20 Jun 2009, Posted by Matt in Chungcheong, Festivals & Holidays, Gyeonggi, Gyeongsang, Jeolla, Seoul, 4 Comments

Summer 2009 Festivals Calendar

Spurred into action by Mr. Michael H.’s recent comment, here is a quick run-down of 12 summertime festivals going on around Korea. They’ll be hot and busy, but that’s what summer in Korea is all about. If you go, I’d love to hear about it!

Muju Firefly Festival (Muju, North Jeolla Province)
June 13-21
Hurry down to South Jeolla Province to see one of Korea’s natural monuments in action. The firefly is the inspiration behind this festival, which also includes trout fishing and rafting.
(more info: call +82-63-1330 or visit here [Korean only].)

3rd World Taekwondo Culture Expo (Muju, North Jeolla Province)
July 3-10
In the run up to finishing a Taekwondo Park in 2013, the city of Muju holds its expo celebrating Korea’s national sport. Events include an “extreme” Taekwondo performance, a Taekwondo musical and an open tournament. If that’s not enough, participate in making a large vat of Jeonju bibimbap for 1,000 people.
(more info: call +82-63-1330 or visit here.)

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18 Apr 2009, Posted by Matt in Gyeongsang, Nature, 2 Comments

Busan’s Mt. Yongdusan Park

What do Melbourne, Osaka and Chicago have in common?  Well, they’re all considered their nation’s second cities, metropolises in their own right, yet wrapped up in feelings of both inferiority and superiority, thanks to always being in the shadow of the Sydney’s, Tokyo’s and New York’s of the world.

Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, is no stranger to such feelings towards its big brother, Seoul. Although it would be impossible for Busan to match up to the nation’s capital in terms of sheer size or cultural influence, the people of southeast Gyeongsang Province are rightly proud of their gorgeous and special city.

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