South Korea with Iris

 Let me take you to the last Wednesday walk this month! It is freezing cold here. I don't remember such a cold winter here in Korea. And if the forecast says it is above 0C outside, don't trust it. In Korea, it always feels much colder! So, I want to take you to the Lantern festival and New Year market! In many countries, you call it a Christmas market and it goes on in December, but here in Korea we have it at the end of January. Why? Because January 22nd was a Lunar New Year here. And it is more important to Koreans than Christmas. However, it doesn't matter how do you call it. The important thing is the magic that you can feel here! I went there after lunch before the sunset, and it wasn't as marvellous as it was at night. You can see it for yourself. Just compare the next 2 photos! So, I decided to go to the museum which is located on the opposite side of the road and to come to the festival later... You know, when I came here back later at night, I thought I came t

Time flies and it is almost 2020. Everyone is busy with work, home stuff, and New Year preparations. People are staying in the lines to shops. Many stores sell a lot of beautiful and yummy things. Because everyone wants to buy gifts for their friends and family. In one word, Christmas is everywhere. However, in South Korea and in the most part of South-East Asia New Year atmosphere is a little bit different. December 25th and Lunar New Year are significant holidays in South Korea, but not December 31st. Lunar New Year changes from year to year according to the Lunar Calendar. Usually, it is mid of January or February. This year New Year in Korea will come on January 25. And Korea will rest for 4 days! Maybe you will think it is super short, especially if we compare winter holidays in Russia. But for Koreans having at least 1 extra vacation day means a lot. Korean New Year or Lunar New Year is called Seollal (설날). Many shops and public places are usually closed during the holidays. Seol