Kor-Eng: Beauty Is In The Eye of the Beholder // 제 눈에 안경이다

Google beauty standards + Korea and guess what you see, hundreds if not thousands of (white) writers criticizing the Korean beauty standards and the medical procedures that come with it.

Sure I was one of them. All those advertisements about fillers, injectables, weight loss and  various other surgeries got to my head and made me go crazy; and with me many others.

However,  for once let's not point the finger at Korea. Because guess what, Korea is not the only country with high beauty standards. When I went back to the Netherlands I was shocked. Suddenly I got judged by a whole different set of harsh beauty standards. I was too white, wore too much make-up and my fashion sense was weird. I showed to much leg and not enough décolletage.

So white people, don't just criticize that what is foreign to you. Also take a good look at your own culture because it is just as weird as any other.

제 눈에 안경이다

한국의 미의 가준 인터넷으로 찾아봐라 수백 혹은 수천 개의 한국의 미의 가준 비난하는 기사를 찾을 수 있을 것이다.

나도 그런 사람이었다. 서울 살았을 때 성쳥 수술광고를 많이 보았기 때문이다. 그렇지만 다른 나라에도 이상한 미의 기준이 많다.

작년 감깐 네덜란드에 돌아갔을 때 깜짝 놀랬다. 네덜란드 이런 미의 기준이 있는지 처음 알았다. 네덜란드의 미의 기준에서 나는 너무 하앴고, 회장이 짙었고, 패션도 별로였다.

그래서 외국인들아, 너의 눈에 이질적인 것들 을비판 하지 마라. 너의 문화에도 이상한 것 많다.

Kor-Eng: The Never Ending Struggle: 끝이 없다

Hundreds of hours, thousands of dollars, and approximately 5 years of my life I've been trying to master the Korean language. Unfortunately, it seems like a never ending struggle.

I've been stuck at an intermediate level for years now. I know enough Korean to comfortably hang out with people that don't speak English, and I only get a little frustrated if I have to do the more difficult things  such as going to the bank or shooing away the church people that occasionally come knocking on my door. (Though sometimes the mere sight of me is enough.)

However I no longer burst into tears or get social anxiety when thinking about speaking Korean. Sometimes, however, I wish I would, because those are the only things that seem to motivate me to start studying Korean again.

So, please I'm begging you, Korean, don't switch to English to make it easier on me. Ask me difficult, challenging questions about the current political situation. And maybe if necessary - but preferably not - make me cry. Maybe, just maybe I will be able to find my motivation back and improve my louse Korean to the level of a native speaker.

끝이 없다

수많은 시간 걸리고 , 수천 달러를 쓰고, 내 인생의 5년을 희생했지만 한국말 공부하기는 끝이 없는 것 같다.

나의 한국어는 중급이라서 영어 못 하는 사람과 같이 편하게 대화할 술 있다. 하지만, 은행에 갈 때 무슨 말인지 이해 못 할뿐만 아니라 교회인들어 내 집에 오면 오지 마라는 말도 가끔 못 해서 좀 좌절 할 때가 있다

하지만 지금은 한국말로 얘기 해야 되면 눈물을 터뜨리지 안고 불안감도 심하지 않아서 정말 다행이다. 그래도 다시 동기극 부여하고 싶어서 가끔 그렇게 니끼는 것도 좋다.

그래서, 한국사람들, 영어 쓰지 마라. 한국말로 현재의 정국에 대해서 물어봐도 된다. 그것 때문에 나는 눈물 나도 괜찮다. 이렇게 아마 다시 동기를 찾을 수 있고 나의 한국어 실력을 항상 시킬 수 있을 것이다

Coffeeshop: Cafe Kona Queens, Jongno

Last week on a particularly cold Monday I found myself back in one of my old favorite coffee shops. Even though Kona Queens is a chain store with locations all over Seoul.  It doesn't feel like your typical chainstore. The coffee is actually good, the prices are not ridiculously high and the vibe of the coffeeshop is really cool and quite luxurious.

My option for that day were a croquet monsieur a 4,500 won, and my go to Americano Kona Blend a 3,500 won. But they also have a nice selection of sweet deserts and teas and coffees to choose from.

The main reason why I like this particular location so much though is because it is located next to the cheonggyecheon, the little stream going through the center of Seoul. No matter what whether it is, it's a great place for people watching or just to have a uncommon sight of  some beautiful green trees in the middle of the bustling city.

Check out www.cafekonaqueens.co.kr (only in Korean) for more information about their brewing process and their menu items. 

