Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Reminiscing Winter Sonata

This year is the 10th anniversary of Winter Sonata and the 10th anniversary since the birth of Hallyu fever. Since then, people from all across the globe are scratching their foot to visit the place where it all began, Nami Island. As mentioned in my first post, Winter Sonata started viewing at Malaysia's TV in 2002 and I was in the midst of preparing my SPM at that time. I still remember I would run out of my tuition centre as soon as it ends at 7pm and my mom would drive us home as quickly as possible because Winter Sonata starts at 7pm. And this drama makes me cried for the first time over a
drama. At that time, I thought Bae Yong Jun was the  most handsome guy ever. Kekeke... And most of us watched Winter Sonata must be mesmerized by the scenery and background of the shooting venue. And the most popular spot is Namiseom or also known as Nami Island in English. So, if you happen to be in Korea, and you are a Korean drama die-hard fan, Namiseom must be in your itinerary. It's a must!! The best time to go to Namiseom is during winter or spring. In winter, the trees will be all covered with white snow and in spring the trees and flowers will be blooming beautifully.

I don't know weather I visited Namiseom at the right time or not. The scenery is still beautiful but I think during winter or spring is much more beautiful. I went to Namiseom during the transition between winter to spring. So, no more snow but not yet blooming. I think around mid-April is the best time in spring. Since I stayed in Myeongdong, I need to take the subway to Cheongnyangri subway station and then take the intercity train from Cheongnyangri to Gapyeong. The journey to Gapyeong is about 40-45 minutes since Namiseom is in Gangwon-do district. The train ticket from Cheongnyangri to Gapyeong is 4,000 Won one trip. Since it was a Saturday, there were a lot of group of senior citizens going for their hiking or walking I guess. As soon as arrived at Gapyeong train station, we took a cab to Namiseom jetty. The cab fare was about 2,300 Won one trip. It wasn't that far but you definitely wouldn't wanna walk in the cold whether.
The cab ride to jetty was about 10-15 minutes. Ehem...this was my first time riding a left-handside car =P Don't mind me please... As arrived at the jetty, we straight away go to the ticket counter. The admission fare plus the ferry ride (round trip) was 8,000 Won. Since it was weekend, there were a lot of visitors, families, couples and senior citizens. As soon as we boarded the ferry, we quickly find a good spot to view the scenery. Nami Island could be seen as soon as you board the ferry. It's a small island. And the distance between the jetty and the island is not that far. Around 5-8 minutes journey only. The whether was so cold in that morning until I couldn't feel my face while we were on the open air ferry. There was still some leftover ice from winter season.

As soon as we set foot on the island, there were man-made snowman (Namiseom trademark) welcoming the visitors. Then there were some plates of notes wishing 10 years of Nami Island since Winter Sonata worldwide debut. I'm not sure why Namiseom has a lot of naked woman statue all over the place. I'm not sure what does it symbolizes. It must be something. If you happen to know why, please do tell/comment me ya ~ 

I like the feeling I had when I first saw the the scenery of Namiseom. The tall trees in spring time plus the cold weather, it was just Winter Sonata-like. We started strolling  and relaxing while enjoying the view. There were a lot of couples strolling together spending time during the weekends. Then, we reached the place where Jun Sang and Yoo Jin had their first kiss during the winter when they were building their snowman on the picnic table. They even put two picnic table with snowman on it so that people won't have to wait for their turn to take pictures at the first kiss place. Luckily, when we arrived at the picnic table there wasn't anyone and we were clicking and snapping a lot of pictures with the snowman. Unfortunately, some of the snowmen were vandalized by irresponsible visitors. So if you look closeup, not so nice view of the snowmen. 


