Oedo Paradise Island

So, do you know that the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games will be held in South Korea? Do drop by and watch the spectacular competitor,where many of the world athletic gathers here to showcase their sportsmanship in winter sports.

It will be held in Gangwondo Provinces, but you know what! Since you are here in South Korea, you should just visit Seoul, the games only. You should make full use of your precious time here, to  explore the beauty of South Korea. In this post, I would like to recommend you a private island at the South West of South Korea. The island is none other than Oedo Paradise Island. 

Just for your information on getting here, probably the only way that you could get to this island will be through taking a boat, roughly 20 minutes ride from the Gujora Port on Geojedo Island, or there are actually a total of 6 ports from Geoje Island where you can take a boat to the Oedo Paradise Island. The approximate distance of the Oedo Paradise island is 4km away from the Geojedo Island. Moreover, if you are mesmerising the island like me, one bad news is that you are not allowed to stay overnight on the island. Adding on to this, visitors are entitled to 1 hour 30 minutes of visiting time to this paradise island before departing to Geoje Island. 

You might be thinking like what so special about this island? What makes it for me to go all the way South and to take a bat from another Island. But, let me tell you this, you will feel yourself being in a wonderland or in some fantasy Korean drama or fairytale once you reached there.

Like I had said before, this is a private island and you must be wondering, who is the owner? The owner is none other than Mr Lee Chang Ho, who first came to Oedo Paradise Island as a way to escape from the strong winds and waves while he was fishing on the sea. The breathtaking landscape that you could find almost everywhere in the island is actually created by the owner himself,together with his wife for the past 30 years. I could really feel how precious is this island to the owner as it is  a very well tended garden and that they had showered a lot of care and love towards this island,just like their own child. 

With it awesomely designed botanical gardens, where it is designed based on the European theme that consists or more than 3000 species of  flora and fauna, it  sets a relaxing and stunning atmosphere that allows visitors to indulge in the natural environment  and the magnificent ocean views. 

Many of you especially those who are a fan of Korean Drama must have known the famous Korean Drama "Stairway to Heaven." Over here, you are truly experiencing what is it like to be on the Stairway to Heaven, due to the fact that there are two sides of the stairways which allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful terrace landscape on either side of the stairways. Therefore, there is no doubt that Oedo Paradise Island is indeed a Paradise in the world!

As I had mentioned about the natural landscape, this island being a garden! One has to take note of the seasonality. Spring is a season where flowers blooms and Oedo Paradise Island is no exception! In Oedo Paradise Island, there are several theme gardens, such as Cactus garden and flowers gardens including some rare species. Do note that summer is the peak period of the island, so do have plans before you visit.

Address: 17, Oedo-gil, Irun-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Admission Fees

Adults: 11,000won

Military and Students( middle to high school student)- 8,000won

Children up to 25 months): 5,000won

Website: www.oedobotania.com

For more information: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264203

Somaemuldo Island (소매물도)

You ain't dreaming! This is a picture taken from one of the hidden gems of South Korea. If you happen to visit South Korea, visit this island! Also, something that you shouldn't miss out will definitely be the PyeongChang Winter Olympic, which will be held in 2018.

The name of the island is actually called Somaemuldo Island! You might be wondering what  does Somaemuldo means right! Here's a little brief on the origins of its name. It is actually due to an island which is just beside Somaemuldo, known as the Maemuldo Island. Maemuldo Island is derived from the fact that it is an area with one of the largest producers of maemul, which is known as buckwheat in English! In Korean, the word" So" , actually means small! Hence, due to the size of Somaemuldo Island, which is relatively smaller than Maemuldo Island, it is named as Somaemuldo Island. So, that is actually how Somaemuldo got it's name.

Indeed, due to its small size, one might be wondering what is there to see or play over there! Let's go back to the 1904, where the Kims family who originally lived in Gimhae,South Korea, moved to this island as they had heard that there is an abundant of food to the point where no one would starve. After relocating from the main island, they established the whole village here and this spice up the lives of the island. With this, accommodations, restaurants are established for the convenience of both the local and tourists, enabling tourists who visit this island to enjoy the panoramic scene of the island without much inconvenience. One bonus will be that the locals here are extremely friendly and hospitable to visitors, even towards a foreigner like me, they treated me just like a part of them.

