Jarasum International Jazz Festival

At the beginning of this month I posted the gyeonggi-do festival guide. Today I want to dive a little bit deeper into one of the mentioned festivals.

The beginning

On the otherwise quiet Jaru Island you can enjoy an amazing Jazz Festival every autumn. Jarasum International Jazz Festival began in 2004 with 30 teams of jazz artists from 12 countries. This exciting event attracts a diverse audience and provides spectators with many unforgettable memories.

International

According to their website the "international" in Jarasum International Jazz Festival is not just inviting foreign artists from other countries. Since it's excistence the festival has hosted 535 artists from 41 different countries. It also has a yearly national focus project, last year it was Norway, this year Germany. The yearly national focus project introduces a specific country to the audience by working together with countries embassies and cultural institutes. 

2015

The first line up for this years festival has already been announced and with names such as Juan Carmona, Igor Butman and Moscow Jazz Orchestra and many others it looks promising. So if you are into Jazz don't make any plans for october 9th until october 11th. (More artists will be anounced in August)

Tickets

Adult: 3-day Pass 90,000 Won. 2-day Pass 70,000 won 1-day Pass 45,000

On-Site Tickets: 50,000 Won

Youth: 1-day pass 30,000 Won

On-Site Tickets: 35,000 Won

*all tickets include one 5,000 Won Gapyeong Love Gift Certificate per each ticket. 

Booking period June 23th ~ October 6th 2015 (more details here)

Transportation

Bus: Take an intercity bus or ITX or subway to Gapyeong. It's a 10-minute walk from Gapyeong Intercity Bus Termnial or a 15-minute walk from Gapyeong station.

For more details on transportation and the festival check the official website here.

Anyone willing to go here with me? 

Love, Wietske

Movie Review: The Con Artists - 기술자들

During my flight from Seoul to Amsterdam I got very excited to find the movie The Con Artists in the movie menu. I have been wanting to see this action movie since it's release in December 2014.

Synopis

Ji-Hyuk (Kim Woo-Bin) is a safe-cracker who lives the high life by stealing antiques and jewelry. He teams up with genius hacker Jong-Bae (Lee Hyun-Woo), planner Goo-In (Go Chang-Seok) and other fellow "technicians" to steal 150 billion Won (150 million USD) hidden in the Incheon Customs, and they must do it within 40 minutes. 

Two Thumbs Up

Honestly, the only reason why I wanted to watch this movie was the beautiful cast. However, the man with the strong eye-brown game, Kim Woo-Bin is a supring good actor. Or at least, he can really pull of the cocky rich kid as we have also seen in the popular drama the Heirs. Lee Hyun-Woo is also a strong actor, I hardly recognized him even though I only just recently reviewed a movie with him in a lead role - Northern Limit Line. 

Two smooth actors tied together by a clumsy character played by Go Chang-Seok made this an incredibly good movie. Or perhaps I just thoroughly enjoy Ocean's Elven type movies.

None-the-less I recommend this movie, it's easy on the eyes, never boring and ocasionally quite funny.

Have you seen the con artists? How would you rate it?

Love, Wietske

My dream holiday destination.

What if, right at this very moment, you would get the opportunity to go on a short trip. You don't know the details, not if you can go alone, with your adventurous friend or with your lover and you have to pick your destination right at this very moment. Where would you go?

 

I know the perfect spot, where no matter who I go with, or don't go with I know I will have a blast. It's a place called Nami Island.

Healing time

 

 

 Beautifull scenery, fresh air and only in close proximity of Seoul, Nami Island is the perfect spot for some healing time. Even alone it's great to just wander around and take it all in. Listen to some soothing music and take a deep breath and enjoy that clean air that only an island like this can bring.

A spot for lovers

 Even though it was broadcasted even more then 10 years ago, the korean drama Winter Sonata, still gives Nami Island romantic vibes. With cute photo ops, beautiful tree lined paths and secluded seating areas it is a must visit for every couple in love.

