Weekly Best

Jongmyo Shrine

Last week, we were let out of school early for Parent`s Day. To celebrate, I went downtown to see Jongmyo Shrine before my Korean class. Earlier this year, I saw Dongmyo, but Jongmyo is much more impressive. Located in central Seoul (right next to Jongno 3 Ga), I feel kind of silly for never having visited the shrine. Especially since it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jongmyo was commissioned by King Taejo (the founder of the Joseon dynasty) and is the shrine for all of the past kings and queens (plus some other honored guests). I almost didn`t go last week because there weren`t any English tours available, but I decided to suck it up and do a tour in Korean.

My Korean level is decent (I`m starting the advanced level at the Korea Foundation next week!), but historical words are hard. I probably understood some 80% of the words, but all of the important ones were lost. Since some of these words were difficult for Koreans as well, the tour guide did explain them quite well. For example, she started the tour by explaining the word Jongmyo (종묘) as there is confusion over the difference between a tomb and a shrine. 종 means ancestral and 묘 is normally a place to do ancestral rites. Nobody is buried at Jongmyo.

The first building we looked at (behind the tour guide in the picture above) was Hyangdaecheong. This building acted as storage and a waiting room for those coming to the shrine.

We walked along a road that had an elevated strip in the middle. This elevated strip was for the king, while the strips on the left and the right were for other high-ranking officials (rankings I didn`t know). Women weren`t allowed to perform the ancestral rites (제사), but a queen could have her tablet (신실) enshrined after her death. Equality after death.

Next, we saw Jaegung. Here, the king and crown prince would prepare before doing the rites. There was a building for the king, a building for the crown prince, and a bathing facility. The picture below is the king`s room (Eojaesil).

After walking through Jaegung, we stopped in front of Jeonsacheong, where the food was prepared. I had 제사밥 a while back in Andong, and it was delicious, in a very plain way. 냠냠.

The next building was the most impressive: Jeongjeon. Jeongjeon is te main hall of Jongmyo. While it started off as a small shrine, when a king or queen died, a new hall was added. This continued until there were 19 chambers (and had to be stopped or it would rival the size of China`s royal shrine... I think).

Under King Sejong, a second shrine, Yeongnyeongjeon, was built to accommodate more tablets. As you can see in the picture below, there are four shrines with a raised roof. These shrines house King Taejo`s ancestors.

If you want to visit Jongmyo, the English tours are at 10, 12, 2, and 4pm (but closed on Tuesdays). On Saturdays, you can visit the shrine without a guided tour. With the English booklet, that might be the best way to enjoy the shrine. The entrance fee is 1,000 won.

JAGALCHI MARKET, BUSAN, KOREA

자갈치시장 . ジャガルチ市場 . 扎嘎棋市场

We took the subway from Busan Station 부산역, which was near our hotel, to Jagalchi Station 자갈치역. Mom bought the one-day railpass with unlimited subway rides for ₩4000, and it was free for me.

Busan Station 부산역 - steps all the way

A short ride later, we reached Jagalchi Station 자갈치역, and took a short walk to Jagalchi Market 자갈치 시장.

Passed by Shindonga Market 신동아 시장, which also has several seafood eateries here

Although I have been to a wet market in Singapore with Grandma, I have never seen so many kinds of seafood. Mom also said that most of the seafood sold in Singapore are frozen, whilst those in Korea were caught straight from the sea/ ocean.

I spotted a baby octupus trying to run away ... but the auntie caught it quickly.

The octupus crawled out from the basket ...

And went as far as the umbrella stand in the middle of the pathway,
before it was caught! I was a bit scared of it.

Mom said lunch would be in this blue building called Jagalchi Market 자갈치 시장.

On the 2nd floor, the adults had a hard time deciding which eatery to go to.

Mom ordered the hoe set 생선회, because it is Busan`s famous food (Mom: plus it was too much a hassle trying to order a-la-carte whilst trying to figure out the menu which was all in Korean).

The raw fish ordered was prepared, and delivered
straight from the fish market downstairs

I could only eat the fried fish, scallop, pumpkin and rice because all the other food were raw, or had chilli and were spicy!

Side dishes 반찬

Raw fish platter 생선회

Spicy Fish Soup 매운탕

Grandma`s additional order for me

Sea snails? They looked a bit small...

After lunch, we went behind the building to see the Nampo Port 남포항.

We saw this view from the restaurant too

Nampo Port 남포항

Then it`s back inside to visit the seafood market.

From here, we walked to the BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) Square to see the "stars" (it was more for Mom`s sake, actually).

The nearby Lotte Busan Department Store

@ BIFF Square - actor in the making?

Mom`s Notes

Very interesting experience for kids, especially for urban kids who probably have few opportunities to visit a seafood market. The challenge is trying to identify the seafood with their English names, and we have never seen some of these species before in Singapore!
From the Korean blogs, it seemed that the locals prefer to eat at the aforementioned Shindonga Market 신동아 시장, or at those sea/bay-facing outdoor eateries ... we may try the latter if we visit Busan again
I cannot quite remember it now, but I think the hoe lunch cost about S$30-40 per person
There were not many non-spicy food options for kids, and I would like to assume that this is the case for most of the eateries there since the menu offerings do not differ much
Cramped feet alert ... as the eateries in the Jagalchi Market offered only Korean-style seating (no chairs), so get the kids to stand or move around after a while
For adventurous parents, and it will be an exhilarating experience for kids watching you eat them, try the live octopus - sannakji 산낙지. Note the risks!

     Address:    자갈치시장 [600-044] 부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52
     Tel:           (051) 713-8000
     Directions: Via Subway Line 1, then Exit 10 of Jagalchi Station 자갈치역

or Exit 2 of Nampodong Station 남포동역 (map)
Opening Hours: 0800 - 2200 hours

Food Diary12 : Korean Food and Tourism Expo

Hi dear Korean food lovers! The Korean Food and Tourism Expo was held from April 23 to 26 in Seoul. It was so interesting to see lots of traditional and fusion Korean food displayed. Most of them were so beautiful, so it looked like not food but piece of art. This is the fried ginseng [Insam [...]

HWASEONG FORTRESS, SUWON, KOREA

수원화성 . 水原華城 . 水原华城

Our taxi brought us from KBS Suwon Center to the Yeomingak Bell Tower 여민각.

To herald in the new year, ceremonies will take place here

We crossed the road and cut across a very very big open space to go to Sinpungnu 신풍루, the main gate of the palace Hwaseong Haenggung 화성행궁, located within the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress 수원화성.

