Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Let's Go Skiing

As we know, it's getting hotter now a days. This year is the hottest summer that I've experienced here in Korea. I know it's much hotter in some other parts of the world but instead of complaining about the weather, why not escape the weather by spending ski holidays in italy. Go and see the spectacular scenery in world class ski destinations located in Italy. Don't worry, it's not as expensive as what you think. You can't imagine that you can have a great vacation without spending much. To understand well what I'm talking about, just check out the hot skiing deals and book now for only £495 per person including flights from the UK. Not only that! You can even have a chance to get up to an extra £100 off if you book online. What a great deal, isn't it?

And why will you choose ski italy? Because numerous first rate ski resorts can be found in Italy. No matter what kind of skier class you are, you can enjoy skiing. Each level has appropriate places for skiing. Whether if you are a beginner or advance skiers, skiing in Italy is the right place for you.

I think there's no greater vacation than the italy sking. The wonderful sightseeings, great landscapes and atmospheres, delicious cuisines, and cheap ski resorts. What can you ask for? Just mentioning about holidays, I really love to pack now and spend a vacation in Italy. Going skiing to Italy is my dream vacation specially now that it's too hot. Besides, I'd like to see the famous attractions in Italy that I always hear from travelers. And because I like traveling so I'd love to visit Italy someday.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Korea's Four Seasons

In spring, you see a rich range of pretty flowers bloom, including azaleas, forsythias, and the famous cherry blossoms. March is a little bit chilly, but warm weather continues through April and May.

It rains a lot in the summer specially in June and July, making korean summers very humid and some places experience floods. It is the hottest weather in late July and early August when the temperatures range between 30 and 35 degrees centigrade, and many people go on summer vacations to escape the heat. People usually go camping or stay in the valley. It's not unusual to see cars parking under the bridge to have a picnic near the river or ponds.

In Autumn or Fall, specially in October, Koreas mountains are filled with the beauty of trees. They turned in different colors called dampoong. Then, in November, their leaves fall. While it differs by region, in winter the temperature goes down about minus 5 to 10 degrees centigrade and occasionally, there is heavy snow.

The hottest month of the year are July and August and the coldest are January and February. During this time, elementary, middle and high schools all have summer and winter vacation for almost two months. During vacations, some of them spend their vacations abroad.

My Summer Clothes

I was chatting to my friend that I haven't met for more than ten years when she said that she wanted to see me on webcam because we live miles away. I wanted to but I couldn't because I was just wearing underwear at that time. It's too hot now a days so I don't wear clothes when I'm at home. I think it's the hottest summer that I have experienced here in Korea. Yesterday, the temperature was 34 degrees celcius.

And because I just wear underwears, I have to choose the lingeries that fits me well so I can look sexy in front of my hubby. It's much better if I wear new ones so while browsing online, I saw this olga lingeries. I like the styles and they look comfortable.

Do you think I'm the only one wearing underwears at home? My hubby does, too! So to be fair, I'm also thinking of getting him a giulio eventhough I've just bought him new trunks last weekend. I just love the design and I'm sure my hubby will love them, too. If you're looking for underwears specially for men, you check out these jockstraps. I was shock and I can't imagine my hubby wearing one of them but if I were to give a present specially to newly couples, I would surely choose jockstraps. Don't ask me why. Just check them out and you'll find the answer.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Gwanghallu Park

We went to Gwanghallu Park located in Jeonbuk Namwon City Yocheonro. To be familiar with the City, here's a part of the story of Chunhyang of Namwon County. Wolmae, a former kisaeng, lived in Namwon County during the reign of King Sukjong (Chosun Dynasty). She was a famous kisaeng known throughout the three Southern provinces and lived with the Vice minister, whose name was Sung. Having no children of their own, they eventually appealed to the Guardian Spirit of Mt. Chiri. At long last, Wolmae conceived and gave birth to a beautiful girl, whom she named Choonhyang. The girl was rather kind-hearted and very fond of reading. Her good manners, chastity and filial piety soon attracted public attention in Namwon County.
Here's Wolmae's House. This house named after Chunhyang's mother was the main setting for the story of Chunhyang. This is the very place where Chunhyang married Lee Mongryong, the son of a Namwon magistrate. Mongryong, while strolling around Gwanghallu Pavillion, was completely charmed by the beauty of Chunhyang who was on a swing.

Here's a wishing place. Throw some coins and make a wish about love.

Don't they look real? In every rooms of the house, you'll see some statues doing some routines. It shows what the people did on that area during that time.

Chunhyang Memorial Hall. This hall was built to honor the spirit and faithfulness of Chunhyang in 1992. It was constructed in the shape of a traditional Korean Pavilion. Exhibited in the hall are nine oil paintings by artist Park Nam-Jae that tell tha tale of Chunhyang. A collection of calligraphy and antiques showing the lifestyle of people during Chunhyang's time are also on display. The tablet on the hall is the work of Song Seong-Yong, a highly respected local scholar.