 

 

 

For the thrill seeker

More in for a thrill? Nami Island has something for you as well! Instead of taking the boat, why not zipline to the Island. You start from a tower 80 meters high and in one minute and 30 seconds you zoom down to the island. There are also various other water activities and even bungee jumping towers, everything to make you heart beat faster

Where

A great thing about this amazing holiday spot called Nami Island or 남이섬 in Korean is that it is located in beautiful Gyeonggi-do  incredibly close to Seoul.

You can take the subway Gyeongchun Line or ITX-Cheongchun to gapyeong Island from where you can take a bus to the Island. Or take the shuttle bus from Insa-dong or Namdaemun which is only 15,000 won for a round trip. Or get a package deal with entrance to the Island for 23,000 Won.

For more information check the website.

What is your dream holiday destination?

Love, Wietske


*photo credit* All pictures taken from http://en.ggtour.or.kr/

Never Ever Land

Though that the dream where you can be forever kid only exists in your dreams or movies, but there is a place in the middle of the mountains in beautiful Gyeonggi province where you can feel young again, at least for a day!

 

From Seoul to Everland

 

Getting there was surprisingly easy. You can take various busses that will take you the shuttlebus stop place. However if your Korean is still shaky there is an even easier way. Take the subway Transfer to Yongin Ever Line at Giheung Station on Bundang Line!  It takes 30 minutes from Giheung Station to Jeondae Everland Station (last stop) on Yongin Ever Line. You can take the shuttle bus (free of charge) from Yongin Ever Line and go to Everland or Caribbean Bay. Ever Line operation hours 05:30~23:30

 

Attractions

With the parks long opening hours  (10 to 10 on weekdays and 10 till 11 on friday and saturday) you have plenty of time to explore the different parts of the park. One of my favorites is ZooTopia with attractions such as the lost valley safari adventure where you can learn and experience how to coexist with approximately 150 unique animal species from inside the safety of specialized convertible amphibian vehicles  

More a fan of wild rides? Everland has got you covered as well. My all time favorite is the T-Express, which is the steepest ride in the world with a stop speed of 104 m per hour at a 77-degree angle.  However a close second is the Rolling X-train, an exciting, super-fast roller coaster with spiral oblique rotations resembling twisted breadsticks and two complete 360-degree loop-to-loop sections.

 

For the drama lovers

Not a fan of crazy rides but you are a fan or Korean dramas, movies and kpop? I already introduced Korean Folk Village last week but everland is also a place where many Korean dramas were shot such as Kill me heal me, but also EXO Showtime and Running Man has filmed episodes at the park.

 

 

 

Another must visit is the K-POP Hologram: YG at Everland. YG Family's hologram concerts are on stage 365 days a year. Experience the sensation of a live concert with stunning visual effects and exciting dance melodies you already know and love. Come to Everland and see the power of K-POP  yourself!

 

Tickets and pricing

One-Day tickets can be a bit on the pricy site since they are  48,000 Won for an adult. However keep your eye on the everland website as they always have great coupons for foreigners!

 

Currently there is a 50% discount for foreigner visitors that runs until September 9th 2015 so there is no reason to hestitate. Get a good nights rest and jump on the train tomorrow to visit Everland.

 

For more information check out their website call their hotline +82-31-320-5000

 

Love, Wietske

Korea's Drama Paradise.

Want to visit a Korean movie or drama set? How about not just visiting one but the place where 14 different dramas and movies were shot including the ever so popular My Love from the Star and The Moon embracing the Sun.

 

Korea Folk Village

The place for you to be is Korea Folk Village! It is not just a great place to experience traditional Korean culture and life with many events such as horse riding and fabric dying or one of the many workshops that are being organized. They also have many seasonal events and performances which are an absolute delight to watch!  

 

For the Drama Lover

Besides these events depicting traditional Korean life KFV also has special experiences for the drama lover like you and me. So you cannot only see the place where your beloved dramas were filmed you can also experience it!

