It was too cold a few weeks ago and from last week it was already hot that seems like it's already summer. Where has the spring gone? My favorite weather is spring but it seems like spring is not already in the Korean season. I saw some cherry blossoms in my neighborhood but it was still cold at that time and after a few days, it rains and the flowers all fell down. Ahhh, when is spring? I remember when my hubby said two weeks ago that it was hot in May last year. He was just wondering because still cold when he was telling me that. But then last week, when I was about to leave for work, he told me to change my clothes because of the hot weather. He came from outside at that time to buy some cigars. I changed my clothes and it was true that it was hot and people in the bus already complained about the weather. You know, Koreans can't endure the heat. Every complains about the hot weather in summer. It's not also new to me to see some news on TV about some people dying because of the hot weather. No wonder why most people specially kids hate summer.
Anyway, after winter summer suddenly came so I couldn't feel the meaning of spring.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
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.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Saehae Bok Manhi Padeuseyo
Saehae Bok Manhi Padeuseyo is the greeting that Koreans used on New Year's Day. Like Chinese, Koreans also celebrate New Years Day using the Solar Calendar so tomorrow is called "Seollal" in Korea which is the same as Chinese New Year. It is also a big event in Korea where most people go to their hometowns to celebrate Seollal so there's always heavy traffic during this day specially now that it happens on Sunday. Seollal always includes 3 consecutive days holidays. Before, the day, and after but this year, it happens on Sunday which means Monday is the only holiday that workers have, so vacation is too short.
On Seollal, children receive Saebae Don or "New Year Money". They bow down to their parents, grandparents, relatives or oldies and they receive some amount of money. Most kids put their money in their bank accounts like my nieces and nephews. Most parents don't use the money and most kids have their own bank accounts. Last week, I asked one of my students on what would he do with the money although I already know that it goes to his account. It was a free-talking class so even I knew that it goes to his bank account, I still asked in order to make the conversation longer. He said he would put it in his account, then I asked where he would use the money in his account. He said, he will use it when he goes to college and when he get married. Oh my goodness. He's just a 1st grade in middle school. How many years before he could use the money? Wow! Koreans are really good at saving money! Even the kids!
Oh well, back to the topic, I'm supposed to be in my in-laws' house to help preparing for the food to use for "Jesa" (ceremonial for the death). Jesa is done every Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day) and "Seollal" (Chinese New Year). A day when Koreans prepare lots of food and offer to the death. Sometimes they go to the tomb and offer another food like fruits, jeon (different kinds of fried food), fish, vegetables, korean snacks, soup, sul (korean alcohol) and even cigarettes if the death person smoked when he was still on earth. We were supposed to leave last night but we worked until evening so we called my in-laws and told them to go there today, instead. We planned to leave in the morning as soon as we get up (although morning is impossible because we usually get up at noon). We got up at 10:30 the earliest waking-up time but it's now 3p.m. and we are still at home. My hubby is too lazy to go. He said because the vacation is too short. So going back and forth to my in-laws already takes almost a day. Anyway, I'm already done with the chores. As usual, I did the general cleaning like I usually do every Saturday and I'm ready to leave now. I'm all set but my hubby is still playing soccer on his xbox.
On Seollal, children receive Saebae Don or "New Year Money". They bow down to their parents, grandparents, relatives or oldies and they receive some amount of money. Most kids put their money in their bank accounts like my nieces and nephews. Most parents don't use the money and most kids have their own bank accounts. Last week, I asked one of my students on what would he do with the money although I already know that it goes to his account. It was a free-talking class so even I knew that it goes to his bank account, I still asked in order to make the conversation longer. He said he would put it in his account, then I asked where he would use the money in his account. He said, he will use it when he goes to college and when he get married. Oh my goodness. He's just a 1st grade in middle school. How many years before he could use the money? Wow! Koreans are really good at saving money! Even the kids!
