South Korea

Three years ago I absolutely fell in love with this part of the world. The rich cultures, the ancient sites and ultra modern buildings are like nothing else. The people here will greet you with a smile, and will leave a lasting impression on the most jaded of travelers. My trip to Japan three years ago was the culmination of a long held dream to step back into history, and it was a journey I would never forget. As I left Japan back in 2008 I vowed that one day I would return. That day is here at last.

This year I will be traveling to not just Japan but South Korea, a land that is as fiercely traditional as it is progressively modern. I will be introduced to the wonderful culture, sites and food in Korea by my sister and her growing family, and the more I read and find out about this varied and rich land, the more excited I am to see everything I possibly can.

However this years trip will begin where it all started, the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan. It will be a short stay, two days in the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto. I will again be on my own here, visiting a few of my favorite shrines and checking out many more that I missed the first time I was there. Kyoto is the city of a thousand temples, and that title is simply wrong, you could spend a lifetime here and not see everything.

After Japan the vacation starts, ten days in Korea. Gone are the time tables, the tours and the organization that defines Japanese tourism. In Korea I will get to see what I want, when I want and all with the company of my family. I'll get to experience Korea at my own pace, which might actually be a bit more hectic. The more I learn about Korea, the more I can't wait to be there. I could spend a week in any one of Korea's major cities, but for this trip it looks like Seoul will be the main port of call. Much like Kyoto before it, I won't even scratch the surface before it's time to go.

I will see some great sites, as well as some beautiful scenery, on this journey; and I will definitely eat some great food! Come along with me as I take a new adventure, into South Korea!

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Day 2
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Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Eating my way Through Korea (part 1)
New! Eating my way Through Korea (part 2)

Korea 11 from Chuck Hicks on Vimeo.

This year I get the chance to return to Asia! Here is a sample of what I hope to find on my journey. Music "Cavern of Time" by Butterfly Tea. Produced with Motion 5