Jeonju (전주) is a capital city of Jeollabuk Province, and famous for its historic buildings and traditional Korean Food mixed rice dish of bibimbap. The city is situated about two and a half hours south of Seoul.
Once described by a Busan native as “the countryside”, Jeonju is indeed located in a beautiful area of the untry, with four national parks a short bus ride away. History abounds here too, and Jeonju’s hanok village is the place to experience the traditions of old Korea, learn about Jeonju’s place in history and sip tea in a traditional teahouse.
How to get Jeonju
Jeonju is a major transportation hub, so getting there doesn’t present much of a problem. The quickest way is to take the KTX from Seoul’s Yongsan Station to Iksan, and transfer to another train to Jeonju. The trip takes about 2 hours, 30 minutes in total. There are cheaper trains that go directly to Jeonju from Yongsan, but they’re much slower and they tend to fill up on the weekends.
Jeonju Tourism
Jeonju is famous for its Korean food, historic buildings, sports activities and innovative festivals. Korean Hanok Village may be the icon for Jeonju. Within half an hours bus ride you can be away from the city and in the mountains. There are many amazing temples and parks really close to jeonju that get a trickle of visitors. KumSanSa being one of my favourites.
Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju Hanok Village is located in the city of Jeonju and overlaps Pungnam-dong and Gyo-dong. There are over 800 traditional Korean ‘hanok’ houses. While the rest of city has been industrialized, Hanok Maeul retains its historical charms and traditions.
Jeonju Hanok village is especially beautiful for its roof curves. The roof edges being slightly raised to the sky is unique. Hanok houses are generally divided into two sections, Anchae and Sarangchae. Anchae is also known as Gyusu room, and is furnished accordingly. Sarangchae is where the men dwell, and is referred to as the Seonbi room. Because men and women have to remain separate, Anchae is situated deep inside the house so that it is secretive and quiet.
Festival in Jeonju
1. Jeonju Sori (Sound of Voice & Music) Festival
2. World Calligraphy Biennale of Jeollabuk-do
3. Jeonju International Film Festival.
this festival has been up and running for ten years now, and is back for an eleventh time from Apr. 29—May 7,2010. A perfect excuse to combine a week of good films with a spring break in stunning Jeolla-do province.
4. Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival.
organized to promote the unique qualities of Korea’s traditional paper, hanji, the festival offers a fascinating range of exhibitions and hands-on opportunities. Due to take place in early May, 2010.
5. Jeonju Dano Festival
6. Korea Food Festival in Jeonju
7. Peach Festival
8. Jeonju Daesasup Festival
Jeonju Local food Bibimbap
Jeonju is perhaps best known around Korea for its food. The fertile Honam Plain and the clear waters of the region are said to be contributing factors in the city’s nationwide food fame. Bibimbap is the city’s signature dish, and it can be found everywhere.
Bibimbap is one of the most famous Korean dishes native to this region. Bibim means mixing and bap means rice. Served in the traditional brassware,it consists of rice with seasonal stir fried vegetables(carrot, bean sprout, radish, spinach, zucchini.bracken), seaweed (gim), and hot pepper paste (gochujang). It is also available in a hot stone bowl (dol sot), which slowly cooks the egg as you stir the ingredients together. The characteristic thing about Jeonju bibimbap is that it comes with Korean beef tartar(Yukhoe), Hwang Po Mook(a yellow jelly made from mung beans) and raw egg yolk(most of other regions in Korea serve with fried egg). Besides, Also give Mountain Vegetable (San Chae) Bibimbap a taste, if you’re at any of the local mountains.
Jeonju Nightlife
Jeonju has a wonderful nightlife, and much of it center around the Cheonbuk university. If your looking to meet and drink with foreigners, the best place is deepin in the downtown area. Always welcoming, best on a Saturday night for atmosphere and good western music (no Hip Hop). Sunday nights for chilling, chatting and trying your hand at poker.
Deepin may be the famous bars in the city. It provide Jeonju’s original watering hole.
Some of Jeonju Bars and Clubs here :
1. Deepin: Near to Geaksa house in the central shopping area of Jeonju. The origional and best westener bar in town, the best place to go and meet people if you are new to Jeonju. Ask a taxi driver for wedding gori deepin. Better still get someone to take you the first time as its down a tiny sidestreet and not very well signposted. Quiet on weeknights but really gets going friday and saturday nights from about 10pm. Also Texas hod-em poker night on Sunday from 8ish
2. J.R.’s Saloon Travelling from Bone Hospital toward Wa Bar Seoshin-dong, take the first street left. About 30 meters on, you will see a white J.R.’s sign on the right, on the second floor. J.R.’s is closed on Mondays. Every other day they are open from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Thurday night is Ladies’ Night.
3. Tombstone 1: On the main street across from the old-gate of Jeon-Buk University (구정문). Nice western style bar with tables and bar seats available. Frequent juggling and fire shows.
4. Music Bank: On the main street across from the old-gate of Jeon-Buk University (구정문). In the building next to Lotteria. Western-style nightclub with a mix of Korean and Western dance music. Frequent dancing on chairs and tables. Be warned though, a few months ago a Westerner was handed a notice saying that foreigners were not welcome unless they were accompanied by a Korean guide and could speak Korean
5. Jukebox: Once you reach Lotteria near the old gate (구정문), walk along the street facing it. You will see Tu-Pak Nightclub and Jukebox next to it. On the 2nd floor. New sound system has rejuvenated this club and is now popular with the same set and style as Music Bank.
