Korea Life - Day 273 (week 39) / (Seoul) Seoul lantern festival 2014

Korea life - 22 November 2014 (day 273 week 39)

Actually we planned to have home-made laska, then night time head to the Seoul Lantern festival. We were to meet LJ at her place to cook laska, but she reject to come out of her room. Heard that she broke up with her boyfriend (that was going out for a week, knew each other for 3 month). I really don't understand why does she has to be so sad about a relatetionship that just started.

No matter how many times that we called her, knock on her door, she also don't want to come out. So we just give up and let her cool down then let her come out herself, so we went there ourself instead. We took the subway to Jonggak station and walked to the event area.

Alot of people were queuing up to enter the event area, so we too join in the queue. Though that we would need to spend alot of time to wait for our turn to enter into the event area but surprising we didn't need to wait long (maybe is because the queue was slowly moving). The lantern were all places in the middle of the stream, people were walking both side of the stream, enjoying the beautiful light up lantern. Although people were squeezing each other to get a better look of the lantern but everyone was following to order and moving from one lantern to another fast, so I still got to take some nice picture too !!

The whole Lantern festival cover too far, I haven't cover half of it, I already had the though of heading back. The crowd were giving lot of headache (I'm always weak with crowd), I went off without my friend to go back first. Maybe because is the last day of the event, there were more people. If I had went a few days earlier, maybe there is no need to squeeze with so many people. But if there is a chance to go again, I will still want to go and take a look.

Korea life - day 251 (week 36) / (Korea) Yangpyeon one day trip - Camera cafe and Rail Bike

Korea life - 31 october 2014 (day 251 week 36)

Because Qi will be leaving Korea soon, so now take this chance to see as many thing as we could together. Despite that yesterday we have a long day at Seoraksan National Park, today we will be heading to the camera cafe that seen very interesting.

Once again we depart from the bus terminal to the change to the express bus to the Yongmun Intercity bus terminal (which take an hrs bus drive). Instead of trying to figure out how to get to the cafe by public transport, we took the taxi! Apparently that place is very popular at that area, most of the taxi drivers knows where it is if you mentioned the name of the cafe.

Dreamy Camera Cafe (꿈꾸는 사진기)

Add : 341-13, Jung-won-ri, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Open hours : 11am - 6pm
Facebook page : https://ko-kr.facebook.com/cafedreamy 

A South Korea family that is living in Yangpyung (located 40 miles from Seoul) have built a life-size vintage Rolleiflex twin lens carmera cafe. The family consists of the husband who is an army aviation helicopter pilot, the wife who is a recently retired army aviation pilot, and their young daughter.

The name of the cafe is Dreamy CameraCafe, and has been a lifelong aspiration for the husband. He wanted to combine his two passions for photography and coffee into one, that why there is the Dreamy camera cafe now.

The outer building the totally the same as the pictures that was posted online and when it comes to the interior of the Dreamy camera cafe, it is 2 storeys with both floors having tables and chairs for visitors. The first floor has many toy cameras, miniature cameras, real vintage cameras, and a Rolleiflex camera the cafe is based on. The vintage cameras were collected by the husband and are in working condition. There are also books about photography that line the shelves.

We were quite hungry due to the long travelling time but sad with the menu as there is nothing much able to eat, they mainly serve coffee and tea. Despite we were hungry, since we came all the way here, it will be a shame if we don't spend some time there. They serve tea is a super cute teapot and coffee with nice form art, and there are books around for people to read and spend some time there. However there isn't much seat available (about 5 tables only), after all is a family run business.

We spent more than 2 hours there, kept taking pictures (from internal to external), we even took picture with the owner !! They are very friendly people, even though there is some language barrier with foreigner, they will try their best to make a conversation with them. If they are located more to the city area, I will want to come back to visit them again!!

Because they are located quite inside the city, there is no taxi come by, so they helped us to call a taxi. While waiting for the taxi to come, we continue taking picture of the surrounding. After we board the taxi, we asked the taxi driver if there is any food that can introduce to us since we also don't know what is nice around here. He introduce us to this restaurant which serve quite good side dishes and bamboo rice. So he drove us there and we went in to look for a place to sit down.

The name of the restaurant is <마당 곤드레밥>. Seem like is quite popular among the Koreans as we seem to be the only foreigners around (and there is no foreign website introduce about this restaurant too). We actually wanted to just order 3 set and share, but they don't let us do that and make us order one person one set. There is no point for us to argue with her so we order as she said, when we saw the amount of side dishes bought to our table, I was totally speechless !! There were up to 20 side dishes and you can refill in anytime (most of the side dieshs can be refill, only one or 2 cannot) !!

After lunch, it has free tea at the tea house next to the restaurant. We took our time to enjoy that cup of tea first then shop around the tea house bait before we called the taxi driver to drive us to our next stop. In the end, he was waiting outside of the restaurant the whole time !! So we hurry out finish up the tea and hop back on to the taxi.

We last min add this last stop <Yangpyeong Rail Bike>. Because we had so much fun when we took it at Chunccheon, so I thought it would be as fun as it, so we just ask the taxi driver to drop as the Rail Bike entrance.

Yangpyeong Rail Bike (앙평 레일바이크)

Add: 126-5, Samseong-ri, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
경기 앙평군 용문면 삼성리 126-5
Open hours : Mar - Oct = 9am to 9pm (1hr, 30min intervals / run 9 times a day)
Nov - Feb = 9am to 6pm (1hr, 30min intervals / run 7 times a day)
More information :  http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1721247

Using a long abandoned railway, the Yangpyeong Rail Bike offers a unique bike ride at speeds of 15km/h from Yongmun to Wondeok. This 3.2km journey passes along a gleaming river and tree covered mountains. The bke ride delivers picturesque scenery all year round: blooming flowers in the spring with the light green buds blossoming on the trees, the flush greens of summer time, vivid autumnal tones colouring the ridge of Yongmunsan Mountain, and the clean white snowflakes resting delicately on the limbs of trees

At first was so excited and talk other people how fun it will be, however is really a super wrong time to take this ride now, as we were travelling in fast speed with no covers, it was CHILLY !!! Don't know should I be sad or happy that the ride is not as long as the one in Chuncheon (sad that there is not as much thing to see as Chuncheon, happy that we don't need to do through the cold for long !) By the time we finish our rail bike ride, sun has set and it's time for us to find our way back to Seoul! 