Mt. Paldalsan 팔달산 in the background, performances under the white tent on the right, and Sinpungnu is next to the tent

An attraction of Suwon - public toilets!

Facing Sinpungnu, turn left and walk until the end of the gate, then turn right to walk uphill to the Trolley boarding point
The signages were not very clear on directions

We did not visit the palace, but we watched Korean traditional performances held near the gate.

Then, it was a long and tiring climb up to the Hwaseong Trolley Mt. Paldalsan 팔달산 boarding point (about 10 mins)!

Up the steps from the side of Sinpungnu...

Then more steps ...

Then down the slope ...

And then up the steps again ...

And we`re finally here!

Mt. Paldalsan 팔달산 boarding point and ticket booth

On the 30 mins trolley ride, we saw many stone walls and gates, and they looked somewhat the same after a while. But there was also beautiful scenery.

Hwaseomun 화서문

Janganmun 장안문 (North Gate)

Stone bridge near Janganmun

Hwahongmun 화홍문, with Dongbukporu 동북포루 (Northeast Sentry Tower) in the background

Hwahongmun 화홍문

Suwon River 수원천

The trolley ride ended at Yeonmundae 연무대, also known as 동장대.
Mom and I walked around a bit to see the walls up close.

I wondered what they used this hole for

A peek over the wall to the other side, with Changryongmun 창룡문 in the background

View of Suwon City from the wall

Here, there was also a large field for Archery 국궁체험 where people could shoot some arrows. I wanted to try ... but it was only for kids above 10 years old. The old uncle here was very friendly, and he spoke English to me.

We could take a bus back to Suwon Station from the bus stop here, but we took a taxi instead because we were very tired.

Changryongmun 창룡문

Mom said it was `mind boggling` trying to figure out the right
bus to take, based on the bus route table at the bus stop

Mom`s Notes

To read about the interesting historical background of the fortress, refer to the UNESCO website, Visit Seoul website, or the Visit Korea website
Great day-trip from Seoul for adults and kids, but you`ll need to prep the kids for lots of walking, and arm yourself with some historical anecdotes or stories to keep the kids interested
Personally, I thought that the trolley moved too fast for us to get a good picture, or to appreciate the sights. Hence, exploring on foot might be a better option, although it may be rather challenging with kids in tow
It was definitely easier to board the trolley from the Yeomundae stop versus the Mt. Paldalsan stop!

Distance of other countries from Suwon

About the Hwaseong Trolley
Operating Hours: Daily 10am - 5.50pm
Note: 1. In Nov-Feb, the trolley ends earlier at the 11th round
             (refer to the time schedule)
         2. Trolley stops operating when there is heavy rain or snow
         3. No refund if the boarding time is missed
         4. Timings differ on weekdays 평일 vs. weekends/ public holidays 주말·공휴일
         5. No stops in-between
Duration: 30 mins
Cost:       Children 700 won / Teens 1100 won / Adults 1500 won (one way/ direction)
Tel:         Mt. Paldalsan Ticket Counter 팔달산 031-228-4683
               Yeomundae Ticket Counter 연무대 031-228-4686

About the Archery Activity
Opening Hours: Nov - Feb 0930-1630 hours
                       Mar - Oct 0930-1730 hours
                       (weekends & public holidays in Mar - May 0930-1820 hours)
Timing:     A session takes place every 30 mins (break @ 1230-1330 hours)
Duration: About 15 mins
Cost:        2000 won for one session (about 10 arrows)
Max no.:   30 persons each session
Tel:          031-228-4686

About Hwaseong Fortress
Operating Hours: Mar - Oct 0900-1800 hours
                         Nov - Feb 0900-1700 hours
Cost: Child 500 won / Teens 700 won / Adult 1000 won (to tour the gates)
Map: Click here for a detailed map in Korean
Tel:   Click here for the various tourist information centers in Suwon

Pyebaek, The Korean Wedding

폐백 Pyebaek is a part of Korean traditional wedding ceremony. Only family members attend this ceremony. The bride present`s jujubes, chestnuts as a symbol of fertility or children to parents and elder family from the groom.

My point of view here is not about the ceremony itself but I`m interesting of the wedding food for pyebaek.

Wedding food is intented in order to invite praise and admiration. Chastity was regarded as the most worthwhile virtue for wedded couples. Fertility, longevity were also considered to be great blessings.
Some points above are represented in Korean wedding food. Various colors such as blue, red, yellow, white, and black are represents of the five moral virtues. They are benevolence, propriety, faith, wisdom and also righteousness. The jujube and chestnut symbolize the endless generation of posterity and longevity. Jujube means a son that forms the line of family pedigree. Dried persimons which are sliced resemble of flowers, represents penance and is valued because the process of making it requires time and a lot of care.

Pyebaek table setting :
Stacked jujubes (served for the bride`s father in law, chicken (served for the bride`s mother in law), gujeolpan (nine-sectioned plate), wine.

Photo Credit : Han-style.com

Coming to Korea: where to live? About the neighborhoods in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do

Author`s note: Coming to Korea posts are written with the newer expats in mind. If you have a more experienced perspective to offer, please share in the comments! EDIT 9 May 2013 to add some more information. As I`ve been making the transition to Thailand and the next chapter in life, some of the Read more...

The post Coming to Korea: where to live? About the neighborhoods in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do appeared first on Chris in South Korea.

Korea Travel- Welcome to Gyeongju 2~~

Come on to Anapji Pond 안압지

~~ To reach this place, simply take Bus no. 12. Easy ^^

Sunset~~~~~

Beautiful Anapji Pond at night when the lights brighten~~

Anapji Pond with Cherry Blossoms~~~ yea

I remembered it was a very hot day .. the hottest day in my 2 weeks spent in Korea. I can even take out my jacket and just wear one layer of clothing. By afternoon I was sweating....

This was the day I spent in Gyeongju for the 2nd time.... ^^

Greeted once again by lovely blossoms~~~ thank god Gyeongju has many blossoms still in bloom

SO PRETTTY!!!!!!!!!! cute cute cute..........

self shot~~ pretty Blossoms behind me..... Look pink from afar but actually they are white.........It`s all white blossoms in Korea~~

This is the Gyerim Forest

and nearby, just besides the forest is the Cheomseongdae Observatory 첨성대

Pretty blossoms all around in Gyeongju

horse carriages spotted... just like in Jinhae

Finally after walking around, I found my way to the famous Daeneungwon Tomb. It looks near on the map from Gyerim Forest, but the walking distance is quite long actually. Not as near as it looks...

This place is the tomb complex, where old tombs of Silla are clustered.

Let`s tour inside Daeneungwon

I ♥♥ this...............

