Wednesday, April 20, 2016

K- Travel Bus (Busan/Ulsan/Gyeongnam)

Planning to visit South Korea and explore the hidden gems around South Korea! K-Travel Bus is the perfect tour program for you!
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A little introduction about K-Travel Bus, it is 2 days 1-night tour program that includes coach, accommodation, and friendly interpreter. Bringing you convenience, excitement, and a memorable local experience. I personally enjoyed myself during my 2 days 1 night trip to the Southeast Region,Busan/Ulsan/Gyeongnam.

There are currently 6 routes to different parts of Korea, namely Daegu, Gangwondo Province, South Jeolla Province, North Gyeongsang Province, Southeast Regions, and Tongyeong-si.


Source: http://goo.gl/BkNw7C

Recalling about my recent trip with K-Travel Bus had been very emotional as through this 2 days 1 night trip to Busan/Ulsan/Gyeongnam, my understanding towards Korea and the local culture of the region had deepened and the experience was amazing. Also, I had made friends from all around the world during our trip.





Our trip begins with the meeting of our tour guide at Gwanghwamun Donghwa Duty-Free Shop Parking lot.
Subway Station: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, exit 6)


There was a grand opening ceremony going on that day


We set off at 9am and the journey took around 4 hours with lunch waiting for us.


                            
                    You wont believe who travelled with us that day- Kpop girl group Tahiti
                          
                                   Mouthwatering Shabu Shabu for Lunch

After Lunch, we set off to out  first attraction in Gyeongnam- Sanchong Oriental Medicine Theme Park.
As interesting as it can be, we were welcome by cute mascots and had a Korea traditional physician to bring us around and educating us about the Korea Oriental Medicine. 


Experience is also a must! We had tried out a traditional oriental medicine session,  throughout the whole session, we could feel the heat from the object that is placed on top of our belly button. It is said to be very beneficial for your health. The effect was kind of immediate, as there are people who released gas during or after the session. Though it can be embarrassing to do it in front of others, but for the sake of health, it is definitely worth it.

Later on, we went to the Gimhae Gaya Theme Park. A great place to understand and experience the culture and how life was during the Gaya Kingdom. To allow you to have a better understanding, there is also performance in the Theme Park.  Moreover, while enjoying my stroll around the theme park, there is a healing effect as air there are very fresh!

Our next destination was Busan! My whole family loves this place! This is a great place filled with delicious food, amazing people, and stunning view.
We headed out to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market! One stall that you should never miss will definitely be this stall  by this beautiful and friendly lady. They are are famous for their Hotteok, (pronunciation is similar as Hotdog), a filled Korean pancake.

After which, we had dinner and it is none other than puffer fish stew. We all know that puffer fish is poison and license are required for restaurant owner selling puffer fish. We went to this famous licensed restaurant and being my first time trying out puffer fish, the experience was extraordinary. I had never tried fish that is so  chewy with no pungent taste.
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We proceeded to our accommodation after dinner and guess what, it is the Busan Benikea Hotel located near  one of Korea's most famous beach, Haeundae. Not only did it is located in an awesome venue, the room was amazing.
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Dont worry about not bringing your travel adapter.



DAY 2


Before meeting the tour guide, I woke up early and met my best friend who is currently studying Busan, to see the sunrise from Haeundae Beach.
Headed to Ulsan, a place where Hyundai's plant is located. You can see many Hyundai car here!
In Ulsan, we went to the Taehwagang Grand Park, where we tried a 4 Passenger bike. I was lucky  to try out the bike with my tour guide and the view was stunning. There is a bamboo forest located there and a very nice stream. Bringing me lots of serenity and rejuvenation.
In our next attraction, the Onggi Village, there are numerous pottery and the master there, had showcased and explained the process of making the pottery. There is also an Onggi Making Program,where we made our own pottery and are able to bring it home as a souvenir.
Summing up our  awesome 2 day 1-night trip was Lunch.

