NK Pirate Attack

[Photo taken by local Haeundae beach-goer] A North Korean pirate ship sails along the Haeundae beach shoreline blasting cannons toward civilians hiding under parasols.

It seemed to be a nice day at Haeundae beach today but suddenly, seemingly outta nowhere, a North Korean pirate attack erupted as they blasted cannons loaded with what little rice they had and a note attached requesting the South Korean government help them get HBO. The wad of rice with note attached was found inside a beach-goer's, Lee Min Ji's, face as it had caved it in. Luckily she survived to give comment:
"The rice wasn't that bad. It had a good flavor," she said through a muffled and deformed, rice-filled face. When asked about what she thought about the note she just replied, "What's HBO? HanBok Outfits?" Referring to the traditional Korean clothing often worn for wedding ceremonies and other various events.

It had seemed that everyone took cover from the cannon fire under the hundreds of parasols provided by Haeundae. "Oh, they weren't hiding from the cannons. Koreans just hate the sun." Lee corrected.

The ship slowly sailed away giving enough time for the South Koreans to do nothing at all. "We just hope it doesn't happen again. We have enough rice, and I don't even get HBO either. I couldn't afford the American program plan with my cable company...im ni da." Haeundae Securtiy Chief Kim Bum Suk said after the attack.

Back to a busy Calm

I hath returned the Land of the Morning Calm and it hasn't quite been calm per say.. I've been mostly busy with cleaning and fixing up our apartment or with wedding plans or figuring out visa info etc... I am currently waiting to go to Japan to get my E-2 work visa in a couple weeks. When I visit the states I can acquire my F-2 visa which gives me much more freedom in Korea to work wherever and choose even how many jobs I'd like to work at legally.

My job is going well. The kids are good mostly, my boss and the teachers are great.. I have a small room with empty walls so I ought to jazz the room up a bit with helpful things for the kids soon.

Suyoung and I went to Haeundae beach in Busan last monday...so that I could propose. The water was FREEZING but we enjoyed our time together alone anyway on the crowded beach. We then showered off, ate some ramen and chicken, and took a stroll on the boardwalk along the rocks lining the ocean. She kept saying everything was beautiful, so I chose a spot with a nice background, asked a stranger to take a minute video of us, and I dropped my knee. She was very shy to have others watching and super surprised. She had no idea why I suggested to go there. I win.

There doesn't seem to be much else to share other than to post some photos and video maybe..

Love you guys, Brandon.

Wubang Tower of the Wubang amusement park standing tall in it's "amusing" glory..seen from Duryu park on the night a few jazz bands were playing in the amphitheater.

Seoul. Pix of Kyungbok Palace and King SeJong who created Hangeul; Korea's written language.



There were hundreds of these tiles laying out korean history. This section is around the time of the Korean War (1950-53).



A manhole in Seoul near the CheongGyeCheong canal.


This is the PROPOSAL at Haeundae (heh-oon-deh) beach in Busan.