We just got back from an amazing adventure in Sokcho S.Korea which is on the East coast. There is a very famous mountain there called Seoraksan. Mostly famous for it's high peaks and amazing fall leaf colors. We were there a couple weeks to early to really see the changes but it was awesome nonetheless. Oh I forgot to mention that Chuseok is the Korean holiday for thanksgiving so since we work in the public school we got a 5 day weekend. Such a blessing to be able to do this traveling around Korea.Sokcho city also has the ocean view and a great beach. So really it was an ideal place for us to visit because we both love the beach and enjoy hiking.
It was definitely to cold to swim but so nice to walk along and sit and enjoy the sound of the waves. An interesting note is that we were told by many of our friends and co-workers that this is the worst weekend in Korea to travel so don't do it because everyone will be traveling so traffic will be ridiculous. We must have lucked out because it took us 3.5 hours to get there and about 2.5 to get back to Seoul. I guess not to many people go East. Mind you the mountain was really busy but that didn't matter too much.
These are my favorite peaks, the one to the right had about 10 rock climbers on it. Incredible to watch. Don't know if I would ever want to try rock climbing. We actually came to the mountain 2 days because one was not enough. We didn't do the big 10km hike, we weren't prepared enough and there were so many other hikes to do. Plus a cable car takes you to one of the highest peaks and you get an amazing view of the park and of Sokcho city.
Most of the way up the mountain we followed some sort of stream and huge rock formations. Absolutely awesome with the color of the changing leaves. God's creation is just breath taking. It was refreshing to be in creation away from noise, pollution, and just busyness. 
Of course we had to take the national park picture. Overall it was such a great time together. We stayed in a really nice hotel in the city but close to restaurants and everything that we needed. I am so thankful I can read and speak a little Korean. It helps so much for using the city buses and asking questions about where things are. It also saves money.After we got back yesterday I visited with a couple friends from college that are living in Korea but in the south and came to see Seoul. It was neat to be able to show them around and just connect with people of common ground and experiences. Chris is off playing basketball with some guys tonight. Other than that life keeps on ticking along. In a week we will have been here 6 months. That is almost half way since we may stay till May. We are praying about the future and have some thoughts as to where God may be leading next. That is exciting for sure.
I am still involved with the N.Korean rights group and attending meetings every couple weeks. There are some people here in S.Korea that are very concerned about what is going on and quiet protests continue to happen every week. I guess what I just mentioned are prayer requests.
Well Happy Thanksgiving to you all back home. We miss the big thanksgiving meal so eat extra turkey for us. We have much to be thankful for so I hope you can take some time to reflect on the past year and all that we have and it is much.