How to get there:

Go to the right outside Jonggak Station exit 4, Keep going until you see the cheonggyecheon. Then go right again, on the right hand side you will find Café Kona Queens.

2016.1.24 | 지도 크게 보기 ©  NAVER Corp.

Skating in the City: Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink

Do you want to do something fun and wintery, but don't want to travel far, or pay a lot of money? I have just the thing for you! Every winter you can find an iceskating rink in front of City Hall in Seoul and it is cheap as dirt.

There is always staff on the ice to make it a safe experience for both beginners and experienced iceskaters. The plaza also offers a training program to teach interested individuals how to skate in a fun and accessible way. If you are interested you must visit www.seoulskate.or.kr (Korean only) to register for a training session in advance.

Opening hours

Sunday to Thursday- 10:00-21:30

Friday to Saturday, national holidays - 10:00-23:00
* Skate time is one hour. Ice cleaning for 30 minutes between each session.

Ice skating rink is open until February 9th, 2016.

Price

Entrance and iceskate rental is only 1,000 Won per hour, gloves are 500 won and helmets are free. Lockers are available as well and are 500 won per day.

Location

The Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink is located right outside of exit 5 at City Hall station in Seoul.

2016.1.24 | 지도 크게 보기 ©  NAVER Corp.

Grateful Week 1: In Sickness and in Health.

When sitting at Kona Coffee in Jongno on Monday afternoon it just suddenly hit me. I live an amazing life, but I complain about it more then that I am thankful for it. So, I decided to put a little pink sticky note in the corner of my planner to start keeping track of the things that I should show gratitude for. So here we go; here is the things I am grateful for this week.

• There have been a couple of people that want to talk to me. They want to share their feelings, their problems specifically with me. It makes me happy that they trust me enough to do this.
• This week I have also met a few people on snapchat and tumblr who told me I inspire them. I don't think my life is all that special. However, it is great that people are willing to step out of their comfort zone, because I at one time, made the decision to follow my heart.
• There are always people willing to hang out with me. When I first moved here, I was very lonely and I didn't have a lot of people to hang out it. This is no longer the case and if I want to I can always hang out with somebody.
• The number of people that care about me. I have been pretty sick this week, and the amount of get well messages I got just warms my heart. It really showed me how great and caring my friends are.

It's a pretty short list for week one, but still very good considering I spend 5 days in bed. Hopefully, next week will be an even better week.

Wietske

Fresh new start

2016 has started if with a bang for me this year. I went on a trip to Jeonju, took TOPIK and nailed it (I think), rekindled some friendships, became closer to others, met great new people, and started of as an official student reporter for PyeongChang2018.

Thinking back about the past 25 (ack!) years of my life I have accomplished so much more then I could have ever dreamed of. Yet here I am feeling like I haven't done all that much, I am not all that great, and I stopped believing in myself.

But I should believe! I can actually accomplish what I want because I have already done it! And like  Theodore Roosevelt has said.

Believe you can, and you are halfway there.

 So 2016 is there year where I will believe again. I can do it, even if I face a little hick-up here and there it will be ok. Fake it till you make it, right?

 

Kor-Eng: Koreas Most Hated Place // 사람들이 싫어하는 장소

There are many places in Korea that I absolutely love, though opinions on those places might vary. On the other hand there is only one place in Korea that I absolutely hate, and every single person that had to step foot inside that place seems to agree with me. This place is Korea's hell on earth - the immigration office.

It's not just he long waiting lines - in one week I spent a good 10 hours at that place. The screaming children or the clerks that only speak Korean also help make the trip out to the office absolutely dreadful.

The fear of the unknown is just as bad. With a terrible website and customer service that fail to mention the right documents that are needed be sure to prepare yourself  for multiple trips to hell.

Just take another number from the ticketing machine until you can heave a sigh of relief and you are holding that precious little card in your hand. Now hold onto it tight because you don't want to lose it and have to go back to hellfire to get a new one.

사람들이 싫어하는 잔소

내가 한국에서 좋아하는 잔소는 많다. 그래서 가장 이움 받는 장소가 하나밖에 없다. 내 생각에 그곳에 발을 들어좋은 사람들이라면 모두 다 나의 의견에 동의 할 것이다. 이것은 한국의 생지옥 출입국 관리사무서이다.