6. Tu-Pak: Once you reach Lotteria near the old gate (구정문), walk along the street facing it. You will see Tu-Pak Nightclub and Jukebox next to it. On the ground floor. Nice layout for a western-style nightclub yet not as popular as Music Bank and Jukebox. Various DJs with different styles on different nights.
7. Tombstone 2: Near the old gate of Jeon-Buk University (구정문). Walk away from the gate and turn left at the first intersection. Downstairs. Popular with the foreigner crowd on the weekends, usually late at night. Mostly hip-hop.
Photos of jeonju
Near to Geaksa house in the central shopping area of Jeonju.
Gaeksa-gil shopping district, downtown Jeonju
Jeonju Gaeksa. The Gaeksa was once part of the provincial government office complex.
Jeonju City, the hometown of hanji, contributed to creating excellent hanji culture. From the Goyeo Dynasty, Jeonju hanji was used in most diplomatic documents and writings for the king, and currently.
Jeonju Hanok Village. Jeonju Hanok Village is located in the city of Jeonju and overlaps Pungnam-dong and Gyo-dong. There are over 800 traditional Korean ‘hanok’ houses. While the rest of city has been industrialized, Hanok Maeul retains its historical charms and traditions.
The 11th Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) will be held from April 29th to May 7th, 2010 at Jeonju, a traditionally beautiful city of Korea.
Jeonju Korea Style House Village.( Jeonju Hanok Village ,Han-Ok Village) video here
Daejeon (대전) s the fifth largest city in South Korea. Daejeon is a somewhat quieter city than Seoul, Daegu and Busan, though certainly not small.
Daejeon is located in the heart of the Korean Peninsula and forms a major transportation crossroads, with the major north-south highways and rail lines splitting to follow the east or west sides of the country.
Nearby mountains (Gyeryong-san National Park, Sogni-san National Park and Daedun-san Provincial Park), temples (Beopju-sa, Donghak-sa, and Gap-sa), hot springs (Yuseong), and lakes (Daecheong Lake) offer many recreation opportunities for travelers and local residents.
The city is also home to K-League soccer side Daejeon Citizen, and Korean professional baseball league team Hanhwa Eagles.
Daejeon Tourism
Daejeon, naturally is not a tourist city. As an education and science hub of the country, most of Daejeon sightseeing is related to the field of technology. However, this does not mean that the tourists will not find natural tourist attractions in Daejeon. There are a number of natural attractions which form an integral part of sightseeing tours in Daejeon.
One of the main tourist sites in the South Korean city is the Daecheongho Lake at Miho-dong district of the city. The lake is the third largest artificial lake in the country and the work for it started in 1975. The project was completed in 1980. Besides being an important travel attraction in the country, the lake is also an important source of living for the locals. The lake is given a perfect backdrop by the Mount Yasan which is right beside the lake and creates picturesque scenery. Tourists can reach this beautiful destination via trains and buses which directly take them across to the site of the Daecheongho Lake.
Another popular site is the Yuseong Hot Springs. Situated at the central district of the city, the hot spring is flocked by tourists and locals as the water is considered to have therapeutic value. The water is rich in alkaline minerals making it perfect for treating diseases like Neuralgia and Geriatric. There are a number of legends associated with the hot springs at Yuseong in Daejeon. Tourers interested in traveling to this famous tourist site in Daejeon can easily avail of a bus from Daejeon Station. A short 40 minute drive will lead them to the hot spring.
Another popular site is the National Science Museum, a scientific cultural facility, which features exhibits scientific materials.
Daejeon best sightseeing :
1. Yusong Hot Springs.
Arguably the most famous Hot Springs in Korea, the water here is said to benefit those suffering from skin diseases(specifically neuralgia), arthritis and diabetes. Typically containing three to five pools of varying temperatures(from ice cold up to fifty degrees celsius), steam rooms and saunas.
2. Pomun-san.
Pomun Mountain towers over the city centre and offers unrivalled views over the southern half of the city. You can take a cable car halfway up to the observation post, from which a ninety minute hike leads to the 457-metre-high peak.
3. Daecheong Lake.
A 72 kilometre lake which provides the source of the city’s drinking water. If you have a car then the riverside roads offer great views. If you’re reliant on public transport then I wouldn’t bother making the trip to see the Dam alone.
4. Expo Park.
In 1993, Taejon became the first city in a developing country to host the International Exposition. Almost a decade later, six pavilions still offer shows and exhibitions in the middle of the landscaped Expo Park.
5. Sikjangsan.
Southeast of the city, Sikjang Mountain is the loftiest of the encircling peaks at 623 metres. Two famous Buddhist temples, Gosansa and Gaesimsa, are located here.
6. Jangtaesan.
To the southwest of the city, Jangtaesan Recreational Forest offers a gorgeous lake surrounded by pine trees rising to the top of the 186 metre Mount Jangtae. Again, I’d recommend this more to those with access to a private car.
7. Gubongsan.
Next to Jangtaesan, the nine distinct peaks in this area are best viewed in Autumn. The tourist literature evocatively, or perhaps bafflingly, describes Gubong Mountain as being like “Oriental paintings on a folding screen”.
8. Gyejoksan
Mount Gyejock rises to 423 metres and is reputed to offer the best views of the sunset. There are also some excellent views of Daecheong Lake at the summit.
9. The World Cup Stadium.
Located in Yusong, the Taejon World Cup stadium was used for World Cup 2002.