Maehwa~~~~

Hwangnam Tomb is not a single tomb but actually are 2 linked mounds. This suggests this possibility that this could be the tomb of a married couple and in actual fact male bones were found in the southern part of the tom and a woman`s belt in the southern part.

Numerous expensive artifacts were found so it is believed that this tomb belongs to that of a king and queen respectively.

Entrance to the Cheonma Tomb 천마총.

Until 1973 the tomb remained uncatalogued and unexcavated, lying undisturbed in the densely populated Gyeongju valley. A coffin was first discovered, followed by other treasures 3 months later.

The most prominent treasure found was the paining of a galloping horse and hence the name `Heavenly Horse Tomb` was as given.

Large tombs indicate the ruler`s authority and is especially true of tombs that contain many grave goods.

The interior is now decorated with replicas of artifacts excavated from the tomb. The original ones are exhibited at Gyeongju National Museum.

Blossoms petals~~~~ PRETTY?? ^_^

I had very much wanted to eat Ssam-Bap 쌈밥, Its a meal with many side dishes, huge portions. It seems to be a specialty specifically near the Daereungwon area in Gyeongju.

But the restaurants all declined me :( :(:(

I didn`t know was it because they don`t accept single diner because of huge portions? or were they really fully booked????

Actually I saw seats and I saw them accepting those after me who were in groups. Unless they had a reservation? Till this day, I really don`t know but I think declined me just because I am on my own and maybe they don`t want to accept single dinners thinking they can`t finish or something.

But I am paying for it! so what was that?

Really MEAN of them if that`s the case!! Anybody can enlighten me on it?

anyway it was so hard to find food near Daereungwon area when you are on your own. After walking by many eateries, I finally found a place that offers Kimchi Jjigae.

Finally!! sob sob......tiring -_-||

After lunch I continued to the Gyeongju Museum... Really wanted to see this place as I was interested in historical stuff. Entrance is FREE! haha

I didn`t really take much photos of the exhibits as I was really appreciating haha...

So... just photos of the exterior showing the compound of the museum....

Of course when you are in Gyeongju, You can`t miss out the Gyeongju Bread or Hwangnam Bread. There are many of such bakeries all around in Gyeongju so you can easily purchase them.

A must try!

It`s in a pretty floral shape and filled with yummy red bean paste. They do sell it in bulks and you can bring them home as souvenirs Provided, that you are leaving for home right after your Gyeongju visit because these pretty breads can only last for 5 days!!!

It was really yummy indeed. I bought mine from the shop across Bulguksa and you won`t miss that shop. I think theirs was not too sweet so it`s nice for me...

This is their website~~

My friends said some other brands are too sweet and they don`t really like it.

Chefs at work

That`s all for now.... stay tune for more~~

48 hours in Seoul – or, a walk on Seoul`s wild side (find it in the Busan Haps, or read it below)

CISK note: a version of this piece is published in the May issue of Busan Haps. Spending two days in Seoul is a bit like spending a half-hour inside a three-story museum – you`ll enjoy it, but you`ll quickly realize how little time that really is. Lonely Planet`s own guide to the city of over ten Read more...

The post 48 hours in Seoul – or, a walk on Seoul`s wild side (find it in the Busan Haps, or read it below) appeared first on Chris in South Korea.

Jeju Island South Korea - Part 1 - Driving - Mysterious Road

I just had a wonderful long holiday on Jeju Island at the very southern end of South Korea.
Over the next few weeks I will be posting various travels that we went on.

This being the first post I wanted to take you on a virtual tour by showing you some of the driving scenery. Jeju is quite different from the rest of Korea and traffic there is quite light in comparison.

We will also visit Mysterious Road or some people call it Ghost Road where the laws of physics seem to not apply....

So here we go. ^^

Mysterious Road is quite famous on Jeju and is quite a tourist attraction. The legend has it that if you stop your car on the road you will roll forward up the hill or roll backward up the hill (depending on which side of the road you stop on of course). Either rolling bottles or cans on the road or stopping your car to see if it rolls by itself is more common than you would imagine. Watching for several minutes I saw perhaps 5 cars stop and a bunch of Chinese tourists rolling bottles and jumping all over the road! The best way to locate this road is to find out where Jeju Love Land is. The road is right outside you will see the coffee shop and Mysterious Road is right there and runs for 50 - 100 meters past the coffee shop. Go past the coffee shop until you see a sign saying "Mysterious Road Start".

Renting a Kia K5 we drove to our first place of stay the resort Dam & Roo (more on that next week along with Lotte Hotel Jeju). Jeju seems to be the land of the K5 as there are dozens driving all over the island. I think it is a favourite car for all the rental car agencies.

Lets take a little drive on a typical Jeju road:

Well this is my quick update for this week. Next week I will show you a couple of the amazing places you can stay and perhaps something more. ^^
Over the coming weeks I will be sharing more from Jeju Island but I will take a break for a week to bring you Musclemania which will be happening on the 11 of May.
Until next time have a fantastic week! ^^

Jeju Island South Korea - Part 1 - Driving - Mysterious Road

Korea Travel- UNESCO World Heritage: Hahoe Village in Andong

Hahoe Village is such a pretty and lovey place.... a totally serene and scenic spot you will fall in love with

It`s fairly deserted and much quieter than the hustle and bustle of Bulguk Temple or the Seokguram Grotto

PRETTY CHEERY BLOSSOMS!!!!! Yea

( however I think I saw only white blossoms in Korea, not bright pink ones like in Japan)

Welcome to Hahoe Village!

Getting to Andong is a fairly long journey.

There are 2 ways:
1. via train. As I had the KTX pass, I had to utilize the use of it and so I took a train to Andong. As I had mentioned previously, the train schedules are not frequent and you have to take note.

2. via bus. As I heard from a Thai couple I met, there is a straight bus from Dongdaegu Bus Terminal station to Andong, you have to ask the staff there on which bus to take. It takes about 1 or 2 hours plus.

Upon reaching Andong Train station/ Bus Terminal, take an inter-city bus no. 46 to Hahoe Village. See Below.

The bus stop to take bus no. 46? See the map below. It`s just opposite of Andong Train Station, with the symbol of the village. This map below proves to be very useful. ^_^

all thanks to my new friend who gave it to me....

Upon reaching the village, you have to take another internal village bus in.

The bus terminal, is in fact just buses lined up on both sides of the streets, don`t expect a sheltered terminal for buses.

So... back to Hahoe Village!

( I forget to do other poses coz too cold... hands are permanently stuck in pockets... haha)

Pretty White blossoms greeted us!~~

Love the cherry blossoms everywhere~~!!!

there are traditional games for everyone to play...