Korea life - day 250 (week 36) / (Korea) Seoraksan national park

Korea life - 30 Oct 2014 (day 250 week 36)

Few days ago went to immigration to ask and luckily that time what my friend told me was for Chinese passport, for other passport, we have a month more then need to leave Korea. Although was slightly a waste of my time to travel down to the immigration early in the morning, at least I able to enjoy myself for the next one month then come and worry about visa issue.

Therefore today I decided to head to Seoraksan national park to see the maple leave as the season is ending soon. I met up with Qi and Sun at the bus terminal to take the bus to Sokcho Bus terminal which take around 2.5 hrs then we still have to change to another bus 7 (which take another 45 min to  reach Sogongwon bus stop) then arrived at Seoraksan national park.

Then we walk to the entrance which is nearby the bus stop. The entrance itself was already very big, I can image how big is the whole national park! I'm not that good with words, let pictures speak all the words for me !!

Lastly took bus from to the bus terminal and too tired to take the bus back so we took the subway which is much faster way back home 

Korea life - day 189 (week 27) / 2D1N daejeon part 2

Korea Life - 30 Aug (Day 189 Week 27)

Last night we didn't got to do foot spa because of the operation hours, so this morning we woke up early to go and do foot spa. By the time we arrived, there was quite a lot of elderly had already started soaking. We were the only few that are in our twenties, felt a bit odd but we decided to just ignore and enjoy ourself. Only 3 of us went to do the foot while other 2 was back in the hotel sleeping, they even made us wait for them for 2 hours then they appear in front of us. Because it's Qi's friend, I can't show angry face or else she will feel sorry.

We headed to the traditional market that  we saw last night when we were looking for the sky walk. Turns out that the traditional market is one of the biggest traditional market in Dae Jeon.

Daejeon Jungang Market (대전 중앙시장)  

Website = http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SH/SH_EN_6_2.jsp?cid=1665599 

How to go = Daejeon station (line 1) Exit 1

It's quite similar the the traditional market - Gwangjang market - that is in Seoul. We walked for a while and stop one of the store to have bibimbip but the rice is barley rice which I don't like but I still had half and I left the rest for Qi to help me to finish it. Then we went to look for the popular bread shop that is only available in Daejeon.  

Sung Sim Dang Bakery (성심당)

website = http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FO/FO_EN_6_4_4.jsp?cid=1797254

At first had problem to find the place but luckily we had google map that led us back to the right track and finally find the main branch of the bakery. Turned out it the store that we found, wasn't the main branch, it was the branch that sells cakes. The cakes all looked soo delicious that I can't resist myself from buying despite of the price, in the end we all bought one each!! It's only after we finish buying the cakes and walked out of the building then we noticed the shop next to it was the shop that we were looking for !! So once again, we went in and shop for breads again !! We bought the most popular red bean bun and plan to eat on the bus when we are heading back to Seoul. 

Left with some time before we need to head to the bus terminal, so we went to the underground shopping mall is located nearby. The underground shopping mall was much bigger than the underground shopping mall in Seoul! But I was not really in the mood for shopping as the things selling there are not very that nice and fashion as Seoul. However still walked around and take a look first then went to sat down and wait. All of us were so tired that we just sat at the beach and wait for time to past. But like no matter how we waste, the time still past super so slow, so we just decided to just head to the terminal and ask if we are able to change the timing to a earlier timing back to Seoul. And we are able to change with FREE OF CHARGE. -__- || Should have come and change even earlier !!

 Reach Seoul much earlier than we planned. Seeing the sunset via the park near our place, Qi and I decided to sit down at the park to eat our cake while the kids were running here and there, before heading back home to the super small area that we call home.  

Korea life - day 188 (week 27) / (Daejeon) 2D1N daejeon part 1

Korea Life - 29 Aug (Day 188 week 27)

Qi's mum will be leaving for Singapore today and we will be heading to Daejeon for a short 2D1N trip before the school re-open. Headed to the airport with Qi as she also need some help with the baggages and everything. Chat with her a bit on the bus as I know she's quite sad that her mum and aunt is heading back to Singapore so soon.

We didn't have much time before they could check in so we just had fast-food for lunch and just walked around blindly. Before sending them in, Qi already can't stop crying. For someone like her to stay away from home for so long, it's really difficult for her to say goodbye. She at first didn't wanted to say goodbye but she sent them into the department hall. After she calmed down, we went to look for the stand to depart to Dae Jeon.

Instead of meeting Qi's friend at Seoul's terminal bus station, Qi and I took the airport bus straight to down to Dae Jeon (although the bus ticket from airport to Dae Jeon is slightly more expensive than departing from Seoul's terminal bus station.) Once we arrived at the Dae Jeon, we walked out of the bus terminal to take another bus to the centre of Dae Jeon to meet up with them.

The bus ride took us another 20 min and we saw Qi's friends waiting for us at the opposite bus stop so instead of waiting for it to turn for one round, we just alight and close the road to meet up with them. Headed to check in into the hotel that we will be staying for the night after meeting up with them. Because all of us have not eaten lunch yet, so we headed to a restaurant that is located nearby our hotel (heard was quite popular ) for late lunch then look for the skywalk street.

Took the subway and followed google map and we found this place. Was quite disappointed as we thought it will be beautiful and can also do some shopping, but turn out that there are timing to the light show and by the time we arrived there, the show was almost ending already !! (there are the timing to the light show - http://www.skyroad.or.kr ). So we only stayed there for 30 min only and went back to the free outdoor foot spa located nearby our hotel.

found from Google image 

Even thought it was very dark (not a lot of lamp pole around ), there are still a lot of people sitting around soaking their legs. We read the instruction then start to soak our leg but we haven't soak for 10 min and we were told that it's closing soon, we should get going!! Turn out that the place wasn't 24 hours. So we decided to come back again tmr morning around 8 plus in the morning as there will be fill with people later of the day (and we will need to head back to Seoul too.)  

