Traveling to Korea at half price
Korea Grand Sale: Shop, dine, travel with deep discounts By Chung Ah-young
Misaki Futamata, 21, has frequently visited Korea to attend K-pop shows and meet "hallyu" stars. But this time, she, along with her friend Mana Amano, 20, came here mainly to shop during the Korea Grand Sale, which offers unprecedented discounts for foreign tourists.
The annual sale event, which began on Aug. 14 earlier than scheduled and will be held through Oct. 31, was organized by the Visit Korea Committee to boost the nation's tourism industry, which was recently hit by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak. Some 32,000 retail outlets owned by 320 companies, including department stores, duty-free shops, airlines, hotels, performance venues, transportation and theme parks have joined the sale event.
"I saw the Korea Grand Sale online and downloaded many coupons from its webpage. Then I came to Korea to shop with only almost half the money I usually spent in my past trips," Futamata said in an interview with The Korea Times. During their stay in Korea from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, the two saved a total of 1.14 million won ($955) from their original budget of 2.5 million won. "It's incredible. I bought cosmetics and clothes at almost half the original prices during this visit," Futamata said. She and her friend traveled to Korea with two round-trip Asiana Airlines tickets from Haneda for 55,000 yen (536,800 won). After arriving at Gimpo International Airport, they had lunch at Jinjinbara, a traditional Korean restaurant, at 38,000 won each, including a 15 percent discount.
They checked in at Ibis Ambassador Hotel in Myeong-dong, which provides a free additional night in a junior suite to foreign travelers who book for a night. They paid only 174,900 won for two nights. On the second day, they went shopping at cosmetic stores, such as Olive Young, which offers a 50 percent discount. Some brands at Lotte Duty Free in Myeong-dong offer discounts of up to 80 percent. On the third day, they went to Everland, the nation's largest theme park, which provides a 50 percent discount.
"This is the first time for us to visit Everland. I think Everland is more exciting than Tokyo Disneyland because we could take both a safari tour and other rides here," Futamata said. Although the theme park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province is quite a distance from Seoul, they said it was worth the visit. "Next time, I want to visit the Caribbean Bay (water park)," Amano said. On the third day, they joined giveaway events at the Korea Grand Sale's event center in front of Doota Plaza in Dongdaemun Market, which also provides tourism information and interpretation services to foreign tourists. The Japanese tourists watched the Original Drawing Show, a famous non-verbal performance, at 30,000 won a ticket, half the original price. They moved to Lotte City Hotel Mapo for their fourth night at 165,000 won, 44 percent lower than the original price.
They said some of their favorite items to shop for are clothes and Korean food. "I enjoyed visiting Gwangjang Market to taste various unique Korean dishes. I love Korean food," Futamata said. Futamata is a fan of K-pop band BTOB, while Amano is a fan of Bangtan Boys. They have actively participated in amateur K-pop dance contests and other events. "Before I came to Korea this time, I was slightly worried about whether Korea is really safe now from the MERS. But once I got here, my worries disappeared," Futamata said. She said now that Korea is free from the MERS, she can encourage friends and families who are still hesitant to visit Korea. "We don't need masks anymore. The Korea Grand Sale is also happening right now during this lovely season. We don't have to worry anymore," she said. Futamata and Amano said many Japanese tourists still think that tours in Korea are expensive owing to the weaker yen, but if they visit during the Korea Grand Sale, they can save money on shopping, dining and cultural activities. "Some 80 percent of our hotel rooms were occupied in August, double the 40 percent occupancy rate in July. Our accommodation packages for the Korea Grand Sale in September are almost sold out, so we are preparing a wide range of other promotional packages," said Ryu Hee-jung, a manager of Ibis Ambassador Hotel in Myeong-dong. Other events during the Korea Grand Sale include "Must-Eat Week" (Sept. 10-16), which will be held again following the success of a previous similar event; "Must-Do Week" (Oct. 15-21); "Must-Buy Week" (Oct. 1-7); and "Must-See Week" (Sept. 24-30). For more information on the Korea Grand Sale, visit www.koreagrandsale.co.kr. |
Thursday, 10 September 2015
By Chung Ah-young
Halloween, which falls on Oct. 31, was not a common celebration in Korea until recent years, when more people started joining in the holiday spirit, dressing up for costume parties, decorating their houses and watching horror films.