Wishing tree

Children on excursions

Many houses are inhabited by residents in fact and they offer `MinBak` which means min su in chinese, a kind of accomodation service. But we were thinking there`s nothing much to do there, might be pretty bored... haha unless you are stuck there for a night, can consider.

MinBak

Hahoe Village is famous for it`s mask dance. Too bad on the day we went there were no performances.

Pretty Pretty~~

Masks of all expressionsss haha

empty lanes.... really serene at the village, not much visitors or perhaps we were too early

The special thatched straw roofs

there`s a church located within the village.... cool? haha

Friends, families, lovers gathered round.... pretty sight

Back at the main entrance, we saw a famous shop hand-making beard candy. Though similar, but this tasted really goood! non sticky to the teeth and filled with sesame seeds too to add a hint of fragrance.

( I wonder if it tastes the same as those sold in Samzigil in Seoul, saw quite a few beard candy shops there too)

Time for dinner!! BIG TV for watching and this place practically has nobody. The ahjuma and ahjushi were really friendly and nice too and they welcome you to stay there for as long as you liked...

I should have took a photo with her.... regret..... too tired didn`t think much....

If you are in Andong, must- try Andong Jjimdak (Chicken and Vegetables Steamed in Soy Sauce Seasoning)

My travelling companion for the day!! ^____^

Stay tuned for more!!! thanks for reading....

Thanks, buzz KOREA, For The iPad-Mini!

Well, just leave to the the Korea Tourism Organization`s buzz Korea to roll out the best prizes!

Over the years of blogging and participating in their contests and games, I have won quite a few prizes. Since blogging is just a hobby for me, sort of a way to help promote the things I do and the places I visit in Seoul and around South Korea, I appreciate receiving these prizes and souvenirs.

Two years ago, my blog about a day spent in and around Myeongdong, The Occidental Tourist, was voted as one of the top ten blogs, for which I won a hefty sum of shopping money (which I splurged on pasalubong shopping at the duty-free shop!). But this time, on the buzz Korea`s app (do download it on your smartphone if you haven`t yet), they rolled out again a contest with impressive prizes: iPad Minis!

So, who wouldn`t be interested in participating in contest with such prizes? I immediately downloaded the app and, as they say in baseball, I immediately swung away! I uploaded photos of tourist attractions in Seoul accompanied by its location and a bit of information about the place, and voila!

I won an iPad Mini! Yes, it was that easy!

So, for all of you who want to win prizes, too, just watch out for the contests where, while you help promote Seoul and South Korea to the world, you win souvenirs and prizes, too!

And while you`re at it, do visit buzz Korea`s homepage for more information about the festivals, tourist attractions and things to do in Seoul and Korea.

Thanks again, buzz Korea! And happy sightseeing, everyone!

Hwagok Station (화곡역) Line 5 – Station #517

Almost immediately, Hwagok produced one of the most unique, most unusual, and, least kid sister-friendly businesses we`ve turned up in the course of this project. About a block and a half down Gangseo-ro (강서로) from Exit 5 was 곤충박물관 충우 (Insect Museum Chung-u), easily spotted by the sign outside with pictures of several different butterflies [...]

Here`s where you can get good non-Korean food in Seoul

Location of First and Second Pic: 레드브릭 Red Brick - Seorae Village - Express Bus Terminal 고속터미널역 Exit 5

Location of Third Pic: Butterfinger Pancakes - 강남 Gangnam Exit 10, 6

The waiters at Butterfinger Pancakes were deleriously happy, so I would go again just to have some of their sunshine~ And if you go to Red Brick, don’t get anything with leaves!! Unless you like eating leaves that taste like paper.

The Art of taking Trains in Korea

I would not claim that I am an expert in taking trains in Korea since I was only there for a few days, but here I am just sharing my experiences. ^____^

I reached Korea on 9th April evening time and immeditaely took a KTX train to Dongdaegu. As a foreigner you can enjoy train privileges with a KTX pass that lasts for a various days. I bought the 7 days pass and totally enjoyed traveling via their KTX, Mugunghwa, Saemaeul trains... whatever that can get me to places... :)
Book online at Korail Korea.

At first, I was hesitant if buying a KR PASS would be worth my money as it was quite expensive. But it turned out to be really good especially if you are traveling between different regions outside of Seoul for consecutive days. Traveling by train is the fastest way around.

Also, with a KR PASS, you need not dig out our coins or notes every time you want to purchase a ticket, so it`s very convenient.

So when you are at Seoul Station look out for the KTX pass counter, which is different from the major train ticketing queues you will see, with signboards showing the times etc. (sorry I forgot to take pics of that place).

Just tell the counter you bought the pass and they will give you a card. Bring the card along with you everywhere so that you can get train tickets on the spot at any stations -with or with KTX operations, major or small stations. Of course, with the KTX Pass, you would want to utilize as much as possible and take the KTX ( more expensive and faster), but there are some areas that KTX does not served and that is when you will have to take their `local` train- Mugunghwa and Saemaeul (cheaper, slower, not as clean)

The `local` trains though not as fast as KTX is still relatively quick, perhaps it stops at more places along the way. However these trains are still as spacious as KTX and you will have plenty of leg-room. In face to me, the seats are even more spacious than budget airlines... haha....

This is the KR PASS

These are the paper train tickets you will receive every time you want to have a train ride

Interior of the KTX

The train system is very flexible so everyday you do not have to make reservations or purchase tickets in advanced. Just know where you are heading to and the timing you want to board the train, be at the ticketing counter some 15 mins or so earlier ( if there is no long queue), show your KTX pass card and you will get the train ticket to your destination. Seats allocations will be done and if you prefer window seats just tell the staff.

Dongdaegu station... the place I frequented most during my 5 days stay in Daegu

For places like from Busan to Seoul, Dongdaegu etc. there are many frequent KTX trains available, so you need not need worry if you fail to catch a train on your intended timing. If you missed your train you can always get another ticket at the counter, so relax~~ But sometimes if you can make it, the staff will still issue you tickets 5 mins before departing, so run to the boarding platform!! ^^

However if you are travelling to more remote areas like Jinhae or Andong and not by KTX, you have to be aware of the timing for the trains.

At Masan station... going on to Jinhae station

posters for the Jinahe festival

Taking train to Jinhae from Masan

there are cafe bars on certain train cabins of the Mugunhwa trains

and I arrived at Jinhae station

In another instance, I am going to Andong`s Hahoe Folk Village and from Dongdaegu to Andong, there are only 3 time slots per day- morning, afternoon and evening. So if you want to be there in the morning , make sure you catch that morning`s 6:15 train! Else it will be 15:33 for the next slot. Can you imagine how early I woke up on that day? :(

Thank god the internal subway trains in Dageu operates quite early too, so you can be sure you can take the subway to Dongdaegu station to catch the Mugunghwa train.

