The last day of 2011 was spent wandering through Jeonju, the capital city of the Jeollabuk-do province.
Jeonju boasts an impressive traditional Hanok village as well as fresh bibimbap, supposedly the best in Korea. I've yet to travel extensively enough to know whether or not their 'claim to fame' is legit but I will say it was rather delicious.
A portion of the Hanok village showcased the local craft of paper making, hanji. There was literally an army of tiny figures made entirely from handmade paper and wire in a well executed diorama illustrating the Korean dynasties. Tedium, skill, and craftsmanship - the holy trinity.
That weekend was one of two New Year celebrations ie vacations! observed in South Korea.
One for the solar calendar
the other, the lunar calendar.
You can't help but respect a country willing to ring in the New Year biannually.