic monkey's, prehistoric turtles to oddly functioning kangaroo's the animals of Everland are constantly entertaining and fascinating. Between one zoo enclave to the next, the four friends made their way into an animal show which highlighted birds that fetch 1,000 won bills, dogs that play pianos, and a myriad of animals that run across a stage. All in all, very good times to be had amongst the animals of Everland.

The following photo collage serves as a warning message to all who may one day venture to Everland. Should you be on your way to chow-down and have not been drinking much water nor eating, the following is not highly recommended. The Callaway's were not too thrilled with their decision to "Spin It" right before a picnic lunch. Learn from their mistakes dear readers, learn from their mistakes.

As is true of any day amongst Koreans, the opportunities for photos abound. Cute children and cute couples rule the lay of the land at Everland. For 35,000 - 38,000 Won, (check the Everland website or chat with Korean friends to find out about discounts) Everland is a perfect value. Food prices are reasonable (2,000 for Churro and 4,000 for Hot Dog, etc.), there is plenty to do, and the shows (animal, acrobatic, Summer Splash, Parade of Lights, etc.) are free of cost.

Were the Harrington's to make any complaints it would be only two things: 1) So many fake store fronts promising beer and European foods offer nothing of the sort and 2) There's not enough time in the day to do all that one would surely love do on their Holiday at Everland!

For a bit more insight, check out some video footage from the Harrington's day in Everland.



Getting There: The Everland website provides information regarding 3 buses that leave from Seoul. Tours likely go from other locations around South Korea. Everland attendees are best to team up with a driving friend or ask a Korean friend for assistance in finding the best way to go to Everland from their particular starting point.

When to go: Everland is open year round. Even on a Saturday in June, the park wasn't too busy, nor was the whether unbearable. From what can be gathered, the heart of summer (July and August) through the fall are the most busy but perhaps also the most comfortable times to be outdoors!

Nonsan Strawberry Festival

On Saturday, April 9th the Harrington's and a crew of friends made a short trek to Nonsan, South Korea to enjoy a sweet little red fruit commonly known as the Strawberry. Known for producing some of Korea's finest and sweetest strawberries, Nonsan sits a short 30 minutes train ride from Daejeon which was particularly fortunate for the Mullen's, Wagoner's and Harrington's as they found themselves with 'standing room' only train tickets. For the fair and affordable price of 2,500 Won however, the couples couldn't complain and were soon be greeted by the hustle and bustle of a Korean festival at it's finest.

Jindo Island: Moses Miracle

Once or twice every month, Melissa Harrington takes a peak at the official Korea Tourism website. A recent look around the site yielded a pleasant little gem entitled: Jindo-Sea Parting Festival. An event which occurs due to the tides and lay of the land which exposes a causeway from Jindo Island to a near-by smaller Island. Legend has it, that Grandma Bbong was stranded on one Island while a tiger ran loose. She prayed to the gods of earth and sea to allow her to rejoin her community of friends and family on the other island and low and behold, the ocean parted and she was free to go. Recently, the event has been coined a second 'name' and is known as the Moses Miracle and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

For a myriad of reasons, the festival caught the eye and attention of Melissa Harrington and a bit of prodding and reminding of friends and husbands, she found herself in the company of 3 great companions and thousands of intrigued foreigners and Koreans alike.

The day was quite hazy and left participants yearning for blue skies, however, the ocean kept it's promise and opened up from one island to the next allowing each attendee of this 'cancelled' festival to trek across the ocean, harvest some seaweed or clams, and enjoy the lovely although hazy day. If you're reading carefully, or happen to live in Korea, you may have heard or realized that this event had been cancelled, by event of course, we mean the festival. Korea has had a recent outbreak of Hoof and Mouth disease which is taken quite seriously, so much so as to cancel festivals as to prevent traveling from one region to the next and spreading the disease. Fortunately, the ocean was still affected by tides, men still arrived to sell thigh-high boots and vendors still showed up to provide hodeok and other snacks for ocean walkers.

Jindo Island is located in the southeast corner of the peninsula and is Korea's third largest island. The trip to Jindo from Daejeon is not a short one and should be undertaken only by the strong of heart and butt muscle as sitting for such a length of time can be a bit draining. The Harrington's were fortunate to enjoy the convenience of a car while in the company of dear friends but would have happily boarded a bus in order to witness this unique event of the sea and the moon.