거기에는 기다리는 사람들이 줄을 쓰고 있다. 시끄러운 아이들도 많고 영어 못 하는 출입국 관리관 있기 때문에 가기 싫다. 끔찍한 왭사이트와 고객 서비스 때문에 매번 적합한 서류들을 가지고 가지 못 해서 여러 번 가했다

출입국 관리 사무서에 갈 때 번호표를 뽑고 차례를 기다린다. 드디어 외국인 체재증을 받으면 숨을 내쉴 수 있다 ARC 잃지 마라 지옥의 불 돌아가고

Moran Traditional Market

Moran traditional market located in Seongnam city is has a great 50 year history. Kim Chang-suk developed the area after she came to there from Pyeongyang, leaving her morther behind. She named it Moran (meaning Peony Flower) since the area reminded her of Peony Peak in Pyeongyang.

Moran Market is open every 5 days for people to trade daily goods, and is a market bustling with people who visit for shopping and food.

Location

Moran Market is located near Moran station exit 5, so it can be easily reached from everywhere in Seoul. The Market runs every 4th 9th, 14th, 24th and the 29th of the month. 

Healing Time: Gyeonggi Camping Festival in Pocheon

Exploring Pochoen at Bidulginang Falls

As you might have seen on my facebook the past weekend me and 4 other GG supporters spend two days and a night at Gyeonggi Camping Festival in Pocheon. It was my first time camping in Korea and the first time in a long long while time not being in a city area and it was quite litteraly refreshing; and here is why.

But first... Lunch

If you go eating with a bunch of bloggers, this will happen.

We met up at 10 in the morning and after an initial hour long subway ride, and  driving for a while all of us were ready for our first stop. Mushroom Shabu Shabu at Beoseotgol Iseulbi Garden. 

Mushroom Shabu Shabu

Did you know that besides gingseng, apples and grapes Pocheon is also famous for it's mushrooms? The little pictures I have of this delicious food proofs why! We ate to our hearts content. Honestly the pictures don't do the food justice, but I was to busy enjoying the different varieties of mushrooms and the many many vegetables to feel bothered to take many pictures.

Bidulginang Falls

After lunch we went to Bidulginang campsite to drop off our stuff and we went straight for Bidulginang Falls. Bidulginang Falls is the 6th scenic view from pocheon City, a Korea's National Cultural Heritage. You however, might know beautifull sight from dramas such as It's okay, it's love and many others.

6th Scenic view: Bidulginang Falls

Blogger perspective again.

We were lucky enough to be able to take a look into the valley, hence the helmets to protect us from possible falling stone. And even though we were surrounded by other people taking pictures. Being able to see this gorgeous view from upclose made me feel really small and humble.

Don't forget to look up when visiting the falls.

 Uncheon Traditional Market

show some love for Uncheon Traditional Market Photo Credit Williams Nana Kyei

After enjoying this piece of beautiful nature we went to Uncheon Traditional Market. We split up in two teams and each team got a limited amount of money to buy ingredients to cook with for the potluck party. There was a friendly yet competitive tension as each team picked their ingredients and started cooking.

Cooking time, camping style. Photo Credit Williams Nana Kyei

Pitch High and Campfire dinner

Pitch High in Action

Even though we spend what felt like hours peeling apples and cooking pancakes. Real dinner wasn't served until after we got to enjoy an amzaing performance by a very new quarted called Pitch High. We were lucky enough to have them join us for barbeque dinner where we talked until the fire couldn't warm us anymore.

enjoying a private peformance. Photo Credit Williams Nana Kyei

Goodmorning Pocheon

The next morning I was greeted by fresh air and a gorgeous view of the mountains surounding us. Besides the cold and short night I felt refreshed and ready to start school again. But first we of course had to pack our and get ready to for the ride back to Seoul.

Packing. Photo Credit: Williams Nana Kyei

As you might be able to tell, I thoroughly enjoyed my short stay at the Pocheon. Even though we had a busy schedule  I felt refreshed and recharged and I can't wait for another trip to explore more of the beautiful wonders this place can bring us.

Check out the Pocheon tag on the GGtour website if you are also interested in visiting this gorgeous place.

Love, Wietske

Bucheon Hanok Village: Activity Overload

Namsan Hanok Village, Bukcheon Hanok Village, you might have heard of them, you might even visited them, however have you heard of Bucheon Hanok Village? On a lovely afternoon at the end of August I paid the village a visit and here is my review.

But first... lunch!

Arriving at samseongcheyukkwan station exit 7 the first thing we did was look for a restaurant to have lunch at. This mushroomshabu restaurant caught our eye straight away. A restaurant that attracted many famous visitor because of it's delicious shabu shabu menu. I however was craving for something a bit sweeter and got equally delicious dolseot bulgogi instead.

