Lotte World Theme Park

Lotte World is an outdoor/indoor park and considered one of the world-class theme parks in Asia. (Lotte Co. is a conglomerate and one of the largest food and shopping groups in South Korea and Japan).

An imitation island on a lake hosts the outdoor park, Magic Island, which is connected by monorails.

(google image)

Hmm. That symbol looks familiar.....

Diego, Susan, Lee and I spent the day waiting in lines, eating junk food and screaming on each ride. Don't you love Susan and Lee's couple shirts!

Oh Korea and your English....

Gyro Swing:

Gyro Drop:

 The indoor theme park is the largest in the world (a Guinness World Record). It includes rides, arcades, a shopping mall, and an ice skating rink.

A Day for the Kids

On May 5th, South Korea celebrates Children's Day.

It's a rather significant holiday because so much emphasis is placed onto children here. Usually parents give gifts and treat their kids to an outing at an amusement park or to a picnic.

At school, children participate in games and contests. Our school had gym day; the students took part in jump rope competitions and races.

Cities decorate the streets with colorful lanterns.

And many neighborhoods host events and festivals for families.


I stumbled upon an event taking place in Seoul raising money for international children. There was a large pool where kids were encouraged to throw their coins into.

Seoul was also hosting an International Friendship Fair. 
Numerous countries were represented selling authentic cuisines and beverages.

chicken skewers from Afghanistan

My friend, Kelli is currently living in Peru so I tried some Peruvian food.

I can't remember what it was called, but it was a fried pocket filled with potato and corn. Kelli, have you had this??

My other friend, Erica is currently living in Brazil. Sadly, I was too early for a food tasting. I wish I could have tried something tasty for you, Erica.

So in celebration of the kids, this is for all you young at heart adults--

"Remember: Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional."

Wheelchair runner

The weather is warming to a solid 21 degrees (70 F) and Spring is in full swing.

People crawl out of hibernation and litter the streets with smiles and a chance to soak up the warmth.

Given the beautiful weather, the health-conscious country that is South Korea celebrates the beautiful weather with self-induced torture (at least I think so)... marathons. 

I went to my first Korean marathon last weekend--it wasn't a full marathon but a half, 10K, and 5K.

What I love is that races in Korea are to be shared by the young, old and everyone in-between. 

Diego ran the 10K. I exercised my photography skills on the sidelines. 

Half marathon runners

Giving each other good luck backrubs.

10K runners. And some famous guy in a sweat suit.

And they're off!

So many families running together.

5K runners

I loved this man!

Families

Even strollers

Beautiful scenery

Go Diego, go!

After race, kimchi and tofu... of course.

It was Diego's birthday. He finished his first 10K in 50 minutes.

Maybe I'll work my way up to running one of these... maybe.