Major theme parks around the country are now joining in the excitement and are holding various Halloween events. Everland, the nation's largest theme park, will hold Halloween & Horror Nights from Sept. 4 to Nov. 1, as one of its autumn events. This year, the park will offer more diverse events to cater to different age groups. For young visitors, it will hold a costume play, a safari adventure and a flash mob that will feature zombies. From the opening night, the park will provide a special makeup service that will transform visitors into various supernatural figures, from Dracula to witches and pumpkin ghosts, and provide them with 200 pieces of costumes at Madame Zombie Boutique. The makeup service costs between 10,000 won and 100,000 won, while the costume rental costs between 10,000 won and 15,000 won.
In the Zombie Grave Experience Zone, visitors can take 3D photos while exploring haunted houses. During the festival, the park will also hold the Horror Safari World, featuring zombie characters, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with additional 5,000 won. Every night at 6 p.m., various zombie characters, from police officers and soldiers to nurses and students, will appear in a flash mob on the Walking Dead Square. Visitors will be able to take photos with the zombies. The Halloween kids' party, 3D video projection mapping show and parades will delight children and families. The magic shows, featuring comedian Kim Jong-seok in his signature funny costume, will be held every Saturday from Sept. 12 to Oct. 31. The 3D projection mapping show "Ghost Mansion" will feature a 70-by-23-meter projection, music and special effects. The Four Seasons Garden has been adorned with chrysanthemums, silver grass and pumpkin installations in celebration of Halloween. Lotte World Adventure, one of the largest amusement parks in the nation, will hold the Happy Halloween Party from Sept. 5 to Nov. 1. This season, the park will hold diverse parades as well as events that combine horror and humor. Lotty and Lorry, the park's mascots, will be featured in Lotty's Halloween Party Parade. Various performances, such as "Comic Zombie Mime," "Win Over Pumpkin Man," "Phantom Magician" and "Halloween Musical Show" will both thrill and entertain spectators. Meanwhile, "Tomb of Horror" will also thrill visitors as they pass through a graveyard bridge full of zombies, steel-barred windows and a dark maze. Lotte Halloween packages are available with up to a 40 percent discount. |
Enlistment dates for four SM artists this year have been confirmed, entertainment reports said Wednesday.
They are Super Junior's Choi Siwon, 28, Eunhyuk, 29, and Donghae, 29, and TVXQ's Changmin, 27. Eunhyuk and Donghae of Super Junior _ who also double as the"D&E" duo _ will enlist in October. Eunhyuk will enlist on Oct. 13 and Donghae on Oct. 15.
They are expected to enlist quietly, as other stars have done. Choi Siwon of Super Junior and Changmin of TVXQ will enlist on Nov.19. The two will serve as conscripted police officers.
Other SM artists doing compulsory military service include Super Junior members Shindong and Sungmin and also Yunho of TVXQ. |
Singer Younha will release an EP album titled "View" in Japan on Wednesday, Yonhap reports.
 It will be her first album in five years. Her agency C9 Entertainment said the singer, 27, was seeking to recapture the popularity that followed her debut in Japan in 2004 with the single "Yubikiri." She was dubbed the "Oricon comet" when her song "Comet" reached No. 10 on Japan's Oricon weekly chart. For her latest Japanese album, Younha wrote the song "View," about troubled youths and their dreams. The album also includes three songs from Korean dramas, including the popular "Pinocchio" that starred hallyu actors Park Shin-hye and Lee Jong-suk. |
Actor So ji-sub and actress Shin Min-a will star in a TV drama "Oh My God" on KBS in November.
The drama is about a man and woman trying to lose weight. So, 38, will play Kim Young-ho, a star-trainer who has had a tough childhood. Shin will play Kang Ju-eun, a 33-year-old lawyer who neglects her health. |
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
The official hot season started on Monday according to the traditional calendar, a day known as Chobok.