Daejeon Nightlife
Daejon is a little quite and simple compared with another major cities in Korea. For a medium-sized city, Daejeon has an active nightlife. The most popular areas are the Yusong district, the Dunsan-dong area (the “new” downtown), the city’s old downtown region, and Gung-dong, near Chungnam University.
A good place to get imported beers or a cocktail is WA Bar, located across the street from the Galleria department store in the old downtown area of the Eunhaeng-dong district. A casual place, it’s popular with people to grab a drink with friends after work.
Thriving nightlife can be experienced in and around the streets nearby to the Yousung Hotel located at Bongmyoung-Dong . One gets to perceive the real nature of the Korean Nightlife while strolling down the streets which have nightclubs and pubs lined on both sides of it.
Nightlife in Daejeon does not only signify pubbing and drinking but the extensive array of multi-cuisine restaurants are also a nice vent to unwind and relax. The WA Bar if not the most happening of all the nightspots in the city, attracts a lot of young crowd. J- Rock and Watermelon Sugar are the more swanky nightclubs of Daejeon.
Photos of Daejeon :
Expo Science Park Bridge. In 1993, an international exposition (Expo ‘93) was held at Daejeon. Several landmarks such as the Hanbit Tower and the Expo Bridge were built at this time. After the exposition ended, the grounds were refurbished as Expo Science Park. Next to the park is the National Science Museum, which had moved to its current location in 1990.
For a medium-sized city, Daejeon has an active nightlife. The most popular areas are the Yusong district, the Dunsan-dong area (the “new” downtown), the city’s old downtown region, and Gung-dong, near Chungnam University.
Daejeon Metropolitan City is a metropolitan city in the center of South Korea. It is the fifth largest city of South Korea, with a population of 1,442,856 at the end of 2005.
Daejeon World Cup Stadium in the city of Daejeon
Daejeon Yusong Hot Springs situated at the central district of the city, the hot spring is flocked by tourists and locals as the water is considered to have therapeutic value. The water is rich in alkaline minerals making it perfect for treating diseases like Neuralgia and Geriatric.
Across the road from the main entrance to Expo Park, the Science Museum is extremely interesting if you’re interested in that sort of thing. Admission is around one pound, with sections on the geological and natural history of the Korean Peninsula, the history of Korean science and technology and the evolution of the universe.
Daejeon train station in Daejeon, South Korea. This is a major stop for the Gyeongbu line. This is a separate station from West Daejeon station.
Ulsan (울산) is the capital city of Ulsan Metropolitan District, in South yeongsang. Ulsan is a big city, with a population of 1.2 million it is close to Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu and Pohang.
Ulsan is not a something related to tourism. But Ulsan is the industrial dynamo for South Korea, and has the biggest automobile assembly plant operated by Hyundai Motor Company, the world’s largest shipyard operated by Hyundai Heavy Industries and the world’s second largest oil refinery owned by SK Energy.
As a city Ulsan is somewhat similar to Suwon compared to Seoul regarding distance and size. The city of Ulsan, although in area the largest in Korea, is quite small when the metro area is considered. It is possible to get just about anywhere for under 10,000 won in a taxi.
The city is also home to K-League soccer side Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i and Korean Basketball League team Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Automons.
Ulsan Tourism
Ulsan is not a tourist city for common travellers. Those who come to Ulsan are predominantly here to work for the large conglomerates or heavy industries (Hyundai Motors being one of the most notable) and to teach English as a foreign language.
Old down-town, Seongnamdong, is good for shopping at low, local prices (there are brand goods shops too however). It is the location of a small number of foreigner friendly/foreigner run bars.
Mugeodong, the home of Ulsan University, is the best place for the young, twenty-something’s wishing to eat, drink and party.
Ulsan has a lot of beaches, like Jinha beach, Ilsan Beach, or Jujeon and Jeongja beaches.
Ulsan Nightlife
Ulsan nightlife is still Ok and various as they are so many foreign expats and teachers work in Ulsan. If your are out for fun in Ulsan, go to some korean clubs or bars in old downtown or the new downtown., or alternatively Bangeojin area. The two mentioned bars here are just for teachers. As there is thousands of other expats in Ulsan – and if you are one of them, I recommend to stay away from these two lame holes and instead just pick any other.
These are the two main bars for foreign teachers (and some brave Korean teachers) in Ulsan. Great food, great atmosphere. Large screen TVs and foosball at each, Tombstone has a pool table, Bench has darts. Bench has open mic every Wednesday night, which is great fun. They’re always open late (ie. when the sun’s coming up), and a great way to meet fellow foreigners.
Acid Bar is the new place to be if you’re an expat living in Ulsan. Located near the Gonguptop (sp?) Rotary and across from ‘Bobos’ (spot the gawdy neon red signage), it’s a large basement club with bar, dance floor, big comfy chairs and a nori-bang room. The bar staff never deny my song requests and the beer is pretty cheap.
Recommended Ulsan bars and nightclubs :
1. Benchwarmers
Benchwarmers is a bar located in downtown Ulsan. The owner is from Newfoundland, Canada.
It is one of the more popular ex-pat hangouts in Ulsan.
He’s from Cap Breton!!
2. 7- Club
7-Club is a hostess bar chain in Ulsan with a large number of Russian women employees. Beer is 3000 won but buying a hostess a drink is 10000 won. There are a few karaoke booths as well.
Locations can be found in Shinae (old downtown) and in Bangeojin.
3. MacKenzie’s
MacKenzie’s is a bar in Ulsan with a large number of expatriates, as well as engineers and Koreans. There is no dance floor but dancing is permitted. Every Saturday at 11 pm is a complementary buffet.