Getting There: The primary hub for Jindo Island is Mokpo. Mokpo is accessable by train and bus depending on where you are coming from. From Mokpo, make your way to the bus terminal and head on toward Jindo Island. Once on the Island you should see a tourist information center which can help with the last leg of the trip. Also, numerous buses make the trek to Jindo for this bus, so check out sites such as: Adventure Korea and Meetup.com to see if there's anyone else looking to head your way and enjoy the sights and festivities of Korea!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

If you happen to find yourself in Korea during the month of January, it is not a bad idea to check out the locations of Korea's numerous Snow and/or Ice Fishing Festivals. The best site for discovering dates and basic premises of Korea's festivals is this site here - many of the festival pages will provide a link to more detailed festival information although perhaps in Korean.

Wanting to be 'in the loop' regarding Korean Festivals, the Harrington's were thrilled to find that during their vacation period there would indeed be a snow festival in the northeastern province of Gangwon-do. Taebaek, the host city would provide a festival atmosphere set at the base of a majestic mountain, accented by a variety of snow sculptures built by art students from around the peninsula and even offer attendees the opportunity to sit and enjoy a cup of hot choco in an igloo cafe.

Rumours abounded that the festival may be cancelled due to recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease which have Korea in a bit of an uproar. However, the sculptures were presented, the igloo prepared, a hill for sledding provided and a beautiful winter day greeted the Harrington's on January 21st when they made their way to the base of Taebaek and enjoyed a few hours photographing and enjoying snow sculptures as well as learning about the coal industry of Korea at the Taebaek Coal Museum. Should you come from a location which does not frequently enjoy snow, the festival is a must, if you simply have nothing to do and wish to enjoy a long train or bus ride, the festival may be worth it and will definitely provide you something to do.

Getting There: The slow train will take a passenger from Daejeon to Jaecheon for a transfer to Taebaek (approximately 15,000W). As with most destinations during off season travel, one may also show up to an inter-city bus terminal and ask to go to Taebaek and likely receive the next available ticket to do so. From Daejeon, it's a bit of a journey through some gorgeous Korean terrain, so be sure to have a good book on hand.

When to Go: The festival is at the tail end of January although this area of Korea is gorgeous (most likely) all year round!

The Quarky-Kinky Side of Korean Tourism

On their recent travels through the north-eastern province of South Korea, the Harrington's felt it necessary to make a pit stop at a famous, yet 'risque' Korean landmark named 해신당공원 Hae Sin Dang Park or Penis Park. Yes, you read that correctly. The Harrington Times does not make a habit of publishing rsique articles but feels a certain obligation to inform readers of this quarky little park with as much honor and respect as is possible. That being said, let us continue on our report of the Harrington's and their afternoon meandering Hae Sin Dang park.

Just south of Samcheok on the coast of the Eastern Sea lies a quaint little fishing village by the name of 신남 Shi-nam. This village once underwent the loss of a lovely young virgin to the angry sea and rough rocks jutting from the ocean floor. In distress her husband to be screamed for his love. Village lore states that villagers were convinced that by erecting sculptures of certain male anatomy the sea and the virgin sea 'monster' would take no more captives. (This may or may not be an accurate retelling of village-lore, however THT has done it's best to set the stage for the creation of Hae Sin Dang Park). It is on this backdrop that Shi-nam became home to a festival which would honor and showcase a number of phallic sculptures. Not long ago the festival was shut down due to Christian protest but there remains a lovely park area showcasing some of the sculptures from days of old and ensuring no more virgin sacrifices need to be made. (A large, ship shaped museum is located in the park which offers a bit of history regarding fishing as well as the need for phallic sculptures)



Museum

Readers may find themselves slightly disgusted by the Harrington's attendance to such a place. Others are likely chuckling to themselves, wishing they too could go to such a location. However, most readers, regardless of which side they find themselves on, likely find themselves asking 'What exactly did the Harrington's think about this small piece of the Republic of Korea?' We at the Harrington Times make it our personal mission to faithfully report on the life and times of the Harrington's and have scored a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to interview the couple and get their verbatim insight as to how this trip sat and continues to sit with them.
THT: Can you tell us the reasoning behind making your way into Hae Sin Dang Park in the first place?

Melissa: "We were in the area, we were on vacation, it's one of the places to see if you're going to live in Korea for a year, seemed to be a no-brainer."
Mike: "We saw some pictures in the Lonely Planet, thought it was pretty unique."

