I was fortunate to get to visit Korea two separate times in two separate cities during my big trip.

My first stop was Busan (sometimes referred to as Pusan).

Coincidentally (and unbeknownst to me) I had booked my ticket the same time as when the Asian Games (a sort of Olympiad for Asian countries, including such great Asian countries as Afghanistan!).

I have no idea what these costumed people were up to or where they were going.

I wanted to smack myself over and over again when I got the chance to see the Basketball games for free and forgot to bring my camera, for it turns out these historic games had North Koreans competing there in South Korea.

The North Korean cheering section (which I sat very close to) was somewhat freaky.

Here is the view from the roof of the Busan guest house where I stayed. People in Korea were so friendly, it was in relaxing contrast to the mystery food I had too much of (I did not find many menus in English) and the Soju (an absolutely foul whiskey-type beverage of some sort).

There was an art show going on along the Busan beach. Most of the pieces weren't all that impressive, but I suppose they were attempting to make some kind of statement?

Hmmmmm.

The Seoul guest house I spent my time in was really close to a palace which had some colorful demonstrations in front during the day. These were to commemorate past Korean greatness (greatness before Korea was repeatedly conquered, I assume).