Korea Photograph Galleries
I've published several galleries of photographs that my wife and I took while out and about during our 25 months in the Republic of Korea. This is an index to those posts:
Andong Mask Dance
The small city of Andong hosts a traditional Korean mask dance festival every fall. There's quite a variety of activities in addition to the major mask dance presentations. These photos were taken in 2007 and 2008. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger version of the photographs.
One of six Korea Photograph Galleries.
Out in the Country
Much of the Korean population lives in and near large, modern cities. Modernity is changing urban Korean culture at breakneck speed. These photographs come from Korea's more rural districts. Driving through Korea's rural farmland is a lot like driving through north Georgia; artifacts of a dying way of life sit side by side with more contemporary homes - except that there's no kudzu, and an old-style Korean farmhouse is a good bit different than those found in the rural south. It seems to me that Koreans are more intentional about preserving the old ways, as well. Still, modern urban culture is making its way to the countryside; rural Koreans are adopting modern technology. And, like their American counterparts, developers are beginning to offer urban Koreans an the opportunity to find a restful oasis outside the busy city centers. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger version of the photographs.
Around Daegu
The city of Daegu has been my home for the past 25 months. It is a modern city, with its 2.5 million people living increasingly in high-rise apartment buildings. My wife and I took these pictures in and around Daegu. Specific localities include Seomun market, the banks of the Sincheon river, Woobang Tower and Apsan park on the mountain immediately behind my home. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger version of the photographs.
On the Death of Chaplain Tim Vakoc
It was with great sadness that I learned today Chaplain Tim Vakoc had died on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Chaplain Vakoc was a Catholic priest severely wounded by an IED in May 2004. He was returning from conducting mass for Soldiers at a remote location when he was wounded. Due to the relative scarcity of Catholic chaplains, they spend many hours traveling from location to location to minister to Catholic Soldiers. Chaplain Vakoc's convoy was attacked during one of these trips and he suffered a devastating brain injury and the loss of an eye. During the next few years, Father Vakoc underwent many surgeries and fought multiple life-threatening infections. It was not until the fall of 2006 that he was able to speak his first words after the injury. His mobility and speech continued to be significantly impaired, and he resided in a nursing home in his home state of Minnesota.
Father Vakoc ultimately gave his life serving God's people in the some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. His example of courage and selfless service is a shining light for all of us in the military chaplaincy. May he rest in God's peace, and may our Lord bring comfort and hope to all those who loved him.
Thousands have followed Father Vakoc's struggles on the Caring Bridge site established for him. The site is still open to receive condolences.
More on Tim Vakoc's life and death at:
TheCatholicSpirit.com
The Olympian
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Pioneer Press
Stars and Stripes
Down by the Sea
I took the following photos on the southeast Korean coast from Busan to Pohang. Busan is huge commercial port, with Haeundae Beach being one of the biggest tourist spots in the country. The Jagalchi fish market is the largest on the peninsula. Outside of Busan, however, the coast is largely undeveloped as a tourist destination. Fall is cuttlefish harvesting season, and the entire coast is filled with racks of drying squid. The small, rocky islet is the "Underwater Tomb" of King Munmu. Most of the folks on the beach when I visited were there to fish. The final pictures were taken at the Homigot National Sunrise Plaza, the easternmost point in South Korea on the southern edge of Pohang harbor. Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version of the photograph.