Then we went down a bit to the river side. Not many people went to that side. Don't know why. So we again clicking and snapping pictures as if like the Winter Sonata version of us. Hehehe... We also saw some couples strolling holding hands and we watched them as they passed by us. Even they looked like having a Winter Sonata time. Kekeke.. There's a couple riding the tricycle even waving towards me while I was snapping their picture. What a sporting couple =) I saw some were strolling using the bicycle. Didn't know there were bicycles. If not probably would rent one and cycle around the island. We explored the rest of the island until the south end. There were houses, small and big ones. Probably it's the owner of the island's house. The small one not sure whose. As we were walking around the island, we came across with many sculptures, small Korean-like "pondok", wood bridge, etc. Then we came to the statue of Jun Sang and Yoo Jin. It was located near by a pond and near the statue also was the display of the bicycle used by Jun Sang and Yoo Jin when the were in love during school time. There were also a memorial picture of the second hero of Winter Sonata, Sang Hyeok or his real name was Park Yong Ha. Park Yong Ha committed suicide in June 2010. Cause of death not sure why but usually they commit suicide because of the stress due to unemployed or no acting/singing job. Okay...don't wanna talk about sad sad things. There's also collections of Winter Sonata still scene framed on the wall for display purpose. This side of the island is displaying everything about Winter Sonata in Namiseom.

I think we finally made one big round of island tour and it was already lunch time and our tummy were making noises like something was clubbing in there. So we searched for meals that we could eat. I remembered back in Malaysia I watched a show with Mawi and Heliza touring around Korea. They showed that there was a halal shop in Namiseom, with the halal sign. But I didn't know
what was the name of the restaurant. They sell rice with red paste and egg inside a lunchbox and we couldn't find any restaurant with the halal sign. So I decided to ask the information booth. I asked for vegetarian meals and the showed us the Winter Sonata restaurant (not the real name of the restaurant). This was the restaurant the crews from Winter Sonata went during their stay in Namiseom. The only thing we can eat there was bibimbap. We ate barley rice bibimbap and onion pancake. Although it was cold outside, we still decided to eat outside to while enjoying the beautiful view (inside were stuffy though). 

As we were enjoying our meal, we saw an amount of Malaysian visitors there too. After feeding our tummy with energy, it was souvenir shopping time!! While we were on the way to the souvenir shop, we came across a site where Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore flags were displayed. I think someone made a sculpture that symbolizes these 3 countries. Felt a bit kind of proud to see Malaysia's Jalur Gemilang in Korea. Although just a small spot on the island, it was worth to be proud of. Okay back to the souvenir shop, there were so many snowman souvenirs (keychains, fridge magnets, postcards, note books, etc). The price there I think were a bit slightly a bit average. I just bought the one thing I think cute and worth buying; Winter Sonata ball pen. It cost 3,000 Won each and I bought 3. Should have bought more since it was cute. But have to budget myself. But in the end all of the 3 pens I gave to my friends and my sister as souvenir. So'kay, that shows I have to go there again. Kekeke.. My friend bought the pen too and a small Nami Island note book.

So after the tiring tour (by ourselves) around the island, it's time to hop off the island. By the time we were going back to the jetty to wait for the ferry, there were many people already. Even on the ferry coming towards the island were packed with people. Again, it was weekend. So that's why got so many people. We boarded the ferry with few people only and headed back to the mainland. The duration taken touring the whole island was about 2 to 3 hours (depending on your rate of relaxing). It was really awesome experiencing Winter Sonata feeling there. Would I go there again if I go to Korea again? DEFINITELY!!!! I want to experience the real Winter Sonata in winter!!!

Okay, till next post ~

Anyeong yeoreobun ~



Monday, April 16, 2012

Strolling In The Deep


One of my favourite activities while in Seoul was the relaxing stroll along Cheong Gye Cheon Stream. This stream is the longest stream I have ever walked because we walked from Dongdaemun up until to Myeongdong where our guesthouse is (until my I can’t feel my leg anymore).  The stream actually starts at Cheonggye Plaza until I’m not sure where I the place but it is aroung Sinsoeldong (I think...). Cheonggye Plaza you can stop at Jongak Station (Line 1).

Walking along the stream is suitable for relaxing and strolling with families or friends or with your loved ones. We saw a lot of them brought their family for a stroll at the stream. And there were also couples strolling holding hands probably one of their activities after those stressful hard work at the office. There were also senior citizens doing some walking while exercising in the evening.  You can meet some ducks swimming in the stream as well. Since it was the early spring, there were still leftover of some ice along some part of the stream.

