Holiday park basking

The day started rather early considering most of went to bed around 7ish. Some of the group was rounded and we headed out to the market. We were still on cloud 9 from the night before so the subway trip to the market felt more like an event itself rather than the usual train commute. 

One thing to notice in many of the metro stations is the presence of gas mask stations scattered around in case of emergencies.

One of the advertisement posters in the subway called to me to replicate it's expressions so I couldn't resist.

We stoppe by a convenience store right before the market to stock on refills and the local shop owner found us particularly entertaining. She enthusiastically kept talking to us with big gestures. Some sign language was exchanged along with some laughs and than she handed me an energy drink filled with vitamins (I guess I looked like I needed it?). She gladly posed for a picture.

The market we strolled through was a straight shot and pretty thorough containing the essential seafood, grains, vegetables, meats, ailments, and household items. 

There was one aspect of the market that turned eery once a picture was attempted to be taken. As we walked by we noticed  a rather huge dead quad legged animal inside a glass box next to some meat cuts. I got closer with curiosity and thought for a second that it could be lamb. Once getting a closer look at it though I noticed that it was definitely not lamb. The dead skinned animal inside was a whole dog ready for consumption. I'm not going to lie I was rather uncomfortable seeing mans' best friend ready to eat at a market but I place no judgements at all. I would definitely try it and the dogs that are sold in the markets are bred for eating. They don't take any random dog off the street for consumption. Needless to say although many of the Koreans I met say they've tryed it and they like it there is still an air of discomfort around the subject. My friend Mercia attempted to take a picture of the dog but the booth keeper furiously got up and starting screaming in Korean so we just apologized and walked off. I'm sure she was  aware about how many westerners disagree with this practice. 

After a phone call upon leaving the market we were invited to a big park along the Han River. Once there we were greeted by many other ex-pat teachers who were enjoying the holiday by sulking in the sun on the park. The people were great and the atmosphere was definitely festive. 

We were exhausted by the end of the day and did nothing but let our bodies rest that night after a two day bender. The next stop would be Busan for some coastal fun.