The village

The Village itself is super easy to find, follow the signs you can see as soon as you get out of the subway, walk less then one minute and you are there!

Activities

Now all you have to do is enjoy, There are many activities you can participate such as tasting traditional teas, making charms bracelets, participate in a traditional Korean wedding and more!

Me and my friends painted a fan and made ddeokcake (rickecake cake) and it was a lot of fun! For the finished product check my instagram~

If you are more of a sit back and relax type, enjoy some tradition tea at the teahouse, watch a farmers band perform or just enjoy the unique details of the village.

All in all, Bucheon hanok village might be on the smaller side, we still managed to spend a good 5 hours and went home with a bag full of goodies.

Have you ever been to a Korean traditional village? What is your favorite thing about it?

Love, Wietske

Korea's best Season: What to do in Fall.

My absolute favorite season in Korea is fall. Skies are bright blue. The weather is nice, and I can dress up nicely without having to worry about sweating of my make-up. Especially when I indulge in an activity that I thorougly enjoy, walking around and getting lost in wonderous new areas.

Seoul Grand Park

A perfect place to enjoy walking around in my favorite season is Seoul Grand Park, located a convenient subway ride away, just outside of the Seoul metropolitan area.

Bring your camera and go up Seoul Grand Park Forest park, which is a narrow path that takes visitors up and down the park's trails. The entrance point can be found behind the Forest Exhibition Center (to the right side of the main entrance of the Seoul Zoo in Seoul Grand Park), and another behind the Australian Pavilion.

Enjoy the changing of the color of the leaves, the fresh air, and the beautiful scenery in as little as 50 minutes or take the long route that takes 2,5 hours.

What is your favorite activity in Fall?

Love, Wietske

Must do: Hanok Stay

One of the things I recommend everyone doing when they visit Korea is to stay in a hanok for a couple of days. For many of you sleeping on the floor seems like an uncomfortable feet, and during the cooler months you would probably think you will freeze to death. However, hanoks are extremely comfortable with floor heating, and before you know it you will not want to get up from the floor.

Chi Ong Art Gallery

five-person room

You can do Hanok Stays all over country, however if you don't have much time to travel why not stay in the Gyeonggi area which is in close proximity of Seoul..Chi Ong Art Gallery in beautiful Gapyeong, offers three, five and even ten-person rooms. Very simple and clean but equipped with the a modern kitchen and bathroom for extra comfort.

Activities

café ongongya

Chi Ong Art Gallery also offers activites for very reasonable prices, things such as Ddeok (Korean glutonous ricecake) and the making of tofu and many others. And it also has a very cozy looking coffeeshop that is open everyday from 9.30 am till 10 p.m. which doesn't only serve tea and coffee but also has wine, beer and of course the side dishes that go with them

How to get there

The easiest way to get there is with the subway, or bus. You can take the bus towards cheongpyeong from the dongseoul terminal, or bus 1330 from cheongryangli station and also get out at cheongpyeong station. From there take the bus that goes to sumokwon and get of at the chi ong arts gallery.

For recent prices and online reservation please check the website.

Love, Wieske

Koreas most beautiful garden.

The weather is finally starting to get cooler here in Korea, so it's the perfect time for outdoor activities and enjoy this fresh air.

The Garden of Morning Calm

On 33ha, you can enjoy thousands of varieties of flouwers in this wonderfull place, an absolutely must see for not only photographers, but it's a great location for a romantic date with your loved one.

The garden is the oldest among private gardens in Korea. It is an artistic space with a beautiful balance between the Korean concepts of natural curves and asymmetry, plants and other various materials.

Getting there

[Bus] From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal take a bus bound for Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal, or take bus 1330 at Cheongnyangni Transfer Center (in front of Lotte Department Store) and get off at the Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal (travel time: 1hr 45min) From Cheongpyeong Terminal, take Bus 31-7 to the Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원). Travel time: 41min [Subway] Cheongpyeong Station (Gyeonchun Line) Exit 1. Go left until you reach the 3-way intersection and turn right. Continue straight toward the Cheongpyeong Catholic Church. Pass by Cheongpyeong Elementary School, turn left, and you will see the Cheonpyeong Bus Terminal. From Cheongpyeong Terminal, take Bus 31-7 to the Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원). Entrance fee is only 9,000 won so take your chance and visit this beautiful place~ Love, Wietske

How to get to Everland.

I have heard many people say that they are still confused as how to easily get to Everland. Don't be scared and follow the guide I will give you today and you will get there with ease.

