2014. február 26., szerda

Namsan Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower located on Mt. Namsan offers great panoramic views of the city, and has been a symbol of Seoul since it first opened to the public in 1980.  It is now a true cultural space with various performances, movies, exhibitions as well as upscale restaurants and snack bars.


Seoul Tower opened to the public on October 15, 1980 and has since become a major tourist attraction. The 236.7m Seoul Tower sits atop Namsan Mountain (243m), Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding areas. The view is so stunning that many consider Seoul Tower the best tower in Asia. 

Thirty years and countless visitors later, as the structure was renamed ‘N Seoul Tower.’ The letter ‘N’ stands for the tower’s ‘new’ look, which resulted from a 15 billion won remodeling in Dec 2005. With the new lighting system and changes to the tower’s overall color scheme, event coordinators can now decorate the tower for each new season or event. Currently, an ongoing lighting theme titled ‘Flower of Seoul,’ uses searchlights to light up the tower each night from 7pm to midnight. 

Visitors are encouraged to try the N Grill western-style restaurant revolving restaurant (one rotation every 48 minutes) and the Sky Restroom (an artfully decorated space). Both offer breathtaking views of the cityscape.






Tips, useful information:

① For a great night view and an unforgettable memory, visit N Seoul Tower between 7 p.m. and 12 a.m during their fantastic illumination show.
② You can enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul on the Glass Terrace (P1), Roof Terrace (P2), and in the lobby without paying an admission fee.
③ Admission to the observatory is free if you dine at N Grill with a full-course meal (37,000 won) or with a lunch set (26,000 won). There are other combinations such as the pavilion exhibit-observatory package or the composite photo-observatory package. Choose the package that’s right for you to get more for your money.






Best photospots:

① If you want to take an entire picture of N Seoul Tower, you have to go to the Roof Terrace at P2 level and lie down on the floor down the stairway. Then, you will have the same angle as the photo on the left with the tower’s logo.
② There are two cable cars in operation. If you want to take a picture of it, take a back seat inside a cable car, and take a picture of the other one going down or up. Your picture will show both cable cars and a view of Seoul.
③ In the evening when the lights are turned on, you can take a romantic photo against the night view of Seoul and fabulous illumination of the terrace on the first floor.
Don’t turn on your flash too high, though.






For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)


2014. február 24., hétfő

Incheon Airport has the best quality in service

If you are interest in Incheon Airport...

This time I am going to share  news with you which is about Incheon Airport. Whoever comes in Korea cannot miss to pass Icnheon Airport, at least if you come from far ecause this is the international Airport near Seoul.









So the news is the following one:

Incheon Airport Voted Top in the Airport Service Quality Survey For the Ninth Year in a Row



then now you can read why Incheon Airport is the best:

Incheon, Korea, February 19th, 2014 -- Incheon Airport has won the highest score in two categories of the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey, an annual evaluation organized by the Airports Council International (ACI) which is an international council consisting of representatives from 1,847 airports across the world, for the nine consecutive year.

On February 19, ACI announced the results of the ASQ survey collected from face-to-face interviews with 350,000 international passengers at airports around the world during the year of 2013. 

The results show that Incheon Airport has earned the highest scores for nine years in a row in the categories of 『Best Airport in Asia-Pacific』and 『Best Airport – 25 to 40 million passengers』which are the two groups in which the Airport was nominated. These are also the two groups that featured the fiercest competition among airports with world-leading facilities and service.

Winning the top spot in the survey, Incheon Airport reiterated its status of being the world’s top airport with its quality of service leaving behind the competitors; Singapore Airport and Beijing Airport, who have been going through facility expansion and service improvement.

In winning the top place in the ASQ survey, CEO & President of the airport corporation Jung Chang-soo commented that, “The successful achievement of Incheon Airport was only possible with the full confidence and support from the government, as well as the united efforts of over 40,000 staff and workers at the Airport.”

He also added that “utmost efforts will be taken so that Incheon Airport can become the top leader in the aviation industry, by sustaining service competitiveness and upgrading every aspect of airport management besides service.”