4. PBJ’s
PBJ’s is a small bar below ground, in the city of Ulsan. It has a bar, a few tables, and billiards. Beer is 4000 won.
5. The Royal Anchor
The Royal Anchor is a well-known bar in Ulsan with a number of tables and billiards as well. A large number of English teachers are patrons at the bar, and on Friday and Saturday it can get quite busy.
6. Tombstone (Ulsan)
Tombstone is a bar located in Ulsan, in Mugeo-dong, close to the university. The main website has a map showing where to get to the bar from the university so the easiest way to find it the first time is to take a taxi to the main gate and then follow the map, which apparently takes five minutes.
It is a popular hang-out for ex-pats; featuring a free pool table, foosball table and darts. There are often sporting events and movies shown from a projector. There are weekly events, including a poker night and a bowling night, as well as special events, such as hallowe’en parties, Christmas parties, etc.
The bar is owned by four Canadians, and their Korean significant others.
7. U.S. 66
U.S. 66 is a bar in Ulsan. Music selection is generally played through MP3s but CDs are available as well. Around 10 pm on the weekends is a cocktail show involving music, dancing and fire. The bar is located in Samsan-dong near the Viking ship ride.
Photos of Ulsan for tourism and nightlife information here :
Ulsan Skyline. Ulsan is the seventh largest metropolis with a population of over 1.1 million in South Korea.
Ulsan is a metropolitan city 70 kilometres north of Busan, and the closest large city from there.
Daewongam Park Market in Ulsan. Some ladies sell sea shells and eels in the road-side market in Daewongam Park.
Ulsan Tombstone Bars, address at 3F, 628-9 Mugeo-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan 680-80, near the university in Mugoedong. (Say Mugeo-dong ULsan Dae hakeyo).
Ulsan Benchwarmers bars, has open mic every Wednesday night, which is great fun. They’re always open late (ie. when the sun’s coming up), and a great way to meet fellow foreigners.
Hyundai Heavy Industries Company, the world’s largest shipyard , exceeds Its Annual Foreign Ship Order
Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium,n environmentally-friendly design which contrasts with the image of an industrial city. Ulsan also one of World Cup 2002 host.
Watch Ulsan Whale Dancing Festival Video Here (whale is the icon of the city) :
There is a saying : “to really understand one country’s culture, you must try their food”. So, what is the trademark food for Korea ? Yes, Kim Chi or Kim Cee is the most famous Korea food, not only for the local people but also at overseas.
Kimchi actually is a fermented vegetable dish highly seasoned with red pepper and garlic and is served at virtually all meals. Because for its popular, most of Korean Restaurants everywhere in the world are serving Kimchi soup for dessert or main menu.
For tourists who are visiting Korea, don’t forget to take the Kimchi Making Lesson. There are many famous Korean cooking classes in Korea, include classes in royal palace cuisine at the National Palace Museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace, classes run by the Tteok Museum, and Yoo’s Family’s classes in Bukchon hanok village.
Kimchi Festival or Kimchi Contest is frequently hold by Korea governments now. Kimchi was again front and center on the Hansik (Korean food) tour arranged by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) that took place at the Hanok Village in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province)
There are 3 main site for visitors to take Korean Cooking Classes :
1. The National Palace Museum of Korea at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul.
The royal palace cuisine cooking classes at the National Palace Museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace have become particularly popular since the international success of the Korean TV drama, “Daejanggeum”, which was set in a Joseon era palace kitchen. This is a good course for people looking to learn Korean cooking over a longer period. Courses last three months, and participants learn a new royal meal every week. For those interested in partaking, be sure to make prior reservations through the homepage.
Location：
National Palace Museum of Korea Annex 1F
Program :
Learn 12 different Royal Court dishes over a 12-week period (accompanied by a guide)
Experience programs will vary according to the season, so please inquire by telephone or via the homepage.
Course Dates & Times： Fridays (3-month regular course) 6:30pm ~ 8:00pm
Irregular Course: to be scheduled on Saturdays.
Fees for Ingredients:
- Ingredient costs for regular courses will vary from 15,000 to 20,000won
per month. (around 50,000 won total for 3 months)
- Irregular Courses: 4,000 won ~ 10,000 won per class.
2. Tteok museum
The Tteok Museum offers classes in cooking traditional dishes like tteok (traditional rice cakes) and kimchi. During the classes, participants can wear a hanbok, and at the end of class you can eat the food you’ve made. The programs are only available for groups of at least 20 people.
The museum is a short walk from the front gate of Changdeokgung Palace in the direction of Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 6. It is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00—5:00 and on Sunday, 12:00—5:00. It is closed on Seollal and Chuseok. Entrance is 3,000 won.
3. Yoo’s Family
At Yoo’s Family’s cooking classes, visitors can learn Korean dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, pajeon, and tteokbokki, which are popular among foreigners. Minimum of 2 people required per class. English and Japanese interpretation provided.
Some photos of Korean Cooking class like Kimchi and Tteok, and lesson at Korean Palace :
Kimchi, a pickled and fermented dish, is displayed in the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum in Seoul
The Hansik tour group is learning how to season kimchi
Cook Traditional Royal Court Delicacies at the National Palace Museum of Korea (Gyeongbokgung Palace)
The newly opened Gogung Tteurak Café, located inside the National Palace Museum of Korea, presents the ambiance of traditional Korea. The facility is divided into a souvenir shop and a café, serving traditional teas.