The height of the hot season or Jungbok, and the end of the season called Malbok, fall between the June and July and come at 10-day intervals -- they are collectively called Sambok and are the rough equivalent of Europe's Dog Days
The term are coined from Chinese characters meaning that the autumnal forces remain trapped by the strength of the summer heat.
Koreans in the past used to eat certain foods to beat the hot and muggy weather and stay healthy.
The height of the hot season or Jungbok, and the end of the season called Malbok, fall between the June and July and come at 10-day intervals -- they are collectively called Sambok and are the rough equivalent of Europe's Dog Days
The term are coined from Chinese characters meaning that the autumnal forces remain trapped by the strength of the summer heat.
Koreans in the past used to eat certain foods to beat the hot and muggy weather and stay healthy.
In traditional medicine, excessive sweating leads to a drop in body temperature, which requires replenished heat. Cold body temperatures cause stomach and liver problems, so it is better to avoid too much cold food or drinks and eat hot dishes instead.
Samgyetang, or chicken soup with ginseng is one of them. A steaming bowl of red bean porridge, commonly eaten in winter these days, was also traditionally eaten on summer hot days, as the red color of the porridge was thought to be dispel evil spirts and protect from infectious diseases.
But people in the past also favored cold desserts such as sweet melon with ice and watermelon dipped in cold water. Those fruits were believed to be effective in helping people rehydrate.
Samgyetang, or chicken soup with ginseng is one of them. A steaming bowl of red bean porridge, commonly eaten in winter these days, was also traditionally eaten on summer hot days, as the red color of the porridge was thought to be dispel evil spirts and protect from infectious diseases.
But people in the past also favored cold desserts such as sweet melon with ice and watermelon dipped in cold water. Those fruits were believed to be effective in helping people rehydrate.
Catching a cab late at night can be challenging in Seoul, especially this time of the year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government rolled out a new website (http://data.seoul.go.kr) on Friday that should make people's lives a bit easier.
The site provides real-time information on the location of taxis in the capital and their availability.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government rolled out a new website (http://data.seoul.go.kr) on Friday that should make people's lives a bit easier.
The site provides real-time information on the location of taxis in the capital and their availability.
New trolley buses for tourists in Seoul had a trial run on Wednesday. The buses start their operation on Thursday and stop at the city's most popular points of interests.
The buses' classic design resembles a tram with an oak and brass interior. They alternate routes with the double-deckers which are currently in operation for travelers in Seoul.
On-board tour information is available in Korean, Chinese, Japanese and English.
The first Asian branch of the Musée Grévin, a waxwork museum in Paris, opened in Seoul last week, featuring a total of 80 life-like wax models of celebrities, historical figures and politicians.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of wax models of K-pop stars and Korean celebrities such as Psy, Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Min-ho, Jang Keun-suk, and Hyun Bin, along with celebrities and contemporary figures popular especially among Chinese tourists, including Xi Jinping, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Lang Lang.
The museum is expected to become a must-see attraction in Seoul.
The museum is expected to become a must-see attraction in Seoul.
Mt. Halla on Jeju Island boasts a majestic view which gets even better in the winter as the mountain gets covered with snow.
◆ Scenic Road
For those who want to look around Mt. Halla but prefer some comfortable climbing, there is a scenic road that leads to a rest area at 1,100 m above sea level, which is the highest point of the mountain travelers can get to by car.
The road is steep but offers rewarding views, and the observatory there is a great place to appreciate the scenery of Mt. Halla.
For those who want to look around Mt. Halla but prefer some comfortable climbing, there is a scenic road that leads to a rest area at 1,100 m above sea level, which is the highest point of the mountain travelers can get to by car.
The road is steep but offers rewarding views, and the observatory there is a great place to appreciate the scenery of Mt. Halla.
◆ Tangerine Fields
The tangerine fields in Seogwipo are especially beautiful during the winter as the snow-covered mountain contrasts with the color of the tangerine trees.
