Busan

This intrepid octopus escaped from his bucket at Jalgachi Fish Market and almost caused a motorbike accident. He was subsequently scooped up by a passerby and unceremoniously returned to his rightful owner. In hindsight, I should have rewarded him for his tenacity by purchasing him and depositing him in the adjacent bay.

Busan

Jalgachi Fish Market, the country's largest, is famous for its variety and freshness. Hungry shoppers can also have their selection cooked to order in one of the tiny single-chair kiosks located behind the displays of seafood.

Seoul

South Korea's largest Buddha, located at Bongeunsa Temple, attracts the faithful despite frigid temperatures.

Seoraksan National Park

Mt. Seorak towers over Sinheungsa Temple, situated in Seoraksan National Park, an area that is considered to be South Korea's most attractive region. The temple complex was originally completed in 658 AD, but has since been rebuilt multiple times.

Wonju

On a nature walk with eight-year-old Diana on the grounds of Oak Valley Resort in Kangwon-do, where I was Assistant Director of a winter ski camp.

Photo by Hannah, age 8

Demilitarized Zone

View of North Korea from the Joint Security Area (JSA). The flagpole in the background, the world's tallest, towers over what is dubbed by the South as The Propaganda Village, an unoccupied model city complete with automatic lights at night to give the appearance of residency. In the foreground lies the Bridge of No Return. Until late 2001 propaganda extolling the virutues of life in North Korea spewed from speakers facing south 24 hours per day and lettering reminiscent of the Hollywood sign peppered the mountainsides reiterating the virtues of the North. Since the removal of the barrage of propaganda, the atmosphere of the DMZ is decidedly calmer, a potentially misleading feeling at what remains the world's most militarized border.