On the morning to Andong.. at Dondaegu train station-> vacant

Sunrise along the way.........

I also went to Gyeongju for the famous historical and UNESCO world heritage sites.

It`s more worth your money to take a KTX to Singyeogju station instead. I will explain more in my future post.

it`s a huge, new and nice station.

At huge stations like Seoul. Dongdaegu, Busan there are many eateries and facilities available so you can catch a bite too....

Traveling by train is awesome as you can see the beautiful scenery along the way...there are so many pretty places outside of Seoul that you can explore....

I can only think of these few pointers now.... if there is anything else regarding trains traveling I will add on later. ^^

The Flowers, They are a Bloomin`

Spring has taken it`s pretty little time making it to the Korean peninsula this year, and from...

Mapo Galbi & cherry blossoms at "Mapo Restaurant Street"

After volunteering at the orphanage on Sunday, we headed out to grab an early dinner at our town near Mapo station. We always have a huge appetite afterwards.

We ordered 2 servings of pork galbi and two "bibim nengmyun". We can`t have meat with out topping it with the cold spicy noodles - it`s a great combo :)

To start it off, the banchan spread...

good looking and tasty banchan

tangy sauce and veggies and "mool kimchi"

veggies for "ssam" (wrap)

After enjoying a little bit of everything from the banchan spread - our 2 orders of galbi came!


2 servings of galbi

grilling away

yumm

It was such a yummy dinner!

It wasn`t overwhelmingly heavy in marinade that you could actually taste the meat.
The banchan and service was also very good. Very attentive and clean restaurant.

For good digestion(?), we walked around the "Mapo Restaurant Street" for the pretty cherry blossoms.

There is a cute little elementary school in the area. We walked around to enjoy the "school scenery".

I find that Korean schools can be so cute - especially the "garden" area - where trees, flowers, and sometimes, ponds to pretty up the school.

magnolia flower

Looking at the cute school reminded me of my younger days in Korea.. ^^

After the nice long stroll around the neighborhood with the pretty blossoms and trees - we grabbed some hot coffee.

hot Americano

Americanos for only 2500won!

It was a nice way to finish up the day~

Directions to MAPO WANG GALBI:
- Get off Exit 1 of Mapo station (line 5, purple color), walk towards the first right corner, keep walking up towards a small uphill. It will be on your left - refer to photos below.

- "Mapo Restaurant Street" is a rather short street with restaurants, especially grilled meat. When you get off exit 1 and turn to the first right street, you will turn right again to the right and you will see a nice road with trees and restaurants on both sides.

view of restaurant on left

look for this big sign

Almost there~ street to the restaurant on your left

Seongnyugul - Korean Caves in Gyeongsangbuk-do

Sara and I bought a car! A 2001 Kia Carens with just over a 100,000 miles. We`ve nicknamed it Jean Grey, or the Phoenix, because it`s grey and because there are some hints that it was wrecked and burned pretty badly. It drives well, but it was probably engulfed in flames at some point in its life. We only paid two-thousand, so we`re happy as long as we don`t end up in a fiery inferno. I`ll write a post about buying a car in Korea, but the short version of the story is it`s really easy. Do you have money? You can buy a car and drive it away that day. It probably helps if you know something about cars, but they`re really happy to sell you one no matter your understanding of Korean or cars.

We bought a car so we could road trip. We love having our scooter, but we just can`t get very far and by the time we do, we`re worn out from dodging buses and trying to stay upright in the wind. Our first weekend as proud owners of the Phoenix we drove north looking for something new, looking for that feeling of travelling that we haven`t had in so long. It turns out Korea`s a really great place to travel if you have transportation. There`s a ton of cool stuff just waiting to be seen, if you can get to it. Because it was raining on Saturday the first thing we did was head for a cave just outside of Uljin. Indoor, touristy, a perfect first choice for our trip.

This part of Korea is just hills and mountains and valleys everywhere, which naturally leads to some caves. Seongnyugul Caves are touted as the first caves opened to tourists. While the walk through only takes about twenty minutes, it`s a cool opportunity to get underground and see some stalactites and stalagmites. The path inside the caves is an easy walk, though with a couple sets of stairs and a couple of places where crouching/crawling becomes necessary. There`s not a lot of adventuring once inside, as the path is set by metal barriers, but it`s a good way to spend a rainy afternoon. And if you get hungry, there`s a small group of restaurants just outside the entrance of the caves. We stopped and had katsu and bibimbap. As always, here`s 10 pictures and some foolish comments.

The ticket office is surrounded by a little pond. The metal barriers outside suggest this place can get really busy and have some really long lines.

We were really lucky because there were very few people here. A bus full of people did show up as we were leaving, but mostly we were by ourselves in the caves.

Like many places in Korea safety has been thought of but then usually ignored. We saw lots of people carrying helmets, but we were some of the only ones actually wearing them. I did hit my head five or six times inside, so I was happy to be helmeted.

This is a five second exposure where I`m standing really really still. It was dark in these caves.

Another long exposure.

Parts of the cave were filled with water and reflected the walls perfectly so it looked like the cave went down forever.

She looks good in that helmet.

We used the torch on my phone to light our faces.

I definitely hit my head down here.

I took a thousand pictures this weekend, this is one of my favorites.

Cheongdo: Bullfighting, a Wine Tunnel and a Temple

Entrance to the Cheongdo Bullfighting Stadium

This past weekend, the city of Cheongdo (정도시) held its annual bullfighting festival (소싸음 축제). While even now I`m not sure how I feel about having bulls fight each other, it is an interesting tradition. The first thing on everyone`s mind when I told them I was going to see a bull fight was, "Oh no! I would hate to see a bull killed like that!", thinking of Spanish bullfighting. However, Korean bullfighting is quite different. In fact, here in Cheongdo, it`s not people that fight the bulls, but another bull.

Two bulls in the ring

Bulls square off in the ring, and, through a series of head butts, force one of the bulls to stand down. Throughout the fight, the bull owners coach their bulls by shouting commands. A fight typically lasts between two and ten minutes. Once it`s over, the bulls are lead out of the ring again. No bulls are killed in the process, and I`ve heard that serious injury to the bulls is rare.

Two bulls, mid-fight

Finally, one bull backs down and runs away, the one who stays is the winner!

However, just like any festival in Korea, there`s always a lot more to do and see than just the main event. Photo ops, traditional Korean games, performers and local products for sale were abound.

