“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Monday 13 February 2012

Lets take another trip...this time to South Korea....

I thought we could have another little trip together today, that is if you’re free?
After reorganising some files on my extremely crowded laptop, I came across old photos from a business trip to South Korea.  Landing in Seoul and travelling down to the south of the country to Busan (Pusan).

(Map of  South Korea with interesting facts ~ courtesy of U.S. Dept of State)
Although the trip was only for a few days and before my blog adventures began....I thought you might like to see some of the country with the few photos I have. 
Its difficult to capture the true spirit of this fascinating complex country. But here are a few images...
 First glimpse upon arrival into Seoul....


Although not actually staying in Seoul you immediately feel the energy. South Korea is a very forward-thinking country and has an insatiable appetite for technological advancement and a can-do attitude, which is very refreshing. No one knows where the country is headed, but it’s fast-forward all the way, which makes it so exciting. Its a country of endless possibilities.


Due to the trip being a business trip and not for pleasure, a speedy exit was needed in order to arrive in Busan which is located in the south of the country. The train journey time from Seoul to Busan used to take four hours but not anymore....Enter the KTX (Korean Train EXpress) situated on the Gyeongbu Line, which runs between the capital Seoul and the Southern port town of Busan. 

Can you imagine public transport spotlessly clean, no graffiti AND ON TIME...to the precise second? Well, this bullet delivers on all of those. There's even a little speedo in the seat head rest in front of you, so that you can keep an eye on how fast you are travelling. It's great! Comfortable, inexpensive and of course, quick!

Once you leave Seoul the countryside opens up to serene temples, picturesque mountains, lush rice paddies, and unspoiled fishing villages to name but a few things to see. Although once again time pressed on....(sigh)....maybe next time? 

Arriving in Busan in record time.... 


The natural environment of Busan is a perfect example of harmony between mountains, rivers and sea. Its geography includes a coastline with superb beaches and scenic cliffs, mountains which provide excellent hiking and extraordinary views, and hot springs scattered throughout the city.


Busan enjoys four distinct seasons and a temperate climate that never gets too hot or too cold, which would suit many ~ me included.
Busan is the second largest city in Korea. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest container handling port in the country and the fifth largest in the world. Hence the business trip!
The city's natural endowments and rich history have resulted in Busan's increasing reputation as a world class city of tourism and culture, and it is also becoming renowned as an international convention destination.
But finally a respite and a little sightseeing...whoohoo...


The Tongdosa Temple located in Busan.


The Tongdosa Temple is a very important Buddhist Temple.  This temple holds the remains that are believed to be the man who invented Buddhism. Is it me or is he scary looking?
The Tongdosa temple is from the Ming Dynasty and, although much of it has been re-created because some of the wooden structures have not withstood the elements, a greater part of it is intact.  Some of the buildings, the ones that are less elaborate are from the Shinto period when they did not use as much paint as part of the decorations.


The Tongdosa Temple is a working Monastery with over a hundred "monks" all of whom are men, although about 40% of the Buddhist Monks in Korea are women.  There are no "Nuns" in Buddhism .. they are referred to as Female Monks or just Monks and are completely equal to their male counterparts...imagine that!
The Temple grounds consist of many buildings, each of which is a Temple to a particular Buddha.
There are Temples to the Buddhas of medicine, philosophy, knowledge, the only female Buddha (with her 1000 arms to protect the world as a mother would) and many more.  The Buddhists can distinguish which Buddha is for which by the way the hands are held.  These are beautiful statues of painting and each Temple holds an altar.  In many of the Temples, a monk was presiding over prayers.
Maybe I should just leave you quietly to your contemplations whilst you visit....

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Ladies and Gentlemen that concludes our trip for today...please ensure you fasten your seat belt, your table is stored away and your seat is in the upright position, we will be landing shortly.....
Well someone's got to get home to cook dinner! Guess that would be me then.
I hope you enjoyed your quick tour. I know I initially hadn't any wish to holiday in South Korea but there is so much to see and do.
Please join me again when you have a minute to spare... Enjoy your day :D

10 comments:

  1. Thank you for this quick visit to South Korea! It's a country I know very little about, and your pictures really intrigued me. I hope I get there someday!

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  2. I'm sorry it was only a quick visit but at least it gives you an idea of what South Korea is like. Fingers crossed that you manage to visit one day ;D

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  3. To think I've been to South Korea and I haven't even been to work yet. Loved my visit this morning, the photos are stunning. I was wondering what was in all those urns?

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  4. Isn't modern day travel amazing? There and back before you know it!
    I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip and thank you for the lovely comments.
    I wish I could answer your question about the urns...they fascinated me too, but unfortunately there was no-one around at the time to ask.
    I think probably they were food stores but that’s a guess I'm afraid. I'm not even sure visitors were supposed to see that part....
    If anyone reading this post knows, then hopefully they may come forward and put us out of our quandary...they were so intriguing.
    I hope you have a great week and thanks again for stopping by
    :D

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  5. Love it!! How privileged I am to sit back and relax and fly first class (no crowded coach class here peoples!) to a land I've never been to before! Thank you that was awesome!!

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  6. I'm so happy you had an enjoyable trip...I have to admit there's no better way to travel ;D
    No hassle and I always insist on my airline being the best!
    I hope you were able to enjoy the inflight refreshments too (having a cuppa to hand whilst touring really seals the deal).
    Once again thank you for flying with us today, we look forward to having you fly with 'Neesie Navigates' again soon :D
    (I promise I haven't had a drop...I'm still in no-alcohol February...maybe I've just done too many flights)
    It was great to have you leave such lovely comments. This post did take up quite some time, so I appreciate your feedback.
    Have a great week xoxo

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  7. what a beautiful country, thankyou so much for sharing, this was lovely.

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  8. My pleasure Laurie,
    Have a great week :D

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  9. Wow- such incredible photos!! How lucky were you to be able to take this incredible trip! I would have loved every minute of being here --( but not the long flight!!)

    Thanks for such a great photo journey!
    Love,
    Vicki

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  10. Hi Vicki,
    Yeah I'm not a fan of long haul flights either, but then I've been doing them regularly for over 22 years....so I should be used to them by now. But I wonder if you ever get used to them ~ other than if you're the pilot of course.
    I'm so happy you enjoyed the photo journey and stopped by to say 'hello'.
    Like yourself I get such a buzz out of having friends popping in for a quick natter.
    I hope you're week is going well :D

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I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

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