Many such fields offer a program for visitors to pick up and taste the island's staple fruit. It costs only W5,000 (US$1=W1,109) per person, and visitors can bring home the tangerines they picked.
The tangerine fields in Seogwipo are especially beautiful during the winter as the snow-covered mountain contrasts with the color of the tangerine trees.
Many such fields offer a program for visitors to pick up and taste the island's staple fruit. It costs only W5,000 (US$1=W1,109) per person, and visitors can bring home the tangerines they picked.
◆ Recreational Forest
A recreational forest in Seogwipo might be a great choice for families with children as its trails have gentle slopes and are moderate in length, taking only one and a half hours to take a walk.
The forest is thick with some 50-year-old trees and various plants which grow in various temperatures.
Another attraction is the natural mineral water which is extracted from 760 m above sea level. An observatory there commands a breathtaking view of Mt. Halla, downtown Seogwipo and the nation's southernmost island of Mara.
A recreational forest in Seogwipo might be a great choice for families with children as its trails have gentle slopes and are moderate in length, taking only one and a half hours to take a walk.
The forest is thick with some 50-year-old trees and various plants which grow in various temperatures.
Another attraction is the natural mineral water which is extracted from 760 m above sea level. An observatory there commands a breathtaking view of Mt. Halla, downtown Seogwipo and the nation's southernmost island of Mara.
◆ Bracken
Jeju is also known for bracken, or gosari in Korean, which is rich in protein, fiber and calcium. The vegetable is used in various local dishes and goes particularly well with the island's authentic pork dishes.
Jeju is also known for bracken, or gosari in Korean, which is rich in protein, fiber and calcium. The vegetable is used in various local dishes and goes particularly well with the island's authentic pork dishes.
Not to mention the natural landscape, Jeju offers a wide variety of attractions with arts and cultural heritage that should not be missed.
◆ Museum
Built to promote the island's unique culture and an artists' village nearby, Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art has exhibition halls, a sculpture park and an outdoor concert hall that can accommodate over 1,000 spectators.
◆ Museum
Built to promote the island's unique culture and an artists' village nearby, Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art has exhibition halls, a sculpture park and an outdoor concert hall that can accommodate over 1,000 spectators.
Its unique walls, finished with basalt, were built to resemble the porous rock. An artists' village nearby features more than 20 creative buildings constructed in harmony with nature. For more information, visit the museum's website athttp://www.jejumuseum.go.kr.
◆ Folk Village
Those interested in Jeju's traditional aspects are recommended to visit Seongeup Folk Village where they can get a glimpse of what the island might have looked like in the 15th century. The village has a number of cultural assets, a mountain at the back and an expansive field of pampas grass in front, adding to its natural beauty. Inside the village, ancient buildings from a fortress to a government office and thatched houses can be seen.
In addition, an intangible cultural asset -- four pieces of folk songs -- has been handed down in the village. They have been recognized for their value.
Those interested in Jeju's traditional aspects are recommended to visit Seongeup Folk Village where they can get a glimpse of what the island might have looked like in the 15th century. The village has a number of cultural assets, a mountain at the back and an expansive field of pampas grass in front, adding to its natural beauty. Inside the village, ancient buildings from a fortress to a government office and thatched houses can be seen.
In addition, an intangible cultural asset -- four pieces of folk songs -- has been handed down in the village. They have been recognized for their value.
◆ Theme Park
There is a theme park with the world's longest labyrinth, called Mazeland. It has three labyrinths, with the theme of Jeju's three things in abundance – wind, stones, and women represented by the island's female divers. The labyrinths consist of 36 paths each.
There is a theme park with the world's longest labyrinth, called Mazeland. It has three labyrinths, with the theme of Jeju's three things in abundance – wind, stones, and women represented by the island's female divers. The labyrinths consist of 36 paths each.
The park also has a number of other things to enjoy, including an exhibition hall, 3D gallery and an observatory. Visitors can learn about the labyrinth's origin and maze-related artifacts.
For more information, visit the theme park's website at http://mazeland.co.kr.