Me with Bunga the Bull

Trick Art!

My friend trying Neolttwigi

My friend trying Gulleongsoe

Cute bull mascots

Bull art

Acrobat performance

Comedy performance

Once we had seen everything in the festival, we headed next door to check out the Cheongdo Bullfighting Theme Park (which was really a museum).

`Cheongdo Bullfighting Theme Park`

The museum showed the history of bullfighting in both Korea and abroad, plus featured various games and art centered around bulls.

Me pulling a ~~fake~~ bull

This entertained us for several hours, but we wanted to see what else the Cheongdo area had to offer. So, we headed down to the `Wine Tunnel` (와인터널).

Wine tunnel entrance

This tunnel, originally made for trains in 1904, was converted into a winery in 2006. The year-round cool and humid conditions make it the perfect spot for wine making. However, since the local specialty of Cheongdo is not grapes, but persimmons (감), it is only fitting that this winery produce persimmon wine (감와인).

Enjoying a glass of wine in the tunnel

While I`m not personally a big fan of persimmons, I had to give this wine a try while I was here and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it`s got a great flavor. Slightly sweet, and only a hint of the strong persimmon flavor. You can drink wine here (just 3,000 won/ glass of regular wine), or you can buy a bottle to bring home as a souvenir. Prices start at 18,000/ bottle and go up from there depending on the style or set you purchase.

Glass of `regular` persimmon wine

Evening was approaching, but we couldn`t resist the temptation of making one last stop before heading home to Seoul. Just behind the wine tunnel, we saw a sign for a small temple called Daejeoksa Geungnakjeon (대적사 극락전) located just 100m away. We went up to take a peek.

Entry gate of Daejeok Temple

While it`s certainly one of the smaller temples I`ve ever visited, it is definitely worth a quick visit. Brightly painted doors welcome visitors to this temple. While it was the home of a very large temple during the Silla Dynasty, all but disappeared until the middle of the Joseon Dynasty when it became a hermitage.

Geungnakjeon

To go to Cheongdo, take the train from Seoul Station. Direct trains take about 4 hours and 15 minutes, 22,300 won each way. For a faster, but pricier ride, take the KTX to DongDaegu and transfer.

From Cheongdo Station to the Bullfighting Stadium, exit the station, cross the street and turn left. There is a local bus terminal about 100m on the left. Find a city bus going to Punggak. Get off at the Chilseong 3-way Junction (Samgeori) Bus Stop, or find a direct bus to the bullfighting ring (소싸음장). Purchase bus tickets before boarding the bus.

From Cheongdo Station to the Wine Tunnel, take a bus from the local bus terminal, or take a taxi (about $13,000 won). Taxi from the Bullfighting stadium is about $9,000 won.

Seoul: Hello Kitty Cafe at Hongdae [buzz korea]

Several months back, Singapore`s flagship carrier SIA had a crazy cheap promotion for tickets to Seoul - I think it was about $600ish, versus the usual $800+ for a ticket. That`s why so many people are heading to Korea these few months. My money went to Korean Air though, since my lifelong goal is to … Continue reading »

Things I want to see in Korea

I really love Korea!!! i never been to Korea before and I really want to go to all the places that 2 days 1 night going. I really love to see the scenery in that show. I want to see the S river shape in korea. I couldn`t find the name of this river but what i remember was the scenery from the top of the mountain. We can see the river because the floor is transparent! How amazing! I can`t imagine that!

Then, i would like to go to jeongdongjin beach! the train station is the nearest station with the ocean and it was a world`s record! I want to see the sunset, i want to feel the cool air, i want to enjoy the scenery like lee Su Geun did. It feels fresh and satisfied. Credit to whoever take this picture ;)

The amazing place that i really want to see was Uleung Island Seaside Road! This place was amazing. I am not sure whether is it true or not because i never been to this place but what for sure was i still want to go to this place! Credit to whoever take this picture ;)

Other place that i want to see in korea was their amazing and popular city! Incheon, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu, Ulsan and Busan. I want to go to all this places!!! when i watch the show, i really want to see how this city was with my own eyes. Then i want to say " This place was amazing! The picture in above was Busan City! Credit to whoever take this picture ;) "

and i will not forget the famous Jeju Island! So many drama are being shooting there so it will be loss if i did not visit there, right? Credit to whoever take this picture ;)

Most of my friend have been in Korea. They also suggest me to go to Itaewon. They said, there was the best place for shopping. They know i didn`t like to shopping but still, they want me to go there. They said this place are different and i will like it. So, it will be my pleasure to come to visit this place :) Credit to whoever take this picture ;)

So many places and things i want to see in Korea! i can`t write it all here but SEOUL IS A MUST! To many things to do,see and hear in Seoul ~ Their culture, their kimchi, their teddy bear museum , the theater. i want to see Seoul tower, i want to see Seoul gate, i want to see Banpo Bridge at night, i want to see and walk in the river walk, i want to see all! That is River Walk~~ Credit to whoever take this picture ;)

but what will i confirm once i landing for the first time in korea was this place!Credit to my friend Putri for this picture ;)

JTUNECAMP! I want to see MBLAQ! I miss all the chances when i`m in Malaysia. I can`t go to Indonesia, My schedule is clashing with them when they come to Thailand then they also cancel their concert in Singapore. It was frustrated but what can I do???? KOREA! I have to see them in Korea! Even though i was officially an International A+ but i didn`t have the chance to meet them.

To Korean Air Southeast Asia, Korean tourism organisation,Korea Plaza KL, Buzz Korea thank you for giving this chances to me, to us to share with you what are we really want to do,see and hear in Korea. Thank you for invite us to join Asian On Air Program contest :) KOREA, HWAITHING! KOREAN AIR SOUTHEAST ASIA, HWAITHING!KOREAN TOURISM ORGANISATION, HWAITHING! BUZZ KOREA, HWAITHING! AND AJA-AJA HWAITHING KOREA PLAZA KL! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

but don`t forget to read my next blog to show how excited i am for this contest~ Kamsahamida~~

Seoul Best 71 – Android App to Plan and Visit the Best Places in Seoul.

Seoul Best 71 is an Android App for anyone who wants to explore Seoul. This App helps you plan your visit in Seoul. If you are visiting Seoul for the first time then let this app be your guide for the best places to visit in Seoul. Even if you have been staying in Seoul [...]

Top 5 delightful destinations in Korea

Korea has been one of the most loved tourist destinations by the people all over the world. The tourist attractions for one in Korea are ample and provide one with all kinds of fun and pleasurable activities to attain total leisure and an optimum level of enjoyment of one`s holiday. Though there are many available [...]