Tourist trying in making Utgitteok, an abundant pile of rice cakes topped with elegant decorations usually prepared for large events. We were also able to easily follow directions for Saektteok (colored rice cakes), which feature beautiful colors and shapes, often called Kkotsanjeok (meaning a mountain of flowers).
Famous Korean cooking classes, include classes in royal palace cuisine at the National Palace Museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Rice cake or TTeok. Tteok Museum teaches the history and tradition of Korae’s Most Important treat
The group is listening how to make kimchi at Dongrakwon, Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province)
For most of the participants it was their first time to make kimchi, and they were intent on following the given instructions as precisely as possible, slicing the radish and mixing it with other seasonings.
Nanta is a Korean popular non-verbal performances. Nanta is also knowns as Cookin, as work is underway to establish a Nanta-exclusive theater on the country’s southernmost resort island.
Nanta is showed at Chongdong Culture Plaza Take subway to City Hall Station (Line 2), district of Seoul and walk past Deoksugung Palace.
Nanta is the combination of Korean traditional performance called ‘Samullnori’ and western form of performance. Instead of using various Korean traditional instruments, it uses pans, knives, and pots- objects that you can find in a kitchen- as its instruments. That is why the performance called ‘Cooking’ in English.
First staged in October 1997, Nanta has run for more than a decade, a very rare record in the history of Korean performing arts.
Integrating uniquely Korean traditional drumbeats with a western performance style, NANTA storms on stage into a huge kitchen where four capricious cooks are preparing a wedding banquet.
The Myeong Dong Nanta Theatre has 386 seats and is located at the Unesco Building, 3 level. They will be performing everyday at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm.
Nanta Show Address
Seoul-si Jung-gu Jeong-dong 22 (Gangbuk: North of Hangang River)
Nanta Show Inquiries
- Korea Travel Phone +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- For more info +82-2-739-8288(Korean, English, Japanese)
How to access Nanta Show :
At Seodaemun Station (Subway Line No. 5), take the No. 5 exit (5 minutes walk).
At City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 and 2), take exit No.1 or No.12 and follow Deoksugung Palace stone walled path toward Gyeonghyang Sinmunsa (12 minute walk).
Nanta Show is a Nonverbal performance integrating Korean traditional “Samulnori” rhythm with comic and drama!
Nanta show is located at Jeong-dong Kyunghyang Daily News Bldg, Jung-gu SEOUL
Nanta first debuted in 1997, since then, more than 350,000 audiences in different ages and backgrounds viewed this performance.
Lotte World is the world’s largest indoor theme park, and one of Seoul’s main theme park and its attracts about 8 million visitors annually. The park is divided into an indoor and outdoor linked by a monorail. The indoor includes the ‘Adventure Land’ with acres of streets representing different countries and are filled with hundreds of activities, entertainments, shops, restaurants and ongoing parades. There is also an ice-rink and a fascinating Folk Museum complete with miniature villages.
Lotte World is one of favourite Theme park Tourist destination besides Everland and Waterpia.
The outdoor Magic Island with its fairy-tale looking castle, offers visitors thrilling high-altitude rides, laser shows and pleasant walking trails around a lake.
An indoor theme park connected with Lotte Hotel and Lotte Department Store, Lotte World is the Korean recreation center most frequently visited by foreigners. Lotte World consists of the indoor amusement park “Adventure” and an outdoor one as well, dubbed “Magic Island.” The outdoor Magic Island has numerous, thrill-packed attractions. Even the castle itself is an awesome background for photographs. At the indoor facility, “Adventure,” the World Carnival Parade is held from 7:30 pm to 8 pm and the Cosmos Circus Laser Show at 9:30 pm. Of the two, the World Carnival Parade is particularly eye-catching. KNTO programmers Heo Seok and Ko Young-shin, and Spanish expert Seo Se-a filed this report after visiting Lotte World one night.
Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 11pm
Admission:
30,000 won (adults)
26,000 won (youths 13-18)
23,000 won (children under 12)
* Cheaper admission after 5pm
Address: 40-1,Jamsil dong,Songpa-gu,Seoul 138721
Phone: +82-2-411-2000
Directions: Jamsil Subway Station (Line 2 and 8). Exit 4 directly to Lotte World
Website: http://www.lotteworld.com/eng/index.jsp
Lotte World is like a small city with an amusement park, folk museum, sports center, skating rink, water slide park, shopping center and the hotel.
Lotte world theme park, open day and night all year round. At night, it is open from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Lotte Department Store is one of Korea’s leading department store. The shopping center with dozens of small specialty shops surrounds a large, open central area that has a large food court.
ice skating and Ice ring at Lotte World Seoul
Location of the Lotte world within the Seoul Subway
Map of Magic Island, the Outdoor Recreation Park of Lotte World
Petite France is situated in Gyeonggi-do Gapyeong-gun Cheongpyeong-myeon Goseong-ri 616. Yes, in the Gapyeong County (provinve of Gyeonggi-do), at about two hours from Seoul, there is a “Little France” in Korea.
Gyeonggi-do (경기도 – 京畿道) is the Korean province immediately surrounding the capital, Seoul, along with Suwon and Incheon.
Petite France, a French cultural village set in the Korean countryside! Petite France serves as both a French cultural village and a youth training facility (Goseong Youth Training Center), and consists of 16 French-style buildings where visitors can lodge and experience French food, clothing, and household culture.
‘Petit’ means ‘small and pretty’ in French, and this village is located on the hilltop overlooking the beautiful mountain scenery of Homyeongsan (Mt.) and the clear surroundings of Cheongpyeongho (Lake). Building heights were adjusted using natural hills, and every house in the village were arranged to overlook the lake. Such structure disposition and internal decoration of construction materials, rooftop, windows and floor are all French.
