Did a little temple admiring in Yeoju last weekend! The Buddhist temple, Silleuksa, overlooks the Han River which runs from Mt. Bongmi to the Yeo River. According to Visit Korea, Silleuksa was probably built by Monk Wonhyo during the reign of King Jinpyeong in the Silla Period.
Last weekend I went to Jindo for the Sea Parting Festival with my family and friends. What an amazing experience! We arrived in the wee hours of the morning, and were promptly fitted for our knee-high rubber boots. After receiving our torches we headed out to the sea! People clamored to the sand bar, trying to make it all the way to the island. During this night-time excursion we were pleasantly surprised by fireworks! The sun rose rather quickly, as did the tide. As the tide rose, people were forced off the sand bar and onto the beach. Only a few lingered as long as they could, digging for precious (and apparently delicious) clams.
Up next was the parade, wrestling and the performing arts at the Shell Stage. We headed back out for a second parting of the sea at around 5pm that night. After a full day (and full tummies from festival food) we spent the night in a hostel right on the beach! What a true cultural experience, thanks to Adventure Korea!
The pictures are in order of our adventures. I hope you enjoy!
I had the great honor of tagging along with soldiers from 4-2 ARB today, delivering Christmas presents to children at a local orphanage. As a group, we played with the children and snuggled with the infants for as long as the caregivers would allow. It was so hard to leave!
Stages Photography 