THT: What was your first impression upon entering the park?

Mike: "Beautiful. Beautiful coast. Peaceful village. Glad there's not a lot of people here."

THT: Was the experience awkward as a male? as a female?

Mike: "No."
Melissa: "Occassionally. Some sculptures depicted women as part of the male anatomy and felt a bit more risque or grotesque or intimate and better showcased in a private collection. However, since it's winter and most people aren't out walking along the ocean, the awkward factor was much lower than it could have been.

THT: Would you return to Hae Sin Dang Park?

M&M: "Without a doubt!"
Melissa: "It really is a lovely plot of land. The views of the sea and the surrounding mountains are quite extraordinary and honestly, the sculptures, or very few of the sculptures, are overly offensive, some are actually quite impressive."

THT: What is your overall impression with this bit of Korean culture and Korean tourist destination?

Mike: "Very unique, very beautiful. Highly recommended."
Melissa: "It's quite quarky and a bit strange. Unlike anything you'd find in the US, so in that alone, worth the visit. The location, again, was absolutely stunning and the fishing village was the epitomy or peacefulness, a chance to slow down. In so many ways, it was an enjoyable - entertaining- place to visit."

Getting There: Upon arriving in Samcheok, simply wait at the Bus Terminal for bus 24 ride the bus for about 30 minutes. Keep your eyes open for some phallic sculptures toward the sea. There are two entrances to the park and a stop near both, one at the top a hill (easy to miss) one at the bottom which takes you through the little village, past a coffee shop and into the park. Bus should cost less than 2,000 W each

When to go: The Harrington's were quite happy with their decision to go in the winter. Less people gave them more time to less awkwardly enjoy the sites and views, meander through the fishing village museum, and take a ton more pictures than they otherwise would have.

Chugging A Long on the Seaside Train

Following a day in Gangnueng the Harrington's made their way south along the coast of the East Sea or Sea of Japan via the seaside train. Opting to 'go with the flow' the Harrington's did not book tickets ahead of time banking on the fact that it was a weekday and winter, they'd get a seat. Turns out, there was a bit of a group going on the same day who had purchased tickets ahead of time leaving our favorite couple one option: The Proposal Room. Already married but falling ever more deeply in love with his bride, Mike agreed to the Proposal Room, turned down the wine and paid a total cost of 30,000W (about $30US) for the couple to enjoy their own private room in the seaside train. (A bit of broken English and sudden understanding led Mike Harrington to realize that wine and other amenities would have added another 20,000W - not an unfair price at all).

With tickets in their hands, the couple soon boarded the seaside train and anticipated a quaint little jaunt down the coast enjoying the view of the sea. Their Proposal Room was cheesily decorated and was a nice backdrop in which to enjoy a few snacks from Tous Les Jours bakery as the train began it's way toward the sea. A primary feature of Korea's seaside train is the positioning of the seats, all facing the sea, and the larger than average windows offering passengers the best possible view of the ocean while making ground toward their next destination. In general, the train ride was rather uneventful. A few stops near some Korean military ships, possibly a North Korean Submarine and a few others odds and ends made for a slower trip to Samcheok than some might wish, but the Harrington's were ever happy to gaze out the window or into one anothers eyes while enjoying the crashing waves out the windows...or city buildings...or mountain sides. (One common criticism of the seaside train is the occassions when the sea is not visible.)

Upon arriving in Samcheok, the Harrington's searched a bit for a place to leave their lugage eventually being instructed to leave it with the men managing the information desk. Happy to do so, the Harrington's set their luggage down and between Korean and English discovered which bus to take in order to arrive in Sin-nam, home of Haesingdang Park, a location worthy of it's own (if not slightly censored) blogpost.

Getting There: Click on Seaside Train at the beginning of this article to be directed to the website for booking. If you're not coherent in Korean, find a Korean friend to help you out!

When to Go: Again, this area of Korea is lovely all year round - winter is definitely an off-ish season (although there is much skiing to be done in the area). Weekends are always busier and likely require booking ahead. Whenever you go, you'll be sure to enjoy the beauty of this area in Korea.

