Where to go in March?

Best travel tips out of Seoul, enjoy the early spring^^

Gwangyang Maehwa Village

Head out to Gwangyang, the eastern edge of Jeollanam-do bordering the South Sea where the annual maehwa (apricot flower) festival will take place March 23–31. In springtime, Maehwa Village, the festival site, becomes a most splendid landscape as the apricot flowers burst into bloom. Picture-taking is by far the most popular thing to do, as families and friends preserve their memories of a beautiful spring day.
A maehwa blossom photo contest, opportunities to learn traditional Korean drawing, and a variety of other craft-filled opportunities will also go on at the event. This festival truly shows the splendors of Korea’s countryside and even an occasional glimpse into the past.

what to eat?
Hungry festival goers can indulge in the smorgasbord of local specialties as well as food and drink made with maesil (apricot fruit and flowers). Judging from the many bulgogi restaurants in Seoul that flash “Gwangyang” in their signage, Gwangyang is in a sense regarded as a mecca of this dish.

what else to see there?
Close to Gwangyang is Suncheon, which is known for its ecological park and many species of birds.
Yeosu, the site of the flamboyant world expo last year, sits just around the corner in the region.

Gurye Sansuyu Festival

The small town of Gurye in southwest Korea is best known as a gateway to Jirisan National Park.
In March, though, it becomes a destination worth visiting in its own right when the area around Sandong Township hosts Gurye Sansuyu Festival (Mar 22–30), dedicated to the yellow blossoms of the sansuyu (cornel tree). Sandong is home to the country’s largest colony of sansuyu trees.
The flowers are made into tea, alcohol, and food, all of which can be sampled at this festival.
The festival wouldn’t be complete without a hike on Mt. Jirisan to appreciate the yellow splendor blanketing the mountain. 

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Dosanseowon Confucian Academy

Let's go to Andong. 

 

I will show you a place you must visit in Andong.

Sacred place of Korean Spiritual Culture

 

 

Dosanseowon, located in Togye-ri, Dosan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyoungbuk, was built to admire and memory the scholarship and virtue of Toegye Leehwang (Seonjo 7). Its buildings are decorated neatly and simply, which properly reflects his attitude and personality as a scholar.
In the structural viewpoint, Dosanseowon divided into Dosanseodang and Dosanseowon. Dosanseodang is the place he, by himself, taught his followers, whereas Dosanseodang was built after his death.


Dosan Confucian Academy was established in 1574 (7th year under the reign of King Seonjo), by the disciples and others who cherished their memories of the premier Lee Hwang.

 

Dosan Lecture Hall was an academy where Toegye Lee Hwang taught his students and concentrated on his academic studies. In 1574 (the 7th year under the reign of King Seonjo (1567~1608)) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), Confucian scholars established a shrine called Sangdeoksa. In 1969, it was designated as a National Treasure No. 170. After placing the mortuary and performing the sacrificial rites, they finished the Lecture Hall by building Jeongyodang (National Treasure No.210) and the West and East Wings (where scholars could study). When the Lecture Hall was finished King Seonjo bestowed the sign.

When you enter the main entrance there is Dosan Lecture Hall on the right. The structure of the building is simple with the square pillars and simple structures of the girders inserted in the crosspieces. If you go up behind the Lecture Hall and pass the Jindo Gate, there is Gwangmyeongsil where books are stored. You can also find the main building, Jeongyodang and the West and East Wings.

Behing Jeongyodang there is Sangdeoksa and Jangpangak, a tree to print the ‘Dosan 12 Songs’. Okjingak, which was rebuilt in 1970, is now an exhibit building for the relics of Toegye such as his stationary, furniture, and his favorite books etc.

 

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Jindo Miracle Searoad Festival

Let's go to Jindo!

Last year I visited this island to see  the magical sea parting phenomenon in Jindo island. every year it happens around the end of March or April. This year Miracle Searoad Festival will be on 3/29 through 4/2 in Jindo island.

There will be many great events to take part in before the sea parting starts. You can see a maritime ship parade, traditional Korean dance and Pansori performance, traditional 5000 year old group dance performance (강강술래), and much more.

The highlight of this festival is the sea parting, so we will make sure not to miss this. We will head to the edge of the sea just around 4:30 am and join the locals who want to ‘walk on water' with torchlight.’ As the sea pulls away a sandbank emerges and the path is revealed. You will be able to walk on the 40 metre wide path for about 2.8 kilometres.

 

 The world-famous Magical sea way is only the phenomenon exposes 2.8km-long sea way between Hoedong-ri, Gogun-myeon and Modo-ri, Uisin-myeon when water is lowered because of tides. However it is still mysterious in its regular width of about 40m under the water. The tides come in and out 2 times a day. Though there are the differences of tide’s speed and wave such as Typhoon, this risen pit has formed. Every year, about 400 thousand Korean and foreign tourists rush to see this miracle, a fully exposed sea way for 1 hour. It is known as worldwide spot where the most people gather to see a temporary happening.

You may have heard of Jindo dogs. These dogs are very special to Korean people, because of their intelligence, fierce loyalty and bravery. Originally bred as hunting dogs, now they are more often simply pets. At the festival we will be able to see some of these dogs perform as well as be available for us to pet.
 

This magical sea way, called as the modern Mose’s miracle, became world-famous when French ambassador in Korea, Mr. Pierre Randi visited Jindo in 1975 and write about this phenomenon in French paper. In 1996, a Japanese pop singer Dendoyosimi recorded big hit with the song “Jindo story", based on this sea way. Numbers of Japanese tourists has increased sharply thereafter

Jindo county presents many characteristic folk arts to visitors. The performance includes Nationally Designated important intangible cultural properties such as Ganggangsullae (Circle Dance), Jindo Ssitgimgut (Shaman Rite), Field song, Jindo Dasiraegi and Jeollanam Provincially Designated intangible cultural properties like funeral song and drum play. Besides, there are various events to please tourists growing larger year by year.



If you have time end of this month I can recommend you to visit Jindo, you will definitely like it.

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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)

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.

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Insadong, traditional Korean shopping street

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

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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.

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