7th July 2010: Everything above expectation

Again we started our day with special customized breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast and checking out, we got on bus and headed to Daejeon Youth Simmer.

We arrived at Daejeon after about an hour and a half. Daniel was so nice to make up to us again. The visit to Daejeon Youth Simmer has been very meaningful. The center provided shelter, food and education as well as counselling service to the run away youth. As this nation practices more open and confrontational discussion, problems are always addressed earlier and solutions are being made in time. The policies and facilities in placed really benefiting the youth. This was how things can be improved and better over years. We surely have a lot to learn from them .

After the field work visit, we went over to the Pizza Hut for lunch. The pizza was good but the free flow salad from the salad bar was better. I love the sweet potato salad and the pumpkin salad as well as the noodle salad. 1 slice of seafood pizza and a big bowl of salad made my day. The other Malaysian delegates really enjoyed the meal...1 slice after another. :D After meal, we got another round of shopping spree. I got more facial product from Etude House and Skin Food.

In the evening we were back in Seoul. We visited the futuristic Samsung C&T Corporation Raemian Gallery. It was an eye opening gallery. From the bathroom to the outdoor garden, everything was so advance. They even shared with us their future living space model in the sky. I love the idea and hope that it could be a reality and hope that it can get proliferated to Malaysia.

For dinner we got to a local restaurant which served us black soya tofu with purple rice. A healthy main course with lots of traditional side dishes. One of the dish, raw crab was interesting. It was very juicy with little punch from the chili and was very salty. This dish was only bearable when it was served with rice.

After the meal, we went to the Lotte World to catch the Korea top break dance performance. It was the "The Ballerina who Fell In Love with a B-Boy" by Last for One group. It was a humorous performance with great skills and techniques both in break dancing and ballet.

At night, we 3 LIMs and Ganga went out for supper at a nearby road side stall. We have difficulty to make our order but luckily the 2 LIMs could read a menu in Chinese characters and we just pointed on 2 dishes. Later we learned that it was a cut throat hawker when she charged us RM90 for a plate of egg omelet and spicy fried squid. Well none to blame than ourselves. We should have also asked for the price prior to ordering them. Next time I am gonna flash my calculator.

After returning to my room, I got a long pillow talk with Sung. We have so much to talk, share and prank about. It was really great that we have build up so much trust and friendship shortly after days knowing each other. I treasure our differences and may our friendship stay strong forever!

It was another great day in Korea despite the cut throat hawker. Everything else was beyond expectation. Korea has so much to offer, from the laid back temple to the futuristic gallery.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

6th July 2010: Essence of Tourism in Central Region

So much of cultural highlight in a day.

Our day started with a customized breakfast for us the 3 LIMs. Thanks Kim for being so thoughtful. The eggs and bacons were good but it would be superb if we got to try local style breakfast :D

After the breakfast, we were on the bus heading to Maisan Provisional Park, the Horse Ears Mountain. This was an inspiring Zen park with multiple tapsa or pagoda. No doubt about the attractiveness of the physical appearance of the park but the myth which I just discovered while writing this was even more impressive. It was believed that the pagodas do not fall or sway even at bad weather, the temple was build by a monk with the help of tiger and if one put water into a bowl during the winter, the water freezes into a pole reaching for the sky.

Oh I also learnt some common religious practices in Korea. Never enter a temple using the main door if there are other options, no shoes in the temple (this was not strictly practice in all Buddhist Temple in Malaysia) and drinking the holy water. I wish to be able to join in a Temple Stay in Korean when I come for the 2nd time. I will surely make another visit to this park to see how it transforms between season.

Next was the savoring of my favourite Korean dish, the Bibimbap. I just loved the mixed rice in the stoneware. It has a strong aroma from the formation of thin rice crust at the bottom. The jelly made of the green bean was yummy to go with other vegetables too. It was a perfect meal for the day :D

In the afternoon, we got to craft center where we get accessed to the traditional paper fan making. Each of us were given a paper fan and some raw materials to decorate our own fan. I made a Korean Flag (*with the moon and earth interchanged) on 1 side and simple flower motive on another. It was an interesting session in a Hanok.