Petite France was once a setting place for Munhwa broadcast TV drama Called “Beethoven Virus”.
Petite France Facilities :
* Little Prince theme park
* Exhibitions – Saint-Exupery memorial hall; a pavilion to exhibit French household culture; gallery of the coq gaulois exhibition
* Shops – Bistro; herbal shop; Little Prince souvenir shop; orgel shop
* Other Attractions – Puppet theater; activity center; multi-purpose hall; outdoor performance site; observatory; a walking path (along which wild flowers bloom); Adventure Hill
Petite France Admission Fees
* Preschoolers (ages 3-7) 5,000 won (group admission of kindergarten 3,000 won)
* Youths 6,000 won (group 4,000 won)
* Adults 8,000 won (group 6,000 won)
Group – more 20 people
Free admission for overnight guests.
How To Access Petite France
* A bus runs between Seoul (East Seoul terminal) and Cheongpyeong departing every 20 to 30 minutes (06:15-22:05), and takes one hour
* A train runs between Seoul (Cheongnyangni station, Seongbuk station) and Cheongpyeong departing every 50 minutes (06:10-22:00), and the journey takes one hour Take a shuttle bus runs from Cheongnyangni station to Petite France six times on weekdays and eight times on weekends.
Petit France Official Website : http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=815994
Some Photos and pictures of Petit France :
Petite France is named after the famous novel “The Little Prince”. Petit France has made a formal license contract with the Saint Exupery Foundation at Lyonnais, France, a foundation of the author of
to provide contents on
.
You can feel the serene sight of Southern Europe at Petit France, made up of houses with white walls and red terra-cotta rooftops.
This plaza with its fountain and everything was perfect for having a cup of coffee and feeling like being in Europe for a while.
Kang-Mae’s room. Everyone was making use of the opportunity to pretend to be him. There are lotsa props available for people to use, such as batons, scores, instruments etc.
As much as it is the official partner of the Saint-Exupéry Foundation, it contains a variety of things to see on the
.
Another view of the village in the middle of Gyeonggi-do mountains.
Seorak Waterpia is one of Korea’s first indoor water theme park, located in Seoraksan National Park of Gangwon-do (Gangwon Province).
Seorak Waterpia uses only pure mineral waters from Choeksan. They come from the layer formed during the Mesozoic Era, and the water volume used per day is about 3,000 tons. With their abundance of cations (sodium, calcium, and magnesium) and anions (chlorine, carbonic acid, and sulphuric acid), hot springs are good for stress, neuralgia, arthritis, and geriatric diseases.
Various facilities at Seorak Waterpia include a hot springs resort that opened in July 1997, an artificial wave zone at the Wave Pool, and the Stream Pool. At the theme zone, the Rafting Zone and Body Slider will provide you with endless fun and thrills. In addition, there are outdoor leisure spa facilities such as Lovers Bath, Rock Bath, Cave Bath, and sauna facilities such as Prickle Bath, Wood Bath, Outdoor Bath, and more. Its 18-hole golf course and many attractions of Seorak Plaza Land make it ideal for families to relax and enjoy.
Sorak Waterpia can be divided into 4 categories such as :
1. Waves Pool
Waves Pool is called “Shark Blue” and you can enjoy surfing indoors
just as the dynamic surfing in the east sea. Of course, you ought
to wear a life jacket, and then, you can run into the heart of the little Pacific happily.
2. Solar Room
It enables you to tan through the same effect of the artificial light as the effect of the sun light.
3. Stream Pool
A hot spring flows along the different shaped pools inside and outside.
You can amuse yourself with bathing and swimming.
4. Standard Pool
This is an outdoor swimming pool shaped like square(length 25 meters). You can use it during 4 seasons. Under the street lamps at night, you can swim at any time. It is one of the great prides Sorak Waterpia has.
How to access Sorak Waterpia ?
Transportation Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Sangbong Intercity Bus Terminal → Sokcho (takes 3 hours and 30 minutes) → Sorak Waterpia (takes 15 minutes using city bus)
Shuttle Bus Operation Seoul (Hanhwa Building in Euljiro at 8:30, New Mart in Sinbanpo at 09:00, Lotte Mart in Jamsil at 9:30) ↔ Sorak Hanwha Resort
* 28,000 won (round-trip) 14,000 won (one-way)
* Daewon Tours Tel. 82-2-575-7710
Sorak Waterpia Information and admission fee :
Information :
- Inquiries: Seorak Waterpia Tel 033-635-7711(Kor/Chi/Jap/Eng)
- Homepage : http://www.hanwharesort.co.kr (Kor)
- Open All Year
- Hours: Low Season 06:00-22:00 High Season 06:00-22:00 Sauna Swimming Pool Low Season 10:00-22:30 High Season 09:00-24:00 Outdoor Leisure Spa
- Admission Fee : (ticket for Sauna, Swimming, and Outdoor leisure spa included) Low Season Adults 20,000 won / Children(age 5 and under) 13,500 won High Season Adults 34,000 won / Children(age 5 and under) 28,000 won
Operation Hours :
Early morning – 06:00∼10:00
1 Day – 10:00∼20:30
Afternoon – 17:00∼20:30
Night time – 19:00∼20:30
Seorak Waterpia Water Park Photos and Galleries :
Enjoy the waves and spas at the Seorak Waterpia
Seorak Waterpia located in Seoraksan National Park of Gangwon-do (Gangwon Province)
Boys Before Flowers is a famous Korean Drama based on the Japanese manga series “Hana Yori Dango”. This drama had been produced several times in different version, like in Japan and Taiwan, and now in Korea.