Incheon Airport became No.1 for ASQ only after 4 years upon its opening in 2001, in 2005, and kept the place for many years in a row, becoming the top brand that represents Korea.
In 2011, Incheon Airport became the first airport to be recognized as a member of the ‘Roll of Excellence’ program to be the most outstanding airport in the world and the airport that upgraded the service level of world’s airports.

Behind the background of the rapid success of Incheon Airport, was the close cooperation between institutions and firms in the airport. 40,000 staff and workers at the Airport and 900 institutions built an organic collaboration and communication system under the common goal of world’s top service, creating synergistic effects by sharing various information, experience, and know-how. 

Incheon Airport is preparing for an even larger leap forward taking the last 20 year success since its opening as a stepping stone. This is to sustain initiate in the competition with airports in neighboring countries that is becoming ever fierce.

Incheon Airport began the 3rd phase construction for the grand scale enlargement with the groundbreaking ceremony for the second passenger terminal in September of 2013. The Airport plans to build the foundation to grow as a global mega hub by successfully completing the construction of terminal 2, which will enhance the capacity of the Airport to 62M passengers, before the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

Incheon Airport plans to lead the world airport industry by building the second terminal under the concept of ‘Green(coexisting with nature),’ ‘Eco(environment friendly), and ‘Smart(a safer and more convenient airport based on cutting-edge technology)’ 

The 2014 ACI World General Assembly, at which the 2013 ASQ awards will be held, will open in the Seoul COEX Convention Center for 3 days from 26-28 May. 

The World General Assembly of the ACI(Airports Council International) is the Annual International conference of ACI, the only international institution for airport industry. The upcoming event will be held with the Asia-Pacific ACI, and is expected to draw 600 global leaders from various airports, airlines and international institutions.

Incheon Airport will promote its status and brand value in the global aviation industry, and strengthen its international network by successfully hosting ACI Asia-Pacific/World General Assembly.







For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)

2014. február 20., csütörtök

Insadong, traditional Korean shopping street

Insadong is one of the most famous shopping area in Seoul where almost every tourist go to buy souvenirs before they go back home. 

Insadong is located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insadong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional tea houses, and cafes. 

There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center. 







The tea houses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insadong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique. 

Every Saturday from 14:00 – 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 – 22:00, some streets are blocked off from traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and others set up shops (Korean candy merchants and fortune tellers.) There are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insadong is especially popular with foreign tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture firsthand, and also purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can eat Korean taffy and traditional pajeon (Korean pancake), and see many foreigners lost in all the joyous festivities of the street.

Ssamzie-gil

Ssamzie-gil is a new traditional culture and shopping complex. Opened in Insa-dong in 2004, An iconic Korean street, Insa-dong is famous as the most traditional street, lined with a large number of antique shops and folk art galleries. Ssamzie-gil is a place that continues the traditions of Insa-dong while complementing it with modern convenient facilities. For instance, Ssamzie-gil’s footpaths run alongside the shops like a spring around a courtyard, reminiscent of an alleyway in Insa-dong. Meanwhile its book cafés, galleries and traditional experiences help create a cultural complex





For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)

2014. február 13., csütörtök

Best Places to View the Full Moon (Jeongwol Daeboreum)

The word "daeboreum" comes from the word "boreumdal" which means "full moon". It refers to the largest and brightest full moon of the year, which falls on the 15th day of the new lunar year. (January 15th of the lunar calendar.) it is on February 14th, so it si today!!!!
 In other words, Jeongwol Daeboreum literally translates to "The January Big Full Moon". Most people associate full moons with the Chuseok holiday, but in East Asian agricultural societies, the day of the first full moon of the lunar year is just as important. 

Eating Bureom in the Middle of the Night

As Jeongwol Daeboreum draws near, you'll notice special little corners popping up in all of the markets and supermarkets in Korea specially dedicated to food that is eaten during Jeongwol Daeboreum. You'll generally find three types of foods on display.

① Nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, pine nuts, etc.
② Grains such as barnyard millet, millet, sorghum, etc.
③ Dried vegetables such as eggplant, baby summer squash, etc.