Gwanghanru. This building was built by Gwang Hui, a well-known prime minister during the reign of King Se Jong (1418-1450) of the Jeseon Dynasty and was rebuilt in 1626. It's original name was Gwangtongru but Jeong In-Ji later name it Gwanghanru because it resembles "Gwanghan-Cheongheobu", a legendary palace in the Moon. In the center of the North, stages are attached to support the leaning building during the reign of King Go-Jong (1863-1907). There is a lake in front of the building and a half-moon shaped bridge called Ojakgyo (bridge), is placed over it.


There's also a big pond with lots of big fish that people enjoy feeding and watching them.



Wanwoljeong Pavilion. Legend says that the highest among the heavenly gods lives in Gwanghan Palace in the Heavenly Kingdom. Below the Palace, Ojakgyo Bridge crosses the Milky Way and beautiful heavenly nymphs enjoy the picturesque scenery of the laurel trees.
While Gwanghallu Pavilion is an earthly representation of its heavenly counterpart. Wanweoljeong Pavilion was built for viewing the moon. It's octagon-shaped roof and double eaves provide it with a unique architecture. This pavilion graces the site of Gwanghalluwon Garden and is the main venue of the annual Chunhyang Festival.

View from the Pavilion.

Isn't it a good place for this summer? It's cool and

Btw, you can also rent some Korean traditional clothes as a remembrance for 2,000won (less than $2). A 4"x6" picture cost 5,000 won and 8"x12" is 20,000 won.

And buy some Korean stuffs as a remembrance. There are lots of shops next to the entrance door.


Sunday, August 15, 2010

Konglish

Konglish is a combination of Korean and English. The English language is creeping quirkily into Korean slang. When Korea industrialized and English words flooded in, people couldn't find- or bother to find- proper translations. They chopped, patched or twisted English words to create wacky terms. Sometimes they adopted English words but gave them different uses and meanings.

In Korea, a comedian is called "gagman" and people say "eye-shopping" instead of window shopping. They also say "autobi," for motorbike. "Villa" is called to an apartment building of just few stories and "Apart" for an apartment building. People shout "One shot!" when they propose a toast. Actors or actresses are called a "talent" even when they are not talented.

It's very confusing when you stay in Korea for a long time because you think those Konglish words are the right words for English and you often use them when you're in an English country.

The study of English is mandatory in schools from third grade. But the stress has always been on reading and rote memorization of English grammar and vocabulary, rather than conversation so most of them are afraid of foreigners.

Before they invented their own alphabet in the mid-15th century, Koreans borrowed Chinese characters. Chinese influence on Korean remains deep, and most old generation can read and write Hanja. Korean names have Hanja ang it's included in their ID.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Morning in Korea

Korea's capital, Seoul, is a major city, so the streets are very crowded during the hours when people are going to work every morning. Middle and high school students go to school between 7 and 8 o'clock, and most working professionals arrive at work between 8 and 9 o'clock in the morning. During these hours the streets are clogged and you can see everyone moving about in a hurry.

Students and working professionals commute mostly by subway, bus and automobile. Traffic is heavily congested during the morning commute, so it is a good idea to use public transportation. Seoul has eight subway lines that connect every corner of the city. There are special lanes for buses, making them faster than automobiles during the morning hours. Very few people commute by bicycle or motorcycle.

Government offices open at 9 o'clock and banks open at 9:30. Since most people eat breakfast at home, restaurants open after 10a.m. and begin preparations for lunch. Clothes stores, beauty parlors, and cafes usually open after 10a.m.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Tanch'ong, Multi-colored Patterns

Official buildings and temples were decorated with tanch'ong multi-colored patterns that were first used during the Koguryo period. Since the use of the colorful tanchong patterns was restricted to temples and palaces, even upper-class houses were not painted with colors but featured many decorative elements. The houses of the lower class were generally made of logs and had little decorative woodwork. They were usually thatched.

No ordinary house, be it of the upper- or lower-class, could exceed 99 kan (a term referring to the square space inside four pillars).

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Flower Village

From Jangsu we went to Flower Village or Deulkkotmaeul. Located in Jeollabukdo Province Jangsugun Cheoncheonmyeon Yeonpyeongri. I don't know why it's called flower village when I didn't see any flowers. But the village is small but beautiful. There are lots of plants and trees and it's near mountains. There are fields behind the village. Some parents are taking their kids them to experience how to harvest some fruits and vegetables. They can also ride a horse but I saw that the horse was too small to ride.

By the way, the village was a former school. If you get inside, you'll see that there are still chairs and desks used by the students. I think the kids were all grown up so they couldn't use it as a school anymore. Instead, they make actual lessons for kids or tourists regarding farms.



These are lodges. They are too small but nice places for a vacation. Cool and good environment.

Kids can also enjoy playing soccer and lots of games in the field.


