Back Home in Korea- My Apartment

Back in Korea! This time I'm living on an island called Jeju-do. It is a volcanic island that also holds the highest mountain, Hallasan, in S. Korea. Hallasan stands at almost 6,400 feet above sea level. Not bad considering the island has an area of only 712 sq. mi. Despite its size, it's still the largest island & the only self-governing province in S. Korea. The island even has a slightly different culture, local legends & an overall different vibe than the mainland. With it's natural beauty, Jeju Island has become the top destination for travel in Korea. For several countries, it has also become a poplular choice for many honeymooners.

Arriving back in Korea only to discover this mean lookin' hog! The previous tenant in my apartment left me this scooter. Of course, he did mention it needed repair. It now runs like a champ! Well, it runs fairly smooth now. My compliments to Brian for sharing this photo he snapped.

My apartment building in the background. After a year in Busan, I'm not familiar with so many open spaces of greenery.

Jugong Apt 203

From a studio, to a 2 bedroom apartment feels extremely large! It's older, but I'm very content with it. When moving into a place, you just accept what the last English teacher left you. Hopefully, they leave you with plenty, as was my case. Although, I didn't choose any of the colors. Pink wouldn't have been my first choice, maybe second...

I only had one plant back in the states & am currently having a little trouble keeping up with eight of them.

Enclosed porch where I dry my laundry. You can barely see the drying rack that has been pulled up while not in use.

I also utilize the outside clothing lines which are on the south side of every apartment. My neighbor has kindly displayed this visual for you.

A quick turn & you're looking at the other side of the porch. In order to keep the mosquitos out, I only open the windows that have screens. Yet, them crafty things still find a way in. I must say the mosquitos here aren't nearly as bad as in Busan!

Looking toward the ocean, but I haven't seen it yet from my apartment. I think there's too much haze in the air. Perhaps it's too far or there are too many buildings in the way? Guess I'll find out soon enough.

The den, or computer room. I'm not use to having so many rooms, so I haven't named it yet.

Kitchen with a dining room table.

I just wanted to show my cheap way of designing with postcards.

Utility room just past the kitchen.

Along with a scooter, came this bathroom mess. I honestly don't know how the previous tenant lived like this!

Two hours 45 minutes later, this is as clean as one could possibly get it! Believe me!

I was so excited when my director offered to buy me a microwave! After not having one for over a year, I quickly accepted. As demonstrated here, I was pleased to know I hadn't lost my microwave skills!

Almost healed, but I developed some rash on both sides of the wound while in the Shanghai hospital. This side was the worst, but as you can see, it is now scabbed over. Prior to scabbing, it was quite raw & stung even in the open air. The doctor said not to worry about it.

Fukuoka, Japan & Back to Korea

Japan wasn't on my list, but as things turned out I needed to visit Fukuoka for my Korean work visa. Due to its proximity to Korea, it's a poplular city to obtain a Korean work visa. Fukuoka can also supply this in one working day. Shanghai ended up being more confusing than intended & required 4 work days in order to get a work visa. So, I had to fly out for a one night trip to Japan. As much as I didn't budget for it, it was nice to see the place I had visited a year prior. This time, I barely had two days to take some rainy day pictures. Of course, last time I didn't even own a camera. In more ways than one, I suppose I was lucky to visit Fukuoka once again.

This bridge extends to the island in Ohori Park & continues to the other side. Despite the weather, I was pleased to hear two ladies playing instruments in the red fenced gazebo. Just out of sight are the Fukuoka Castle ruins.

This trio found some cover under the trees.

I too found some cover at this well known place. This photo & the next few are from a shopping center called Canal City.

In the evening, the water display danced to the music.

Kiosks nestle near the water.

Not really sure why I put this one in, but I needed a few more photos for this posting.

There were no direct flights from Fukuoka to Jeju-do on the particular day I needed. So, I had take a boat ride into Busan & then fly to into Jeju-do to meet my new employer. While swinging through Busan, I was able to take a few photos that I wasn't able to get before. My hour in Busan also allowed me a quick reflection of the memories spent living here. It was a a very long year, but a very good one. It brought back many, many good memories...

Busan is the largest harbor city in S. Korea.

Busan Grand Bridge

Goodbye Busan, once again...