D&D's Trip to Korea: Gyeongsangdo 경상도

With only having two weeks, we are on a tight schedule. I wanted David to get the most out of this trip so we hurriedly left for our first trip out of Gwangju and spent three days in the Gyeongsangdo (경상도) province.

Our first stop .... Gyeongju. During the Shilla dynasty (57 BCE- 935 CE), Gyeongju was the capitol city. Thus, it has many historical buildings. Throughout the Goryo and Chosun era, Gyeongju was well perserved (for about 1000 years). During the Japanese occupation, some landmarks were destroyed but the government has put in tremendous effort to keep Gyeongju as original as possible. One can easily spot lotus flowers and gigantic hills that are actually tombs in Gyeongju. Unlike other cities, western culture has not crawled its way in. Oriental beauty is still within, making Gyeongju an Eastern beauty.

Then, we went to Bulguksa. Honestly, I wasn't really paying attention to the tour guide. I think the two towers(다보탑, 석가탑) are famous because of their connection to Buddhism.

David at Chumsungdae (첨성대), an ancient observatory made in the Shilla dynasty.

After Gyeongju, we drove off to Busan, the second biggest city in South Korea. Busan is famous for its ports and seafood. So we had to try some.

 Live squid. Disgusting. David bravely ate some. I refused to kiss him for days.

 The halibut fish (below) kept moving its head after it was all sliced up. DISGUSTING! 

After our meal, we headed off to Wehdo (외도) a tiny island off of Guhjedo (거제도). The island has a romantic history. A couple bought it and dedicated their entire lives to beautify it. The small island has many gardens and statues. Each spot of the garden was touched and loved by the couple. Unfortunately, the husband passed away several years ago but the wife still takes care of the island.

On our way to Wehdo.

 Not too far away from Japan.

My dad and my husband, the two men I love the most..

Thank you mom and dad for taking us around and spoiling us! Now, off to the capitol city, Seoul! See you soon! 

P.S., I captured my dad and David eating live squid. For David, it was his first time.

My daddy eating live squid!

David's first time eating live squid. Nasty!

D&D's Trip to Korea: Reception

After 24 + hours, we are finally here! I've been to Korea numerous times but since it's my husband's first time, I wanted everything to be perfect. So far so good. David seemed amazed at the beautiful scenery, yet surprised at how developed it is. Gwangju is a bustling, busy city. He loves how everywhere is walking distance and awes over the number of shops we encounter. Wait till we visit Seoul. He's in for a surprise. The first thing he just had to eat, salmgyulsal (Korean bacon). My grandmother made sure his wish was granted. My entire family spoils David. 

The massaging chair at my granny's he had to try. They were dying with laughter as he oohed and ahhed. 

 South Korea has always been somewhat of a challenge. Although I fall in love with its culture and traditions, my heart breaks as I witness bits and pieces of its history slowly fade away. They aspire to become more westernized. Too many American brands have marched their way in and settled in this beautiful oriental country. And too many Asians misbelieve the American way is the right way. Both countries are so unique in their own individual ways. So, I hate to see Korea lose the traditions they kept so sacredly for thousands of years. But, who am I to say? I still struggle deciding if I'm Korean or American...

My friend Soojin made this rice cake for David (and I, kind of) to celebrate his first trip to Korea. See what I mean? Everyone spoils him..

Anyhow, back to our journey. The main reason we decided to take this trip was so that David could meet my family and understand my culture. Not to mention, we won't be able to step out of Dallas starting next year (thank you, Medical School).

Although David and I married almost TWO years ago (WHAT?) my parents held a small reception for us so that my friends and family members could meet and greet David.

We introduced ourselves and shared our love story. They loved David. He totally outshined me.

I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and blessings we received (many years ago) during our Utah wedding. The same goes with our reception in Korea. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have countless people love and bless us. I was born very sick and was told I would not live long. But, I have lived and continue to live a very healthy and happy life. It would have never been possible without my Heavenly Father, my faithful parents, the countless sacrifices my siblings (especially Grace) made for me, and the great people that have influenced me throughout my life. And now, with marrying David, I have another reason to be happy and worthy (and vice versa). Thank you everyone for your love and support. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

My friends from Middle School. 중학교 친구들 수진이와 민희

광주 스테이트 성도분들. Members from the Gwangju Stake.

We were so honored to have the Daejeon Mission President attend our reception. 대전 선교부 회장님의 말씀. 오셔서 너무 영광이였습니다. 

My BFFs and their special somebody. 홍아언니와 성은이와 그들의 스페셜한 남자들..

My family: Daddy, granny, cousing Hyemin, and mommy. Families are together, forever. 내가 너무 사랑하는 우리 가족. 참석은 못했지만, 항상 생각하고있습니다..

저희 하례식에 와주신 모든 분들 너무 감사드립니다. 여러분들의 사랑과 축복 속에서 저희 부부 아주 잘 살겠습니다. 같이 참석 못했지만 멀리서 응원해준 내 동생들, 너무 보고싶고 사랑한다.