For more information, visit the theme park's website at http://mazeland.co.kr.
By day, Jeju is often crowded with tourists exploring beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery. But travelers might miss some of the island's hidden charms if they spend time inside at night. Some places are especially beautiful as night falls.
◆ Hyeopjae Beach
Hyeopjae Beach in the western part of the island offers a range of attractions. Its emerald seawater and white sand along the beach stretching about 200 m attract many visitors, as does a stone tower that creates picturesque scenery. A tiny island called "Biyang Island" is visible in the distance as if it is a mirage.
Hyeopjae Beach in the western part of the island offers a range of attractions. Its emerald seawater and white sand along the beach stretching about 200 m attract many visitors, as does a stone tower that creates picturesque scenery. A tiny island called "Biyang Island" is visible in the distance as if it is a mirage.
Though certainly beautiful during the day, at dusk the purple and scarlet hues from sunset come to life. Visitors experience a stunning combination of sky and sea.
◆ Observatory
Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium, an observatory, offers clear, close views of stars in the night sky, making it the best place to enjoy Jeju's nighttime views. It is open to everybody who is interested in astronomy. The three-story building has exhibition halls, a 4-D theater and some ride facilities.
◆ Observatory
Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium, an observatory, offers clear, close views of stars in the night sky, making it the best place to enjoy Jeju's nighttime views. It is open to everybody who is interested in astronomy. The three-story building has exhibition halls, a 4-D theater and some ride facilities.
Visitors also can identify constellations, watching them through a large dome screen on the ceiling. It is a perfect place to observe the sun during the day and beautiful stars at night.
◆ Saeyeon Bridge
Saeyeon Bridge, which connects Seogwipo with a tiny islet nearby, is the longest pedestrian bridge in the country.
Illuminated with lights of various colors along the bridge at night, it boasts spectacular nighttime views and recently emerged as a hot spot, especially among young couples who want to have romantic outings.
◆ Saeyeon Bridge
Saeyeon Bridge, which connects Seogwipo with a tiny islet nearby, is the longest pedestrian bridge in the country.
Illuminated with lights of various colors along the bridge at night, it boasts spectacular nighttime views and recently emerged as a hot spot, especially among young couples who want to have romantic outings.
The bridge leads to a park on the islet, which has a small trail perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Songdo in Incheon was underwater about a decade ago until a reclamation project in 2003 created a modern city designed for a free economic zone modeled after Dubai, Shanghai and Singapore. Today, a canal bisects the city, running along ultra-modern skyscrapers. The city becomes even more attractive at night, glowing from lit up buildings and street lamps. These are some of the best places to enjoy the city at night.
◆ G-Tower Observatory
To get to G-Tower, visitors can take the subway to Central Park Station on the Incheon Subway No. 1 Line and then take exit No. 4. They need to show their identification at the gate to reach the observatory on the 29th floor where they can enjoy the panoramic view of Songdo and the West Sea. The observatory closes at 7 p.m.
If time allows, visitors may visit the 33rd floor, where exhibition facilities opened on March 24, for a glimpse of the Incheon Free Economic Zone. Only 500 m away from G-Tower, OceanScope is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the West Sea and the Incheon Bridge.
To get to G-Tower, visitors can take the subway to Central Park Station on the Incheon Subway No. 1 Line and then take exit No. 4. They need to show their identification at the gate to reach the observatory on the 29th floor where they can enjoy the panoramic view of Songdo and the West Sea. The observatory closes at 7 p.m.
If time allows, visitors may visit the 33rd floor, where exhibition facilities opened on March 24, for a glimpse of the Incheon Free Economic Zone. Only 500 m away from G-Tower, OceanScope is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the West Sea and the Incheon Bridge.
◆ Songdo Central Park
Next to G-Tower is Songdo Central Park, a lake park created using seawater. Situated between the business and residential areas, the park is a great place to escape the busy city life. When the sun starts to dip, lamps are lit one by one to create a romantic ambience. The best way to enjoy the night view is by taking a water taxi. The 25-minute trip provides a leisurely cruise down the seawater canal that flows through the park.