Korea Life - day 161 week 23 / (Suwon)

Korea Life - 2 Aug 2014 (Day 161 week 23)

Since mid-term exam had just finish, before we start to study for our final term exam, I decided to head to Suwon to visit our SKKU suwon campus ! Actually the campus is not very far away from Seoul but we still need to take 2 hrs subway to get there. (longest but the cheapest way to get there).

Sungkyunkwan University campus (also known as SKKU Suwon) is their Natural Sciences Campus. This campus is almost twice as big as the Seoul campus, although there are not as much steep slope as we had in Seoul but the place is way too big to walk around like Seoul campus !! And I hread from other teachers that due to the courses in Suwon are mainly engineering, sport related and science therefore 90% of the students in Suwon campus are guys.

Left picture - one of the side gate of SKKU
Right picture - Subway station
Bottom picture - Samsung Library 

From the Sungkyunkwan station, we walked for 10 min and we arrived at one of the side gate of the campus. Maybe because the school is having summer vacation so there wasn't many student walking around (actually is barely saw anyone !!). The campus was too big and there was no one to intro the place to us so we end up heading to the library which we all saw on our SKKU magazine before.

Actually Sungkyunkwan University Libraries have a few library, included of Central library, Gongyounggak, Law library, Medical Library, Architecture Library and last but not last Samsung library.  The very first library that opened in 1475 by King Seongjong of Joseon Dynasty that is named Jongyeonggak. It continues the existence of Jongyeonggak unitl now. Modern library of Sungkyunkwan University open in 1946 and it grew along with the University over the years. SKKU Samsung Library which is open in 2009 at the Suwon campus, it is a unique architecture-not only the library but the landmark of the campus too.

Samung library has a total of 9 floor, it's much bigger than the library we had in Seoul campus. One of them forget to bring their student pass, we still thought we might have problem to go in but the staff heard that we came from the Seoul campus, they just let us in although. There were too many thing to see but we were too tired from the train ride that we just want to have a cup of coffee, so we headed to the 5th floor where they have a cafe there. Turns out that the cafe is Yakun !!! OMG , I was so excited lor but they don't serve toast !! Sad again.

We sat there for an hours to rest then we took the subway to Suwon station to meet up with Qi's friend, but her friend was late for an hour and the worst part was when he arrived, he didn't even apologies at all !! I was so angry but because there were lot of people and it's qi's friend, I didn't said much. After that he gave us a drive to some history area, thinking that at least he's willing to give us a drive but when we arrived at the place, he just waiting for Qi to pay for his admission fee !! WTF lor, I just turn away or else I think I will start scolding people lor. HOW CAN SOMEONE BE SO RUBE ?!?!?

Thank god that he didn't had dinner with us but he introduce to a expensive place for dinner. At least the food really taste good or else I really don't know what I will say to him. Really hope this is the last time I see him. He really change my though about Korean, hope it's really only him but I actually never really have bad impress of Korean de >_<

Korea Life - day 156 week 23 / (Busan) Day 3

27 July 2014 - Korea life day 156 (week 23)

Last day of my Busan trip and tomorrow back to school again (SAD!!), but not going to waste any time today as we still going to a few location before heading back to Seoul. Check out early in the morning and bring along all our thing as we will heading to the bus station straight later

First we went back to Jagalchi Market to buy some things that we didn't get, and since we were there, we had some local busan street food before leaving. Qi wanted to eat pig blood tofu soup, so we decided to try out the spicy pig skin and blood tofu soup, but turn out that the blood tofu soup is not pig's blood but it's cow's blood. I had never tried blood tofu before, but the taste is not bad at all. Actually the blood tofu has no taste at all, it's the soup that help to bring out the taste, the people were so good that they gave us so much that we can't finish at all.

After that we headed out to a jimjjilbang that is one of the biggest in Busan, but turned out that it wasn't as good as the one that we went before in Seoul. Was really quite disappointed, so we just stayed for a few hours and left after lunch.

Still had too many time left, so we went to relax at a cafe but there was really too much time left, so we went to request for change to a earlier bus back to Seoul. Slept in the bus like a baby as we travel back to Seoul, and went straight back home to get ready for school tomorrow

Korea Life - day 154 week 23 / (Busan) day 2

Korea life - 26 July 2014 (Day 154 week 23)

We left the guesthouse early in the morning for our first stop - Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장)

Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) 

Add : 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan (Nampo-dong 4-ga)
부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52(남포동4가)
Close : First and Third Tuesday of each month
Website - http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264168 
How to go - Take Busan subway to Jagalchi station (line 1), exit 10. Turn right not Jagalchi 3(sam)-gil street. Walk for 5 min, then turn left to arrive at Jagalchi Market

The Jagalchi Market is Korea's largest seafood market. After the Korean War the market solidified itself as a fish market. This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. If you visit the correct time, you will be able to eat fresh raw fish at the market itself.

The fish market is located next to a fish port therefore the seafood are consist the freshest of all. We took some pictures at the port itself first then went into the fish market which is a few levels high (there is also outdoor fish market if you don't want to go the indoor fish market). There were many stall for people to choose from but they actually all sells the same things. It just depend on which store you like to order from only. But the prices were too expensive for me to afford so we went to the small store located outside the (outdoor) fish market. Although price are not too much different but the variety was much more than the store located on the second floor of the fish market.

We were able to see the Gamcheong culture village from the Jagalchi market, thinking that it should be nearby since we are able to see it from there but turn out it was not as near as it seem. We walked for 10 min but still can't and don't know how to find the entrance to the Gamcheong culture village, so we gave up and took the cab.

