Doosan Bear's and Tapgol Park

So, for whatever reason, we didn't have off on Korean Independence Day but ended up with this past Wednesday off. So, Katrina and I decided to head into Seoul, grab a bite to eat - Subway - and go to a Korean Baseball game. Along the way, we stopped at Tapgol Park in Seoul which is to commemorate Korean Independence. Afterwards, we headed into Dongdaemun to do some shopping. I didn't make out too well but Katrina found a pair of black shoes she really likes and needed for work. Then, we headed out to the game.

Let me tell you, Korean games are unlike any other professional sporting event I've ever been to. Perhaps the closest thing I could compare it to is a college volleyball game I went to one time. There is a cheer for every situation and each player if need be and the fans like to cheer. There are even cheerleaders, yes cheerleaders, both male and female. Since it was a Wednesday, the stadium wasn't crowded at all and we got great seats in the cheering section. Another great thing, you can take drinks and food into the game, no questions asked, and yes, any kind of drinks. So, Katrina and I bought a Domino's pizza before the game and took it in. Inside the stadium, they also sell KFC and Burger King. It was a great night and only about 10,000 won a piece for tickets!

(Jamsil Stadium, Home of the Doosan Bears... and LG Twins)


(Loved this lady's set up before the game. This is a typical stand outside the game to buy food or drinks.)


(Katrina with her ticket - happy as a clam)


(Interesting plant figures and sculptures outside Jamsil Stadium)


(Me in the action...)


(Us before the game, with a water sculpture in the background)


(Katrina with the delicious pizza we took in. I asked if she was hungry. She said, "ehhh." I said if you aren't hungry, I'm going to get fried chicken and take it in. Then, she was hungry.)


(Stretching before the game - notice the outfield seating)


(I forgot to mention these guys. They also help with the rhythm of the chants and cheers!)


(Loved the jerseys - 208 - for the cheering section we sat in. These guys take their cheering seriously.)


(Game shot! Weren't too many people sitting on the other side either.)


(What is that? Why it's cheerleaders at a baseball game. And, they have a mascot too...)



(Little Doosan Cheer for those of you back home)

(The Male Cheerleader in action blowing his whistle)

(Tapgol Park)

(Interesting tree - they used mini Korean flags for leaves)


(Shot of the park with city background)


(Katrina in front of one of the monuments. Sorry, I didn't do much reading so I couldn't really tell you who these guys were except they helped Korea gain independence.)


(Another important man, again, my apologies. If you know, please post a comment.)


(A few relief sculptures of the revolution and moments of the revolution)


(An old, old, old pagoda. So old, they encase it in glass.)


(Shot of the street outside the park. Katrina liked the tree bark and trees.)

Thus concludes what we did on our day off work. Hope everyone is doing well and loving life. Only 9 months left in Korea so I need to start making a list of things I'd like to do. With the Chuseok holiday around the corner (Korean Thanksgiving), Katrina and I are headed to Ulleong-do, a famous island. Also, we just got back from a Korean wedding, we even got to witness the Korean part of the ceremony; so expect pictures soon...