Everland

One of the problems with these package tours of Korea is that one is expected to hit the ground running. You take the flight at night, arrive early in the morning, get in a coach and head out straight on your tour.

Our first stop was a theme park. I guess the idea is that if you are doing something exciting, you will not have time to fall asleep.

As there was a shortage of time, we just got the big-5 ticket, more like the basic five since it did not include any of the more exciting (or as our guide put it, the 'bu-yao-ming') rides.

The weather was perfect for outdoor activites. Sun was shining and cool in the shade. We hurried through the park and went for attractions that children and old folks alike could enjoy. So it was basically a rush from one attraction to the next.

What I though was pretty cool was the little safari they had. There were essentially two large enclosures, one holding the cats and the other the bears. The park had actually successfully bred two ligers. The buses were able to drive right next to these potentially savage animals, which allowed us such close encounters with them. The bears were happy to perform for us for the simple reward of a few biscuits. I am only wondering now what kind of effect all this had on the animals. But then, how different are the zoos?

We had very little time at the park. Before we knew it, it was time for us to head out to the airport again to catch a domestic flight to Jieju.