Gamcheong Culture Village (감천문화마을)

Website - http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1056152
How to go - Take Busan subway to Toseong station (line 1), exit 6. OR Take the 17 or 17-1 bus across from Busan station. Get off at the last stop and change to a maul bus (small green bus) up to Gamcheong culture village. Alight at Gamjeong Elementary school, and you should see the village from there.

At the entrance of the village, there was already many tourist walking in and out of the village, so actually you will tend to see more tourist than local at the village. We were lucky that even though the sun is glaring, but windy so it's nice to walk around. Although this village is not much different from other village, but because all roof was painted with different colour, when we see the village from a high area, it seem like a beautiful picture.  

Spent more than planned time there to take picture and walked around the whole village to see the villages in other angle. I don't mind bring other people this place to see the next time when I'm back in Busan. Hope this place will stay as it is for as long as possible.

Before heading to our next destination, we went to BIFF street to get some dessert first.

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)  

Website - http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264155
How to go - Take Busan subway to Haeundae station (line 2), and walk straight toward the beach.

Haeundae Beach is one of the must come beach during the summer period, numerous people visit every year from June to August. It's also famous for the various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. (The last time I was here during the Sept/Oct, there was barely anyone! but this time there was full of people EVERYWHERE !!)

Found a place to sit down and enjoy the sunshine and look at the Korean playing around, felt so relax and peaceful (even though it was quite noisy). This is really life, no need to worry about life, no need to worry about money, just enjoying and living this every moment. If only we can forever live this kind of life... We still had some time before night fall so we decided to go to one more beach, I asked around and I was introduce to Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)

Website - http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264250
How to go - Take Busan subway line no.1 to Seomyeon station and change to Gwangan station (subway line 2) and walk 5 min.

(Cut and paste from visitkorea website)
Gwangalli Beach is 1.4km long, 64m wide, and is famous for its fine sand. This area has undergone a water cleaning program, and as a result, the water of the beach is pristine. The clean waters of this area also attract many fishermen. You can prepare raw fish dishes on the spot, right after you have caught the fish. For those looking for some action, there is the Olympic Yacht Rental where you can rent yachts. You can also enjoy water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and other exciting water sports.

We reached there on time for the light show, so we sat down and watched quietly with the other Korean. Maybe Busan is a nice place to stay for long period as it is quite peaceful, not as fast pace as Seoul itself. Although I still have some problem to understand the Korean the that Busan locals were using but they were much nicer than the people in Seoul.

So fast, tomorrow is my last day in Busan, going to enjoy to the last mentioned of it. Hope to come back again to enjoy all these again

Korea Life - day 153 week 22 / (Busan) day 1

Korea Life - 25 July 2014 (Day 153 week 22)

Actually we wanted to go to Busan on 24 July but because of Qi's exam ends today only, so we changed our bus schedule to travel out today instead (so I skipped half day of school ^^). We headed to the bus terminal once my classes ended and since there was some time before the bus depart, so we find a place to sit down for lunch.

Bus rides was around 4.5 hours long, we alighted at the rest pit for a snack after 2 hrs of sleep. Every time we watched variety shows like "Running man" or "2 day 1 night", the snack at the rest pit always looks so delicious. This is the first time we were there, the price was slightly much higher that the price in the city. We just choose to buy a bowl of ball, I thought was fish ball, but turned out it was potato ball.

By the time we reached Busan was already night fall, took the subway to the Busan station and walked to the guesthouse. This trip we chose to stay at <Orange Guesthouse Busan station Busan> - http://www.agoda.com/orange-guesthouse-busan-station/hotel/busan-kr.html - To save some money, we chose to stay in the 6 dorm room but we were lucky that we were the only 2 who will be staying in the 6 room dorm for the next 2 nights.

After we checked in, we took off to TIFF to eat some street food and just walked around a bit. And decided not to stay out till too late as tmr we will be out from early morning.

Korea Life - day 140 week 20 / (Chuncheon) Nami Island & Petite France

Korea life - 12 July 2014 (Day 140 week 20)

My classmate asked me if I want to join them on a day trip to Nami Island and Petie France this weekend, of course I will go since there is someone who invite me to go. So early in the morning today, we met up with my classmates and Qi's classmates to head to Nami Island and Petie France.

We took the subway from Hyehwa station to Gapyeong station and waited for the shuttle bus beside of the tourist information to the tourist resort in Gapyeong. We were lucky that the queue only started to get long after that, because peoples that wasn't able to board the bus had to wait for the next bus.

Since some hadn't eaten breakfast yet, so we decided to go for early lunch nearby the ferry station, like that easier for us. Although there were alot of people but we don't really need to wait long for the ferry to go to Nami Island. The ride took less that 6 min to reach and everyone just dash out of the ferry.  

Namiseom Island (남이섬 종합휴양) 

Add: 1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
경기도 가평군 가폄읍 북한강변로 1024 (출입국관리사무소)
How to go - Take the train to Gapyeong station, change to the shuttle bus (in front of the tourist information) ; bus ride is around 45 min

Many people were visiting the place due to the drama <Winter Sonata>, most of the scene were shot there when the actors dated during their teens. Although during the winter period, the whole place will be covered with snow, will look even more beautiful, but that doesn't mean that the view now is bad too. It feels that you are surrounded by super tall trees and feels like you are back to the natural.

As the ferry departed every half and hour, and later we will still have to take bus again to Petite France (will have to wait for an hour if we missed the bus), so we started to walk back to the port to wait for the ferry. Was lucky that we were able to board the leaving ferry, no need to wait for the next one! We went back to the same bus stop to wait for the bus to travel to Petite France, but since there were some time before the bus arrive, we headed to 7-eleven to buy something first. Again we had to take 45 min bus ride to Petite France

Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)

Add: 1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
경기도 가평군 청명면 호반로 1063
How to go - Take the train to Gapyeong station, change to the shuttle bus (in front of the tourist information) ; bus ride is around 45 min
Fee : 8,000 KRW
More information - http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=815994

Petite France is a French cultural village set in the Korean countryside. It serves both as a French cultural village and a youth training facility . It also consists of 16 French-style building where visitors can lodge and experience French food, and household culture

We were excited about this place when we arrived, so we set a timing and we just spilt out. However after we went in, it was a disappointment. The place was really just like it's name, really a petite place. I only took 30 min and I had finished seeing everything. Only bought 2 postcard to send back to Singapore and never buy other things. I don't think I will come back here again...