Il Bag Ih Il "1 bag 2 il" (Two days and One Night) also filmed here. One of the famous Korean Entertainment program starring Kang Ho Dong, Lee Seung Gi, MC Mong, Eun Ji Won, Lee Soo Geun and Kim C.

And here's their picture with their sign.


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

He loves shopping

I've noticed that my hubby always shops online now a days. He shops more than I do. He loves shopping. Whenever something delivered at home, he checks the websites where he can shop online and see what he can get again. Last month, I received four packages. Those are the things that he bought online. And today, he got a phone call telling that his order will come next week. I didn't know that he ordered car seats. My hubby loves his car even when he said that he wanted to change it, I think he could never do that. Besides, his car still looks new because he takes good care of it.

I agree on the article that I've read. It tells that you don't need to buy a new car. Instead of buying a new one, just buy new car accessories. It's not only because you can save much money but also your car will look stronger, unique and beautiful. There are also lots of special pickup truck accessories like this cargo box cover. Would you believe that there are over 500,000 accessories? Name it, and it will be available for you.



Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Jangsu

We went to Jangsu to go camping. Jangsu is in Jeollabukdo Province and is famous for camping sites because of its beautiful nature. The most famous are the Mt. Jangsan County Park, Banghwadong Natural Recreation Forest, Banghwadong Family Vacation Village and Waryong Natural Recreation Forest.

Jangsu is also famous for Apples and Cow's meat (beef). Actually there is Apple and Beef Festival (Hanwoorang Sagwarang Chukje) that will be held next month Sept.9-12 (Fri-Sun) at Jeollabukdo Jangsugun Uiam Gongwon Ilde. You know that you're in Jangsu when you see lots of apple trees or apple signs in the street.

If you know the KBS drama Lady Castle (Agassireul putakhe), they took some film here at the Resting Area. I think it's the only resting area in Jangsu.

At night, hubby and I decided to go downtown. It's very small. There's nothing to see. Even the bus terminal is too small but interesting.


The bus schedule and bus fare are just written in a cardboard paper.


See the Beauty of the World

It's too hot! What do you like doing in this kind of season? Like what most people do, isn't it going to the famous beaches and have fun in the sun? Instead of complaining about the hot weather, why don't you spend your holidays in turkey and see the beauty of the world. Can you just let this beautiful season pass without enjoying it? Go out and have fun in the sun.

Actually, I didn't know that there are beautiful beaches, lakes and mountains in Turkey that's why it wasn't included in the country that I want to visit. Last time, I saw the special program on TV about the food and sightseeings in Turkey but they didn't show the wonderful beaches. They only show the traditional places and dishes. But I was surprised to know that the country has also lots of fantastic and relaxing sites. I think it's one of the best destinations for holidays all year round.

And the food, oh there's a lot of delicious food because turkey is also famous for its fresh local meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. I had Kebab when I went out of town and I really love it. I always crave for kebab and I'm sure the taste is excellent if it's made in Turkey.

If you're from the UK, you're lucky because it's your chance to get up to £100 off if you book online today. Check out the hot holiday deals for this month with the basic price from £313. Imagine spending your 7 nights at the apartment with well-maintained gardens, pools and a poolside bar for only £313 including flights. Wow! Isn't the best vacation for this summer?

I hope you have a good time on your turkey holidays. Beautiful sightseeings, excellent food, cheap but high standard hotels and apartments, what can you ask for?

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Waryong Natural Recreation Forest

We went to Waryong Natural Recreation Forest located in Jangsu County Cheoncheonmyeon in Waryong Mountain to spend our vacation, as what I've said on my previous post. Here's what we prepared for our three days and two nights vacation in the famous Recreation Forest.

Waryong Natural Recreation Forest is the best recreation forest that I've been so far.

Why is it the best? Because of the swimming pool and watersled. Can you imagine swimming at the mountain? At Waryong Recreation Forest, there is a swimming pool (suyongjang) with slide that kids can enjoy.


And watersled (ssolmejang). But adults have to pay 6,000won ($5) and 4,000won ($3.5) for children for 3 hours. It's open from 10a.m.-1:00p.m. and 2:00 - 5:00p.m.


We set up our tent at the third camp. It is the highest campsite. You have to climb up the mountain. The payment is 5,000won on the ground and 10,000won if you set the tent on the deck. It's better to choose the deck just in case that it will rain. Here's the deck.

Our tent next to the valley.

And the bathroom and washing area.

Oh, there are mushrooms near our tent. They look good but poisonous?

Wait! We are starving. Let me cook for a while. At night, we went out to hang around Jangsu downtown and bought BHC chicken for dinner.

If you don't have a tent, then you can rent a treehut from 30,000won ($25) - 150,000 won ($120), depends on the size from 13.2 - 59.5 square meters.

There's also a training or seminar room (40-50 persons) for 300,000won ($250).

I'll tell you our next adventure on my next post.