We had a scrumptious meal, as we are severed with a seasoned grilled dried pollack set menu. The staff of the restaurant is very friendly and they were very hospitable. One of the funny incidents is that I was simply curious whether the fish soup served could be refilled and they simply gave me another bowl. I was stunned, but their fish soup really nice! A must try when you visit here.

Later on, we took an approximately 4-hour trip back to Seoul and was drop off at the same place where we board- Donghwa Duty-Free Shop.

 I would definitely want to go on a trip with K-Travel Bus as  had provided me with a hassle free and authentic experience, which is extremely memorable. See you soon K-Travel Bus!

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Ice Skating in Korea


Ice skating is one of the most popular sports in the world, and even in Singapore, where we don't have four seasons due to our geographical location, it favored by many people. This is also same in Korea and when we think of Ice skating in Korea, the name “Kim Yuna” just comes to the minds of many people.

Just in case you have no idea who Kim Yuna is,she is the known as Queen Yuna in Korea. This is due to her expectation performances in figure skating and had represented South Korea in many international competitions.

Want to be like her and enjoy Ice skating in Korea? There are many places for Ice skating in Korea, such as the Lotte World Indoor Ice Rink in Seoul.

Although ice skating is something that you can do all year round indoor,  winter is the perfect weather to ice skate outdoor! Believe or not, you are able to do it in South Korea or to be more specific,  inSeoul itself.

The ice rink that I would like to introduce you will definitely provide you an amazing and memorable outdoor ice skating experience for just 1,000won! Not joke, 1000won and it includes admission and skates rental!!!! This is definitely a steal right!

This place is extremely convenient as it islocated at the city hall in Seoul, South Korea. Could you guess which Ice skating rink it is? If not, let me tell you, it is none other than the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink.


Besides hosting various events, this Ice Skating Rink comes along with various facilities. Such as skate rental services, a rest area for ice skaters, locker services to store your belonging.

For Safety reason, do note that all ice skaters who are ice skating in the rink must wear gloves and helmet. Moreover, training programs are also held by professionals to teach individual ice skater some basic skills of ice skating. However, training session are to be booked in advance at the homepage (www.seoulskate.or.kr ).

Do drop by when you are here during winter as I had a fantastic experience ice skating outdoor and being someone who doesnt know how to ice skate, it takes time for me to adjust myself to the surrounding. But, as time pass by, I gradually ice skate on myself. 


Address: 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Direction: City HallStation( Line1/2, Exit 5)
Opening Date
December 17, 2015 – February 9, 2016( Variesfrom year to year, but it is held during winter)

Operating Hours
Sunday to Thursday- 10:00-21:30 / Friday toSaturday, national holidays - 10:00-23:00
* Skate time is one hour. Ice cleaning for 30minutes between each session.

Admission Fees
1,000 won per 1 hour (this fee includesadmission and rentals for skates)
Rental Fees
Locker: 500 won (1 locker per day)
Gloves: 500 won per pair
Helmet/Elbow pads: Free (1 hour use)

For more information:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=686510


Do you know that Figure Skating had their debut in the Olympuic in 1924 and for PyeongChang 2018, it ill be held in Gangneung Ice Areana?
Check out for more information: http://www.pyeongchang2018.com/horizon/eng/sports/Figure_Skating.asp




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."




Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

One of the festivals that you should not miss in Korea will definitely be the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.

Ice Sculpture
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a very popular festival in winter and has attracted many tourists who want to have special experience with "ice". Hwacheon-gun is located in Gangwondo Province. Do you know that Gangwon-dois the location for PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games?

Held yearly starting from January, you are able to  participate in activities related to ice. Some of the highlights will be  ice sledding, ice soccer, viewing ice sculpture and my favorite ice fishing.

