Vicki Finkel in South Korea, explorations outside the clay studio

While in South Korea for a pottery apprenticeship, I was able to balance time working with clay, with exploring some of the country.

Balancing rocks on the shore of Udo island.

I couldn't read Korean so well, but had no problem understanding smiling faces, wherever they appeared. 

Potato chips adorned with happy-faced potatoes.

After intensely working with master South Korean ceramic artist, Mooto,

Vicki working on a porcelain vase in her teacher's studio.

I was eager to see what other ceramicists were up to.

A local artist's ceramic work exhibited at one of the many museums Vicki visited.

Kimchi, the ubiquitous side dish in Korea, generally made with fermented cabbage, is served at every meal, and  found at every market.

Containers of kimchi displayed for sale.

There can never be enough kimchi.

Women making kimchi on the streets of Sokcho, on the Northeastern Coast.

Markets abound with enticing fresh fruits,

 

and seafood too large for their tables.

Giant octopus on sale at the Busan Fish Market.

Mushrooms are as much works of beauty, as the paintings inside the omnipresent temples.

Detail of a mountain-top temple wall.

People patiently wait for local transport.

A couple awaits the next bus.

And are rarely without their mobile devices.

Friends in Andong busy with cellular in hand.

There is so much to see and do;  no time to wait for the rain to stop.

A family braving the elements to hike in a National Park.

The day is always sweeter with a smiling kitty cake.

Cakes on sale at a department store.

Jeju island's coastline can be rugged, and exceptionally captivating, even in the fog.

Vicki hiking on Jeju island.

And no wonder ferries are so popular, with such welcoming dock workers sporting tops to brighten even the dreariest days.

A ferry boat attendant on Jeju island.

A boat on its way to Udo island.

And a trip to Udo island would not be complete without a stop at the famous Jimmy's Natural Peanut ice-cream store.

After biking all around Udo island, Vicki was lucky not only to locate Jimmy's Ice-Cream Shop, but also the infamous Jimmy himself!

Vicki is greeted by Jimmy with a solid thumb's up!

Jimmy's signature ice cream treat, sweet and scenic.