This island is highly recommended for people who are wanderluster, who wants to get closer to the nature, nature lovers, hikers or anyone who want to escape from the stressful city lives and just relax! As this island can provide the healing that you need!

However, to enjoy this island, you have to work for it! Work, I mean is to hike. You have to trek up the mountain from the port, to really indulge in the island! Hence, get ready a bottle of water, torch and a pair of comfortable sneakers! Some might think that it is tough doing so, but trust me, it is worth it. While you are trekking up the mountain, you will be able to see plentiful of flora and fauna! A tip will be to try trekking up early as it is relatively dangerous to trek after the sunset as there isn't lamp posts installed over there! Also, you will have myriad of time to take photos of the different beautiful scenery that is offered!

Every different part of the trekking trail offers different kinds of spectacular scenary!

Right behind me is one of the hidden gems of Somaemuldo Island- the stratified bluffs of Deungdaeseom( Lighthouse Island).   Don't the Lighthouse behind me look like some Korean drama scene! According to the locals there,  you will be able to cross the sea and visit the island there before the sunset! Yeah! Cross the sea! Meaning that between the sunrise and sunset, the water will separate causing it to formed a path for people to walk over to Somaemuldo Island to the Lighthouse Island. Won't it be wonderful if there is an helicopter and you could be like in those drama scene where you and your loved one view the entire landscape of the island from above.

This is the sunset of Somaemuldo Island! Just beside the Deungsaeseom(Lighthouse Island). Note that this photo is without filter, so you could really feel and experience how it was like to view the sun setting in to the sea! Amazing and definitely a memorable experience that I will never forget!

Back when you are in the village, where we stayed at the pension operated by the locals, there are many wall painting for visitors to explore and take photo is! Also, you can spice up your night there by having BBQ party with your friends and even play fireworks along the sea!

With all these, you might be wondering where is it right! It is located at the South east area of South Korea, the nearest city will be Tongyeong City. One fun fact about the location will be that is at the extremely end of South Korea to the point that it is just several miles away from a Japan Island!

That's all for Somaemuldo Island, hope you guys have an enjoyable time when visiting there and dont forget that the much awaited PyeongChang Winter Olympic will be held from Februrary 9 to 25, 2018! Mark down the dates now and don't missed it! 

[Information]

Direction: From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an express bus heading to Tongyeong Terminal통영종합버스터미널.

Upon reaching, head to the Bus stop call Intercity Bus terminal시외버스터미널 and take bus 101, which is heading towards Tongyeong Police Station/ Seoho Market/Nampo Elementary School. Alight 18 Bus stops later at SeoHo Market Bus stop(서호시장 정류장)

Map:http://map.naver.com/…

For more information:
1)http://eng.maemuldo.go.kr/sub/04_02_01.asp
2)http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp…

Jeju Island

Do you know that the upcoming Winter Olympics Games will be held in South Korea? Do take a note down if you would like to watch the games or am visiting South Korea from February 9 to 25,2018 or march 9 to 18, 2018.

Besides watching the games, you might be wondering, where else should I go too right? I hope you had heard Jeju Island before, it is one of the most amazing and popular island in South Korea. Located at the southern part of South Korea(The South of the South), it is known as the Island of the Gods and remains as one of the most popular honeymoon destination for Korean. So, if you are coming with your loves one, this is definitely a place not to miss out! But, if you are coming alone, talking from a personal experience, it is a perfect island for you to travel! As it is an island that is like Hawaii of South Korea where there are tons of beautiful natural scenery, volcanic rocks, spectacular waterfalls, great place to watch the sunrises and sunsets along the sea side and enjoy the SEA,SAND,SUN!