                                                                        Everywhere is Ice


                                                                     Ice Fishing Area

                                                   Fish shaped Red bean Snack

                                                  Performance

Have you ever tried fishing on ice? Like seriously, standing on the solid ice and fish, just like those people in the documentary or Eskimos in the Antarctica? If you didn’t have the chance to try out, here is the great chance for you to enjoy fishing on ice. Best! It is value for money and you will definitely catch some fishes for your lunch/dinner.

So, my friends and I paid merely 10,000 won for ice fishing. This includes a plastic fishing rod and a plastic bag for you to contain your fish. 
The fishing area is divided into international tourists and locals. It was rumored that there are more fishes in the international tourists zone, but each individual is limited to a maximum of three fishes.


One thing that is very interesting is that no bait is needed to catch a fish. However, it also had posed difficulties for us, as people who are inexperienced in fishing like us,  are not able to catch any fishes for the first 15mins. As one of the most important factor needed to catch a fish is patience, we waited in the freezing winter and tried several self-invented method to capture the fish. However, all of efforts comes to no avail.
It was then, a very helpful staff came to us and taught us how to catch the fishes. It is actually not complicated at all, just by moving the fishing rod up and down, he caught a fish less than a minute. We were totally stunned!!!

Thanks to him, we eventually caught some fishes.


                                                      Woohooo@ 





Our Fishes!
You might be wondering, what to do with the fishes? Won't it die or goes bad when you bring it home? Don’t worry, one of the best parts of this festival is that you will be able to bring the fishes you caught to the booths and there will be staff helping you to grill your fishes on the spot at small fees ( 2000won). That is very considered and carefully planned by the event organizer right?

So what are you waiting for? Head down to the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival when you are here during winter.

Period: 01.10.2015 ~ 02.01.2015 (During Winter)

Venue: Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do , South Korea 

Price: Depends on activities.

Transportation: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, located at Gangbyeon station subway Line 2, take an intercity bus to Hwacheon(화천) and the Hwacheon Bus Terminal is just a 10 minutes away from Hwacheon Stream.
Bus Schedule: 07:05-19:35, 30-40min intervals

Or you could also take a round trip shuttle bus that costs 10,000won. The meeting point is in front of Donghwa Duty-Free Shop (Gwanghwamun Station Subway Line 5 Exit 6) at 0800 and will depart Hwacheon at 1700.
Website for the shuttle bus:http://gogangwon.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=reservee (Available in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese)
For more information about the event: 
Transportation

Website: http://www.narafestival.com/07_global/?f_code=02_01&lang=eng (Available in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese)


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."




Skiing in Korea

Talking about winter, the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea held in 2018 is definitely something that you won't want to miss out.

Do you know that PyeongChang is located in Gangwondo province and this is the province with the most snow in South Korea? Therefore, this makes the perfect place to play winter sports. This also encourages people including Koreans to come to Gangwondo Province and enjoy the winter with their loved one.

Hence,when you are here, beside watching the Olympic Winter Games, why not try some winter sports too! It will definitely be a thrilling experience, especially to people like me, who comes from the tropical country. This will be a fantastic chance to try out some winter sports that are not available in our country.


One of my top recommendations will be Skiing and today I would like to share with you, my experience in one of the best ski resort in Korea! This resort is extremely popular among youth and has a wide range of accommodation options. Skiing is not restricted during daytime only as they offer nighttime skiing! That is definitely something that excites all skiers and makes this ski resort stands out from others. Another reason that I love about Ski resort in Korea is that they are open even during the Lunar New Year (Seollal).



Talking about my first skiing trip with a group of friends (who also had not skied before), we  and signed up for a beginner lesson. We collected our gloves, ski equipment, where the weight of the equipment is seriously no joke. It is extremely heavy for us as we had to walk a little distance to the locker and dressing room. So as to store our belonging and get dressed up.





Being our first time putting on the ski attire, we actually took quite a bit of time and had a hard time adjusting our oversized pants and putting on the shoe specialized for ski.
After nearly 30 minutes, we finally head off to meet our instructor. Before heading,we did warm up with him and he taught us some basic steps. To our surprise, the first thing he taught us was to fall. We seriously took this as a joke and was laughing through. As to us, it seriously makes no sense, why should we learn how to fall. Later on, he taught us how to stop by doing the A-Shaped.