 

 

If you are in Korea October to November KFV also organizes an historical drama festival. The program lets participants have a vivid experience of historical drama at KFV, long loved as the leading shooting location. During the festival, KFV presents a world of historical drama that overflows with various spectacles and enjoyments such as ‘historical drama star’s autograph sessions’, ‘peeking at historical drama shooting set’, and ‘special drama exhibition’. Get your fill of the special time for renewing your enchantment with the touching reverberations of historical drama.

 

Time, Price and How to get There

Hours

Season	Weekdays	Weekend
Feb. ~ Apr.	09:30 ~ 18:00	09:30 ~ 18:30
May. ~ Sep.	09:30 ~ 18:30	09:30 ~ 19:00
Oct. ~ Nov.	09:30 ~ 18:00	09:30 ~ 18:30
Nov.(11/17) ~ Jan.	09:30 ~ 17:30	09:30 ~ 18:00

 

Rates

Visitor		admission	free pass
adult	individual	15,000won	24,000won
	group	12,000won	18,000won
adolescent	individual	12,000won	19,000won
	group	10,000won	16,000won
child	individual	10,000won	17,000won
	group	8,000won	14,000won

 

How to get there

It is very easy to get to Korea's Folk Village from Seoul or anywhere in Gyeonggi province. All you need to do is get to Suwon or Sangal station and there are free shuttle busses that will take you to the park!

 

 

For much more and information on the park visit their website here.

 

Now tell me, which korea drama or movie set do you want to visit?

 

Love, Wietske

 



 

 

[Moul] everyone's Seoul - An exciting new journey

[MOUL] or [모.울] is an acronym from [모두의 서울] meaning everyone's Seoul.

 

MOUL is an unique project - is a group of citizens volunteering for the Seoul City Branding Project; they will be creating Seouls new brand. Thus is it is truely a brand for the citizens of Seoul by the citizens of Seoul.

MOUL already  has an official blog for [Everyone’s Seoul] in Korean. I will be contributing to the English version, targeted at foreign residents, those living abroad but interested in Seoul, those who want to find out some off beat things about the city. Think of it as a subjective guide to the capital of Korea edited by it’s very own residents.

My posts will focus on a comparison between cities and city life in the Netherlands and Seoul. I believe that comparision between cities in different countries and Seoul can give us a fresh look, inspire us and will show us the true beauty of Seoul!

If you have any questions feel free to send us a message and don’t forget to also follow [Moul] everyone’s Seoul on Facebook and Instragram.

So go check out our SNS accounts!

Love, Wietske

Gyeonggi-Do Festival Guide 2015

As a newly appointed GG supporter I have naturally been doing some research about the province. Something I really enjoy while exploring new areas is to visit festivals, cultural, movie or music any kind is great. However mosts lists I found were completely outdated or don't have information in English available.

 

Therefore, I decided to compile a list for you guys of festivals that are held in Gyeonggi province from July till December 2015.

July

7-16-2015 ~ 7-26-2015 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival

The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, or BiFan, is an international film festival held anually in July in Bucheon. Inaugurated in 1997, the festival focuses on South-Korean and international horror, thirller and fantasty films, with a particular attention to asian cinema.

Website:http://www.bifan.kr/eng

7-24-2015 ~ 7-26-2015 Ansan Valley Rock Festival

Ansan Valley Rock Festival is Korea's biggest rock festival with a line up of big name musicians from Korea and abroad. It is held anually at Ansan Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park.

Website: http://valleyrockfestival.mnet.com

August

8-12-2015 ~ 8-16-2015 Bucheon International Comics Festival

The Bucheon International Comic Festival became the top Asian comic festival, presenting world comic trends and presenting a vision for Korean comics.

Website: http://www.bicof.com

 

September

September ~ October Heyri Pan Festival

HEYRI Art Valley is an artists village composed of creative & exhibiton space and performance ares of famous Korean artists. In the early fall of each year, an unique art festival is held by the new style's creation and apreciation as the general genres of culture and art are met and combined here.

