Dadaepo Beach Party

Headed out to Busan to Dan's 다대포 Beach Party.  They are extending the Busan subway out that way but until that's done (~2016) it was quickest/cheapest to 괴정역 and taxi from there.

Indian Dancing

On the beach there was an "international festival" with a tent and troupe of dancers representing every continent (except Antarctica).  Spoke to some of the people there and watched the performances.  Each tent had been set up by people who had volunteered.  Korea has had the fastest turn around of any country, going from relying on foreign aid during the 80s to mid 90s.  By 2008 however the economy had grown, the GDP increased to 15 times 1980, and Korea was donating aid of more than 1.7 billion usd (excluding the aid sent to North Korea as part of the Sunshine Policy).  In 2009 South Korea doubled it's aid to Africa - where only 30 years ago some countries were sending aid TO Korea).  All this means is that these days many South Koreans volunteer abroad in places all over the world, bringing back with them traditional costumes, dances and songs.  There was no singing this time, but I was moved last summer at the Andong Mask Festival that the Korean youngsters there knew a few Swahili songs.

On the beach we set up a braai, Dan had bought a pile of wood for a bonfire (ended up with 2 rival bonfire groups actually).  I was seriously tired from the night before, but some beer and sunshine helped!  Ate some burgers, met some new people, wandered around the walkway along the cliff edge by a park and the sea.  Saw Shelly and some others crossing the river, Mel on Dave's shoulders.  Next time Shelly tried that the tide had come in a little too much - turns out iphones don't like seawater.. :-(

Kids playing in the fountain during the day

About midnight someone suggested skinny dipping.  After some soju and beer I was down too.  Ran off onto the beach, Mark and I dropped our stuff and ran in (Mark keeping his cap on).  It was only the 2 of us who weren't in boxers.. and when we got back Shelly had stolen our clothes.  This was the point that we really noticed how many korean couples were still walking up and down the beach for a romantic stroll.. Mark had his cap to cover his dignity, and his clothes were promptly returned to him.  Shelly however ran off with mine, which lead to me running after her naked threatening to jump all over her naked unless she gave me my pants.  Pretty sure she enjoyed it.  Not one to be embarrassed I put my boxers on and dried by the shower.  There are more photos but honestly you see too much..

We went out to the big fancy water and light show by the main road - it was set to music and pretty impressive.  They played different music at different show times.  The 3D projector at Mokpo was very cool, but this was much bigger, brighter and wetter.


Stayed with our new Irish friend Rachel, made Dave sleep on the couch.  Next day we went to see Prometheus in 4D - got squirted in the face when there was blood and gore.  Also saw the cutest little animal shaped 만두.