We had practiced with the instructor for a while, however, when doing the A-shaped using my leg, my entire body seems to be accelerating instead of stopping. The instructor never gives up on us and was very patient. 





Later on,we had our free time and it was then, I realized how important it is to know how to fall. This is because when you really can't stop, no matter how many times you try to form the perfect A-Shaped with your legs, you just have to fall. If not, you might be in real danger. So, we actually end up falling until a few hours later, when we get seems to get a hang of it. This really shows practices make perfect.






It is definitely a memorable experience for us and something that I would like to try again next winter.  So, people who are reading this do remember to give yourself a try when you are in Korea during winter! I bet all of you will be far much better than I do.

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."




PyeongChang-Uiyaji Wind Village

If you are visiting PyeongChang(South Korea),  which is the venue for the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics, do remember to head to the Uiyaji Wind Village!

It is a place where you can get closer to the nature and enhance your experiene with all the easyyet enriching hands on experience.

So you must be wondering the origin of Uiyaji Wind Village. 
Basically, Uiyaji(a place where righteous people live) Wind Village is avillage located in Daegwallyeong,over 750~800m to sea level.

Located in the highland, makes Uiyaji Wind Village)one of the first places for skiing in Korea.
Also, you could enjoy a various types of winter activities such as sledding, sleigh-rides and even snow rafting, as well as making cheese and ice cream. Have fun and enjoy yourselves this winter, with the spectacular view of wind-mills standing highabove the frozen plain.

Below are some of the pictures I took during my visit at the Uiyaji Wind Village.




Cheese Making Session was pretty fast and great. Using freshly squeeze milk that is provided by the instructor, we simply followed the instructions such as boiling,stirring and here we got our first handmade cheese. It doesn't end here, after which, the instructors provided us with wine, snacks and jam to go along with our handmade cheese.


Pizza Making Session was simple, yet delicious.  All you need to do is to put the toppings you love on the dough and the instructor will help you to bake it. With that, you are able to DIY your very own pizza:)


 Yummyyyyy. My first handmade pizza




Like the saying, time is precious, we waste no time  while waiting for the pizza to be bake, and began our Ice cream making session which was enjoyable with tons of mixing and stirring. Though it was quite tiring, I was amazed how soft it is and how it became ice cream instantly without the use of freezer.

It was a very enjoyable session, but one thing to note is that at least 1 month reservation must be made prior to arrival.
Address : 141, Hoenggye-ri, Daegwanryeong-myeon,Pyeongchang-gun,
Gangwon-do, Korea
Transportation : Seoul → (Bus) → Hoenggye Intercity Bus Terminal→
(Taxi) → Uiyaji Wind Village



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."




Sokcho Abai Village & Central Market

Have you ever heard of Sokcho? It is one of the hidden gems in South Korea and you could be assured that you will not be disappointed after visiting it. So why is Sokcho  a great place to visit , especially when you are in Gangwon-do province. This is due to its location! Located in the northeast area of  Gangwon-do province, South Korea. It is around 2hours from PyeongChang and around  4hours from Seoul by bus.

So what are the things you could do or places to visit when you are in Sokcho?

One of the main attraction and must go will definitely be the Abai Village. 
You must be wondering what does Abai means and the reason why it is named as Abai Village right?
The reason for this village to be named as Abai Village is due to the fact that  this is the hometown of many North Korean Ancestry, where many of them fled from North Korea during the Korean War. 

Not only this village is filled with the history of Korea, it is also a very popular tourist attraction  due to the Korea Wave. As one of the  famous Korean Drama by the name of " Autumn in My Heart" was filmed here. 

