A Whole Bunch of Randomness

Tis' the season for heated floors, hot chocolate and Christmas lights. I've been pretty busy these last couple of weeks getting into the holiday spirirt and seeing new sights of SoKo. Last Thursday after work I made a visit into Seoul to see the Seoul Lantern Festival. It's an annual festival that was started in 2009 that showcases artists from all over the world down the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream. There's also a spot where one can light a lantern as a symbol of 'hope and friendship'.

That same night, Sarah and I decided to walk around this particular area of Seoul a bit more since we have never been there to enjoy it at night. To our surprise we found CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was. Christmas is my favorite holiday!

This past weekend I ventured to the eastern part of SoKo to visit none other than a penis park. Samcheok, which is where Haesindang Park (penis park) is located, is about a four to five hour bus ride from Seoul. Sarah and I woke up at 4:30 am to catch the first bus into Samcheok. Before going there, I researched the area quite a bit. I did not realize just how beautiful Samcheok was until I arrived. Because we did not plan to stay the night, we only had time to visit Haesingdang Park. I'll definitely be planning a trip back to Samcheok in the springtime to visit some of the other sights there.

For all of those who are wondering why in the world there is a penis park in South Korea, here's a story to give you the details. According to a late legend, a young virgin threw herself into the ocean, and drowned. About the same time, the local fishermen began to notice a decline in the numbers of fish they were catching. It seemed as thought all the fish had disappeared. Concluding that the young girl’s spirit was haunting the ocean; angry and frustrated after dying a virgin, the locals decided to take drastic action to appease said spirit and built this park.

To add to this post of randomness, yesterday South Korea practiced an air-raid drill around 2pm. The drill is practiced about two times a year to prepare in case North Korea attacks. Pedestrians in open and public areas are suppose move to nearby buildings or subway stations as they would when seeking shelter in an actual event. All drivers/vehicles on the road have to pull over and come to a complete stop. After watching videos online of people who were outside during this drill, I got goosebumps and a little scared of the reality of a possible attack.

No worries y'all! I'm as safe as I can be :) I miss you all so so much <3


-Jenn xoxo