Korea Basketball League (KBL) game; Samsung Thunder defeat SK Knights; Dec. 17, 2011

This was a very entertaining game, with Samsung prevailing 83-78 in overtime.  Each team is allowed two foreign players, which are often Americans.  Although the foreign players usually seem to play the whole game, the Korean players are quite skilled, particularly some of the speedy guards.

See my videos of the "events" at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DftzwIA5HGI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ5iSvpJi3o

This was interesting when, during halftime, they had a kids game between "Samsung" and "SK" teams.  One of the Samsung foreign players came out of the locker room early to watch and the kids mobbed him.  He was very supportive and high-fived all the kids, which I thought was pretty cool...

Hike of Baengnyeonsan and Ansan; Seoul, Korea; Dec. 17, 2011

Saturday, December 17 -- Hike on Baengnyeonsan (215m) and Ansan (295m) 
in Seodaemun-gu, Northwest Seoul.  Start from Hongje station, walk towards the Grand Hilton, Myongji University, Seodaemungu-Office, and the Natural History Museum.  Temp. was -6 deg C.

Bukhansan (Baekundae) Hike; Dec. 10, 2011

December 10, 2011
Seoul International Hikers' Club
Hike to Baegundae, literally, White Cloud Platform, the highest peak of Bukhansan via Doseonsa (temple) in north of Seoul. 

Mt. Insubong (which we did not climb - climbing gear and rock climbing experience is needed for this!)

The temple, Doseonsa was established by Greast Monk Doseon during the Silla era in 862, and is the main temple that represents north of Seoul (Bongeunsa, the south of Seoul). 

Hiking Bulamsan Mtn. (Dec. 3, 2011)

With Seoul International Hikers Club...

Hiking: Bukaksan - Nov. 5, 2011

We hiked along the skyway of Bugaksan and Paeksa valley designated as a nature preservation area in it. The skyway, once a favorite drive course of young dating couples, is hidden in the mountain behind the Blue House, Korean Presidential Residence. Serving to our purpose, it also has a good side path covered with environment-friendly materials. Paeksa Valley is a well preserved area for crested newts (amphibian) and used be a favorite place of some confucius scholars.

Fall colors...