Convergence of cultures. Pretty.
A four-story Dunkin Donuts in Seoul.
This was the main hangout for Keimyung University international students in 2005. Memories...
Near Keimyung University's east gate.
Anastasia and me in a Daegu subway station.
Anastasia and me with Young-Kyung and Young-Rang, two online students of mine whom I had been tutoring since February.
They took us out for samgyeopsal (type of Korean barbecue). My tastebuds approved.
Kimchi fried rice. I miss the food...
Naengmyeon. (Cold noodles.) Not my favorite Korean dish.
Outside of Changgyeonggung - apparently the only palace complex that's open on Tuesdays.
Gyeongbokgung. In the foreground is the disassembled Gwanghwamun (main gate), which is being relocated fourteen and a half meters to its original foundation.
While in Korea over the winter, I was given a private tour of the Daegu English Village - an immersive English learning arcology designed to give students the experience of international travel, without the travel. This is the airport terminal mockup. It's where students begin (and complete) their immersive, albeit bizarre, language learning experience. There are many of these popping up all over Korea. In reality, they're a protectionist measure: heavily subsidized and facing low enrollment. They're a public funds blackhole, but I makes the connections where I sees 'em.
From the airport, it's on to the plane. Yes, they set up a full airplane fuselage to give students the experience of international flight.
This is where students learn to check themselves into a hotel in English. This place was so surreal. My tour guide is Saewon.
Main Street, U.S.A.
My friend Soyoung. I stayed at her family's home over Chuseok weekend in 2005, when she didn't speak any English and we communicated entirely through charades. Now she speaks like a pro. It was a lot of fun reminiscing and sharing our impressions.
In front of YBM-Sisa headquarters in Jongno-gu Seoul. I was really pleased with myself for having finagled a meeting here on the fly.
My friend Jinhee with Anastasia and me, near downtown Daegu.