We actually said meet 2 hours later at the same spot we split out, but because the place was so small, we finished before an hours, so we met up earlier and went back out to take the bus back to the subway station to the the subway back home ...

Korea Life - day 126 week 18 / (Chuncheon) day 2

28 June 2014 (Day 126 week 18)

We woke up early, waited for ManYong & JiYeon to come and fetch us to head to our first stop. We had some simple breakfast at home first then drove out together. We drove up into the forest, where the air was so fresh that I don't want to leave this place!! After 15 min driving, we arrived at our first stop - Soyang dam

Soyang Dam (소양댐)

Add : Buksan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 강원 춘천시 북산면
How to go : Take the taxi there.
More details - http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1752741

We spent some time there to enjoy the natural view (although half of it was man-made) . These are view that we don't really have the chance to enjoy especially when we are staying in the city area. Not only in Seoul, even in Singapore, also don't have much chance to see this kind of natural view.
Walked around and after taking enough picture, we went for lunch. Lunch was not very excellent, so I can skip it the next time I can back again.

Animation Museum & Robot Studio (춘천 애니메이션박물관 & 로봇체험관)

Add: 385, Baaaaksa-ro, Seo-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 강원 춘천시 서면박사로 385
Open: 10am - 6pm
Fee : \5,000
How to go - Chuncheon station (Chuncheon), exit 1. Take bus 83 and get off at the Animation Museum (애니메이션박물관) bus stop.
More details - http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=628262&nearBy=accom

This is the first-ever museum of its kind in Korea, featuring a string of exhibits highlighting the origin, birth and development of animation. There is an exhibition hall dedicated to Korean animation and another dedicated to the animation originating from other parts of the world.

They not only exhibit animation from different countries, it also exhibit animation from different years. To attract more people to come, there are various experience programs such as horror studio, 3-D theater and many more. It's a great place for people who like animation or even cantoon and children to come.

Rain started to fall when we wanted to leave the museum, that made us worry about our last stop. Our last stop is a interesting ride that I had never done before, I had been waiting for the whole day for this ride. Hope it won't affect my ride later !!

We took the subway from Namchuncheon station to Gimyujeong station (which is 1 stop away) [we didn't drove over to the park is because later we will be alighting at a different station (the rail bike is not a round trip ride), so it's better to take the subway there]. After we came out of the station, we saw the rail park sign on the right some of the station and it only took us 4 min to walk over to the park

Gangchon Rail Park (강촌레일파크)

Add: 1385, Gimyujeong-ro, Singdong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 강원도 춘천시 신동면 김유정로 1385 (신동면)

Fee : Two seater - \25,000 Four seater - \35,000 (Booking in advance is advice)

How to go - From Gimyujeong station (subway Gyeongchun line), exit 1. 4 min walk from the subway station. 

Built on the site where the train on the Gyeongchun Line stops, Gangchon Rail Park is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can pedal along old railroad tracks while taking in the lovely Bukhangang River scenery 

We were lucky that the rain started to stop once we arrived at the rail park entrance. We were arrived half and hour earlier than our booking timing, so we sat down and had ice-cream first. This is really something that I had never try before, so I'm very excited to try it out. Actually although it's also ManYong & JiYeon first time driving this, but they chose to let us sit in front. So sweet of them !!!  

The ride was too excellent that I don't mean going one more time !! I love this ride!! Maybe because four of us riding one cart so we didn't have to use too much of strength (and some part of the ride has motor running, so only some part we need to cycle only). The ride not only run through natural, they also run through tunnel, some with disco music, some with romantic lighting. Too bad the ride was only an hrs long (actually is consist long, but I really like it a lot)

We took the subway back to Nanchuncheon station and drove to their school to take a look. ManYong and JiYeon are studying at Kangwon National University, their campus were so big that even with them driving us through the whole campus also need 20 min !! Then they intro us a dessert places that they always go (and we were also wasn't very hungry, so we decide to take dessert as dinner).

Next day we just took the early afternoon subway back to Seoul to get ready for school re-open on Monday.

Korea Life - day 125 week 18 / (Chuncheon) day 1

Korea Life - 27 June (day 125 week 18)

Even though left with just 3 more days to school re-open, I wasn't intending to waste it. So Qi and I decided to head to Chuncheon to look for our Korean friend (ManYong & JiYeon).

The provincial capital city of Gangwon-do is nestled in the heart of the famous tourist city of Chuncheon. This city is tucked away in a basin with Uiamho Lake to the west, Chuncheonho lake and Soyangho Lake to the north, and Sinyeongang River to the south making this a city surrounded by water. The numerous lakes in the region cause many foggy days. Close proximity to Seoul makes this a popular daytrip destination. But this trip we weren't going to any of the lakes or rivers, Well, truth was I have no clue where the hell we will be going because this trip was fully planned by my Korean friends!!

We knew that the ride is going to take us more than an hours to reach our destination, therefore we left our place early. Took the subway from Hywhwe station to Dongdaemun station, change to subway line 1 to Sangbong station[(720) - line 7, J & G] and change subway line again to the [G line], and finally alighted at Namchuncheon station (P139).

When we arrived at the Sangbong station, the place was like Yongsan station as there were a lot of train tracks that we were so confused that we don't know where to take the normal subway!! So we just board a train that wrote that is headed to Chuncheon and found a comfortable place to stand. Was surprised that the train was as good as KTX.

Half way through the trip, a guy approach us and asking for us ticket, we were shocked (because subway has no ticket, we just need to tap our T-money card (same as ezlink card))! We think that it will be better if we don't speak Korean, so we used English and asked him back isn't this the subway? Turned out it wasn't subway at all, it was ITX*!! But the ticketing guy was nice, knowing that we made a mistake, never collect money from us but asked us to alight at the next stop.