A Day at the Beach

Winter is a season which always brings about a deep desire to retreat to a private beach and enjoy the sunshine. The Harrington's were no exception to this desire however their day at the beach would more closely reflect an hour at the beach and be enjoyed while wearing hats, scarves, gloves, heavy coats and boots. On Wednesday, January 19th the Harrington's boarded a bus and made their way from Chuncheon to Gangnueng, South Korea.

Upon arrival in Gangnueng, the couple found a little shop keeper with some lockers to store their belongings at the Bus Terminal while they meandered the city. Anxious to have a bit of a beach experience the couple hopped in a taxi and soon found themselves face-to-face with the Sea of Japan. With the lunch hour nearly setting in, the couple stopped by a vendor and enjoyed a significant hunk of Crab meat, breaded and fried served with ketchup, much like a corn-dog, before taking a number of photos on the beach.

Beach Times

Having 'soaked up the sun' the Harrington's began walking back toward the city. Their walk led them alonside a quaint little river and a quarky (yet Amazing) gramaphone/Thomas Eddison Museum. With nothing but time to kill, the couple entered the museum and were amazed by the sights, stories and souds of old gramaphones. This museum showcased many aspects of American culture that took on a much more novel and nostalgic feel in their Gangnueng, South Korea placement.

Having read about a certain cafe in the Lonely Planet Guidebook as well as being encouraged by a Korean-New Zealander to check it out, the Harrington's followed up their museum visit by hopping in a cab and making their way to Terrarosa Cafe. For coffee lovers in Korea, this is perhaps a 'must' (neither Harrington is a coffee lover, so the determination of 'must' is subject to argument). However, the cafe roasts and prepares their own beans serving them up with delectable little sandwiches or sweets. The cafe also houses a delicious variety of breads which may or may not be worth it depending on who you are. Unfortunately, the cafe is located a bit out of town and from the Museum to the cafe one must cross the entire city and drive some backroads which, for the Harrington's entailed a 15,000W taxi ride. Since the couple is not particularly fond of coffee - Mike in particular, was not thrilled by this price of arrival.


Terrarosa Coffe House



Not Thrilled

So it was, following a cup of hot choco for Mike and an Espresso Macciato for Melissa, the couple began walking back into town, contemplating hitchiking. As packs began to feel heavy and the air increasingly cold, Mike Harrington began venturing out with his thumb in the air, unsure of the results. Many cars passed on by yet eventually, one pulled over. In that moment, the Harrington's began their first hitching experience for a 10 minute drive into town. Their driver? An off-duty police officer from the city on his way to pick up his 6 year old son from private school. Arriving at the bus terminal, the Harrington's driver was adamant that the couple stay the night with him and his family, after a bit of miming and a few English words mixed with Korean, the Harrington's explained they'd be staying with a friend but thanked their driver profusely before heading into the bus terminal to wait for their friend, a CouchSurfing host.

Getting There: Once again, Inter-City Bus Terminals are the way to go. If you haven't been travelling by bus and already find yourself at one just hop in a cab and say - bu-su-ter-mi-nal and you should arrive in no time. If it's a weekday or off-season you should have no problem getting a ticket for the next bus en route to your destination. If 'flying by the seat of your pants' isn't your thing, check out this site for schedules and prices: http://www.kobus.co.kr/web/eng/index.jsp

When to Go: It's a beautiful city, gorgeous all year round, surely! However, if it's the beach your after, try summer or early fall. Better yet, make a long weekend or normal weekend out of the trip and make your way to nearby Seoraksan National Park for what is rumoured to be the most beautiful display of fall colors in South Korea.

Eating it up in Chuncheon, South Korea

On Monday, January 17th 2011 the Harrington's found themselves en route to an area of Korea yet unexplored by our favorite couple. A few reasons lead to the Harrington's embarking on this journey to see and explore a new corner of the Peninsula they now call home, however one reason far outwheighed all others when the Harrington's considered the towns for a stop over. Food. A deciding factor almost...always. It was for the love of food and a specific food at that, that the Harrington's found themselves arriving in Chuncheon, South Korea.

One dish which gathers great fame amongst expats living it up in Korea is 닭갈비 (dalk-galbi) a dish featuring Chicken marinated and/or drenched in spicy Korean red pepper sauce, cabbage, sweet potatoes, rice cake noodles (pressed rice...that's chewy and delicious), and occassionaly lettuce or sesame leaves. The dish is prepared at the table in a large skillet as are many Korean dishes. Once the chicken is fully cooked diners may begin the process of eating it simply as is or selectively places odds and ins into a lettuce wrap to be shoved into the mouth, enjoyed and swallowed. It may not sound like much, but take our word, it's a favorite amongst the Harrington's, friends and plenty of others.