While the food that is prepared and eaten during Seollal is for honoring the ancestors, the food that is prepared and eaten during Jeongwol Daeboreum is for praying for a bountiful harvest and the safety and health of one's family and relatives. As follows, the three different types of food that you see during Jeongwol Daeboreum each carry their own symbolic meanings.

① Nuts eaten during Jeongwol Daeboreum are called "bureom" and are eaten during this holiday for many reasons. 

Nuts eaten during Jeongwol Daeboreum are called "bureom". The dictionary defines "bureom" as "Nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, peanuts, etc. that are eaten by children during the first full moon of the new lunar year in order to prevent boils and infections." 

While this definition is true, it doesn't tell the whole story. Preventing boils and infections is just one of the reasons why nuts are eaten during Jeongwol Daeboreum, and nuts are not only eaten by children but by people of any age. They are also believed to bring about good fortune and good health for the new year, and in particular, strong healthy teeth. Anything of the nut variety can be considered a bureom because the significance of the bureom comes from cracking its hard shell with your teeth and eating it. Bureom are usually eaten at midnight, at the same time a new day begins. It is said that evil spirits come at about this time, but the sounds of cracking nut shells ward them off, dispeling any ill fortune from happening the rest of the year. 

There is also a tradition of drinking a chilled rice wine called gwibalgisul during this holiday. Gwibalgisul literally translates to "ear-sharpening alcohol". Consuming gwibalgisul is believed to sharpen one's hearing and therefore increase one's chances of hearing good news in the new year.






 Traditional Jeongwol Daeboreum Events

There were several bonfire traditions that were practiced on Jeongwol Daeboreum, one of which was called Deulbulnoki. "Deulbulnoki" literally translates to "setting fire to the field", and was a custom where farmers would burn their dry grass fields in controlled fires. This tradition was both symbolic and practical; practically speaking, the fire would get rid of pests and weeds, and the ashes from the fire would fertilize the fields, symbolically speaking, this practice was a symbolic preparation for the new year — the removal of all harmful things before the hard work of farming and the harvest. 

Children would also help set fires to the fields in the form of a game called Jwibulnori. On the eve of Daeboreum, children would burn the grass and weeds on the banks of dry fields and paddies by whirling around perforated cans attached to strings containing blazing lumps of charcoal. 









Best full moon viewing spot is Seoul Tower.





For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)


2014. február 9., vasárnap

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace will open at night from Feb 12 to 17 (6pm-9pm). 
Limited tickets only: http://ticket.auction.co.kr/


Short introduction about the palace:

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces. 

The premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919) . 

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively in tact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculpture of contemporary art. 

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong. 






For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)


2014. február 6., csütörtök

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tours


Here is a special one day trip from Seoul. Most of the tourists who visit Seoul like taking a trip to DMZ which is a unique tourist spot in Korea. 

Korea is the only divided country in the world. After the Korean War (June 25 1950 – July 27 1953), South Korea and North Korea established a border that cut the Korean peninsula roughly in half. Stretching for 2 km on either side of this border is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).  As one of the last relics of the Cold War, the DMZ attracts a great deal of public interest, and is a popular destination for travelers visiting Korea.  Despite the fact that this is the most heavily armed border in the world, it is extremely rare that any hostilities take place. These days the DMZ is a safe destination that we would thoroughly recommend to any traveler.  The DMZ and its surroundings contain many interesting historical sights and pristine untouched natural surroundings.


For over fifty years the areas surrounding the DMZ have been restricted to the general public.  As a result, they have become a wildlife preserve containing incredible bio-diversity.  The DMZ and its surrounding areas are now referred to as the Peace and Life Zone (PLZ), and a special tour course has been designed taking travelers to destinations of historical interest and outstanding natural beauty.

Check the destinations in the DMZ:

Various organizations offer DMZ guided tours.  Itineraries differ, but most tours will take visitors to an observatory, one of North Korea’s infiltration tunnels, a military base, and right into Panmunjeom, the Joint Security Area in the middle of the DMZ where negotiations between the two sides are held.

What to see in Paju?

