Seoul Lantern Festival

I accidentally ran into this festival while I was out studying (and waiting for Ingrid to finish her walk-a-thon that I managed to worm my way out of by saying I needed to study) and got restless. I left the cafe I was in and wanted to get some fresh air, so I wandered down to nearby Cheonggyecheon (one of my favorite places in the city) and stumbled on an event that I completely forgot was happening.

Other than that random moment of good luck, I have had terrible luck with this festival.  I got some great pictures the first time around despite the crowd, but I really wanted to head down again to try to get a few more.

Attempt number 1: I went out with Ingrid late one night after work and dinner because we both wanted to see the lanterns without all the crowds.  It was below freezing, and when we got downtown it was raining. It was around midnight when we got to the stream, and all of the lanterns were either turned off or gone.  We froze and took a bus home, disappointed.

Attempt number 2: Ingrid and I went out right after work, got dinner together, and headed downtown...but accidentally took the wrong train and then missed our connection once we got going the right way. We got there around 10:55 and found out the hard way that they shut everything off at 11. I did get a few really nice pictures of the fish lanterns, though.

Attempt number 3 is going to be tomorrow after I do some studying and find out where on earth my exam is.  I'm not sure yet if Ingrid will be joining me - she's going to a concert with another friend and might be too tired to make another attempt.