* ITX is a high-speed train that travels along the Gyeongchun line from Yongsan Station to (in Seoul) to Chuncheon Station (in Gangwon-do Province) [Same as KTX but just that it runs shorter route]. Compare to the normal subway, it only take half the time to reach Chuncheon, therefore the price of the ticket is much more expensive. For more information read here - http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004007002011&p=07&art_id=53225&lang=en 

We alighted as the ticketing guy told us, and we waited for the next train that came into the station, which looked more like a subway train. If we had taken the normal subway from the beginning, the whole trip will take us 1.5 hrs but because we took ITX (by mistake) it took us half the time only to reach our destination.


Our friends was already waiting for us at the subway station and we drove away to have early dinner.

They drove us to place which is quite desert, they mainly served cold mixed noodle. Not only that, they ordered potatoes pancake and a dishes that I don't know what the hell it was.

Left top - the dishes that I don't know what the hell it is
Left bottom - potato pancake
Right - mix noodle
Bottom - Restaurant 

Like I mentioned because the restaurant is located at quite a desert place, there were plantation just next to the restaurant !! For someone who grow up in city of Singapore, all these are interesting things we want to see more. So after we finished out meal, we were to into one of the small corn farm and took lot of pictures.

Next stop was to have a drink at a resort as they have very nice night view. We were there pretty early (before the night fall) so was also able to see the nice view of Chuncheon first. While waiting for night fall, I tried to use the Korean that I had learned here in Korea, however it was still too difficult for me to strike a conversation with them, since I had studied for 4 months only!

They drove us to Emart said that they need to get something before going back. Bought some coffee can, drinks and snack. I just wanted to fast go back and rest, feel so tired after taking the subway for so long. Beginning, I thought that we will be sleeping in ManYong's house with ManYong & JiYeon (all 4 of us). But because the room turned out to be too small, so JiYeon decided to go back home to sleep while ManYong going to his friend's hse (who is living nearby)

They left the snacks and drink that they bought at Emart before leaving. They went Emart to buy for us, afraid that there is nothing for us to eat in their house. I was  so tired that I just change to my sleep wear and went to sleep  

Korea life - day 105 (week 15) / (GwangJu) Short trip to Gwang-Ju Day 3

Korea Life - 7 June 2014 (day 105 week 15)

Our last day in Gwang-Ju before we take the afternoon train back to Seoul. Not wasting any time, after breakfast (by LJ once again), we bid goodbye to our nice hostel owner and took picture with the owner before we leave the place with all our things.

We headed to a traditional market that we saw on the first day (when we were looking for our way to the hostel). Turns out to be really a boring and normal wet market, just like the traditional market all around Korea. We got too bored so we just thought of heading out for lunch by cab. We went to a restaurant that again was recommended by the owner, however this time it's not as good as the crab restaurant yesterday. This is one Korean dishes that I don't know how to enjoy, but even thought we think that way, the place is full with people.

We don't know what to do and where to go after lunch, so we just took the cab and went to the train station to see the surrounding while waiting for the train. Although there were not much but some tents where set up there for some discount event, but it helped us to not notice that time were past by too slowly. Took a different train (compare to the train that we took when we came, this train cost cheaper but it take longer time to arrive) back to seoul.

Gwang-ju is, well is a nice place for food and there are some interesting places which located around Gwang-ju that are nice to go, but Gwang-ju itself is really quite a boring place. I don't think I will go there again.

Korea life - day 104 (week 15) / (GwangJu) Short trip to Gwang-Ju Day 2

Korea Life - 6 June 2014 (Day 104 week 15)

Our second morning in Gwang-ju, started early in the morning. Although hostel does provide breakfast, LJ woke up early to make breakfast for us while the rest were still sleeping. Last night, she didn't had the chance to wash up so she woke up earlier this morning to wash up first.

Went out to meet up with our old classmate, Joseph, who moved over to study here instead (He's here in Korea to promote Catholic study) after breakfast. Subway here in Gwang-ju is not as confusing as Seoul as there is just one subway line running whole Gwang-ju, so it's easy for us to take the subway. What make me like this place the most is that, no matter where we go, there is no crowd. SO HAPPY

Met up with Joseph at his university to take a look around. As the University students are on vacation, there wasn't much people in the campus therefore we had the chance to really take a good look of the campus, however the campus is WAY too big for us to discover.

전남대학교 / Chonnam National University 

We wanted to have a better chat with Joseph so we went off for lunch that the hostel owner introduce us to go. Even if we wanted to take the cab, it's not easy as there are 5 of us, so we asked the driver first if they willing to drive all 5 of us in one cab and we did found one which quote and off the meter.

<동원 게장>

Address - 111 Jisan-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju
Cost - 8,000 won (side dishes are all refillable excluding rice)
More details other (Korean) blogs - http://blog.daum.net/sophia1009/8932754
(Don't understand Korean also can, picture speak everything)

Korean fermented crab and side dishes 

Korea Fermented crab which also known as Gejang, is made by marinating fresh raw crabs either in soy sauce or in a sauce in chill pepper power. Not many people able to accept this dish as the crabs are raw and some thinks can't accept the taste but if you like this, this restaurant serve the best fermented crab dishes (as you can keep refilling until you are happy)

We didn't plan ahead what to do in Gwangju so we decided to walked around the restaurant. Found a bus that goes to the city after our walk around the restaurant. Headed back t the central of the city to a big shopping mall to walk around and sent Joseph to the bus station before we take the subway back to our hostel to rest. We were too tired to go out so we asked the owner to help us to order pizza and we just stayed in. Tomorrow have to wait early to get ready to take the train back to Seoul

Korea life - day 103 (week 15) / (GwangJu) Short trip to Gwang-Ju Day 1

Korea life - 5 June 2014 (Day 103; week 15)

Tomorrow was a public holiday in Korea which mean there won't be lesson,  my friends (1A classmate LJ, CL & CA) and I decided to head to gwangju for a short trip (travelling for the first time without PQ ).