Along the wall of the stream, there were some pictures of the history of Seoul along Cheong Gye Choen Stream. There were houses along the stream during those earlier years. As time goes by, the stream was surrounded by roads and buildings until now.  There were also a big wall of mural contains tiles of cartoon, sketches and drawings called the “Wall of Hope” (not sure done by who). 


At one part of the stream, there was a place called the “Wall of proposal”. They decorated the place with some ‘lovey dovey’ sets so that couples can come here to propose. It was pretty if you go there at night because you can see the lighting effects of the decorations. So if you want to propose to your partner, you can come to Cheong Gye Cheon Stream for the romantic ambience.

There's also an example of old houses during the earlier years. I'm not sue if these houses still in use or just for display purpose only but it was quite fascinating to get a look on the actual old houses while walking and relaxing along the stream.

The feeling of strolling along the stream is nice because after the hectic activities going here and there, it was kinda relaxing walking in the cool and chill environment and avoid the busy road up there. So be sure if you happen to walk pass by the stream, take some time out by relaxing down at the stream ya ~ highly recommended ~

p/s: Lots of pictures of my friend as she is my photography model =P
 
Okay, till next post ~

Anyeong ~

Friday, April 13, 2012

Lotte World Star AVenue

If you happen to be in Lotte World in Jamsil, please don't forget to visit Lotte World Star Avenue. This is the place of all the Hallyu Stars (ambassadors of Lotte) are gathered. I think they also have one in Lotte Myeongdong. 

How to get there? Take a subway line 2 (green) to Jamsil Station and exit at exit 3 or 4. You will walk straight into underground of Lotte Department Store. Inside this Lotte Department Store, you can enter indoor Lotte World, Lotte Duty Free (level 10) and also Star Avenue.

After playing enough in Lotte World, we decided to stop by Star Avenue to meet our favourite Hallyu Stars. The admission fee for Star Avenue is 10,000 Won but if you purchase the full ticket for Lotte World (40,000 Won), the entrance fee is FREE!!

Upon entering Star Avenue, you will get to see all the Hallyu Stars' possessions displayed. You will first see Rain's stuff and upon that you can see his handprint framed on the wall. Then there's Big Bang's possessions displayed inside the glass as well as their handprints. There's also Jang Keun Suk, JYJ, Choi Ji Woo (the pioneer of Hallyu Wave), and of course 2PM, Song Seung Heon (Autumn in My Heart, 2nd pioneer of Hallyu Wave), Hyun Bin (our favourite Secret man), and last but not least Kim Hyun Joong (our favourite Flower Boy). All of them here are the official ambassador of Lotte company. And at the entrance as well, there's tons of fans love notes on the wall.


The staff there were soooo friendly and they're willing to help you all the way and all the time. They even have a little note with them since they aren't that fluent in English. So cute!! After entering, they will show you briefly what you can do while you're inside there, what you can do and cannot do, how to do things inside there. Very brief but clear explanation. Then, before you start your tour, they will ask your passport to check your nationality and upon that you will receive free gift (face mask) and you will be given a fan love note to write to your favourite Hallyu Star. After you have written your love note to your favourite star (mine was 2PM,my friend's was Big Bang), they will let you hang the note on the wall with other thousands of love notes from other fans.

Now you can start your tour inside. You'll get the chance to take pictures with your favourite star. You can even ride on the back of Song Seung Heon's motorbike. It felt seriously real once you're on the bike. The staff there will help you take picture for you. Again I stress out, they're super friendly and helpful. Then there's group of Hallyu Stars at this corner. 2PM, Big Bang, Jang Keun Suk, JYJ, Choi Ji Woo and others were standing there to get ready to take picture with you. You can playfully imagine that you are really taking picture with the real stars =P 