Tongil Unification ObservatoryThe Odusan Unification Observatory opened to the public in 1992. 
It’s one of the national tourist spot where foreigners like to visit and experience the stark reality of the divided Peninsula. From this Observation Platform, Songaksan Diamond Mountains in the city of Gyeseongi and 63 Building in Seoul are visible. 
This Observatory has five floors above ground and one underground. Various photos and computerized screens showing the stark reality of North Korea are displayed on first and second floor. Products from North Korea can also be purchased here.


PanmunjeomPanmunjeom is located in the demilitarized zone, 50 km north from Seoul and 10 km east from the city of Gaeseong. 

This area is most notably known for the peace talks that were held here on October 25, 1951 and was designated as the Joint Security Area on July 27, 1953 when the armistice agreement was signed. 


ImjinkakIt is located 7 km from the Military Demarcation Line, is now at the forefront of tourism related to the Korean Conflict. 

It was built in 1972 with the hope that someday unification would be possible. Three-storied Imjingak is surrounded by several Monuments, Unification Park and North Korea Center. 


The Third TunnelDorasan Observatory is located nearby the 3rd Tunnel. From this observation platform, North Korean military personnel are visible, and so are the highlights of Gaeseong and the Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains.




For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)


2014. február 5., szerda

Discover traditional markets vol.1

Gwangjang Market

Most of the tourists or foreigners who live here like the Korean cuisine so much. It's a good experience to taste Korean tradional foods on the street or even at the market place. Let me introduce you one of my favourite market in the centre of Seoul, near Jongno 5ga.

The Gwangjang Market is the nation’s first market and it became as a popular tourist destination. It's a traditional market with a lot of stuffs in it.  The second floor of the market provides all of your silk, satin, and linen bed-sheet stores, which are the largest and most famous in Seoul. Many of the stores in the area even have their own factories supplying fabrics to the Namdaemun Market, Pyoung Hwa Market, and even to some department stores. Even though the goods are not brand-name products, the wide selection of high quality goods at inexpensive prices makes it an enjoyable shopping experience.


If you like to taste real Korean traditional food, don't miss this place. You can eat side dishes with beer and soju as well, or you can stop by every smal shop where you see something you would like to taste. Korean cooks and owners are very heplful and try to explain which food a  foreigner might like( be awere of spicy food!)




For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)

2014. február 2., vasárnap

Seoraksan National Park

In this following section I will introduce the Seoraksan National Park.

It was designated the 5th national park in Korea in 1970 and chosen as a nature preservation area in 1965.

Also, internationally recognized for its rare species, Seoraksan is the area in Korea to have been designated as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO in 1982, and in IUCN recognized its rich natural resources as a National Park.

Also referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Seorak ('Seol' meaning 'snow' and 'Ak' meaning 'rock') because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. 



From now on I reccommand you to read this before if you have a plan to visit the the National Park.


The park is spread across 4 cities and counties: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong; to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak. North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon, which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon streams. There are numerous valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the Baekdamcheon valley where all the streams meet and you will reach Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Upstream there is Gayadong valley and Suryeomdong valley, and past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is Madeungryeong ridge (1,327m) that leads to Seorakdong. 


Follow Suryeomdong valley and you will reach Waryong and Ssangpok waterfalls. Further up is Bongjeongam (1,224m sea level). Once you arrive at Daecheong peak you can view the magnificent mountain range. The sunrise viewed from here is spectacular and should not be missed. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from Oknyeotang area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of Jangsudae is the most beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m high. South of Yongdaeri valley is the twelve fairy bathing spring, Oktang Falls, and Yongtang Falls, along with several other traditional relics.




Hiking is the main activity within the park. Most of the trails are well marked and maintained, with signs indicating the distances and directions in Korean and English. Pick up a free map from the National Park Visitor Centre just before the entrance.
Seoraksan is divided into Inner and Outer Seorak, spanning a large area. Some of the best day walks from the entrance include to Ulsanbawi or the Cheonbuldong Valley. Multi-day hikes need to be pre-arranged with a guide.

Make a good plan for your trip^^

You can enjoy the hiking even if it is winter time. Here you are some photos of this season:




For more information

+82(0)70 7348 1898 / Email : pencil5hostel@gmail.com 
We Chat ID : pencil5hostel / QQ ID : 1587839500 
Kakaotalk or Line ID : pencilhostel (Reply in real-time)