Website: http://en.paju.go.kr/en/en_culture/en_festivals_heypan/en_festivals_heypan.cms

 

Mid September Guri Cosmos Festival

In september of each year, the Guri Cosmos Festival is held in the beautiful Hangang river when the cosmos is fully blossomed. The festial is held for two days with approximately 200,000 visitors each year.

Website: http://www.guri.go.kr/eng/c3/sub3_3.jsp

 

October

October Paju Gaeseon Ginseng Festival

Paju Gaeseon Ginseng Festival is held under the name of "Paju Ginseng is Gaeseong Ginseng".  Trough this festival, Paju has been known as the special producing area of 6 year old ginseng and has established a stepping-stone to develop into Korea's representative ginseng hub.

Website: http://en.paju.go.kr/en/en_culture/en_festival/en_festivals_ginseng/en_festivals_ginseng.cms

 

October Yulgok Culture Festival

Yulgok Culture Festival is the representative traditional culture festival to beld to workship the morals of Yo Yulgok the Confucian scholar and leader of Giho school of Joseon Dynasty and to succeed to his spirit. This festival is held in Jaun auditorium where his tomb is located. The worship ceremoney and a parade made after passing exam was held. Also, Seowon concert and the Korean culture performance are held.

Website: http://en.paju.go.kr/en/en_culture/en_festival/en_festivals_yulgok/en_festivals_yulgok.cms 

 

October Danwon Arts Festival

Danwon's World of Art "Danwon Art Festival" began in 1999 to preserve Danwon Kim Hongdo's artistic spirit and discover new talent. The festival is held every October at the Danwon Exhibition Hall. Major events include the Danwon Art Contest, Danwon Invitational Art Exhibit, Modern Art Exhibit, Danwon Exhibit, etc. There is also an artist corner which anyone can participate in.

Website: http://www.iansan.net/english/tourguide/fastival/rc/5931_body_1_9.jpg

 

 

October Icheon Rice Cultural Festival

Icheon Rice Culture Festival in Incheon-si, Gyeonggi-do combines the experience of great quality rice that fed the royal court and the culture of harvesting rice. There's a reenactment of a parade where rice was prepared and presented to the king, as well as a variety of foods to try, including a huge iron pot rice bow from which thousands of people eat.

Website: www.ricefestival.or.kr/

 

10-07-2015 ~ 10-11-2015 Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

Celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year, Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is one of the largest culture and tourism festivals in Korea. It preserves the spirit of Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and commemorates the filial affection and innovations of King Jeonjo, who built the fortress. Over the years, Suwon Hwaseong Festival has become established as a quintessential regional cultural festival that promotes the traditional culture and tourism of Suwon.

Website: http://english.swcf.or.kr/?p=19

 

10-9-2015 ~ 10-11-2015 Jarasum international Jazz festival

Jarasum International Jazz Festival in Gapyeong-gun, gyeonggi-do offers international jazz performances by well-known jazz musicians in an outdoor setting. Website:

Website: http://www.jarasum.net/contents/intro2.htm

 

November

 

November Jangdan Bean Festival

 

Under the theme of "Well-Being Paju Jandan Bean", Jangdan bean festival is held with Jangdan beans grown in DMZ clean environment in Imjingak square.

 

Website: http://en.paju.go.kr/en/en_culture/en_festival/en_festivals_jangdan/en_festivals_jangdan.cms

 

 

December

December 31st Haeneomi Festival

In the place where Han river and Imjin river meet and the south-north Koreans face, Haeneomi festival is held to promote the harmony and union, and to greet the new year by all citizens with the most beautiful red sky on earth. Website: http://en.paju.go.kr/en/en_culture/en_festival/en_festivals_haeneomi/en_festivals_haeneomi.cms

 

 

 

 

Are there any festivals you would like to attend? Or is there a festival missing? Please, let me know in the comment section down below.

Love, Wietske