After finishing taking picture with the stars, you can play around with the games...errr not games actually, but more to interactive features they set up for you. First, there's sending e-letter to your favourite star. It's like typing an email but this one you write with a stylus with your own handwriting. Then they will send an email back to you (your email) saying thank you for sending the e-letter. Then you can try out the fortune-teller-relationship with your favourite star. I tried out with Taecyeon and my friend tried out with TOP. Turns out Taec and me are compatible! Hehehehe..In my dreams~ Then there's another one more games where you can test your knowledge on how much you know about your favourite star. With only one try, I manage to be a true fan of 2PM!!! Weehooo!!! Asssaaa!!~ The Hardcopy results you can ask them to print it out for FREE and you can collect them at the Lotte Duty Free Department at Level 10. Who doesn't like FREE things right??? Hehehe.. As soon as we here FREE we definitely will want right?? Hehehe =P

Then the last thing to do is taking picture wearing Hanbok and pose in your choice of background (this is optional). This cost 8,000 Won if you want a picture of you in Hanbok. The background choice are Jewel in The Palace and another one more I don't seem to remember but it's more modern-look-like. I chose Jewel in The Palace background. And we can choose which kind of hanbok we want to wear (got several designs). Then the staff will help us wear the hanbok. Wearing hanbok may look easy but tie-ing the hanbok may look a bit difficult. But the way I see the staff tie looks easy. Hehehe.. You will get several shots but you only can choose one to be printed out.

We also got gift certificate from Star Avenue and the gift you will need to collect at the Lotte Duty Free Department at Level 10 together with your printed out relationship certificate and true fan certificate. And the gift was.......2PM clear file!!!! Yaaayyyy!!!

Overall we were happy and had so much fun at Lotte World Star Avenue even only for a short time. Thank you to all the super helpful and super friendly staff for all the warm hospitality. We will definitely come back again =)


Okay, till next post~

Anyeong yeoreobun ~


Monday, April 9, 2012

Reasons why you should be selected as the one to join the Touch Korea Tour

 There's only one reason why I should be the one selected to join the Touch Korea Tour. My PASSION towards the land of KOREA. Not only the people of Korea are nice and awesome, not only the country of Korea is beautiful and wonderful, it is because Korea has been a part of me, living inside me since the day Winter Sonata came to Malaysia back in 2002, when I was just 17 years old, and that was 10 years ago. I don't think I want to take it out off me. I love this feeling of being quarter Korean, quarter Chinese and another quarter of Malay =D

Okay, Till next post ~

Anyeong ~

What inspires you about Korea

Republic of Korea or Daehanminguk (대한민국) is the one place every Korean addict desires to visit. Since the birth of Hallyu Wave back during Winter Sonata, Korea has put their raking to a higher position and well known to eyes of the world. I am one of those Korean addicts that crave a lot to step foot on the Land of where the wave begun. Winter Sonata marks the beginning of the Hallyu wave and in the drama, they shoot at various beautiful locations and one of the famous venue is Nami Island or Namiseom (남이섬). Through the drama we can see that Korea is beautiful and has gorgeous scenery that makes every viewers dreams to visit there someday. And after Winter Sonata, Autumn in My Heart (Gorgeous WonBin), then  comes KPop Wave with DBSK, Big Bang, Super Junior. By then, Korea has millions or probably billions of fans from all around the globe. Korea is now well-known by the whole world.

I had the chance to visit Korea last month and it was superbly amazing and awesome!! 7 days in Korea is not enough for me. I'm craving for more of Korea. Through this I have made plans to migrate to Korea because of my love to the country. Even though I visit only Seoul but I think I didn't get the chance to tour the whole Seoul. So many places to go, so many things to do and so many places to visit. What made me fall in love with Korea until I decided to migrate? Well, the people of course, the surroundings and the food!! I love to EAT!!! I am a Muslim and some food we cannot eat but I didn't find it difficult to find eatable food there. All the restaurants there knows and aware on Muslim sensitivities. We just mentioned to them that we're Muslim, they will know. I am really flattered towards this. And definitely, the Koreans usually eat healthy food such as veggies, stew, steamed and there's definitely no problem to us. My first meal in Korea was Soft Tofu Stew or Soondubu jigae (순두부찌개), Mixed Rice or Bibimbap (비빔밥), Kimchi Fried Rice, Onion Pancake, Barley Bibimbap, Omeletrice, Fish cutlet and Seafood Stew. There were also some snacks we tried while strolling here and there in the city. Some snacks we tried were Spicy Rice Cake or Ddeokbokki (떡벅기), Strawberry (it was its season), Bungeoppang (분겁방), Tall ice-cream, Churos (sweet crunchy pastry), Grilled Squid, Family Mart Buns, Waffles, Muffins, Coffees, Hot Chocolates (since it was so cold), Milk, Milkis and Ramyeon (instant noodles). Woowww...to name all of the food and snacks makes me drooling already. Next time I'm in Korea, the theme of the trip would be "Food Hunting". What I like about having meals in Korea is that they will give you a lot of side dishes and my new all time favourite side dish (besides kimchi) is the radish. It's sour and sweet at the same time and compliments other dishes.