Boys Before Flowers or BBF starring Koo Hye-seon, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Beom, and Kim Jun. The drama still telling about the story between the high school most powerful boys “F4″ and a normal school girl “Geum Jan Di”.
The drama, got extremely huge popularity in Asia, not only because for the story and the good looking of main actor, but also for the beautiful scenes and magnificient shooting location. The drama featuring world exotic locations such as New Caledonia and Macao, as well as some of Korea’s most beautiful destinations.
Here is the list of some Boys Before Flowers shooting place, which now become korean tourist destination. The places including University, Country Club, Hotel, Villa, Department Store, and Resort.
1. Keimyung University
Keimyung University is the setting for the prestigious Shinhwa High School, the school attended by the main characters in the drama and which only children of the top 1% of the wealthiest families in Korea can attend. Keimyung University is situated in the city of Daegu. Its Western-style buildings and gorgeous natural surroundings make it one of the top ten most beautiful campuses in Korea, and consequently it’s a popular filming location for dramas and films. Major productions filmed at Keimyung University include the drama and the movie . Keimyung University consists of Seongseo campus and Daemyeong campus and the drama’s school scenes were filmed at both campuses. The beautiful Greek-style front gates and red-bricked buildings, along with Ji-hu and Jan-di’s secret hideout on the staircase, are all located in Keimyung University’s campuses.
Travel Information Telephone: +82-53-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage: www.kmu.ac.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)
Seongseo campus: +82-53-580-5114, 1000 Sinsang-dong, Dalseo-gu district, Daegu city From Seoul station, take a train to Dongdaegu -> from Dongdaegu station, get on the subway -> get off at Keimyung University station on line 2
Daemyeong campus:+82-53-580-5785, 2139 Daemyeong-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu city From Seoul station, take a train to Daegu -> from Daegu station, take bus#202, 202-1, or 808
2. Damyang Dynasty Country Club
The Damyang Dynasty Country Club is the setting for the home of Shinhwa Group’s Gu Jun-pyo, as well as a film set in Hwaseong. This Italian villa style clubhouse features enormous luxurious buildings, which have even been called ‘the palace of the gods’. The country club was designed by the internationally renowned architect Andrei Visego, who recently designed the interior for a high-class hotel in Dubai. The buildings are furnished with the highest-quality natural marble floors, beautiful pillars replicating Athen’s shrines, luxury antique furniture, and famous works of art, and are sure to dazzle all visitors.
Address: Hwadong-ri San 79, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun region, Jeollanam-do province
Contact: +82-61-380-7500
Homepage: http://dy.dynastycc.co.kr
Directions: Take a taxi from Damyang Terminal
3. Lotte Hotel World
Lotte Hotel World was the location for the homecoming party of Min Seo-hyeon, Ji-hu’s girlfriend. The party takes place in episode two, and Jan-di comes dressed up as Wonder Woman, to everyone else’s amusement. However, Min Seo-hyeon helps Jan-di change into a beautiful dress, and she captures the heart of Gu Jun-pyo. This scene was shot in the Topaz Room, the Lotte Hotel’s third floor banquet hall. Lotte Hotel World is located in Jamsil in Seoul and is part of a complex that includes an extra-large supermarket, a department store, and the Lotte World theme park. Conveniently it is directly connected to Jamsil station on subway line 2. The hotel can be reached directly from Incheon and Gimpo airports by limousine bus.
Address: 40-1 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Contact: +82-2-419-7000
Homepage: http://www.lottehotelworld.com(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Directions: Connected directly to exit #3, Jamsil station, subway line 2.
From Incheon International airport (gate #4B or 11A) take a limousine bus (est. travel time of 1hr 20min, cost 13,000 won)
4. Gyeongju Shilla Millennium Park
Ragung hotel in Gyeongju was the setting for Yun Ji-hu’s traditional Hanok home. This high-class hotel consists of 16 separate houses, which are connected by corridors. The construction of the hotel required the largest number of specialized carpenters since the restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Ragung was actually the name for the royal palace during the Silla dynasty. Guestrooms include private gardens and hot spring baths. The hotel is located in Korea’s very first historical theme park, the Shilla Millennium Park, and hotel rates include breakfast, dinner, and admission tickets to the theme park.
Address: 719-70 Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju city, Gyeongsangbuk-do province
Contact: +82-54-778-2000
Homepage: http://www.smpark.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Directions: From Gyeongju station, take a bus heading towards Bomun Tourist Resort -> get off at the Bomun Tourist Resort Shilla Millennium Park
Hotel rates: 300,000 won ~ 460,000 won
Check in & check out times: 2:00pm, 11:00am
5. Shinsegae Department Store
Before Gu Jun-pyo and Jan-di leave for their vacation in New Caledonia, they go shopping at a department store. The main branch of the Shinsegae Department Store, in Myeong-dong, was the location for the scene in which Jan-di becomes the envy of girls everywhere. Gu Jun-pyo shows off his money and drags her around buying her all sorts of merchandise. This department store is divided into a main building and an annex. It stocks a wide selection of famous brand names. Luxury brands can be found inside the deluxe main building while the elegant annex building contains both domestic and international brands. Visitors to the Shinsegae department store can also enjoy shopping at Namdaemun Market and Myeong-dong, which are located nearby.
