Made it to Korea!

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Eddie here, I've managed to get our computer working in the dormitory here at Jeonju University and this the Frederick's first blog entry! Stacey is asleep behind me, we are still tired from our grueling, long trip yesterday (and the day before since we technically lost a day).

We made it to Korea fine, the flight was surprisingly pleasant for an 11 hour journey in economy, the service staff on Korean Air was excellent and the one other person sharing our seat row was polite and quiet. After arriving in Seoul we hopped on a bus and made another 4 hour drive down to Jeonju, the capitol of the Jeollabuk-do, the north Jeolla Province. We will be staying at the University here for the next several days for an orientation and will then head to Busan, the province where Stacey will be teaching.

We have already learned much about the differences between Korean culture and that of the United States and I'm sure we will learn more in the coming months. I'll try to keep you all posted with pictures and news as our journey continues. We are well and excited to experience Korea. Until next blog, goodbye, or as the Koreans say, annyeonghi gyeseyo!

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Photos

Dorm Eddie
Our dorm room at Jeonju University

Dorm Stacey
The other cot in our dorm

Dorm Bath
The bathroom is essentially a big shower with a toilet and sink, there are drains on the floor you can't see in the picture. This is how most Korean bathrooms are.

Drum Dance
We were treated to three Korean culture displays at the opening ceremony of our orientation, the first was this drum dance.

Taekwondo
Second performance at opening ceremony

Taekwondo
More impressive when seen live, these guys also did a hilarious dance to Korean pop, but we were laughing too hard to take a picture
We'll take video next time

Fan Dance
Korean Fan Dancing, the last of the performances, very graceful

Welcome Dinner
A shot of the cake at the welcome dinner, a ton of people from 7 different countries are in the EPIK program, here they are all waiting for their food.

Pickled Octopus
Yep that's right, a tiny Pickled Octopus, tastes like rubber Kimchi!

Comments

[Jo]

Good news
Glad to hear you are there and ready to go. Great pictures already. Keep 'em coming.

[Kristi]

Yay
What a great idea!! I am so happy to hear you guys made it safe and sound. Did you like the tiny octopus? It was cute. Too bad you had to eat it. I love you guys!!!!!!!!!! ~ Mom

[Sharon]

SOUTH KOREA
So glad you had a smooth trip,it looks so amazing already how exciting for you!

[rita Kroening]

Glad to see that you both made it. Was so glad to see you at the 50th. Your mom and I are going for hair cuts on saturday. Jeannie is even getting a highlight. It will be a fund spa day.

[eileen corso]

How was the pickled octopus
Does it taste like chicken or snake yuk!

[Eileen Corso]

eating octopus
Dear Stacey and Eddie, Hope all is going well in South Korea. Have been enjoying your blogs online. Take care aunt Eileen

[StaceyandEddie]

RE: octopus
I actually eat octopus about once a week and I've grown quite a liking to it. Somehow the texture isn't as rubbery as you would think and it has a very slight flavor, similar to tofu maybe.