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

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

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

 

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

 



 

 

Feel #Gyeonggi: My Favorite Summer Activity

*edit* 2015-9-6  I have unfortunately been informed that Wolmi-Do is in fact nog in Gyeonggi. I am truely sorry for this mistake. However I still recommend you reading this article and going to Wolmi Island!

With only one more day of school, and 1 exam, left in this semester I have started making plans of what to do this summer. I want to explore many new places in Seoul and #Gyeonggi, however there is on thing on my to do list that I do almost every single summer when I am in Korea. And that is make yet another trip to Wolmi-Do.

 

Photo Credit: http://HappyDalki.blogspot.com

 

Wolmi-do is located roughly 1km off the coast of Incheon, right next to the sea which gives it a nice breeze, perfect for those hot summer days! And it is fairly easy to get to as well it is only 10 minutes by taxi or can take the subway and then get off at Incheon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1).When exiting the station, take local bus from either 2, 15, 23 or 45 bound to Wolmido and get off when Wolmido City Tour, Wolmi Culture Street, or Wolmi Final Bus Stops are announced. (source)

You might be wondering why I would 100% recommend you to go to Wolmi-do. First of all, it is the many great memories I have there. From celebrating my friends 30th birthday and eating aweful sweet potato cake (which my friend loved) too holding on for dear life in the disco ppang ppang while getting made fun of by the guy who runs it.

 

Secondly, I really enjoy the casual atmosphere. Because there is no entrance fee, you only need to pay for separate rides, there is no actually pressure to have fun. The low cost of hanging out at Wolmi-Do means there is also a great mix of people there.

 

There are parents with their little kids. Teens trying to off amongst their friends. Couples sharing cotton candy. Young adults, and older people watching their grand-childeren and living life vigorously trough them.  Honestly, one of my favorite things is to just sit down and watch these people living there life while enjoying the slight breeze.

 

Try running trough the fountains for a quick cooldown

 

However, if you are slightly more adventurous. There are many other ways to cool down - or work up a sweat - depending on what kind of person you are. My personal favorites are the viking or one of the two freefal rides. If you rather stay inside and not work on your tan, there are also a few arcades located on the premises.

 

If you are in Seoul this summer and are hot and bothered, I recommend you go check out Wolmi-Do! Gyoenggi's most underrated amusement park.

 

 

 

If you have been to Wolmi-Do before, let me know which ride you liked best! Or share your favorite summer activity.

 

Love, Wietske

 

p.s. Check out Gyeonngi's Facebook and Twitter.

 

p.p.s. I wrote this article as part of my application to become an #GGKoreasupporter; however I 100% mean everything I said in this article~