Address: 52-5 Chungmuru 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Contact: +82-1588-1234
Directions:
* Exit #5, Myeongdong station, subway line 4 -> walk straight towards the Namdaemun Market then walk through the underground passageway
* Exit #7 Hoehyeon station, subway line 4 -> take the moving walkway all the way to the Shinsegae Main Building
Department store hours: 10:30am ~ 8:00pm
6. N Seoul Tower & Grand Hyatt Hotel
Seoul’s famous N Seoul Tower is the location where Gu Jun-pyo waits for Jan-di ion a freezing winter night. The two had planned to go on a date, but become trapped in the gondola on the way to the N Seoul Tower and have to spend the night there. On their way down from Namsan mountain the next day, the couple are photographed by the paparazzi and are thought to be coming out of the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Grand Hyatt Hotel is the location where the Jan-di and Ga-eul and their boyfriends enjoy a double date on the ice skating rink. A spectacular view of the Hangang River and Namsan can be seen from the high-class Grand Hyatt Hotel. The hotel contains a total of 601 guestrooms as well as 11 restaurants and bars, a fitness center, and other luxury facilities.
Address:747-7 Hannam 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu district, Seoul
Contact: +82-2-797-1234
Homepage: http://www.grandhyattseoul.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese)
Directions: From Incheon International airport, limousine buses run directly to the Grand Hyatt Hotel (5:45am ~ 6:35am; departs every 20~30min; 14,000 won) Free shuttle buses to the hotel also run from in front of the Itaewon Family Mart and the Migliore Shopping Mall in Myeongdong from 10:00am to 9:00pm
7. Artinus Farmer’s Table
The Farmer’s Table is a restaurant located on the first floor of the Artinus building in Heyri Art Village, which is designed to capture the simplicity and comfortable atmosphere of a farmer’s table. The walls are made of stone and wood, and the floors and tables are made from natural materials. The herb garden at the center of the restaurant makes visitors feel as if they are in the center of forest. This was the location for the posh cafeteria of Shinhwa High School. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and food while reading the complimentary books that are placed around the restaurant. There is also a children’s bookstore on the second floor and a gallery on the basement floor, where various exhibitions take place
Address: Heyri Artinus 1F, 1652-393 Beopheung-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon region, Paju town, Gyeonggi-do province
Travel Information Telephone: +82-31-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Heyri Homepage: http://www.heyri.net (Korean, English)
Directions: take bus #200 or 2200 from exit 2 of Hapjeong station, subway line 2-> get off at Heyri and go through gate #4 then make a right on the first 4-way intersection
Opening hours: 11:00am~10:00pm
8. Gyeonggi English Village, Yangpyeong Camp
The English Village in Yangpyeong was the setting for Shinhwa High School’s hallways, lobby, and exterior facades. First opened in April 2008, Gyeonggi English Village Yangpyeong Camp covers a 100.935㎡ area and has a total of 55 buildings, which are modeled on historical buildings in Virginia, United States. This educational English camp consists of condo-style dormitories, an artificial soccer turf, indoor gymnasium, health club, swimming pool, outdoor concert hall, observatory facilities, and more. The English Village was the location for the scene when Jan-di’s friend, Oh Min-ji, spills ice cream on Gu Jun-pyo’s shoes.
Address: Damun-ri San 25, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun region, Gyeonngi-do province
Contact: +82-31-770-1300
Homepage: http://www.yea.or.kr
Directions: From Dong Seoul terminal, take a bus headed towards Yongmun (est. travel time of 1hr) -> get off at Unbong Mart and walk straight past the overpass
9. Muju Resort
In the 12th episode, F4 and Geum Jan-di decide to take a ski trip. Jun-pyo gives Jan-di a special necklace, but she ends up losing it. Desperate, Jan-di heads off into the mountains alone to look for the necklace and gets lost in the dark. Fortunately, Gu Jun-pyo finds her, and they take shelter in a cabin, but they become trapped for the night due to the heavy snowfall. The ski resort that F4 and Geum Jan-di visit is Muju Resort, and they stay at the resort’s Hotel Tirol. As well as skiing in the winter, Muju Resort offers leisure activities throughout the year. It was also the filming location for the popular drama . Visitors can enjoy a gondola ride to the beautiful peak of Deokyusan Mountain or relax in the resort’s outdoor hot springs
Yongpyeong is a famous ski resort located 200km away or about 3 hours from Seoul. The resort is located in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do of South Korea. This is also one of the shooting locations for the K-drama “Winter Sonata”
Yongpyeong is the best place to play ski and snowboarding. A new feature is Dragon Park (Terrain Park), a theme park with half-pipe, quarter-pipe, ramp, table top, spine, wash board, rail slider, mogul, and wave. The resort also holds the Fun Ski & Snow Festival every year in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization.
Lifts
Total Lifts: 14
Gondolas: 1
Chair lifts: 13
Max people per hour: 25,000
Board Leashes required: No
Mountain
Total pistes/trails: 31
Total ride area: 23km
Longest run: 5.6km
Top lift: 1450m
First lift: 700m
Piste suitability
Green runs: 28%
Red runs: 42%
Black runs: 30%
Lift Passes
Lift Passes: 1/2 Day Pass 45,000
Day Pass 56,000
Night Pass 32,000
Lift times:8.30am to 4am!
Snowfall
Average annual snowfall: 2.50metres
Facilities
Night Riding: : Yes
Snowboard Hire: Board & Boots 25,000 per day
Heliboarding: : Not available
Snowmobiles: Not available
Further information
