It's another holiday today. Every October 3rd day of the year, Koreans celebrate the National Foundation Day or called "Gaecheonjol" in Korean language. It celebrates the creation of the Gojoseon (ancient Korea) which is founded by Dangun Wanggeom in the year 2333 BC. Gaecheon (or "Opening of Heaven") refers to 3 October B.C. 2457, the date when Hwanung (환웅) descended from heaven to live with mankind.
It is really surprising to have a day like this. Yesterday, when I told my students that we'll meet on Friday because today is a holiday, they were very happy. So, I asked them what day it is and why is it a holiday. Everyone was staring to each other because they know it's a holiday but they can't explain what kind of day it is. Then one of them answered, he said it's the foundation of Korea. Some students were shaking their heads. They seemed confused and couldn't believe him. Then I told them that he was right. I said it's the National Foundation of Korea.
Now I realized that it's true that children now will soon forget about their history. What I know is, Koreans value their history. Old generations like my father in law knows a lot about their past. So when I meet him, he always tells me about the people long time ago and he sometimes feels annoyed when he asked about my country's history and can't answer him. Who cares about the people and life long time ago? Well, I don't! I wasn't even interested in those famous history dramas like Daejanggeum, Jumong, etc. When I see someone wearing hanbok or warrior's clothes on TV, I change the channel immediately. They don't interest me. I think it's normal in my country to have people like me who are not interested in our past. But here in Korea, I guess oldies are worried about it that's why it became a topic on the TV program before.
Well, what is important now is, it's a holiday so it's time to take a rest again. How I love holidays. If you go outside, korean flags are hanging on every trees. I think it's just a normal holiday and no special celebration held.
Happy National Foundation of Korea!
Showing posts with label days/ holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label days/ holidays. Show all posts
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Korean Independence Day
Today is holiday because of Korean Independence Day. The day when Korea was freed from Japan that's why today, most of the programs on TV are related to the Independence. There are documentaries about Japan and Korea, Concerts for Peace, and movies related to war.
If you go out, you'll see lots of Korean flags hanging on the trees, swaying on the windows' apartments and houses, etc. to show the love for the country. I even saw an ad posted at the bus stop yesterday while waiting for the bus on my way home saying that there's an event in downtown to celebrate Independence Day. I live near downtown, it's just a few blocks away but I have no plan to watch or join the event because I'm meeting a friend tomorrow.
I'm just so happy that there's no work today and I hope that at least once a month, there will be a red mark in the calendar. I just wish!
If you go out, you'll see lots of Korean flags hanging on the trees, swaying on the windows' apartments and houses, etc. to show the love for the country. I even saw an ad posted at the bus stop yesterday while waiting for the bus on my way home saying that there's an event in downtown to celebrate Independence Day. I live near downtown, it's just a few blocks away but I have no plan to watch or join the event because I'm meeting a friend tomorrow.
I'm just so happy that there's no work today and I hope that at least once a month, there will be a red mark in the calendar. I just wish!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Imjingak Tourist Site
Except from Unification Observatory, we also visited Imjingak. Another worth-seeing in Gyeonggido which is also related to unification and freedom. At the Imjingak Toursit Site, you can see the Bridge of Freedom, Peace Bell and Unification Fond. It is free of admission and open throughout the year.
The Peace Bell which is 2.23m in diameter, 3.8m high and weighs 21 tons is made of bronze and tin in the korean traditional style. The bell pavilion which is made of wood with a four-sided arched roof, sits on an area of 70.5m² and is 12.18m high.
Those who are interested in ringing the Peace Bell, in the name of peace, unification and hope may purchase tickets which cost 10,000 won or around $10. The ringing time is 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The method of ringing is seven strikes by individual or a group.
Standing behind Mangbaedan Memorial Altar at Imjingak Square, Freedom Bridge takes its name from the return of 12,773 prisoners of war in 1953 in the first exchange of prisoners after the signing of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War.
Two railrooad bridges on the Gyeongui Line originally spanned the Imjingang River side-by-side. Both were destroyed by bombing and only the piers remained. To enable exchange of prisoners of war, the west was rebuilt as a temporary structure over the original piers. The repatriates were taken to Freedom Bridge by trucks and they crossed the bridge on foot.