LJ had asked her Korean friend to help us to book the accommodation and transportation from Seoul to Gwang-ju few days before the trip. After our afternoon lesson, we took the 5.55 pm KTX train from Yongsan station to Gwang-ju station. Whole train trip took around 4 hrs, by the time we arrived at Gwang-ju station was already 9pm.

Top left pic - Platform to Gwang-Ju ; Top right pic - Gwang-Ju station
Below pic - Yongsan station 

When we walked out of the Gwang-ju train station, the place felt so much different from Seoul itself. Not many high rise-building, empty street (no cars and also no people),  or even on the subway, feel so scary. But luckily we had each other, so still not that bad. After an hrs of walking on the streets of Gwang-ju street, we finally found our guesthouse <Namdo Hostel> which was located on the 3rd floor

Namdo Hostel 

Namdo Hostel's offical website = << http://blog.naver.com/dewpark >>
Don't get afraid by the Korean words, the blog is written in both Korean and English.
It also introduce some nice places to go and eat or play.

After leaving our thing behind in our guesthouse, we went out for late dinner. As not many shops were open, we just went in to a ransom shop to eat something.  Went back to rest instead of exploring, store up some energy to get ready for tomorrow morning. But there is just one washroom, we have to queue up to shower, however we were not the only one need to use it, we need to share with the other rooms too. We need to keep a look up for the washroom and make sure to go in faster than other people or else we need to continue to wait. By the time I came out of the washroom, LJ didn't got the chance to bath and fall asleep.

Korea life - day 73 week 11 / (Incheon) short trip with korean friends part 2

6 May 2014 - Day 73 week 11

This is really the worst day ever in Korea. Last night as I felt uncomfortable, so I went to sleep early. Early in the morning, I woke up to feel worse than last night. Kept going in and out of the toilet to vomit and diarrhea. Wasn't able to go back to sleep at all, so I just went to bath and waited for the others to wake up.

We waited for MY to finish up the unused tickets that we bought yesterday night and when he came back, he came back with medicine for me. HOW SWEET OF THEM !! I nearly cried, felt so touched that there is someone there who care for me since my mum is not around me.

Seaside near Wolmido Theme park 

After finishing up the medicine, we continue of holiday in Incheon. We headed to the seaside where is just next to Wolmido theme park. We fed the seagulls and enjoyed the breaths before heading over to Incheon Chinatown. Wanted to take the bus there but can't find the bus-stop so we gave up and went to take the cab instead.

Incheon Chinatown 

At Incheon Chinatown, the MOST poplar thing there was JaJangmyeon (짜장면). It is a noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made of Chunjang (which is salty black soybean paste), diced pork and vegetable. Since we are there, is a MOST that we try the JaJangmyeon here. Although at that time, I can't really taste much now but since we are already there, we should at least have a taste of it.

top 2 picture of museum; bottom 2 picture of Incheon station 

But before that, we checked out the JaJangmyeon museum and some history museum about Incheon. But my Korean standard is still not there yet, I can't understand a thing that it wrote. (Can read but don't understand).

Many of the restaurant were full of people, until we found a restaurant that we didn't need to queue up then we went in straight. And is only after lunch then I heard the truth from PQ that PQ's body is quite weak to virus (as she works in nursery school where the kids virus are everywhere), she started to keep going to the toilet too. I felt so bad about it, when I'm starting to feel better, she start to feel uncomfortable.

Seeing the both of us not feeling very well, we headed back to Seoul after lunch. Felt bad that MY & JY weren't able to enjoy the trip fully due to the both of us. Hope that the next time we meet them, we can really have fun 

Korea life - Day 72 week 11 - (Seoul & Incheon) short trip with my Korean friends

5 May 2014 - Day 72 week 11

IT'S A PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN KOREA !! No need to go to school, so we (PQ & I) met up with our Korean friend, MY and JY. We planned to go on a short trip to Incheon as we thought that they were from there but in the end actually they were from Chuncheon, so we just took this as a short trip to have fun.

They came over to Seoul to meet us to have lunch. We had the BBQ buffet around our place and had ice-cream before we leave. Thought that we will be heading over to Incheon straight but MY and JY took us to an ice museum near Gyeongbokgung palace.

ICE MUSEUM 

Ice Gallery 

How to go : Anguk station (subway line 3); exit 1. Take your second right and head straight.
Fee : Ice Gallery 7,000 won / Experience hall 5,000won
Open hours : 10am - 7pm
More information = http://www.exploringkorea.com/ice-gallery-seoul/

subway station of Nam-incheon station 

Took the subway to Incheon (which took us 2 hours -_- !! ). By the time we arrive at Incheon, we were actually still reach earlier than planned, so we went to have a cup of coffee first then heading to the traditional market to take a look and to try out some of the food.

We tried some of the food while waiting for MY queue up for a popular store that they wanted us to have for dinner. When we were eating, PQ forgot the fact that she can't eat mustard, which cause her to keep running to the toilet !! We were quite behind time because of that. She felt very sorry but we were more worry about her tummy more than feeling angry. Since we were quite behind time, we decided to take the cab instead of the bus to motel. And it was a small motel that is just location in front of the Wolmido theme park

The most popular ride in Wolmido Theme park 

We went to check in first then head to the theme park for some rides. As it was semi-outdoor, we were to buy ticket for every ride (not like disneyland kind, where you buy a entrance fee and you can play everything.) Just after a few ride, I started to feel sick and wanted to vomit. The rest of them seeing me feeling so uncomfortable, they decided that we should go back and have some rest. I didn't bother to change, just went to sleep after we reached the room.

Korea life - day 43 (Week 7) / (Nonsan) Strawberry festival

Life in Korea is getting more and more busy than when I was in Singapore !! Everyday we are given  tons of homework, exams and even presentation !!  I wasn't able to touch my computer at a month !! And it's just 8 more days to my level 2 final exam, need to work abit more harder for just this 8 more days and I'm going to have a 10 days holiday (not only weekend like level 1 to level 2) !!