Oh well, back to the topic, I'm supposed to be in my in-laws' house to help preparing for the food to use for "Jesa" (ceremonial for the death). Jesa is done every Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day) and "Seollal" (Chinese New Year). A day when Koreans prepare lots of food and offer to the death. Sometimes they go to the tomb and offer another food like fruits, jeon (different kinds of fried food), fish, vegetables, korean snacks, soup, sul (korean alcohol) and even cigarettes if the death person smoked when he was still on earth. We were supposed to leave last night but we worked until evening so we called my in-laws and told them to go there today, instead. We planned to leave in the morning as soon as we get up (although morning is impossible because we usually get up at noon). We got up at 10:30 the earliest waking-up time but it's now 3p.m. and we are still at home. My hubby is too lazy to go. He said because the vacation is too short. So going back and forth to my in-laws already takes almost a day. Anyway, I'm already done with the chores. As usual, I did the general cleaning like I usually do every Saturday and I'm ready to leave now. I'm all set but my hubby is still playing soccer on his xbox.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Presidential Election in Korea
Today, December 19th, 2012 is the 18th Presidential Election here in Korea. Most companies including mine and my hubby are closed so everyone can vote. I usually sleep late at night so last night we decided to not sleep and vote early but we felt asleep at 4a.m. The election time was 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Because we slept late so we also woke up late. I woke up at noon had lunch and went out to vote. It's so easy to vote here in Korea because everyone has its own Identification Card. Just show your I.D. and voila, you're ready to vote. Here's how to vote. First, show your I.D. and they will give you your voting number. Then proceed to the next line and they will find your name and number and you will be asked to sign. Next, go to the next line and you will be given the paper where the candidates are listed. Then go to the booth and put stamp to the one that you want to vote. It doesn't matter even when you can't read. Just remember the candidates number and put stamp on it. Lastly, insert your paper in the ballot box.
We voted at 2:00p.m. and waited for the countdown on TV. After less than 4 hours, Park Geun Hye confirmed to be the President of South Korea. It's another Korean history because Park Geun Hye is 60 years old and the first woman Korean President.
Goodbye President Lee Myung Bak! Hello to the new Korean President Park Geun Hye! Goodluck!
Picture Source: yonhap news
Because we slept late so we also woke up late. I woke up at noon had lunch and went out to vote. It's so easy to vote here in Korea because everyone has its own Identification Card. Just show your I.D. and voila, you're ready to vote. Here's how to vote. First, show your I.D. and they will give you your voting number. Then proceed to the next line and they will find your name and number and you will be asked to sign. Next, go to the next line and you will be given the paper where the candidates are listed. Then go to the booth and put stamp to the one that you want to vote. It doesn't matter even when you can't read. Just remember the candidates number and put stamp on it. Lastly, insert your paper in the ballot box.
We voted at 2:00p.m. and waited for the countdown on TV. After less than 4 hours, Park Geun Hye confirmed to be the President of South Korea. It's another Korean history because Park Geun Hye is 60 years old and the first woman Korean President.
Goodbye President Lee Myung Bak! Hello to the new Korean President Park Geun Hye! Goodluck!
Picture Source: yonhap news
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.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Namhae Daegyo
My hubby wanted to eat oysters so he invited me to go to Namhae. He remembered the last time that we visited Namhae, we had oysters in a restaurant. They were very cheap so now that he's craving for oysters, he suddenly thought of going to Namhae. Besides, it's also the best time to refresh and get some fresh air because winter is just around the corner so it's getting colder and colder everyday.
Our plan was to leave home in the morning but we got up at noon, had lunch and left at 1:30 P.M. so it was almost dark when we arrived there. We almost lose our way because we forgot to bring our navigation but luckily we reached before dark.
When we were in Hadong, which is the close town in Namhae, I told hubby that there is a bridge to Namhae. He said we've been to several places in Korea and I have a good memory to remember the bridge in Namhae.
This is the bridge that I was talking about. The Namhae Daegyo or Namhae Bridge. I didn't know that it's one of the most famous landmark in Namhae.
My hubby said that Namhae is as Island and the bridge is made so people can go to the mainland easily. Passing the bridge means we have now reach Namhae. Cool!
It's a long bridge and the view is so wonderful because of the water and village seen from it.
Our plan was to leave home in the morning but we got up at noon, had lunch and left at 1:30 P.M. so it was almost dark when we arrived there. We almost lose our way because we forgot to bring our navigation but luckily we reached before dark.
When we were in Hadong, which is the close town in Namhae, I told hubby that there is a bridge to Namhae. He said we've been to several places in Korea and I have a good memory to remember the bridge in Namhae.