Freedom Bridge is 83m long, 44.5m wide, and 8m high. It is a wooden structure reinforced by steel. Freedom Bridge has little architectural value but hold tremendous symbolic importance of "Return to Freedom".
See that railway train to North Korea? Everything is all set and we're just waiting for the two countries to be united.
The remained of the train that was used by the people of North and South Koreans is still seen at the site. This steam locomotive is a symbol of the tragic history of the division into North and South Korea, having been left in the DMZ since it got derailed by bombs by the Korean war. It says that there are more than 1,020 bullet holes at the locomotive which shows how cruel situation had happened at that time.
There are also some pictures of what happened during the war.
There's also an observatory or lookout to see some sites of North Korea.
For more information, contact 031-953-4744.
The Peace Bell which is 2.23m in diameter, 3.8m high and weighs 21 tons is made of bronze and tin in the korean traditional style. The bell pavilion which is made of wood with a four-sided arched roof, sits on an area of 70.5m² and is 12.18m high.
Those who are interested in ringing the Peace Bell, in the name of peace, unification and hope may purchase tickets which cost 10,000 won or around $10. The ringing time is 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The method of ringing is seven strikes by individual or a group.
Standing behind Mangbaedan Memorial Altar at Imjingak Square, Freedom Bridge takes its name from the return of 12,773 prisoners of war in 1953 in the first exchange of prisoners after the signing of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War.
Two railrooad bridges on the Gyeongui Line originally spanned the Imjingang River side-by-side. Both were destroyed by bombing and only the piers remained. To enable exchange of prisoners of war, the west was rebuilt as a temporary structure over the original piers. The repatriates were taken to Freedom Bridge by trucks and they crossed the bridge on foot.
Freedom Bridge is 83m long, 44.5m wide, and 8m high. It is a wooden structure reinforced by steel. Freedom Bridge has little architectural value but hold tremendous symbolic importance of "Return to Freedom".
See that railway train to North Korea? Everything is all set and we're just waiting for the two countries to be united.
The remained of the train that was used by the people of North and South Koreans is still seen at the site. This steam locomotive is a symbol of the tragic history of the division into North and South Korea, having been left in the DMZ since it got derailed by bombs by the Korean war. It says that there are more than 1,020 bullet holes at the locomotive which shows how cruel situation had happened at that time.
There are also some pictures of what happened during the war.
There's also an observatory or lookout to see some sites of North Korea.
For more information, contact 031-953-4744.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Jinpo Maritime Theme Park
We visited my hubby's friend, he's the guy that we met in Canada who is living in Gunsan. Before we separated we traveled around Gunsan and Jinpo Maritime Theme Park is one of the places that we've been to.
In August 1380, the 6th year of the reign of King U of the Goryeo Dynasty, a large pirate fleet consisting of around 500 ships attacked Jinpo and pillaged the surrounding area. According to Goryeosa (The history of Goryeo), the entire area was covered with the bodies of slaughtered Koreans. The pirates (then known as wako) carted bags of rice looted from private households back to their boats, reportedly dropping so much along the way that they left behind a layer of rice some 30cm thick. The naval command of Goryeo, headed by Na Se, Sim Deok-bu and Choe Mu-seon defeated the pirates Jinpo, using cannons developed by Cheo Mu-seon. It was the first sea battle in the history of the world in which cannons were used.
Four floating platforms (bridge) at the inner port of Gunsan were built 1926-1938 but it remains 3 floating platforms present. This has been used for berth facility for vessel. The height of floating platform is automatically adjusted by water level.
Displays in Jinpo Marine Theme Park are important assets of Korean Army and the Navy that now have been dismissed with its duty after serving it for many years of hard serving. Gunsan people gained the Ministry of National Defense's approval to freely use them for educational purposes, teaching nation's defense system to the citizens of Gunsan. In the Marine Theme Park are old military equipments: therefore they are asking people to please handle them with extra caution which is really necessary of course.
At the entrance of the theme park are some transportations used in war.
To understand more about the Theme Park, here's a brief History of Wi-Bong Ship.
The "Wi-Bong" is a Landing Ship Tank knows as (LST 849 in the US) which used to serve the US navy as the major Naval ship. Having being built on Jan. 16th, 1945 it participated during WWII during the landing mission executed by the allied forces.