Next to G-Tower is Songdo Central Park, a lake park created using seawater. Situated between the business and residential areas, the park is a great place to escape the busy city life. When the sun starts to dip, lamps are lit one by one to create a romantic ambience. The best way to enjoy the night view is by taking a water taxi. The 25-minute trip provides a leisurely cruise down the seawater canal that flows through the park.
◆ Tri-Bowl Complex
Tri-Bowl is another landmark of Songdo that is worth a visit. Without pillars inside, this UFO-shaped structure features three deep bowls representing the sky, sea and earth. The building houses various exhibition and performance halls, and is a great place to enjoy the glamorous view of Songdo at night.
Tri-Bowl is another landmark of Songdo that is worth a visit. Without pillars inside, this UFO-shaped structure features three deep bowls representing the sky, sea and earth. The building houses various exhibition and performance halls, and is a great place to enjoy the glamorous view of Songdo at night.
◆ Canal Walk
At Canal Walk visitors can warm up with hot drinks while taking in the nocturnal scenery. European-style buildings stand according to the themes of spring, summer, fall and winter along the central waterway. A mall there has plenty to offer, including shopping and a range of fountains situated along the waterway.
At Canal Walk visitors can warm up with hot drinks while taking in the nocturnal scenery. European-style buildings stand according to the themes of spring, summer, fall and winter along the central waterway. A mall there has plenty to offer, including shopping and a range of fountains situated along the waterway.
In the port city of Incheon, the past and present coexist in a fascinating way. It has the ultra-modern Songdo and the shopper's paradise Bupyeong, while its eastern and central districts are dotted with reminders of the past. Here are some places where people can discover the city's vibrant history.
◆ Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living
People started living in the hillside area of Mt. Sudoguk when refugees settled there after the 1950-53 Korean War. Now, the shantytown has been replaced by apartment complexes and a park. A visit to Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living takes visitors back to those times of hardship.
People started living in the hillside area of Mt. Sudoguk when refugees settled there after the 1950-53 Korean War. Now, the shantytown has been replaced by apartment complexes and a park. A visit to Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living takes visitors back to those times of hardship.
The museum recreates history with models of old streets lined with a barbershop and a charcoal briquette store. It also gives visitors a taste of the past with programs that involve activities such as carrying buckets of water on a yoke. At a photo studio on the second floor visitors can try on old school uniforms and pose for a photo.
◆ Cold Noodles
Walking downhill from the Sudoguksan museum, visitors reach a street in Hwapyeong-dong, right next to a railway connecting East Incheon Station to Incheon Station. The street is lined with restaurants serving surprisingly generous portions of naengmyeon, or cold noodles at shockingly low prices.
Walking downhill from the Sudoguksan museum, visitors reach a street in Hwapyeong-dong, right next to a railway connecting East Incheon Station to Incheon Station. The street is lined with restaurants serving surprisingly generous portions of naengmyeon, or cold noodles at shockingly low prices.
In fact, their bowls are three times larger than those used in other noodle restaurants. In the past, the area was home to many factories and thus the bowls grew larger to cater to the hungry workers.
Cold noodles sell for W3,000-5,000 and are particularly popular in summer due to their refreshing taste.
◆ Freedom Park
Freedom Park, built in 1888 in the city's central district, has served as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cold noodles sell for W3,000-5,000 and are particularly popular in summer due to their refreshing taste.
◆ Freedom Park
Freedom Park, built in 1888 in the city's central district, has served as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The nation's first Western-style park features various sculptures including a statue honoring General Douglas MacArthur who led the amphibious Incheon Landing during the Korean War. It is also an ideal place for family outings as the park features a variety of wildlife.
At the top of the park, a panoramic view of the Incheon Port, Wolmi Island and the sea provides a romantic ambiance, especially at night.
At the top of the park, a panoramic view of the Incheon Port, Wolmi Island and the sea provides a romantic ambiance, especially at night.
Visitors will be able to tour Busan on amphibious buses starting next year, the city said on Tuesday.
