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

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/