On Jan. 13th, 1959, it was undertaken by the Korean troops in Seattle and on May 19th, 1959, it entered in port "Jin Hae" in Korea. (Named as the Wi-Bong LST 676). Since then, it was Korea's major landing ship performing during landing missions and transportations.
It made great contribution during the Vietnam War: situated in "Baek Gu" unit, it participated sixteen combat missions.
Moreover, for past 48 years, it played essential role in nation's defense system and was definitely played part in keeping world peace by providing its facility during trainings. It made its honorable retirement on Dec. 31st, 2006.
On Dec. 25th, 2007 Gunsan City signed a contract with Korean Navy to move the ship to Gunsan (at no charge) for educational purposes and a way to introdduce the city's history to outside world.
Wi-Bong 676 is a Landing Ship Tank that was built on Jan. 16th, 1945 by Betlehem Steel in USA. It has a speed of Max. 11.6KTS (economical speed 8.0KTS). It range with a Max. 3.800NM (economical 8KTS). The ship weight is 4196 ton at full displacement. It's overalll length is 99.6, overall width 15.3m, waterline length 3.96m and mast length 23.5m.
For its transporting capacity, the number of people composed of 125 ship attendants and 500 soldiers. For vehicles, it composed of 15 amphibious tanks, 15 trucks, etc.
From the entrance, the theme park has a very relaxing and a nice view.
Don't forget to visit the Jinpo Maritime Theme Park if you happen to visit Gunsan. It's worth-seeing!
In August 1380, the 6th year of the reign of King U of the Goryeo Dynasty, a large pirate fleet consisting of around 500 ships attacked Jinpo and pillaged the surrounding area. According to Goryeosa (The history of Goryeo), the entire area was covered with the bodies of slaughtered Koreans. The pirates (then known as wako) carted bags of rice looted from private households back to their boats, reportedly dropping so much along the way that they left behind a layer of rice some 30cm thick. The naval command of Goryeo, headed by Na Se, Sim Deok-bu and Choe Mu-seon defeated the pirates Jinpo, using cannons developed by Cheo Mu-seon. It was the first sea battle in the history of the world in which cannons were used.
Four floating platforms (bridge) at the inner port of Gunsan were built 1926-1938 but it remains 3 floating platforms present. This has been used for berth facility for vessel. The height of floating platform is automatically adjusted by water level.
Displays in Jinpo Marine Theme Park are important assets of Korean Army and the Navy that now have been dismissed with its duty after serving it for many years of hard serving. Gunsan people gained the Ministry of National Defense's approval to freely use them for educational purposes, teaching nation's defense system to the citizens of Gunsan. In the Marine Theme Park are old military equipments: therefore they are asking people to please handle them with extra caution which is really necessary of course.
At the entrance of the theme park are some transportations used in war.
To understand more about the Theme Park, here's a brief History of Wi-Bong Ship.
The "Wi-Bong" is a Landing Ship Tank knows as (LST 849 in the US) which used to serve the US navy as the major Naval ship. Having being built on Jan. 16th, 1945 it participated during WWII during the landing mission executed by the allied forces.
On Jan. 13th, 1959, it was undertaken by the Korean troops in Seattle and on May 19th, 1959, it entered in port "Jin Hae" in Korea. (Named as the Wi-Bong LST 676). Since then, it was Korea's major landing ship performing during landing missions and transportations.
It made great contribution during the Vietnam War: situated in "Baek Gu" unit, it participated sixteen combat missions.
Moreover, for past 48 years, it played essential role in nation's defense system and was definitely played part in keeping world peace by providing its facility during trainings. It made its honorable retirement on Dec. 31st, 2006.
On Dec. 25th, 2007 Gunsan City signed a contract with Korean Navy to move the ship to Gunsan (at no charge) for educational purposes and a way to introdduce the city's history to outside world.
Wi-Bong 676 is a Landing Ship Tank that was built on Jan. 16th, 1945 by Betlehem Steel in USA. It has a speed of Max. 11.6KTS (economical speed 8.0KTS). It range with a Max. 3.800NM (economical 8KTS). The ship weight is 4196 ton at full displacement. It's overalll length is 99.6, overall width 15.3m, waterline length 3.96m and mast length 23.5m.