Not only you an visit the Abai Village, you could also visit the Sokcho Central Market. But before that,you will need to take a short boat ride before reaching the Sokcho Central Market. However, one thing to note, it is NOT a normal boat ride. 

For just 200 won, you will be able to board this boat and be part of the crew. As this is a manually operated boat, hence passengers are welcome to join in the process of manoeuvring the boat. Something very interesting and exciting right? 
From there, you are able to reach Sokcho Central market by foot. Upon reaching, you will be able to enjoy tons of local korea delicacies. One of the top recommendation is the Hotdog. Ops, I mean Hoddeok. It is a fried Korean pancake filled with a variety of nuts. It is extremely delicious and cheap.(1000won). But, one thing to note will be the queue As it s a very popular and famous snack here in Sokcho, even variety show such as 2 day 1 night had been here for the Hotteok.
Another recommendation will be the Korean Fried Chicken. This is a must eat when you are here, as the way it is fried and marinated just made it so irresistible. I I believe that everyone of you had watched the famous Korean variety show “Superman is Back”. In an episode, Haru and Tablo visited Sokcho Central Market and had enjoyed themselves with the Korean Fried Chicken there.

So,what are you waiting for? List it in your bucket list right now! 

Abai Village
Address: 122, Cheongho-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel:  33 639 2544
For more information: http://goo.gl/KnDZpY

Sokcho Central Market
Address: 16, Jungang-ro 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
For more information: http://goo.gl/RRRtri


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."




Top 3 Must Visit in Gangneung

Do you know that Gangneung is the venue city of PyeongChang 2018 ice sports? You definitely never want to miss out this place especially people who love the beautiful beaches and sea. This is one of my favorites places in Korea. Located at Gangwondo province, it less than 1 hour by car or 1.5 hours by bus.

 Here are the top three places you should visit in Gangneung.

#1 GyeongPo Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches in Gangneung. With a total length of 6km, this popular beach is a sand bank formed between the Gyeongpo Lake and the ocean. Making it the perfect place to e enjoy the Sun, Sand and Sea here with your family and friends. The waves is pretty huge there and the color of the sea is so beautiful. Definitely a fantastic place to relax, have fun and chill out.
Address:  Gangmun-dong San1 & Anhyeon-dong San1, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-d
Homepage: www.gntour.go.kr 
Direction:  https://goo.gl/DWU7Ra
For more information: http://goo.gl/j5nM1O


#2  Gangneung's Anmok Beach Coffee Street


Be prepared to be spoiled here! Being the  famous Ganeung coffee street , it is a street filled with tons of exotic café that  provide a spectacular view and atmosphere for  you to chill out.  Also, the view is spectacular from the cafe as it is located along the seaside. Hence,  making it a perfect place  to relax with your loved ones and away from the stressful lifestyle. So, do remember to visit here and enjoy cafe hopping along with the magnificent sea view.
Address:  
16, Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Click here for direction: https://goo.gl/bykyxJ
For more information: http://goo.gl/brjp05 (eng)

#3 Seon Kyo Jang



Over here you can  experience the Korean tradtionals housesas it is  a traditional Korean Hanok house which uses to be a  former residence of a noble family.
Ever since I first stepped  inside, it is like a dream to me.Everything looks so similar to those I saw in an Ancient Korea Drama. No Joke.
I was so fascinated about the entire surrounding, the façade and entire design of the hanok. It just makes me feel that I had taken a time capsule back to the ancient time of Korea.
My favorite thing in this Hanok is the door, the moment you open it real quick and look inside, just makes me feel like I am an assassinator. But after entering the room, I felt like a member of the royal family and the serenity. One thing that is amiss will be Hanbok. If only I am wearing a hanbok, everything will be so perfect.

Address: 63, Unjeong-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Phone: (+82)02-6080-3346
Booking Website: http://goo.gl/DkYxLH
For more information: http://goo.gl/DkYxLH (Eng)
Directions: https://goo.gl/Bt1YRx
For more information:http://tinyurl.com/lxeody5

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."