Foreign Fun
Foreign Fun
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  • 승인 2011.03.23 20:54
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“What did you do while you were in Korea?”  This was the question I was sure everyone would ask my friend when he went back to the States.  To make sure he had a decent answer, I took him several places I thought a visitor must see.  I’m sharing this in case you find yourself in a similar situation.  Whether you’re visiting or hosting, enjoying your first days here or simply looking for a break from the ordinary, here are a few things you might want to try.
*The model in the pictures is James Kent from Kansas (U.S.A.). He also provided the foreigner ratings.

   
▲ Prof. Dittmer in Busan

An-Dong Traditional Village, Mask Museum, and Paper Factory
The traditional “rice paper” factory displays the labor involved in creating handmade paper, and the traditional village gives visitors a good feel for what life used to be like. The museum offers a comparison of the ways various cultures have disguised themselves and celebrated important events using masks.
Foreigner Rating: ★★★★☆

Bo-Gyeong Temple
We spent a day hiking at Bo-Gyeong Temple. The hike kind of wore him out, but he enjoyed the mountainous terrain and waterfalls. The frozen waterfall just past the suspended bridge was particularly nice.

Foreigner Rating: ★★★☆☆

   
▲ James Kent, in the middle of hiking at Bo-Gyeong Temple

Busan
A weekend in Busan was the next item on the agenda.  From beaches and walkways to restaurants and clubs, Korea’s second largest city is definitely entertaining.  We checked out the aquarium in the afternoon, had authentic Indian food in the evening, and talked some locals into showing us where everyone goes at night.
Foreigner Rating: ★★★★☆

Road Trip Up Highway 7
As a couple guys from the Midwest, a Korean road trip was a must.  Highway 7 follows Korea’s east coast, and I had heard it is especially beautiful in winter. 
We weren’t disappointed.  There were several cozy harbor towns, interesting museums, and comfortable rest areas.  The white-capped ocean was just beside us most of the way up the coast. 
The most impressive thing, though, was Hyuhyuam.  The statues and temple buildings are full of vivid colors and detailed inscriptions.  There is a small temple building sort of tucked into the mountains that has an indoor walkway surrounding the altar room.  Vibrant paintings covered the cylindrical corridor from floor to ceiling. 
Foreigner Rating: ★★★★★

Jared Dittmer / English lecturer