For its transporting capacity, the number of people composed of 125 ship attendants and 500 soldiers. For vehicles, it composed of 15 amphibious tanks, 15 trucks, etc.
From the entrance, the theme park has a very relaxing and a nice view.
Don't forget to visit the Jinpo Maritime Theme Park if you happen to visit Gunsan. It's worth-seeing!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Gunsan Public Market
When travelling, visiting the markets is one of the most interesting things to do specially if you're out of town or country. It is where you can discover lots of strange, yummy or edible foods that you've never tried or seen before. Also, you can know what people eat in that area. So, when we visited Gunsan City, the Gunsan Public Market caught our attention not only because we usually visit some markets in town but also the market is so attractive. It looks so much different in and out from the Korean markets.
Here's the market building.
There's also a playgroud near the entrance.
The entrance.
Inside the market with lots of different kinds of products.
If you're looking for different kinds of spices, you can see them at Gunsan Market. They sell everything inside. From fruits, vegetables, spices, fermented food, preservatives, plastic trash, clothes, etc.
There are also restaurants that you can enjoy when you feel tired of shopping or looking around. Everything looks in order and the food looks yummy. Too bad that we just had lunch when we visited there. I really wanted to experience eating inside and taste the yummy smell food.
The interior doesn't only look good outside but also inside. There are even benches where you can relax and refresh specially in the summer.
Here's the market building.
There's also a playgroud near the entrance.
The entrance.
Inside the market with lots of different kinds of products.
If you're looking for different kinds of spices, you can see them at Gunsan Market. They sell everything inside. From fruits, vegetables, spices, fermented food, preservatives, plastic trash, clothes, etc.
There are also restaurants that you can enjoy when you feel tired of shopping or looking around. Everything looks in order and the food looks yummy. Too bad that we just had lunch when we visited there. I really wanted to experience eating inside and taste the yummy smell food.
The interior doesn't only look good outside but also inside. There are even benches where you can relax and refresh specially in the summer.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Namhae Ferry Terminal
We decided to go to Namhae to eat seafoods but my hubby said that we have traveled too far so just eating and going home makes our shoulders heavy and a little bit disappointed so while we are heading home, we saw a signboard saying Namhae Ferry Terminal so we followed the signs and arrived here.
Although it was already dusk but you can still see the beautiful view of the sea which makes us more relax and comfortable. We thought that we came at the right place because we saw at least a wonderful part of Namhae.
There's also a lighthouse where some people fishing near to it. People seem to have fun fishing and I really wanted to see them catch some fish but my hubby said that we had to leave because it would take several hours to get home.
Truly that Namhae is a beautiful place to visit.
Although it was already dusk but you can still see the beautiful view of the sea which makes us more relax and comfortable. We thought that we came at the right place because we saw at least a wonderful part of Namhae.
There's also a lighthouse where some people fishing near to it. People seem to have fun fishing and I really wanted to see them catch some fish but my hubby said that we had to leave because it would take several hours to get home.
Truly that Namhae is a beautiful place to visit.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Beach Hotel in Jeju Island
One of the most important thing to consider when traveling is the accommodation specially in Jeju Island. Jeju Island is also famous for its beautiful beaches so your vacation in Jeju Island is complete if you get a hotel near the beach specially in summer.
This beach hotel is cheap, clean, has a nice view and near one of the most famous beaches in Jeju Island. There are different kinds of room, the double room (double bed room), twin room (two singles room), double twin room (a room with one double bed and a single bed) suite room (a double room with a living room) and the ondol room (korean style room). A Korean style room is a room without bed. You sleep on the floor with some mattresses. I recommend this kind of room if you visit Jeju in winter or cold weather or if you have a baby so you don't need to worry for him/her to fall off on the bed.
Here's the twin room. It is a good room if you are spending the night with your friend.
The double room. This room is good for couple.
The suite room. The living room is separated with the room so it's good for the whole family or for large number of people. Two can sleep in the room and the rest in the living room.
The double twin room. It's good for 3 people.
Here's the aisle.
The bathroom.