Me, myself had been to Jeju Island several times, with my family, friends and also alone! So, I would highly recommend you to visit there! Going to Jeju Island, you can only take a plane or a ferry. Taking a plane would be faster and there are several budget carriers in South Korea which could fly you from ports of South Korea( Such as Seoul, Busan) at an affordable price. Hence, I would highly recommend you to fly there. But, if you wanted to experience taking a ferry in South Korea, it would be a great experience too.

This is the amazing view that I and my friend saw when we are approaching Jeju Island. Look at that amazing sea, it makes me even more excited about this island even before stepping on it.

One of the must visit and popular attraction in Jeju Island would definitely be the  Seognsan ilchubong Peak, also known as the Sunrise Peak. Listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage, this peak was actually  formed after a volcano erupition on bottom of the sea, that causes it to rose. Amazing right? You are able to trek up the peak, it could be tiring, but let me tell you, it is 100% worth it. This is because upon reaching the peak,  the view up there  is unbelievably beautiful! Word could not describe how i feel when I was up there!

Also, when you are there, you could ride a pony and be able to see the Haenyeo. Just in case you are wondering what Haenyeo is, it actually means "sea woman". Sounds like a real life mermaid right! These amazing woman divers are very popular in Jeju Island! 

Some amazing facts about these sea woman or Haenyeo is that most of them are over the age of 50 and they could hod their breath in the sea for over three minutes and dive as deep as 30 meters while harvesting seashells, octopus, urchins and many more. One thing to note is that, there are certain timing to watch their performances and if the weather is bad, their performances might be cancelled. However, if you are lucky, you are able to watch their performance and also buy some fresh seafood from them.

Adding on, you are also to take a speedboat for 10,000 Korean Won to enjoy the spectacular view of the Peak and the stunning sea view of Jeju Island.

Another spectacular attractions in Jeju Island will be the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff! It is another great place for you to escape the hectic city life and to slow down you footstep to enjoy the serenity of the ocean view. One of the most amazing experience there is when the high tides comes and strikes  those stones pillars and you could see how strong the stone pillars is like and the aftermath of it. Some information of this cliff! If you look at the bottom of the cliff, did you realized that it is shaped in rectangular cubic? It looks so proportionate that you might be thinking that it is built by human beings right! If yes, then I am sorry, you are wrong! These stone pillars are actually developed naturally and because of that it is designated as Jeju Island's cultural monument. 

Another beautiful place where you could get closer to the nature, will be the Hallim Park. You might be thinking, oh come on, it is just another park, but let me tell you this, it is not! This park is incredible in a way that it makes me feels as if I had travelled across the pacific ocean to Hawaii!  It encompasses with a beautiful water garden, extremely tall rows of palm trees, gardens, animals and amazing beaches. Also, if you are planing to explore the caves in Jeju Island, the Hyeopjaegul Caves is right in this park! 

Last but not least, when you are in Jeju Island, do remember to try out their famous orange, called the hallabong! It is a bell shaped looking orange, which is  one of the kind and only available in Jeju Island! The sweetness of the orange cannot be compared with others.

평창 WINNERS 4기 모집!!!

2011년 7월 7일 새벽, 2018년 동계올림픽대회 개최지로 대한민국의 평창이 선정된 지로부터 어언 5년이라는 시간이 지났다. 지난 5년 동안 2018평창동계올림픽대회를 향한 힘찬 여정 속에서 많은 기록들이 쓰여져 왔다. 김연아 선수를 비롯한 한국을 대표하는 스타들이 대회 홍보대사로 임명되었고, 대회가 치러질 호스트 시티의 경기장들은 밤낮을 가리지 않고 세워 올려져 갔으며, 2016년 초에는 2018평창 대회를 미리 점검하는 테스트 이벤트도 열렸다. 우리 국민 모두가 염원하던 동계올림픽 유치 성공 이후, 평창은 2018년 전세계에 평화와 희망의 메시지를 전하기 위해 불철주야 준비 중이다.

그리고 그 오랜 준비의 시간 속에는 장차 나라의 동량지재가 될 우리 청춘들이 차곡차곡 적어 내려간 열정의 기록들이 있다. ‘우리가 만드는 올림픽’ 이라는 기치 아래 단결한 ‘청춘’들의 이름은 평창WINNERS이다.