It will be the second after Incheon which introduced such buses for a journey along its scenic waterway in May this year.
It will be the second after Incheon which introduced such buses for a journey along its scenic waterway in May this year.
An amphibious bus test rides along Gwangalli. /Courtesy of Busan City
Busan's amphibious buses will operate on a 15 km-long course, cruising along the river for five kilometers and then visiting tourist attractions on land such as Busan Cinema Center, the official venue of the Busan International Film Festival, and the shopping paradise of Shinsegae Centum City, finally arriving at Gwangalli.
"Gwangalli sits in an area where the river meets the sea and has scenic surroundings, making it the optimal place for amphibious bus tours," a spokesman for the southeastern port city said. "We hope Busan will become one of the world's most recognized tourist attractions."
"Gwangalli sits in an area where the river meets the sea and has scenic surroundings, making it the optimal place for amphibious bus tours," a spokesman for the southeastern port city said. "We hope Busan will become one of the world's most recognized tourist attractions."
A mountain range in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province hides a flat mountain within its dense jungle. Among its beauty, Mt. Yeonhwa has an old temple preserving a number of historical relics and artifacts.
To get the full experience, a day trip is all it takes to reach the summit.
To get the full experience, a day trip is all it takes to reach the summit.
There are five trails to the top of the 528-m high mountain. The lush forest is so thick that sunlight or rain hardly reaches the ground.
The easiest trail takes about two hours to reach the top, making it an ideal choice for beginner-level climbers.
The easiest trail takes about two hours to reach the top, making it an ideal choice for beginner-level climbers.
The trail begins at Okcheon Temple and goes through a couple of rocky plains and a forest of hinoki cypress.
Once climbers start to leave the paved road onto the trail, the scenery quickly changes. The calming walk through the forest is a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Once climbers start to leave the paved road onto the trail, the scenery quickly changes. The calming walk through the forest is a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Half way up the mountain, bamboo trees rise upward toward the sky, creating a great natural ambience.
Before or after the hike, visitors can visit Okcheon Temple, meaning "jade spring" in Korean, named after the tasty mineral spring located nearby. The temple houses over 120 relics.
Before or after the hike, visitors can visit Okcheon Temple, meaning "jade spring" in Korean, named after the tasty mineral spring located nearby. The temple houses over 120 relics.
The two hermitages adjacent to the temple command a beautiful view of Mt. Yeonhwa and are not to be missed.
K-pop group Girls' Generation topped Billboard's World Albums chart with their fifth full-length album released last week.
Billboard praised Girls' Generation, saying that they now became "the sixth K-pop act to score multiple No. 1s on the ranking."
Six Korean groups have topped the same chart more than once, and four of them -- Girls' Generation, their sub-unit consisting of Tae-yeon, Tiffany and Seo-hyun, SHINee and EXO -- are managed by SM Entertainment.
Billboard praised Girls' Generation, saying that they now became "the sixth K-pop act to score multiple No. 1s on the ranking."
Six Korean groups have topped the same chart more than once, and four of them -- Girls' Generation, their sub-unit consisting of Tae-yeon, Tiffany and Seo-hyun, SHINee and EXO -- are managed by SM Entertainment.
EXO will release their first single in Japan on Nov. 4, the K-pop band said in Tokyo on Sunday.
They were in Japan performing along with Japan's top singers including Ayumi Hamasaki at one of the island country's largest summer festivals.
They were in Japan performing along with Japan's top singers including Ayumi Hamasaki at one of the island country's largest summer festivals.
EXO perform at a stadium in Tokyo on Sunday. /Courtesy of SM Entertainment
EXO captivated over 50,000 audiences at a stadium in Tokyo with their charismatic performances.
EXO will hold concerts in Tokyo from Nov. 6 to 8 and Osaka from Nov. 13 to 15, and recently they decided to hold additional concerts in Fukuoka from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, due to high demand.
EXO will hold concerts in Tokyo from Nov. 6 to 8 and Osaka from Nov. 13 to 15, and recently they decided to hold additional concerts in Fukuoka from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, due to high demand.
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