What makes Korea a must place to visit is because of the Korean actor/ress and Korean KPop idols. I think most of us (including me), the purpose of coming to Korea is because of 2PM, Big Bang, Hyun Bin, Kim Hyun Joong, Jang Keun Suk, Rain, Running Man, Lee Min Ho, Miss A, Girls Generation and many other idols. They are the reason people from all over the world come to Korea not only to have the chance to meet their Korean idols but also learn, see and experience themselves how to be a true Korean, live like a Korean and mingle with the Koreans. We want to eat what they like to eat. We want to shop where they like to shop. We want to talk like they usually talk. We want to hang out where they like to hang out. In short, we want to be like them (but not a stalker..hehehe). We want to learn about their culture, their language so that we can never have any barriers between us and our favourite Korean idols. The Hallyu Stars has become the role models of Koreans in everyone's eyes. They are the reason we all want to visit Korea.

Because of the Hallyu stars, we want to learn everything that is to know about Korea. Korean history, Korean culture, Korean food and everything Korean. So if you happen to be in Korea, it is very disappointing to hear you didn't visit the historical museum, historical palace in Korea. What fascinate me is the Gyeongbukgung Palace (one of the famous palace in Korea) because it is very huuugggeee!!! They have layers after layers after layers of houses until you don't know which is which anymore. And the stories hidden while building the palace is so fascinating too (I watched 2Days 1Night history special). And also you can meet the famous King Sejong at Gwanghwamun Square, opposite Gyeongbukgung Palace. After learning the history of Korea, you can experience how to make kimchi at Korea House. You can try out Hanbok (Korean traditional costume) and get the feeling of being a Korean. The Korea War of Memorial is also another must-go place when you visit Korea. This place displays all kind of Memorials, Statues, Airplanes, Jets, Tanks that they used back then during World War. You can learn the history of the beginning of communist era in Korea, discover the old Korea and you can get to know the people behind the war too. What impress me again here is that, you can find all these history and traditional culture in the heart of the city itself. With all the busy and hectic city, they still maintain and take care of their ancestors heritage up until today. There are also other beautiful historical sites and places you can go and learn about Korean History and cultures.

The people in Korea are superbly friendly and kind. You don't have to worry if you don't know how to speak Korean. Most of the city people they know how to speak in English. There's this one guy I asked about the direction but he only knows a little bit of English. He took out his mobile phone and start typing something and then he shows it to me. Turns out he was translating it in English so that I understand better. Oh my God, I was so touched at that moment. His effort to help us is really meaningful to us. Luckily his girlfriend was beside him. If not I would probably had kissed him showing my gratitude. Hehehe. We met new friends all the way, we discover new things, experience new culture and seeing the other side of the world.

So, if you ask me what inspires me about Korea, I will answer only one thing....EVERYTHING. Not only because of the Hallyu stars, but because of them we want to learn more about Korea and the deeper we learn about Korea, the deeper we will keep falling in love with Korea. Again and again. It's like falling in love with the same person over and over again.

There's only one reason why I should be the one selected to join the Touch Korea Tour. My PASSION towards the land of KOREA. Not only the people of Korea are nice and awesome, not only the country of Korea is beautiful and wonderful, it is because Korea has been a part of me, living inside me since the day Winter Sonata came to Malaysia back in 2002, when I was just 17 years old, and that was 10 years ago. I don't think I want to take it out off me. I love this feeling of being quarter Korean, quarter Chinese and another quarter of Malay =D

Okay, till next post ~

Anyeong ~