평창WINNERS는 2018평창동계올림픽대회의 공식 대학생기자단이다. 

공식 홍보대사에 대한민국을 대표하는 얼굴들이 선정된다면, 우리 평창WINNERS는 열정과 끼로 똘똘 뭉친 ‘대학생 홍보대사’라고 할 수 있겠다. 우리는 ‘2018평창 대회는 우리 손으로 만든다’는 마음가짐으로 대회와 관련된 소식, 대회를 준비하는 사람들의 이야기, 대회를 향해 달리고 있는 선수들의 땀과 열정을 글과 사진 그리고 영상을 통해 주위에 전한다. 기자라는 이름 아래 만들어낸 결과물이 다소 서툴 수는 있어도 올림픽을 향한 애정으로 포장된 소식들이 2018평창을 꿈꾸는 모든 사람들에게 희망과 용기를 전하는 선물 같은 존재가 되었으면 하는 바람으로 열심히 활동하고 있다.

  

 그렇다면 평창WINNERS 3기는 어떤 활동들을 했는지 우리 ‘응답하라2018’팀을 중심으로 한 번 살펴보자. 2016년 1월 설렘 가득했던 1박2일 간의 팸투어를 시작으로 평창WINNERS 3기의 항해는 시작되었다. 많은 시간이 지나더라도 사람들의 가슴 속에 따뜻한 기억으로 남을 수 있는 2018평창 대회를 만들어보자는 뜻에서 지은 팀 이름 ‘응답하라2018’. 기분 좋은 설렘을 주는 팀 이름을 걸고 우리 여섯 명의 팀원들은 그 6개월 여정의 시작을 알렸다.

대한항공 사랑나눔 일일카페, 2018평창동계패럴림픽대회 홍보, 아이스하키 응원 영상 제작 등 우리 팀의 이름을 걸고 했던 많은 활동을 통해 우리는 ‘우리가 만드는 올림픽’이라는 하나의 꿈을 꾸며 열심히 의기투합 했고, 기사 속 써 내려가는 활자 하나하나에 큰 대회를 함께 준비하는 책임감과 성취감을 느꼈으며,더불어 쌓이는 추억들로 행복했고, 한 뼘 더 성장할 수 있었다.

 벌써부터 4기 모집 시작했네요. WINNERS되고 싶은 분 빨리 신청하기 바랍니다.

우리 다 WINNER 됩시다.

This article was written by an official university student reporter of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, PyeongChang WINNERS. Some contents might be different from official position of the Organizing Committee."

"기사는 제3기 대학생 기자단 평창WINNERS 활동 일환으로 작성되었으며, 조직위원회 공식 입장과는 무관합니다."

[출처] 평창위너스 WINNERS 4기 모집|작성자 Taewoo Yu

[Personal Analysis] If South Korea doesn't deploy THAAD, what are the alternatives?

Based on my understanding, one of the main reasons for the deployment of THAAD is due to the increasingly nuclear threat that causes the national security of South Korea. Other than THAAD, are there any alternatives that could be done? 

Following are some of the alternatives of THAAD will I personally feel will be feasible.

   1) Call for a stronger measure from China and Russia along with the existing sanctions

The UN Security Council resolution (2270) regarding sanctions on North Korea is in effect, encompassing transaction of shipping service, armed goods including WMD and financial support. However, there is a constant capital interaction at a market between North Korea and China where several items are still being imported, not to mention the smuggling trade. Therefore, sugguestion can be made to  China in taking a substantive measure that blocks the capital inflow to North Korea, which will end up supporting the development of its arsenal. Moreover, Russia’s “Najin-Hasan Project” may be asked to be stopped for the same reason.