Subway

The great thing about taking the subway is, is that you can take the Everland shuttle bus - which is free - right when you get out of the last subway stop.  In the example above I showed you how to get to Jongdae Everland Station from Gangnam station. Click here to find out how to get to Jongdae station from your station of choice.  Going by subway costs about 3,150 won.

Bus

If you rather not transfer so much you can also take the bus,  bus no. 5002 and no. 5007.

For bus no 5002 you can find bus stops at Sinnohyeon , Gangnam and Yangjae station. Check the maps above to find the location of the busstop.

For bus no 5007 you can find bus stops at gangbyeon, jamsil, songpa and suseo station. Check the maps above to find the location of the busstop. Going by bus cost about 2,500 won.

Shuttle bus

Everland also has two shuttle bus both with multiple stops throughout Seoul. It is the most expensive option at 12,000 won for a round trip and you have to make reservations in advance. However if you are unsure about finding busstops or scared taking the subway this might be the best option for you.

Shuttlebus 1

Route	Departure	Time	Bus Stop
Seoul->Everland	Hotel Seokyo (Hongik Univ.)	08:00	The front gate (Exit No.9)
	Shinchon	08:10	Exit No.5
	Seoul City Hall	08:30	Exit No.5
	Dongdaemun History & Culture Park	08:40	Exit No.11
	Jongno 3 ga	08:50	Exit No.12
Everland->Seoul	Everland	18:00	Parking lot No.5 (Platform No.7~8)

If you wish to take this shuttle bus you have to make reservation at 82-32-322-7001   or check the website.

Shuttlebus 2

Route	Departure	Time	Bus Stop
Seoul->Everland	Hongik Univ.	08:50	Exit no.4
	Myeong-Dong Shinsegae Dept. store	09:30	Shinsegae department store bus stop (No. 143)
	Myeong-Dong Tourist Information Center	10:00	KEB Bank AirBus shuttle stop
	Itaewon	10:20	Exit No.4
	Sinsa	10:30	Exit No.5
	Sinnonhyeon	10:35	Exit No.6
	Gangnam	10:40	Exit No.6
Everland->Seoul	Everland	17:50	Group bus turning place

If you wish to take this shuttle bus you have to make reservation at 82-10-4718-7440 / 82-2-778-6212 or check the website.


Finding everland in beautiful gyeonggi should now be a breeze. Don't forget to check the website for more information.

Love, Wietske
 

Flavours of Gyeonggi

One of the beautifull things about Korea is that every town has it's own special dish. Even when traveling just outside of Seoul you can try a huge variety of different flavors.  Today I want to introduce you to three special dishes of the Gyeonggi region.

 

Suwon Wanggalbi.

Suwon Wanggalbi got its name from the size. A single strip of galbi coul be as large as five meters. Therefore Suwon galbi became known as wanggalbi which translates into big-sized beef short ribs. You can enjoy this tender and delicious meat at [Gabojeong 가보정 | Suwon-si Paldal-gu Ingye-dong 958-1] which is only a short busride away from suwon station 수원역.  Get off at Seongbin center hospital 성빈센처병원, walk for about 400 meter and you are there!

Icheon Ssalbap-jeongsik

From ancient times Icheon rice is considered to be the best rice in korea. Therefore it is not suprising that Icheons most famous dish is a rice dish. It is so good that it was served to the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Curious what Icheon Ssalbap Jeongsik is? It is rice served in a stone pot along with about 20 tasty side dishes. A treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. You can try this meal fit for a king at [Cheongmok Hanjeongsik (T. 031-634-5414)]. You can find this restaurant close to Semastation 세마역. Take the bus from there and guess of at 1danji semadong 1단지 세마동 station and you can enjoy this delicious meal.

 

 

 

Yangpeong Okcheon Naengmyeon

 
One of my favorite dishes during the hot summers days is naegmyeon (buckwheat noodles in a

chilled broth). It might be a bit strange at first but this tangy soup will cool you down for sure. Most of the famous restaurants serve pyeongyang-style naengmyeon which combines beef stock with chicken, phaesant or pork. Hwanghaedo-style Okcheon Naengmyeon doesn't only uses only pork to produce the stock, the dish also uses Okcheonsu (water of Okcheon) for the stock.  The water, reflecting the spirits of Yongmunsan Mountain, was known as precious water that helped treat  ilnesses of the kings  of Joseon Dynasty. Want to try this refreshing dish? [Okcheon Naengmyeon | Yangpyeong-gun Okcheon-myeon Okcheon-ri 760] Take the bus from Asin station 아신역 to Okcheonmyeon samuso 옥천면사무소 and walk another 600 meters to try these delightful flavors.