It was in desiring this dish that the Harrington's made their way to Chuncheon where the dish first got it's start and has gained such fame as to take up two entire streets dedicated to Dalk-Galbi restaurants (not to mention the plethera located off the 'tourist' streets). With just over 24 hours in Chuncheon and some crazy cravings, the Harrington's got in two good doses of this renowned dish and concluded that in Chuncheon, the dalk galbi is simply 'Better', more well-rounded, if you will.



Dalk-galbi in all it's glory!



Dalk Galbi Street

Another dish famous to Chuncheon and until recently, un-tasted by the Harringtons is 막국수 (mak-guk-soo) a spicy, cold noodle soup served with veggies and pork. By no means dalk galbi, the Harrington's nonetheless enjoyed their stop over at their CouchSurfers top restaurant choice for this other infamous Chuncheon dish.



Mak-guk-su


Getting There: From Daejeon go by Inter-city Bus and you'll be in Chuncheon in no time! (The Harrington Times cannot provide more specific information as the Harrington's first went to Seoul, then from DongSeoul Station in Seoul to Chuncheon.) HOWEVER, many times, particularly on weekdays or low-travel seasons such as winter, it is feasable simply to make your way to a bus terminal, state your destination and the clerks will quickly have you a ticket for the next departur time! Once in Chuncheon, there are many maps available and to get to the most famous of Dalk Galbi streets simply plop down in a taxi, say Myeong-dong and in no time you'll be dropped off in the heart of Dalk Galbi laden streets...well, not quite, but almost.

When to Go: Whenever you have time! It's likely to be a beautiful and delicious journey no matter what! Chuncheon is also host to many festivals so travelers would be wise to schedule accordingly, those who are die-hard fans of Dalk Galbi may want to consider trekking that way in .... for the Dalk Galbi and Mak-Guk-Su Festival.

Hiking Wolchulsan - 월출산: Rising Moon Mountain

On Saturday, January 15th the Harrington's found themselves waking long before dawn for the second time in the New Year. Similar to their first pre-sunrise waking, the Harrington's were rolling out of bed to experience a day of hiking. However, this time, the hike would exceed 1.5 hours and be in the company of 7 Korean Elementary School teachers as opposed to Guest English Teachers. This trip would also take the Harrington's 3 hours south of Daejeon to Wolchulsan National Park for a one night-two day trip showcasing a number of 'first time experiences'.

As the car ride began, heads bobbed and soon the Harrington's were dozing off, trying to catch some Zzzzz's before a hike which would likely take the group straight-up more than one mountain side (as is common in Korea). A few Zzzzz's into the trip, all trekkers unloaded the cars and sat down for some morning Ramen and Kimbap before continuing south.

Within a few hours of leaving Daejeon, the sun had risen, the trekkers had unloaded their belongings and the big hike was about to commence! In the company of two sweet Korean women and 5 humorous Korean men, the Harrington's began an enjoyable (at times gruelling) hike on Wolchul Mountain. As is common when hiking Korea, the trekkers found themselves walking up many stairways and steep, slippery slopes occassionally blasted by cold mountain air but always enjoying a gorgeous scene before, behind or surrounding them.

Highlights of the hike included:

Visit Korea

The Harrington's will have their first guest from America arriving at the end of December. Many conversations for the Harrington's now center on: What should be done to ensure the most "Korean" experience can be had? The Harrington's have also concluded (subject to change of course) that they will take their Holiday leave in Korea. The combination of planning a 'staycation' and a weeks worth of experiences for a friend, has the Harrington's scouring internet resources for information regarding what to do and when to go.

A couple favorites so far are:

Visit Korea Year - complete with coupons, festival schedules and information on a free shuttle bus systme running primarily out of Seoul

Visit Korea - more details regarding festivals, shows in Seoul and around the country, attractions, etc.

The Yeogiyo - many articles and stories detailing expat perspectives on some of Korea's 'must-see' sights.

If you happen to know of other stellar resources for travelling within South Korea, we at The Harrington Times encourage you to drop us a comment and share the knowledge.