After the craft session, we were on foot round the Jeonju Hanok Village. As the name suggest, this small village has 800 traditional Korean house. All unified in the same wood frame and pillars with white wall and earthy tone roof tiles. We also spotted many stoneware used to made and store Kimchi right outside of the house. Kimchi is the must dish all year round for Koreans.

We made stop overs at the Folding Fan Museum, 韩方文化館 which showcase the traditional herbal and medicine, Gyeonggijeon Shrine (did't have time much time. Only manage to pass by the study place as well as the bamboo garden), Jeondong Catholic Church and the Nambu market.

For dinner we got to taste a simple yet tasty bean sprout soup with rice. I always dislike bean sprout due to it's rawly taste but this was nice. The soup was crystal clear and has got the natural sweetness of the bean sprout. The eggs made it thicker and gave the smooth texture while the seaweed and the fermented shrimp gave the saltiness to the soup.

After dinner, we went to the nearby shopping haven with Daniel and JihYun. I managed to get some facial products at Missha and Innisfree...so cheap. 2 other LIMs bought more than me :D Facial products are the best souvenir one can get from Korea. We enjoyed shopping in Korea.

my travel companions...enjoy shopping here...look at my bags

For more photos,please refer to FB album

5th July 2010: Another day at Amusement Park

We woke up pretty late today. Quickly we got ready and checked out from our hostel and headed to the Caribbean Bay.

There was so much in the water park. No wonder the water park is the world biggest indoor and outdoor park. Needless to say this place was an eye nourishment for our fellow delegations. But for me the park was another entertaining place for me. With the company of my Korean friends, we enjoyed few exciting rides in the park. We spend 2 hours in the pool and again I wished that I could have longer time in the park. Oh...not to be missed to mention, the open bathroom was a norm here. I did the same too but in a much quicker pace :D After the quick shower, we had lunch in the the park. I got a noodle soup with eomuk. Yummy!

Then I was a long bus ride to the Saemangeum Sea Wall en route to Jeonju City. The Saemangeum Sea Wall is one of their mega development project. It involves 400 km² reclamation land. The was ready but the land reclamation is still under process. Even in mid of the project, the Koreans have placed much effort on branding and beautifying it. There are numerous stop-by site for the leisure of the locals as well as for the admiration of the foreign tourists. Bravo!

We finally reached the Jeonju City at about 5.30pm. Our first destination was at a local restaurant where they served really yummy noodles. Kim prepared noodles with fish stock for us. Noodle was my all time favorite. Needless to say, I enjoyed it very much. I loved the mild spicy thick fish stock base. I championed this round. I could finished it despite the serving portion was extra huge and I was the fastest too :P

After the filling meal, we walked to the nearby Gyodong-dawon Traditional TeaHouse. The tea has mild tea scent. It was calming and refreshing to enjoy the tea in such a peace and laid back environment. According to the owner, the tea was best served with wheat cracker but I found it a little too hard. Anyway thanks Kim for showing us how to make and serve the tea!

Finally at close to 8pm, we went and checked in into our hotel for 2 nights, Jeonju Core Riviera Hotel. After days in Korea without connection, finally my room here was connected. I got a PC in my room and I enjoyed facebooking again while watching Korean tv channel :D

After many dry nights in Korea, we finally broke the spell. For the first time we were out at night for a drink. We were introduced to the traditional rice wine called 막걸리, 'Makgeolli'. We took the wine with some Korean dishes and 1 of them was the silkworm. I like the worm's texture. It was unique and tasted much like fish roe. I did tried out the cashew nut ice cream too...

Everything seem so different and I am eager to experience and see more of the differences.

