tkdmouse

Was glad to change things around on Jeju and stay an extra night as the next day after my hike on Hallasan (when I was supposed to go on the hike) it was so hazy I couldnt even see the mountain. Went to Sogwipo and visited waterfalls including one that falls into the sea, well onto the beach and then runs into the sea a few metres away. Was sooo tired decided to have an early day. Next day caught ferry to Mokpo and bussed it to Gwangju and visited the May 18 national cemetery memorial park. By this stage it bwas about 4pm and going on dusk and was hardly anyone there so was very quiet. The museum showed photos and film from the 1980 Gwangju uprising against military governance. Next day went to Wolchusan ... read more

Travel to Lava caves, which is a huge tunnel formed by lava. The cave formations are so different from any others I have seen. The floor is very rougha nd wrinkly and the walls have lines along them from the lava flow. There is a large mound where the lava front slowed and cooled. Afterwards I walk back to the bus stop and there are green fields, although unlike the mainland where there are no fences fencing off fields, here tere are low walls made from the black volcanic rock. in the distance are wind turbines set against the deep blue sea. I then head to the dragion head rock on the coast. There are giant black volcanic rocks of various shapes and sizes. I climb over them and try to get photos of the odd ... read more

Ariive in Jinju and head to Lantern festival where there are large colourfull lanterns floating on the river. I buy a wish lantern and hang it in the long tunnel with the othger lanterns. Cant wait to see it tonight. AS it gets dark the river lights up with colour. This time I light a floating wish lantern and send it down the river with the line of others snaking thier way down river. At 8 there is a fireworks display over the river creating a spectacular sight as the sky lights up as well. Next morning catch bus to get to Wando for ferry to Jeju Island. Travelling by bus is much better than expected. the roads are major highways and the scenery is constant mountains covered in thick forests and valleys with wide shallow ... read more

traditional music at Baekje fesitval, Buyeo... read more

Arrived in Buyeo for Baekje festival. Went to see Eunsan Byeolsinje a ceremony, and from seats in front of stage cant really see much. Then spot that there are heaps of press photographers on the stage taking photos from the side so I decide that they have DSLR's, I have DSLR and that the only difference between me and them (apart from me not being Asian) is a lanyard. SO I head on stage and no one stops me, where I get front tow seats to the ceremony. hehehe. I figure being the only foriegner I may stand out, however I also have can pull the 'foriegn journalist' line if asked.Then head off to see Baekje Horseriding art performance demonstrating acrobatics as well as performing archery, sword fieghts, using spears while riding the horses. Afterwards I ... read more

Heinsa... read more

Bulguksa was amazing, with the buildings brighty painted. The hike up to Seokguram grotto from Bulguksa was all uphill, but hey it'll keep my fitness up ;) Arrived during prayers which was a great exprerience with much bell ringing and chanting. Next day it was to Daegu and Haeinsa. As I climbed the steep stone stairs towards the brightly decorated gates there was a deep sounding drum being beaten. Hmm so very Indiana Jones and temple of doom hehe. As I walked through th gates there were some fierce looking sentries painted on the walls, dont want to mess with them! Again reached the temple at prayer time and this time there are monks playing a large drum and then they ring a large bell. so large I can feel the air vibrate each time it ... read more

Unfortunatly was prayer time and couldnt get a photo inside Segkuram grotto.... read more