This is the bridge that I was talking about. The Namhae Daegyo or Namhae Bridge. I didn't know that it's one of the most famous landmark in Namhae.
My hubby said that Namhae is as Island and the bridge is made so people can go to the mainland easily. Passing the bridge means we have now reach Namhae. Cool!
It's a long bridge and the view is so wonderful because of the water and village seen from it.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Jangseong Forest
We went for a drive again and we happened to see this forest in Jangseong. Actually it wasn't our intention to visit a forest. While driving we saw a signboard going to the campsite but we couldn't find it so when we saw a forest, we stopped by, got out of the car and took a walk, instead.
Here's the forest.
The trees are too high and it's a great place to get some fresh air and for a walk. I think it's just close to the campsite because we saw the sign again on the left side of the forest but the path is too narrow so my hubby doesn't want to go that way because he's afraid that his new car would get some scratches. We also saw some tents that are set in the street. I guess, those campers lost their way or didn't like the path either.
Anyway, here's another beautiful picture of the forest.
Btw, on our way home, near to the forest, there are also some new guesthouses, just in case that you don't have or don't want to stay on a tent.
Here's the forest.
The trees are too high and it's a great place to get some fresh air and for a walk. I think it's just close to the campsite because we saw the sign again on the left side of the forest but the path is too narrow so my hubby doesn't want to go that way because he's afraid that his new car would get some scratches. We also saw some tents that are set in the street. I guess, those campers lost their way or didn't like the path either.
Anyway, here's another beautiful picture of the forest.
Btw, on our way home, near to the forest, there are also some new guesthouses, just in case that you don't have or don't want to stay on a tent.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Naju Seungchonbo
We like going for a drive and last weekend we went driving through Naju and the wheels brought us to Naju Seungchonbo. I've been to Naju several times but never been to this new project of the Korean President Lee Myung Bak, the Naju Seungchonbo.
Naju Seungchonbo is a river. It is Yeongsan gang or Yeongsan river. Yeonsan gang or river begins at Yongchu Valley in Yongyeon-ri, Yong-myeon, Damyang-gun. The stream that runs through the valley of Gamagol within four kilometers of Chuwolsan Mountain in Damyang is also called Yongso. The stream expands into Damyang Lake continuing its flow to Wolgyecheon Stream, Jiseokcheon Stream, and Yeongsan Lake. It makes its way to Mokpo and flows into the Yellow Sea past the Yeongsan Bank. The river is 138.75 kilometers long. It is one of the four major rivers in Korea beginning and ending in the Southern state and is a precious source of water in the region.
It's not only the dam or river that gives beauty to Seungchonbo but also the park. Near the bridge is the park with museum inside. You go up to the porch and you'll see the nice view of Naju.
Here's the beauty of the Naju Seungchonbo from the top view.
There's also an art museum inside. There are lots of art but I think this is what I like the best. It's like broken glasses or crystal and it looks different if you use the light.
If you're planning to visit Naju Seungchonbo, it's in 769-1, Singa-ri, Geumcheon-myeon, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do.
Naju Seungchonbo is a river. It is Yeongsan gang or Yeongsan river. Yeonsan gang or river begins at Yongchu Valley in Yongyeon-ri, Yong-myeon, Damyang-gun. The stream that runs through the valley of Gamagol within four kilometers of Chuwolsan Mountain in Damyang is also called Yongso. The stream expands into Damyang Lake continuing its flow to Wolgyecheon Stream, Jiseokcheon Stream, and Yeongsan Lake. It makes its way to Mokpo and flows into the Yellow Sea past the Yeongsan Bank. The river is 138.75 kilometers long. It is one of the four major rivers in Korea beginning and ending in the Southern state and is a precious source of water in the region.
It's not only the dam or river that gives beauty to Seungchonbo but also the park. Near the bridge is the park with museum inside. You go up to the porch and you'll see the nice view of Naju.
Here's the beauty of the Naju Seungchonbo from the top view.
There's also an art museum inside. There are lots of art but I think this is what I like the best. It's like broken glasses or crystal and it looks different if you use the light.
If you're planning to visit Naju Seungchonbo, it's in 769-1, Singa-ri, Geumcheon-myeon, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do.
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