white day

Store fronts have been advertising White Day for a few weeks now and I finally know what it means. In S. Korea, the 14th day of every month is a love-related day. February 14th is known as Red Day, March 14th is White Day, and April 14th is Black Noodle Day. These are the three most important of the love-related days.

From what I understand, it is the woman's responsibility to remember Red Day and give chocolate gifts to men. Then, on White Day it is the man's turn and they're expected to give non-chocolate candy to the woman (or women) who remembered them the previous month.

On Black Noodle Day, unmarried 20-somethings, who didn’t receive any gifts on Feb. or Mar. 14th, can join other singles at Chinese restaurants around the country to eat black bean-paste noodles (jjajangmyun짜장면). I think I've had these noodles and they're pretty good, but 3 months into the year do you really need to be reminded if no one thought of you on the previous love-related day? On the other hand, if you meet the love of your life on Black Noodle Day then it's probably worth it.

I found a website that lists the other love days as:
January - Candle Day
May - Rose Day
June - Kiss Day
July - Silver Day
August - Green Day
September - Music Day
October - Wine Day
November - Movie Day
December - Hug Day

Hyeonchungsa temple

Admiral Yi Sun-sin is considered a Korean military hero. William and I visited a temple compound that commemorates his military achievements against the Japanese in the late 1500's and early 1600's. Hyeonchungsa was originally built in Asan, Korea, in 1706.

The Gubonjeon, or Old Main Hall (left photo), was reconstructed in 1932 and moved to its current location.

A new Bonjeon (Main Hall) was built in 1967-8. The painted eves photos here are part of this newer Bonjeon.








I like the intricate architectural details and the bright colors.
A portrait of Admiral Yi is kept in this newer hall. We went on a cold day and there were very few other people around. Even so, there was a pot of incense burning at the entrance to the Bonjeon. I wondered if it is always burning but don't know the answer.


The area also had a museum dedicated to Admiral Yi. There were some interesting ancient artifacts, including this model of a Geobukseon (turtle ship). Invented by Admiral Yi in 1592, the caption indicated that the turtle ship was the world's first ironclad ship. In the Picasa album are more artifact photos.

Parting shots: in front of the Bonjeon. It had a nice view of the mountains.