The lobby. It's a small lobby. Anyway, it's near the beach so it's better to stay in the veranda of the room or go to the beach rather than to stay in the lobby.
I recommend you to make a reservation to a travel agency than calling directly to the hotel. It's cheaper specially if you are a foreigner. I heard it's because they are giving a lower price to the agencies because they often make reservations to the hotel.
This beach hotel is cheap, clean, has a nice view and near one of the most famous beaches in Jeju Island. There are different kinds of room, the double room (double bed room), twin room (two singles room), double twin room (a room with one double bed and a single bed) suite room (a double room with a living room) and the ondol room (korean style room). A Korean style room is a room without bed. You sleep on the floor with some mattresses. I recommend this kind of room if you visit Jeju in winter or cold weather or if you have a baby so you don't need to worry for him/her to fall off on the bed.
Here's the twin room. It is a good room if you are spending the night with your friend.
The double room. This room is good for couple.
The suite room. The living room is separated with the room so it's good for the whole family or for large number of people. Two can sleep in the room and the rest in the living room.
The double twin room. It's good for 3 people.
Here's the aisle.
The bathroom.
The lobby. It's a small lobby. Anyway, it's near the beach so it's better to stay in the veranda of the room or go to the beach rather than to stay in the lobby.
I recommend you to make a reservation to a travel agency than calling directly to the hotel. It's cheaper specially if you are a foreigner. I heard it's because they are giving a lower price to the agencies because they often make reservations to the hotel.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Namhae Beach
Near the Namhae Sports Park is the Namhae Beach. It's just a few minutes walk from Namhae Parking lot. After walking around the park, we went to the beach. We couldn't stay longer because it was too cold but I'm sure it's a great place to visit in the summer. It's near the park and hotel so never forget to visit the beach if you happen to visit Namhae. Here's a picture of the left side of the beach from the Sports park.
On the right side is this sunset. It was already dark when we arrived there so we were so lucky to see the sunset. But we couldn't wait for the sun to disappear because it was getting dark and it was too cold so we left the place and drove to the ferry terminal (that's for my next post).
The beach is not that beautiful. Besides there's a signboard telling that you can't swim in that area. What is great about it is, it's near the sports park and hotel. I just recommend it just in case that you are staying in the hotel or visiting the park.
On the right side is this sunset. It was already dark when we arrived there so we were so lucky to see the sunset. But we couldn't wait for the sun to disappear because it was getting dark and it was too cold so we left the place and drove to the ferry terminal (that's for my next post).
The beach is not that beautiful. Besides there's a signboard telling that you can't swim in that area. What is great about it is, it's near the sports park and hotel. I just recommend it just in case that you are staying in the hotel or visiting the park.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Namhae Sports Park
We went to Namhae to have oysters but we couldn't find any oysters restaurant so my hubby asked me where's the best place to visit in Namhae. Because my hubby likes sports so I suggested to visit Namhae Sports Park. He was so happy when I mentioned the park. He was so grateful that I reminded him about the park so it was our first destination in Namhae.
I remember this picture. I already posted it here on my last visit to Namhae Sports Park. It looks like the superman who helped a guy.
This nude lady is so cute. She looks innocent with wonderful poise.
Too bad that the park is under renovation. The baseball stadium is messed up unlike before that there were even players playing. But the park will look great when it's done because I saw that the workers work hard and there are lots of new things to expect for. My hubby said he would probably go back there after winter.
The stadium and some area of the park are messy but the beauty of it still remains specially the beautiful view.
There's also a big hotel at the park so you don't need to worry for your accommodation just in case that you wanna stay there for a night. The hotel has also a beautiful view of the sea.
I remember this picture. I already posted it here on my last visit to Namhae Sports Park. It looks like the superman who helped a guy.
This nude lady is so cute. She looks innocent with wonderful poise.
Too bad that the park is under renovation. The baseball stadium is messed up unlike before that there were even players playing. But the park will look great when it's done because I saw that the workers work hard and there are lots of new things to expect for. My hubby said he would probably go back there after winter.
The stadium and some area of the park are messy but the beauty of it still remains specially the beautiful view.
There's also a big hotel at the park so you don't need to worry for your accommodation just in case that you wanna stay there for a night. The hotel has also a beautiful view of the sea.
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