 

Which of these three dishes would you like to try?

 

Love, Wietske

 

*pictures taken from www.ggtour.or.kr

 

Seoul Exchange Week: Don't Forget!

Preparing for an exchange can be rather stressfull. Time flies, you have to say goodbye to your loved ones and packing is usually one of your last priorities. I know it is mine. However, there are a few things you should think about, when packing. Not just the weight limit but most importantly, what you should bring extra off.

Seoul is big and can provide you with everything you are looking for however somethings are a little bit harder to find, or are unnecceserily expensive. If you have extra space in your suitcase, consider bringing a few extra of these.

Deodorant

Deodorant is finally being sold in Korea however the mark-up is ridiculous. So bring your favorite brand and bring many! (be carefull with flight regulations when it comes to aeroseol deodorants though).

Towels

Another thing you can find plenty of, however unless you like drying yourself with a handtowel I would recommend you bring some towels.

Shoes and Clothes

Seoul has plenty of places to shop, unfortunately something it doesn't have a wide array of are sizes. If you wear anything larger then a large, or shoes sizes larger then US size 9 for men or a US size 8 for women I would suggest bringing some extra clothes.  (not sure about your size, here is a clothing chart).

Bedding

If you stay in a dorm, or try to find your own oneroom or goshi, changes are that sheets won't be provided. Comforters arn't that pricey and quite easy to find. Western style single sized sheets and pillow cases however are incredibly expensive so if you have a bit of extra room in your suitcase I suggest you bring an extra sheet.

For the Ladies

Us women have it a bit harder then most guys. Not only are we more picky about clothing but some of our neccesities are incredibly hard to find. Things such as bras, tampons, tongs and perhaps your favorite pads are a thing you should definately bring.

For people that are also in Seoul, what are things you would suggest on bringing?

Love, Wietske

Seoul Exchange Week: Facebook must Follows

Every exchange student should have a facebook, not to keep in touch with the copious amounts of new people you will meet but also to keep up to date with all that is happening in your new city.

Going on exchange in seoul and want to know whats up? These facebook pages are a must follow.

 

ISAK.or.kr International Student Association in Korea.

ISAK is established to introduce Korean culture to international students currently studying in Korea. Post about parties, but mostly free opportunities for foreign students. Remember the movie review I posted about Northern Limit Line? I could watch that movie for free thanks to ISAK.

 

KINSA.org Korea International Student Association

Post mostly information about part-time jobs but also has volunteer opportunities and postings about language exchange

 

AngloINFO.Seoul

Good source for all your news in English and articles about interesting aspects of Korean culture.

 

FeelSeoul

How can I leave out my own page when talking about important facebook pages? Like my page and you will know straight away when I post a new article!

Other facebook pages that are important to follow are the page of your own exchange school and their buddy group.

What are your Seoul Must Follows?

Love, Wietske

Seoul Exchange Week: 5 reasons why you Too should study in Seoul

A new semester is starting next month, which means not only back to school preparations are starting but some of you might even go on an exciting new journey and go on exchange. Now that not much time is left you might get a bit of cold feet. We all know the reasons that we tell our parents, personal development and it looks good on your resume, but this is why you should really go on exchange.

International Friends

The best reason is that you will meet many people from all over the world. Because you all share a similar adventure you will be close within no time, and an added benefit you will have a place to crash in any country in the world!

Cheap Travel

Just admit it, you don't go on exchange to improve your GPA, take it easy and enjoy. Don't only go sightseeing in your new host country but don't hesitate to visit neighboring countries for cheap!

Another point of View

Maybe you did come to learn something, the classes your exchange school offers might be nothing new but what is different is the point of view. Suddenly you won't only hear opinions from people with the same background as you, but from people from all over the world, and that is something you will take with you forever.

Adventures Everywhere

You don't need to go far to go on an adventure. Just turn the corner and there will be something new for you to discover, don't be scared and explore! Walk around your new neighborhood and there will always be something interesting that happens.

Learn a new Language

Or improve an old one. During my time as an exchange student I didn't only learn Korean I also improved my English, German and even my French. There are so many nationalities that there is always someone that is willing to help you brush up on your language skills. However, don't be surprised if the ability to speak your mother tongue will deteriorate rather quickly.


What is the reason you are going on exchange?

Love, Wietske

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