Present to all My BLOG READERS ^^**

Dear Readers,

It`s already mid of April, time flies so fast, next month my blog will celebrate its first birthday! Weee ^^

Thanks to all of you for spending some time to read my piece of mind here! Even though I know that I`m not a good writer but I felt good after writing here!

These days, I`m just busy thinking about my upcoming trip! I keep searching for a nice place to visit :D, I know this is not my first time I`m visiting there but this time I am all alone and I would love to spend every moment of it to the fullest!! ^^

Since I am busy preparing for my upcoming trip I talk to all my Korean friends all the time, even though we live far distance but then its like we were next to each other! LOL! This time I would like to visit to other province too! I am thinking about Busan, Jeolla-do and Jeju. For sure I will be around Seoul! Do you guys have any interesting suggestion place for me to pay a visit??If you do, do not hesitate to let me know here!! ^^

Since Spring seasons is on and these two weeks Cherry Blossom start to bloom all over S.Korea, I would love to share the beauty of this flowers to all of you my dear readers! ^^ I hope one day I would able to see and hold it for real!! ^^**

Thanks to all my Korean friends for their hard work and effort to snap these incredible pictures! Really love it!!Shall I mentioned all of your names here?? Hahaha after this all become famous?? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Incheon

Bangbae

Jeolla-do

Pu`chon

Seokchon Lake

Seoul

Suwon

Ulsan

Yeouiseoro

P/s: Hope all of you enjoy these! ^^ Still waiting for some more pictures from Busan ^^*

Bibimbap

One of my favorite Korean dishes The recipe is here.

Black Day.

ENGLISH:

Let`s pretend that I am eating 자장면 (Jajangmyeon - blackbean noodles) for Black Day right now. No, Black Day has nothing to do with Black Friday or Friday the 13th … Black Day (April 14) is a South Korean informal tradition for single people. The idea is that those who did not give or receive gifts on Valentine`s Day (February 14) or White Day (March 14) can get together and eat 자장면, white Korean noodles with black bean sauce, to celebrate (or to be sadden by) their singledom.

Artist: Yaji.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TIẾNG VIỆT:

Hãy tưởng tượng là bây giờ Oc đang ăn 자장면 (Jajangmyeon - mì tương đen) cho Ngày Đen nha. Không, Ngày Đen không liên quan gì với Ngày Thứ Sáu Đen Tối hoặc Thứ Sáu Ngày 13 … Ngày Đen (14 tháng 4) là một truyền thống không chính thức của Hàn Quốc dành cho những người độc thân. Trong ngày này, những ai không có tặng hoặc được nhận quà vào Ngày Lễ Tình Nhân (14 tháng 2) hoặc Ngày Lễ Tình Nhân Trắng (14 tháng 3) có thể gặp gỡ nhau và cùng ăn 자장면, một loại mì rất nổi tiếng của Hàn Quốc trộn với tương đậu đen, để tôn vinh (hay để buồn cho) sự độc thân của họ.

Họa sĩ: Yaji.
Biên soạn bởi: OctoTini.

[Part 1] 192. 1박2일 경주 Gyeongju MT

This morning, we only had class for an hour before spending the next 2 hours watching 늑대소년 Werewolf Boy. We thought that we would cry a lot from watching the movie so before watching it, one of my classmates rushed to the toilet to get toilet paper for us all. But we didn’t cry that much…7번 방의 선물 was more touching! Nevertheless, I like the movie for its unique storyline.

We were released from class early so that we could do some last minute packing before setting off for Gyeongju.

Lunch with Hung

양 선생님 found Strepsils for me from a pharmacy near her place! So touched when she gave the box to me ㅠㅠㅠㅠ She went to the pharmacy with me in Sasang yesterday but it didn’t have the lozenges I wanted.

Strepsils and antibiotics from Baby from Indonesia. I was so touched too!

At 2pm, we set off for Gyeongju and the very nice ajusshi who gave EH and I a lift back to school from Emart in January was our bus driver! So happy to see him again^^

We reached Gyeongju pretty fast…in about an hour or so?
We’re staying at Hanwha Resort which is beside Kensington Resort and all of us are on the 5th floor. My class’s room is all the way at the end. For our previous MT to Yongin last year, us girls slept in one pension while the guys slept in the one next door. This time round, each class has been assigned a room each. And each room comes with a kitchen area, living area, bathroom and 2 smaller rooms.

The room I shared with 5 of my classmates

View of Bomun Lake

Unloading our ingredients for our cooking session

E반 girls in accordance of height

With the guys and our 3 teachers

After we were done with unpacking, we set off for Bomun Lake on foot. Somehow, we ended up walking on the road lol. It’s a REAL PITY that most of the flowers have yet to bloom. If we were to come next week instead, the place will be even prettier :( I have to come back to Gyeongju again next spring.

This whole stretch of road will be really pretty when the flowers are in full bloom!

Hand in hand with my roommate^^

Most of us rented bicycles (for 5,000원) to cycle for about an hour or so. Jenna and I stopped by Starbucks on our way back for a drink :P

They were told that a bicycle isn’t a vehicle and that they should be careful of oncoming vehicles LOL

Taken with a mobile lens for my S3

Most of us were pretty tired from walking to the lake and cycling so instead of walking back to Hanwha Resort, we decided to take a cab since there were so many of us and it’s cheaper to take a cab than a bus. While we were waiting for a cab (there was none in sight), suddenly a car stopped in front of us and lo and behold…it was Mr Yun, our scholarship program coordinator!!! The appearance of a knight lol. "Ladies first" so 5 of us squeezed into his car and he sent us back :)

Back in our rooms, we began the big cooking session and went to other classes’ rooms to do some food-tasting every now and then. Since I was in Team A which did the cooking yesterday at 이 선생님’s place, we rested and ate snacks while Team B did the cooking. We were supposed to be done with the cooking by 8pm but the food was only ready at around 9pm. Most of us were famished by then. We ate while watching That Winter, The Wind Blows and I had 2 ice creams (1 at 11pm+) and ended up having indigestion -.-

Since it was such a rare opportunity that we came for an MT together, my class girls and I talked about everything under the sun all the way until 3am when I almost KOed and we decided it was time to sleep because we have to get up for the buffet breakfast tomorrow morning at 7am. Love my class girls. They are like my family here!

Kawita’s tom yum soup

송 선생님’s dish

Jenna gave me her 김치 stew :) So touched!

So that’s it for Day 1 of our MT which isn’t quite your typical Korean MT (membership training during which members are trained to drink-unofficially). The Koreans in the resort had their real MT; they drank, talked loudly and played games throughout the night, without stopping!

