A Merry Eastern Christmas

We weren't quite sure how Christmassy the festive season would feel this year given our current home, however, we have managed to have a wonderful time and will definitely remember this Christmas as a unique one.

We began instigating a little Christmas cheer with some card-making and games with the kids at work, which culminated in the annual Christmas Market Day (kinda like a fete) on Friday. We ran the "Christmas Fun House", which was a games extravaganza with pin the nose on Rudolph, bowling, guess the number of candies in the jar and a lucky dip. We had about 70 kids come through the room in an hour and a half, which was thoroughly exhausting, but heaps of fun.

On Saturday we met up with some of our co-workers for a pre-chrissy pizza lunch. Trent was once again outnumbered by the girls- a fact I'm sure he has no complaints about. We are sad to be saying goodbye to our two English co-teachers (Annette and Christine "1") who have been a huge help to us and great friends for the past 8 months. Jeena and Christine "2" are their replacements. Jeena spent the last year studying at Sydney Uni and we have already exchanged some Aussie stories, which always make us feel closer to home.

(From left) Min-Ju, Christine 2, Jeena, Christine 1, Me, Trent & Annette

We spent Christmas Eve strolling down the banks of Jungnang Cheon, which is a small tributary flowing into the Han River. We made it about 8km before the 5pm chill set in and we headed home for some dinner and warmth.

A fisherman hoping for a bite on Jungnang Cheon, reflections of skyscrapers at his feet

For Christmas day lunch we booked ourselves into the Top Cloud restaurant, which is on the 33rd floor of one of Seoul's prominent buildings- Jongro Tower. We were fortunate to be given a fantastic table at the window with an unobstructed 180 degree view of Seoul's palaces, mountains and sprawling metropolis. It was a great alternative way to spend Chrissy lunch and after 4 courses and a few wines we were extremely content.

Christmas cheers from Trent...

... and I!

And a view of our view through my wine glass

After lunch we went for a stroll around the Gyeongbok palace area. We stumbled across a beautiful Buddhist temple that we had not yet seen and ended up checking out the Blue House- home to Korean President Roh Moo Hyun.

Prayer lanterns at Jogyesa Temple

The Eastern Gate of Gyeongbokgung in afternoon winter light

The presidential Blue House - I wonder what the big wig has for Chrissy lunch?

A Snowy Day in Seoul

Yay! We have had our first proper snowfall!

We emerged from the subway about 11.30pm last night to a light sprinkling of snow, which grew to a heavy downfall of 10 cent-sized flakes by the time we reached our apartment. We awoke to beautiful scene of blinding white snow and sunshine. The below zero temps were definitely worth bearing as we ran around the neighbourhood like little Aussie kids who had just stumbled upon a fairytale land.

Me at the base of Bongwha Mountain, 5 mins walk from our place

Some locals enjoying the view from the summit

Trent in some lovely powder

One of Seoul's key business districts in snowy silhouettes

As we descended the mountain we discovered a discrete Buddhist temple hidden in a backstreet

Santa of Sinnae

Santa of Sinnae is no ordinary Santa.

He set out on an ambitious journey to cross the Pacific, but the currents were too strong for such an ageing (and slightly unfit) Santa and he ended up drifting north. The Yellow Sea pulled him into the Incheon port and after an unwelcome pat-down at immigration he headed underground to retreat from the cold winter air. Next thing he knew he was in a wave of people (mainly ajumas) being forced on and off a series of subways until he emerged at Hwarangdae Yeok. And since that time he has remained in that very neighbourhood that took him in and has become their very own special Santa.

K-pop

Korean pop culture has become massive in the last few years, not just here but in Japan, Southeast Asia and especially China. This movement is called 한류, which translates as 'Korean Wave'. Particularly popular are the boy bands, and they build them big over here. The latest phenomenon is Superjunior, who has no less than 13 members (including one Chinese guy, no doubt for crosscultural marketing purposes).

K-pop band Superjunior, whose website suggests they are all indeed male. Apparently 12 members weren't enough so they've added one more since this photo was taken!