Bamboo Forest in Damyang Jeollanamdo

When was the last time that I came here? That was several years ago no wonder why I saw many changes in the forest. It has improved a lot since I last went there. Although the bamboos are still the same, but the totem poles have increased in number.

Also these camping area looks more peaceful. Unlike before that it looks dirty and wasn't as eye-catching as now.

This area has also developed a lot. I think I saw this on a scene in Korean movie or drama. It looks familiar.

It's also my first time to see these plastic windmills. Never mind my hubby's umbrella on the upper left. It was raining when we went there with our friends.

I think it's the cutest totem pole in the forest.

Have I seen these statues before? I don't think so. But the mermaid looks very old. It's like a ghost. It scared me. Really!

It looks like old and dried dead mermaid in the forest that becomes real at night. Oooppss...

This hut looks scary, too. It seems like a ghost appears at night or maybe the mermaid lives here. Aahhh... My imagination is killing me again. Anyway, it looks scary but it is used in making films. Who knows that your favorite actor or actress stayed here. hehehe...

Yes, lots of movies and dramas were filmed in Damyang Bamboo Forest. Here are some pictures of the scenes.

Samjengi Greentea Plantation

Last time, we visited one of hubby's aunt who lives near Boseong Green tea plantation and we had a little talk with her son, my hubby's cousin. While we were talking about their place he also mentioned that there's another plantation but not famous to tourists because they don't know about it, yet. He invited us to go there and riding my hubby's car, he led us to Samjengi.

My hubby said that the plantation is more beautiful than Boseong Greentea Plantation because it's wider and more quiet place. But I think this kind of factory or houses have ruined the view.



I wish that house is mine. Although I don't wanna live there but it's cool to have a rest house like that in the middle of the greentea plantation.



What makes the Samjengi Greentea Plantation beautiful is, it's on the plain unlike Boseong Greentea Plantation, it's on top of the hills. I think samjengi is more relaxing and breathtaking.



Here's the way Samjengi Plantation which is a few kilometers away from Boseong.

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.

Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju Island

Teddy Bear Museum is one of the best attractions in Jeju Island. It is where you cand find everything about bears! I love teddy bears and this museum has thousands types of bears. Of course I won't leave Jeju Island without visiting the Museum again. After 10 years, I finally visited the museum again.



This teddy bears couple will greet you at the entrance where you pay your admission fee.



With lots of bears inside, it's hard to choose which one have to look first. You can't just stay in one place because your eyes will stare to another teddy bears that most of them look awesome.

Here are group of bears singing, dancing or look like performing in an opera.



There are lots of bears in group who act like people. This bears are demonstrating for Love and Peace! It seems like they are real. They are so cute!



Have you ever seen Monalisa Bear? Except Monalisa, there are lots more.



The 125 Karat Bear and Little Elephant. I wonder how much the bear is. The bear is wearing 125 Karat necklace.



There's the Kings including Gandhi!



The Prince Bears and Princess Bears.



The bears having a picnic outside.



Some bears are fishing.



A bear is driving a car.



This one great! I thought it was nothing at first but I suddenly heard a song. Goodness! The bears are holding a wedding ceremony. The bears appear according to their role. Look at the clock!



And look at this picture! The wedding couple appeared from the clock. It's fantastic if you see it in person. It's so romantic!



There's also the Elvis Presley Shop and Theater at Jeju Teddy Bear Museum. Here, you'll see the fantastic performance of the bears based on "Aloha from Hawaii", a concert performed by Elvis Presley in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 14th, 1973.



When the curtains open, Elvis Presley Bear sings and dances with other bears. It's another interesting thing in Teddy Bear Museum. You must see it! It doesn't take long.



Here's one of the performances.



If you're looking for a souvenir. There's a teddy bear souvenir shop inside.



Oh well, this one is huge! It's much bigger than I do!



Kingkong climbing up the tree outside added to the beauty of the Museum.



Mrs. Panda and her kids are extra. They are reminding us to "Save the Panda" of course.



Btw, there's also Lotteria inside, a famous Korean fastfood restaurant.

Hamel Ship

Hamel ship is a replica ship named after Hendrick Hamel, the first Westerner to write about Korea in 1666. Hendrick Hamel from the Netherlands was shipwrecked Daejeong-hyeon on the 16th of August in 1653 on the way to Nagasaki Japan from Taiwan on Sperwer due to the fierce weather with 36 survivors. Since then, he spent 13 years in Korea. When he returned to his own country, his journal, the first record about Korea was published. This ship Hamel was reproduced the shipwrecked Sperwer to exhibit the related materials in it, and it was opened to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Hamel's shipwreck.

Its size has the full length of 36.6m width of 7.8m, height of 11m (mast height of 32m). The model of the ship is the replica of Batabia of 17th century (in Netherlands).





There is a sculpture of Hamel sitting on the bench. There are also books and some part of the Hamel story has been translated into Korean, but most of the documents are translated from 17th century Dutch into English. Inside the ship, you'll see how the sailors lived in the ship.

Soingook Theme Park

Soingook Theme Park or Miniature Theme Park is another world made of exquisite miniature. There are full of exciting attractions and diverse architecture from all over the world. There are miniatures of over one hundred world famous architectural masterpieces and an array of cultural heritages at Soingook Theme Park. The carefully crafted miniature replicas are displayed with historical characters from the past. This gives the impression of movement and there is a dimensional effect as of Gulliver in "Gulliver's Travels" is looking down at the land of tiny people. What's more, you can enjoy and educational experience, where the diverse cultures and histories of many countries are being visually told in a narrative of progress and human advancement. Together, children and adults can enjoy a sense of adventures around the world. Other facilities includes a character museum, street basketball, remote control cars, a pottery center, Korean restaurant, snack bars, coffee house and souvenir shops. During the last seven years the Land of Miniatures has undergone a process of investment and regeneration for the purpose of attracting new visitors around the world.

Enjoy a day trip to the world in the Land of Miniatures.

The Great Pyramids


Mount Rushmore




Angkor Wat


Great South Seas Spa


Taj Mahal




The Great Wall of China




Eiffel Tower






Moai Giants




The Statue of Liberty and Opera House


Tower Bridge


Tower of Pisa


Seoul Station


Jeju International Airport






There are a lot more like Notre Dame Cathedral, The Parthenon, The Arc de Triomphe, Bulguksa Temple, Osaka Castle, etc.

Soingook Theme Park is an excellent tourist attraction designated by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. It's easy to get there by bus or rental car. Way from the Airport (1135 road) Airport-Peace Road-(Direction of Daejeong)-Seokwang Intersection (30 minutes distance). Way from Jeju City (1135 road). Take an express bus for Daejeong. The bus leaves every 20 minutes from Jeju City. It takes about 35 minutes from the bus terminal. It is 15 minutes away from Seogwipo and Jungmun Tourist Zone.

Miniature Theme Park or Soingook Theme Park is located at 725 Seogwang-ri Andeok-myun Seogwipo-City Jeju, 697-923 Korea. Tel. +82-64-794-5400 / Fax: +82-64-794-5401.