Sinchon or Sinchon-dong is a neighbourhood in Seodaemun-gu in...

Sinchon or Sinchon-dong is a neighbourhood in Seodaemun-gu in Seoul, South Korea. Sinchon is a busy area of the city and holds several department stores, cinemas and shopping areas that cater mainly to a young crowd. Also in the vicinity are several universities such as Yonsei University, Ewha Woman’s University, Hongik University, Sogang University and Myongji University. Sinchon is also one of the major entertainment districts with bars, karaoke rooms, PC-rooms, DVD rooms,Korean billiards halls and restaurants lining the streets covered in neon lights at night. Seoul’s second largest hospital, Severance Hospital, is linked with Yonsei University in Sinchon.

[Part 1] 196. 51회 진해군항제 The 51st Jinhae Gunhangje

I finally went to Jinhae today!!!!!

My loyal blog readers would already have known by now but… this is my first time spending spring in Korea and right on top of my TO DO/VISIT DURING SPRING list is to check out the cherry blossom festival in Jinhae. It`s actually more like a festival held in commemoration of Admiral Yi Sun Shin but for many, the main attraction is the cherry blossoms. 군항 means naval port and Jinhae is the naval base for the Korean Navy.

Thankfully, I am based in Busan now and I live in Sasang which means that it`s really convenient to visit Jinhae! There is a bus to Jinhae from Seobu Bus Terminal in Sasang which comes every 15 to 20 minutes.

Prior to our day trip to Jinhae, I had researched quite a bit about getting there and after reading several blog entries about visiting Jinhae on a weekend, I was adamant about going on a weekday to avoid the long queues, long waiting time and heavy traffic. My initial plan was to take the 1.20pm bus from the Bus Terminal but I only reached Sasang with my friends at 1.40pm, which meant that we could only take the next bus at 2pm. Our mistake was not going to the departure gate area immediately after purchasing our bus tickets. We were fooled by the relatively empty waiting area in the terminal, thinking that we needn`t worry about any crowd, but the moment we entered the departure gate area at slightly before 2pm, we were greeted by the looooong queue for the bus, which was already full too :( Thankfully, the next bus (supposedly the 2.20pm bus? or maybe more buses were catered for the festival) came within a few minutes and left within the next few minutes too. Thank goodness!

The journey from Sasang to Jinhae took about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon alighting, we quickly purchased our return bus tickets at the bus terminal first, in a typical kiasu Singaporean-style, led by yours truly. We had no maps and no idea where to go so we just followed the crowd blindly until we reached the rotary where the main event venue was at. There`s a tourist info booth there and you can get maps :)

The Bus Terminal or the 시외 Bus Stop

Cherry blossoms everywhere!

Walking towards the Jungwon rotary

Some performance for the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Art Festival

Food everywhere too!

Jaehwangsan Park 재황산공원 which we wanted to go to but didn`t have the time :(

Tourist info booth

Finally armed with maps, we found our way to Yeojwacheon 여좌천 where the famous Romance Bridge is. The stream is near Jinhae Station.
Beautiful but really crowded!

The start of the stream

Nice out-of-focus pic of us

Falling petals. Spring`s version of falling snowflakes.

Taken with my S3

We were happily taking photos when this reporter from KNN approached us (guess he spotted the only foreign-looking lady amidst the crowd- Valentina) and filmed us taking photos of each other before interviewing Valentina :)

I was her translator though she didn`t really need me :P

Everyone was selca-ing and I just had to do so too

Trying to catch the petals

We didn`t quite have a proper lunch and ate on the bus so we all got quite hungry after awhile and I found my favourite 계란빵 egg bread!

Gyeonghwa Station is not within walking distance from Yeojwacheon so we took a cab from Jinhae Station to get there. Our cab fare was 4,300원. Basically, if you`re in Jinhae for the festival, you should check out the stream, the Jaehwangsan Park and Gyeonghwa Station. At Gyeonghwa Station, the Mugunghwa train becomes the star attraction and as the train passes, it causes the flower petals to fall because of the gushing wind and it`s really a beautiful sight to behold. Passengers on board the train become celebrities of the moment too because everyone starts taking photos of the train lol.

Enjoying time on the railway tracks before the next Mugunghwa came by

Got separated from my friends :`(

It was a horror trying to get back to Yeojwacheon from Gyeonghwa Station at 6pm because it was peak hour, all the buses were full and there were no available taxis :( I met a group of Singaporeans (very distinct Singlish accent) and talked to them for awhile as we were all waiting for a taxi/bus (whichever came first). In the end, my friends and I gave up and we decided to walk till we could get a cab somewhere. But then, when the cab came, there were 5 of us and only 4 of us could get in. Since Jenna had work to do and wanted to come back first, she took the cab back while the rest of us ended up walking all the way back to the stream! Thank goodness for Google Map and our vague memory of how the taxi drove us to the Station that we managed to find our way back to the stream :)

Picked up the flowers from the ground since I didn`t dare to pluck any

Valentina trying to sprinkle petals on me

Modelling the latest spring bag from Myeongdong with flowers from Jinhae lol

Well, we were told that Gyeonghwa Station and the stream weren`t within walkable distance but we managed to walk back :) The stream`s beautiful at night too!

Fake flowers

My dinner of very salty potato twisters 3,000원 and sausage 2,000원

From Jinhae Station, we took a cab back to the bus terminal and just as we were getting into the taxi, a random guy came up to us and told us that the bus terminal was very close-by and that we needn`t take a taxi but we ignored him and took it anyway. We think that he was just trying to get our cab instead because…the bus terminal wasn`t that near and after walking for almost an hour (I think!) from the station to the stream, we were beyond exhausted.

At the bus terminal, we were greeted by a really long queue for the bus, twice the length of the queue in Sasang earlier this afternoon. According to my estimate, we would have to wait for the 3rd bus BUT we were in luck :) The bus driver suddenly called for people headed towards Sasang and so we were allowed to board the bus BUT we had no seats :( Still, we weren`t going to wait for the 3rd bus for seats. The journey back was a bit longer than 1 hour 15 minutes and we reached Sasang slightly after 9pm.

I`m so glad we made it to Jinhae after school today :) It`s a pity though that we didn`t get to explore more of Jinhae but there`s always another time :)

App Guide to Korean Culture – My First App on Google Play

The past few days I have been spent my time developing this app on Korean culture and learning Android at the same time. Developing this app has been a challenging and a fruitful experience for me. Finally I have managed to upload it on Google Play. I request you to download this app on your [...]