For more photos,please refer to FB album

4th July 2010: A day at the Korean "Land of Festival for 365 days"

This was the most exciting day in Korea...so much in a day!

We have a free and easy morning in Seoul. Adventurous Sze Wan would not waste any time abroad lingering in the hotel room. :D So early morning I dated the 2 other Lims to join me to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace. However both the Lims just didn't have the fate to witness the palace greatly blessed by heaven.

The front desk personnel was very helpful. He gave me a map and lead me to the palace on public transport. I traveled on subway line 5 from Yeouinaru to Gwanghwamun. It took me close to an hour to get to the palace from our hotel, a short walk from hotel to the Yeouinaru passing the Yeouido Park and the LG twin towers, the subway ride and another short walk along Gwanghwamun Square.

I arrived at the palace minutes before 10am. Got my ticket and digital guide both at close to RM10 each. Reasonable charges...but too bad that my digital guide didn't work out at first, wasted much of my time. I have less than 45 minutes to spend in the palace but I enjoyed my visit. The architecture was impressive. Really a lot of restoration effort placed in maintaining the 6 centuries old palace. I could not find appropriate words to describe the palace but I would name this palace as a must visit place in South Korea.

I rushed back to Lexington after the short visit...took a little break at the Haechi Madang. 'Haechi' is the mascot of Seoul. It guards Seoul citizens by bringing justice, safety and fortune to the people. So before leaving the exhibition, I got myself a Haechi shaped bookmark. May it keep me safe and well at all time.

I got back to hotel minutes after 12. Relieved to discover that I wasn't the last but on the other hand, I felt bad for branding Malaysia wrongly. After awhile we departed to Yongin for one of the Asia most exciting theme park. We experienced a little havoc during lunch distribution. Thank god that they have a little to spare and managed to pull it even.

We arrived at the Everland Resort Home Bridge Cabin Hostel a little bit ahead of schedule. So I got some time to refresh and for our contingent meeting. Oh not to forget to mention, I got a room to myself again :D.

By 3.30pm, we were all in the hall for mini camp. This was the first official meet up with the Mexican and Alzerbaijian delegates. We were suppose to present our country here but as usual, our presentation was ok after a last minute spice up suggested by me. Initially, we were to have our NL to give a short lecture on general and geographical facts about our country and I translate it, we added a simple 'Rasa Sayang' song into the presentation.

After the Three-party Mini Camp I, we were divided into 3 small groups as usual and with the guide of So Young and Gisu, we ventured in the Everland. This was surely one of the most exciting theme park that I have been to. I really scared everyone off. The 1st ride that we were on was the T-express. It is the world steepest wooden roller coaster...hooray!

The park was so huge. We, the adventerous few with the company of Inae and Jisu. Our day in Everland was filled with thrilled and adventurous ride, Double Rock Spin, Rolling X-Train, Hurricane, Amazon Express, Mystery Mansion and Rotating House...hooray! We stopped for dinner at the Holland Village. I loved the Kimchi Fried Rice with Pork Chop. As usual the appetizers were provided free, but I wished to highlight their marinated turnip...a little sweet and sour dish and very crunchy.

Besides those adventurous rides, we manage to catch the Moonlight Parade. The nicely decorated and brightly lid flower cars and mascot together with the cheering background song, it was like I am back to my childhood. The most impressive performance in Everland was the Dream of Laciun light, water and fire performance. The scale of the performance was huge but everything was so detailed and precise. The sound effect was good even in an open space. We love Everland and were so reluctant to leave the park for the Three-party Mini Camp II.

Anyway it was a great time at the Mini Camp. For at least we have more opportunity to mingle with the Mexican and Azerbaijan. I guessed it would be a cooler party if we could get some drinks there. The party ended at 11pm...a little too early for us. The night was still young for the 3 LIMs. Initially we intended to join Jungeun for a couple of drinks but we ended up having pillow talk with Souk Hung. So much that we could talk about...so much has been shared...the talk continued till wee hours.