The Great Baekje Revival

On Saturday, October 9th, the Harrington's loaded into a bus with their good friends the Mullen's and their new church community to attend another of Korea's fine festivals. Since arriving in Korea, the Harrington's have now attended two Korean Festivals and have noticed a number of commonalities as well as a few prime differences from attending a festival on their own (Andong Mask Dance Festival) versus attending in the company of native Koreans (Great Baekeje Revival).

One commonality of Korean Festivals is the hands - on aspect.  From opportunities to make masks, learn dances and sample foods and beverages in Andong to opportunities to make stone rubbings, wear costumes and create clay creatures in Gongju - Korea's Festivals allow guests plenty of experiential learning opportunities.

The Baekje Revival allowed the Harrington's a closer look at ancient Korean dynasties including a walk through an exhibit of ancient crowns, jewels and even bronze shoes.  The festival also offered an opportunity for the Harrington's to get to know their church congregation as well as modern Korean Culture. In a nutshell, the Koreans are proud of their history and culture. Attending a Festival in the company of Koreans often means a tight schedule of visitin exhibit after exhibit after explanatory DVD after hands on opportunity after exhibit.  Attending a Festival with native Koreans also meant the Harrington's and all other attendees began the day with ziploc baggie filled with sweet treats, salty snacks, a few mandarin oranges, tasty bread roll and a bottle of water.

Following one of the two main event centers, the couple along with the church congregation made their way to an ancient fortress wall where they enjoyed a short hike, a view of the city and to top it all off, the changing of the guards -- complete with 'realistic' sword fight.

Getting There: If you live in Daejeon, there seems to be no shortage of Korean co-teachers or Daejeon citizens that want YOU to see this festival which is a short 30 minute bus ride from the city. The festival is held in both Gongju and Buyeo if you find yourself needing to track down a bus on your own. However, you really should try to go with Koreans, it's an experience to be sure.

When to Go: This festival has a long running season - beginning in September and running through about mid-October.

A Day at the Mask Dance Festival

On Saturday, September 25th the Harrington's, accompanied by another dear EPIK teacher made their way to Andong, South Korea to watch and partake of the Mask Dance Festival. The trio had slight difficulties in figuring out what bus they could take and whether or not they'd missed their best chance. After asking a ticket cashier the group discovered that they could in fact board a bus at the desired time of 8:15 am and would arrive in Andong approximately 2 and a half hours later.


Upon arrival the group used thier intuitive navigation skills as well as the large balloons and many other festival goers to determine where the festivities were taking place. As they entered the festival grounds they were amazed by the numerous tents offering all manner of goods from crunchy cinnamon pancakes, to pickled shrimps and kimchi, from puppets and masks to chrysamthemum tea. The tea of course caught Melissa Harrington's eye and tastebuds and was promptly purchased...well, as promptly as possible. The ladies selling the tea were adamant that Mrs. Harrington purchase the chrysamthemum because it was grown and harvested in the area whereas the other teas were not, therefore, the ladies would not tell Mrs. Harrington any thing about the other teas.

The festival also provided many hands on experiences. One could make a mask, learn a mask dance, make soap, sample many foods and drinks (apples, mushroom tea and ramen to name a few). One highlight however, was the station for children to blow bubbles. The bubbles were HUGE and the joy of the children was tangible as they screamed with great enthusiasm and blew giant bubbles. If the Harrington's could impart only one truth to their readers, it would be that Korean children are absolutely adorable!

The primary reason however for attending the Mask Dance Festival is of course to enjoy some of South Korea's cultural heritage in the form of traditional dances. Conviniently, the Festival Organizers provide descriptions of the dances on a large screen at the beginning of each dance, however the trio didn't notice this until near the end of the performances. Regardless, they enjoyed many shows, dances and stories of the Korean nation.

Having soaked up all the festivities they could handle, the trio meandered into the city of Andong to get a feel for this 'new' Korean community. Krystyna and Melissa wandered about while Mike sat and enjoyed some reading. While wandering, the girls were approached by a Korean man who offered them food from his dirt encrusted hand and gave each of them a kind of head caress -- a strange experience for the two which lead to them walking on and making their way into the Andong Market to take in the sights of fresh produce, pastries and a wide myriad of household items.

Getting There: The Harrington's went to Dongbu Bus Terminal via Bus 105 then purchased a ticket for Andong. A time table was available at the site: WorknPlay

When to Go: The Mask Dance Festival generally takes place at the end of September through the beginning of October. More information is available at: VisitKorea