Korea life - 6 Apr 2014 (Day 47 week 7)

Heading out to a place called Nonsan as PQ checked out that there is a strawberry festival here today. Want to save some money (so we could spend more there !), we packed our lunchbox (just kimbap) this morning before taking the train to the Express bus terminal station

Where to buy the bus ticket to Nonsan 

Once we reached the Express bus terminal, we looked for the bus terminal station to Honan line to buy the bus ticket (as the online website only has Korean and only accept credit card) and there are signboard everywhere leading us so we didn't spend too much time on finding the counter to buy the ticket. We had some time before boarding so we just sat down (and restroom) and wait to board the bus

Boarding the bus to Nonsan !! 

After 2 hrs of bus ride, we finally arrived at Nonsan !! PQ checked that we should cross the road to take a bus to the festival area. We waited for while but the bus number that PQ checks never comes, so we asked the only bus driver that kept appearing. The kind bus driver asked us to board and drive us to the bus terminal and took us to take another bus to the Strawberry festival area. In no time, we reached the event area very fast. There were so many cars, people, booths and so many thing to try and see !! SO EXCITED. But there were too many people and too many food, so we only tried hottok and ice-cream (all with or made from strawberry)

The Nonsan strawberry event !! 

The pass that allow us to go in freely 

After almost visiting all the booth, we took a taxi to the farm area to pick strawberry. We actually wanted to walk to the farm area but luckily we listened to the farm owner and took the taxi, it is really not walking distance to the farm.We were asked to paid 10,000 won (per person) and we were given a pass to go into the greenhouse with full of strawberry !!! We are allow to pick and eat on the spot. As long as we are inside, we can eat as much as we like and we could only carry one handful out of the place !!

Inside the greenhouse and look at the strawberry !! 

Is totally a strawberry buffet !! And at this point, our Singaporean bad habit comes out !! We are not allow but we bought plastic bad and pack some as we were eating !! >_< (so bad !! PLEASE DON'T LEARN). After all the eating and picking (and packing), we totally smells like strawberry !! Hahaha, I think I need to stay away from strawberry for a while. I can't believe I had strawberry for lunch (and just strawberry!!) HAHAHA.

The place owner helped us to call for a taxi and we headed straight to the bus terminal (was too tired from all the picking of strawberry). Bought the first bus back to Seoul, however due to the bus was full packed, we were unable to sit together, but it doesn't really matter as we were busy sleeping all the way. Due to the festival, many of the road was full of cars, in the end it took us 3 hours to come back to Seoul (actually it should take 2 hrs only). 

2014 Jan Hokkaido;Japan - overall & pictures

Hokkaido Overall 

Although this trip I had to travel with old people, there are alot of thing unable to do, I'm still the one in charge of planning and looking for direction. I have no problem with that since I also do this kind of thing (when I go on my own trip, I'm also the one who plan). 

The is something I don't like about Japan is that it's super hard to find WI-FI in Japan. Even the hotel, we been told that it's going to be down for a while, we will have to go to lobby to connect, but the connect like shit and it even more different to find in the out. So if you are someone who can't live without WI-FI, you could rent a pocket WI-FI at the airport.  

JR Ticket - 

Many said to get the JR pass when you are traveling in Japan. But for my case, I'm staying in one hotel for the following days, and I'm not travelling out to different town everyday. So it's not advice to get the JR pass. 

So I did some study on JR Hokkaido official website - http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html 

And I read up their website and there are some special offer that even if we don't get the JR pass, we can still enjoy it. Depend on where you want to go, they have different kind of offer for you to choose. These offer had to be buy at the JR counter before going in. It will be better to show the counter which offer are you regarding as they can't really understand english. If you don't get the, the original prices are almost double the price of the offer price, so I mean it, get this offer if  you are not getting the JR pass. 

Attraction - 

Some of the attraction that I had planned but in the end didn't go, I want and will do the next time I go. 

Mt Moiwa 藻岩山- http://moiwa.sapporo-dc.co.jp/index.html

The 531m high Mt. Moiwa-yama has wide foothills that stretch into the southwest of Sapporo. It is known for its fine night view. To get to the summit, there is a need to take the Moiwa-yama Ropeway. From the peak, the grid shape of the city of Sapporo will appear in front of you. 

Asahiyama Zoo 旭山動物園 -

http://www.asahikawafc.jp/asa_eng/show.php?template=item.template.asta.html&item_id=226

Address : Higashi Asahikawacho Kuranuma, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205, Japan   

It is a very popular zoological garden just outside of central Asahikawa City in the middle of Hokkaido. Its popularity lies in the enclosures which allow visitors to observe the animals from various angles, many of which are unique to Asahiyama Zoo.  

Asahikawa Ramen Village あさひかわラーメン村 - 

http://www.asahikawa-tourism.com/asahikawa/asahikawa_restaurants/ramen_village/asahikawa_ramen_village.html

Address : Nagayama 11-jyo, 4-chome, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421 

It serve 8 of Asahikawa's most well known ramen shops in a locations. With each shop offering an assortment of ramen choices, it's hard to decide what to eat. Photos of the ramen is place at the entrance of each shop, so you can make your choice easier. 

List of ramen serving there : http://www.ramenmura.com/English-2.html

Rera Chitose Outlet mall 千歳アウトレットモール・レラ - http://www.outlet-rera.com/english/

Address : 1-2-1 Kashiwadai-minami, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-8765, Japan

Hokkaido's first large scale outlet shopping mall is located next to the international airport and terminal station. The mall in the perfect location both for air passengers (tourists) and people from Sapporo and surrounding areas to visit 

PICTURES !!!!

Morning view from my room

Path to train station 

Otaru Chuo Bus stop

yummy lunch in Otara ! 

LeTAO cake menu - tea break set meal

From below shop in Otaru 

Dessert - Melon Ice-cream !! super super yummy