Another extreme and fantastic day in Korea. Glad to have met so many superb Koreans!

For more photos,please refer to FB album

3rd July 2010: Another great museum visit

Woke up refresh and recharged in this Korean soil. It was a long and interesting day for me.

My day started with breakfast at 8am in the hotel's coffee shop...yummy sausages and sashimi :P After meal, we met up with a group of Korean youth delegates which includes Soomin, our guide to Myeong-dong on the night before.

We were brought to the Seoul COEX, Convention & Exhibition Center. Here we were divided into 3 smaller group and each assigned 1 or 2 Korean youth guide. I was in 3rd group with KB and 3 others and being guided into Seoul Auto Salon Auto Service 2010 by Grace. She spoke fluent English and to my surprise she majored Scandinavian Languages in Hankuk University. Interesting major...wonder if we have this back at home.

Those interior and exterior modifications exhibited at the auto show were nice but i doubt they were legal on road. Nevertheless, the cars were interesting but the models seemed to be more interesting to many. I enjoyed photographing both the cars and models. I really wished if I could grab hold of my 1000D and captured all this great stuffs. Lesson learned, never travel without my DSLR no matter how difficult it is to carry them everywhere.

As we have some time to kill after our visit, we headed to the shopping mall on the basement. Many familiar brands could be found here. We visited a music stores. I discovered that the average price of albums in Korea was almost similar to Malaysia. Even Koreans production was as expensive as in Malaysia too. And I learnt that Wonder Girls, Super Junior and Rain were not that hot in Korea after all. There were much more better ones.

During noon, we headed to ...could not recall what that area was called now. We took our lunch in a typical local restaurant but not the typical Korean dishes. We got toufu as the main dish and few other cold dishes. It was a nice to experience the Korean food using the Korean way, with flat chopsticks and long spoons. Not to forget their rice in stoneware which one could filled it with some water to produce tea like soup for after meal. The environment was nice as well. Our delegates were mingling well with the Koreans delegates. "사랑해요, Sarang he yo" was the most spoken Korean words by the group.

After the meal, we went to the National Museum of Korea. This was the most interesting program of the day. We were give 1 and a half hours in the museum and another hour to watch the summer cultural performance. 1 and a half hours were not enough for KB and I. We have Grace to guide us through the museum and she was pretty good in explaining about their history to us. We could only cover 2 stories out of the 3 stories exhibition hall but we really did enjoyed it. We wished we could have more time in the museum.

At 3pm, we were back at the entrance of the museum to catch the cultural performance. It was interesting to see how they were able to swing the ribbon on their hat so easily and surprise to discover that they too have their version of 舞虎. The performers also sang a traditional folk song.

Next was dinner time again. This round, we got a whole grilled mackerel to go with 밥 Bap...short-grain rice, thick miso and numerous cold dishes. This meal was really enjoyed by everyone.

After the full meal, we were transported to the ChongDong Theater for the Traditional Korean Arts Stage, MISO. We also got to try on the traditional Korean clothing, the Hanbok 한복. We looked gorgeous in it but seriously the head dress was too heavy for me. My head was tilted all the time.

Then at 8pm sharp, MISO began. It was a story about the love of a lady. In that one and a half hours performance, they managed to showcase to us the Korean traditional dance move, musical instruments and narrative song as well as more of their traditional clothings. It was an interesting performance but I was just too tired and at some point some scenes were too long. I actually dozed off at some points but still managed to capture the message of the performance. Blame it on me please!

poster from visitKorea site. No photo shooting or recording was allowed in there :S

It was an interesting day and we have got a lot of interaction with the Korean youth delegates. All of them have very interesting profiles. Grace majoring in Scandinavian languages, Cha Hee did her internship in Sweden, Soomin doing some international relations(Japanese) and many more with unbelievable profiles. Envy of their system. They really do promote diversity but at the same time still preserved their national identity.

For more photos,please refer to FB album