   2) Resume of the Six-Party Talk

Ideally, all relevant parties seek to resolve North Korea’s nuclear issue in a peaceful manner. China and Russia in particular, strongly suggest to resume the Six-Party talk to persuade Pyongyang, asserting the absence of other options. For the past six meetings, the Six-Party Talk did make a progress in solidifying and integrating the will of participating countries to denuclearize Pyongyang. However, the practicality issue remains in question. Hence considering today’s situation,  six-party talk can be resume even without North Korea to facilitate the enforcement mechanism.

   3) Strengthening KAMD (Korea Air and Missile Defense)

The Republic of Korea Force already possesses its own missile defense system which is only confined to provide protection at terminal stage of missile attack. Instead of deploying the THAAD that guarantees higher probability of defense, South Korea may take a leverage role for receiving financial and technical support from China and Russia to enhance the existing system of KAMD. The support not only includes increasing the number of intercepting missiles but also upgrading the altitude capability of the system.

[Personal Analysis] If THAAD is deployed.....

China explicitly expressed regret over the issue of the THAAD deployment, with an argument that its security interest is infringed upon by possible surveillance activity that the THAAD would conduct. Considering South Korea’s relations with China and the degree of which both countries engage in economic interaction, it is difficult to overlook China’s concern. As the THAAD agreement comes closer to the final authorization, Seoul must establish a set of conditions to alleviate potential actions that would adversely affect South Korea – China relationship.

Therefore, here  are some of my personal suggestion on what South Korea should do, if they were to deploy THAAD.

   1) Location of the THAAD installation in the rear area of the Peninsula

To compromise with China’s strong opposition to implementing the THAAD system, it is understood that China’s main concern is the  THAAD’s range of detection. The system comes along with detecting equipment, X-Band Radar(AN/TPY-2), that covers the range from 600km to 1,800km. Hence, what I would suggest is to locate the equipment in the southerner area of the Peninsula. There are four locations for candidates: Pyong-taek, Won-ju, Dae-gu, and Busan. Therefore, if THAAD were to be  deployed in Daegu or Busan to express that it is exclusively detecting the North strategic activities, China might be understanding about South Korea's rationale in employing THAAD.

   2) Flexibility on the operation-authority of the THAAD

Eventhough the government employs the system, the control authority would be at the US force’s maneuver. In order to assure that the system is solely aiming at North Korea, the ROK-US alliance may divide up the responsibility over operating the THAAD. During the normal condition, the force may jointly conduct the operation of the system whereas ROK force takes the full responsibility at a provocation-time phase.

   3) Restricting the capability of the THAAD

If above two conditions are not met due to political issues, the government may ask for rearranging the THAAD’s capability, redesigning the range of which it could intercept the incoming missiles as well as detection range. However, the suggestion is highly linked with technical issue where consultation with the maker company, Lokheed Martin, is required as well as with the United States Forces. 

The Current South Korea Missile Defense

As for South Korea Missile Defense, South Korea currently has a mix of Patriot systems with older PAC-2 batteries to be upgraded of replaced to the PAC-3 by the end of the year. 


Source: https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=PAC-3+specification&rlz=1C1HLDY_enSG693SG693&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjRgcGG7YTNAhVlL6YKHVBgBQkQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=9Cu5bZJHcHaudM%3A


 PAC-3 actually means Patriot Advanced Capabilitity and this PAC-3 system is intended to provide protection for key installations such as airfields, ports, critical infrastructure, military command centers or leadership locations. 

Source: https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=PAC-3+specification&rlz=1C1HLDY_enSG693SG693&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjRgcGG7YTNAhVlL6YKHVBgBQkQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=zbzgujlWWLpN6M%3A


This PAC-3 intercepts short-and medium range missiles by colliding with the missile or warhead at low-altitudes; less than 25km and at short distances; 35-49km.  

On the other hand, in an event when THAAD  is employed, THAAD will provides upper-tier layer of defense system when it operates in conjunction with the lower-tier Patriot (PAC-3)


Source: https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=PAC-3+specification&rlz=1C1HLDY_enSG693SG693&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjRgcGG7YTNAhVlL6YKHVBgBQkQ_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=PAC-3+thaad&imgrc=dzU05kQHN0QxkM%3A