We are working with KFEM, the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement, to inspire the Korean public to pressure their government to protect whales. After many months of hard work, living by computer-screen light and sustained largely on a diet of hastily grabbed pizza, our day had finally come. It all seemed entirely worth it as the Korean percussion band started up and began welcoming a throng of journalists and children to Incheon Harbour, near Seoul, to see the iconic ship. We were overwhelmed with camera flashes and warm welcomes as a host of prominent Koreans, including Korean Environment Minister Mr Kwak Kyeoul Ho, wished us well.

A horde of incredibly gorgeous Korean kindergarten children sat cheerfully through the speeches and then excitedly presented the crew with a set of "Love Whales" t-shirts, yelling "Come Back Whales!" three times (we attempted to join in but they were far more coordinated than we were).

From portside we moved onto the ship. Despite an icy cold wind, a Buddhist monk and dancers, accompanied by traditional Korean musicians, then performed a ritual and gave offerings to whales, apologising for the harm that humans have inflicted upon them. The Warrior is still adorned with the three coloured ribbons representing people, fish and whales. The ritual involved traditional Korean food, which we all shared after the ceremony.

We could not have wished for a better start to the campaign. As one of the speakers today said, "I hope that when you leave here, you will carry wonderful memories of Korea with you." After today I think we will. We’ve already changed one mind in Korea, and we are working to change many many more.

-Adele