From Korea Tourism Organization with LOVE

Yeah guys.. I'm a fan of Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) that's why I always visited their Official site together with their Social Networking Sites (SNS). It was to gather some information that will add to my brain..hehehe,..And of course I was even more excited because of their events.I'm pretty much sure that you were also excited about their events,right?

Wanna know about this one?

It was my first gift from KTO that's why I wrote up this posts for me to make it memorable.

It comes with a note inside and here it is...

Greetings from Korea Tourism Organization

We thank you for participating in our event 'Inspiring Korea Travel Stories'

Your participation for this event means a lot to our organization.

For this reason, we are giving out a participation prize!

The prize that we selected to give out is a card holder necklace that can be used for your day to day events.

We hope that you like our prize selection.

Once again, we thank you for participating in this contest.

We appreciate your interest and we hope to see you again in our future events.

Thank You

From Korea Tourism Oraganization

I really participated in that event sharing your stories in travelling Korea to inspire readers. But actually I did not yet experience travelling this place. I just honestly wrote there that I did not yet experience going Korea but I really really want to. I just shared a getaway of my one closest friend here in Taiwan and I said that I want to experience all of what she experienced while getting around in Korea.

Here was the participation gift from KTO and from this I get more motivation on spreading about Korea. It was a  red card holder with black necklace. It used to hold cards back to back. And it was stamped with their tourism slogan Korea Be Inspired.

Korea Be Inspired card holder necklace

Korea Be Inspired... I really get inspired because KTO appreciated the interest of their readers. And thanks a lot for noticing me and especially for their effort sending this gift.

And finally.. thanks a lot for your appreciation ^^

Readers want to know more about Korea? Click this link and be well informed about Korea.

---> Korea Be Inspired

Nature Trip at Jecheon Uirimji Reservoir 제천 의림지와 제림

Annyeong Haseyo.. Here I am again sharing a nature adventure but I'm sorry to tell you guys this  wasn't my adventure. It was someone I know whom this adventure belongs. But that's not a problem as long as I have permission for featuring their adventure or trips,etc. and it was also credited to them.

About this Uirimji Reservoir
Uirimji 의림지was originally called "Yimji", a reservoir that was created during the Samhan Era, it was already a hundred of hundred years ago. It was one of the most famous reservoir in Chungcheong-do a.k.a Hoseo region because of it's deep-seated history. It was designated as Monument No. 11 in Chungcheongbuk-do.This reservoir was the main tourists attraction in Jecheon region. It was also a valuable historical site for studying farming methods long time ago.

This reservoir was located in Jecheon 제천, a city in northern part Chungcheongbuk-do, a province in South Korea. It was well known for it's beautiful mountains and lake environments. Jecheon was also gaining popularity because it was well known for shooting location for Korean dramas and movies.

This reservoir was 1.8 km in circumference and 151,470m2 in water surface area and has a water level of 8-13m. It was the source water of farmland for  about 289.4 jeongbos.

Around the area, it has the Yeonghojeong Pavillion, which was built in 1807 in the 7th year of King Sunjo and also the Gyeonghuro Pavillion, which was built in 1948.

The traditional beauty of this place and structures was accented by ancient pine and willow trees. And also the 30 m high waterfall.

Nearby attractions was Pine Field Park, National Archery and Parkland.

Nature is the best healing for body and soul and because of the tranquility of the place you will find peace of mind, right?When you want to get relax do it with the accompany of nature and you will regain all your energy,

How to get there.
Address: 241, Mosan-dong, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 
충북 제천시 모산동 241번지

Directions:From Jecheon Station, take Bus 541, 3-2, or 3-1 to Uirimji (의림지). Jecheon Station

1, Uirim-daero, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2- 1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-1544-7788, +82- 43-643-7788 +82-1599-7777

Info. Credit : Korea Be Inspired , Wikipedia

Photo Credit : Jerome Corpuz via Facebook

The National Folk Museum of Korea

National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관 : Gungnip Minsok Bangmulgwan)  is a national museum of South Korea located in the grounds in the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It uses replicas of historical objects that depicts the historical backgrounds or the traditional life of Korean people.

About the History 
This museum was established on November 8, 1945 by the U.S government and it was opened on April 25, 1946 at the City of Administration Memorial Hall. When the this museum merged in Natioanal Museum of Korea, it has a collection of 4,555 artifacts which was moved to the latter of Mt. Namsan sites.

In 1975, the museum was moved to the grounds of Gyeongbukgong Palace, moved along with it into the Modern Art Museum Building. In 1993 it opened in its present site, which was the former site of the National Museum of Korea. The building's design is based on various historical buildings around South Korea.

The museum has three main exhibition halls, with over 98,000 artifacts: 

History of Korean People features materials of everyday life in Korea from prehistoric times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty in 1910; 

Korean Way of Life, which illustrates Korean villagers in ancient times; and 

Life Cycle of the Koreans, which depicts the deep roots of Confucianism in Korean culture and how this ideology gave rise to most of the culture's customs.

The museum also features open-air exhibits, such as replicas of spirit posts where villagers used to pray, stone piles for worship, grinding mills, rice storage shelters and pits for kimchi pots.

South Korea has it's own unique traditional architectures that makes us mind blowing. The designs of the temples and their old palaces are great. It was like you where going to experience the Joseon era which I've seen in many Korean Dramas. 

Here are some pictures by nephew who shared this with me.

Showing their traditional life with their traditional costumes.

It was good to know their rich culture. Let's  feel the spirit of their traditional life. South Korea was one of the best for temple stays.

How to get there:

Address: Samcheongdong-gil 35,Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

*The pictures above has watermarked because it was originally posted to my other blog site. I decided to transfer and focus into this blog site that's why I trasfered it here.



Info Credit : Wikipedia
Photo Credit : Jerome Lazaro via Facebook

My Firsts Korean Drama

Do you still remember what is your first Korean drama you've watched? Me, I still remember everything because I always went back home as early as I can after our class dismissal just to watched this drama. It was my first time watching a Korean drama but it was subbed into Filipino Language. It was aired in our country, Philippines.

Guess what Korean Drama is it?

Hangul - 꽃보다 남자 Kkot boda Namja 

English Title - Boys Over Flowers also known as Boys Before Flowers

I love this Drama

It was a romance, comedy, drama television series that was aired in KBS2 from January to March 2009. And the same year it was aired in our country and became a trending topic especially young people because of Gu Jun-pyo, the main leading actor of this drama. Some of the young people in our country copy the hair style of this actors.

The  Main Cast :

• Ku Hye-sun as Geum Jan-di

Geum Jan-di is the headstrong daughter of a dry cleaner. While on a delivery run to Shinhwa High School, she saves a bullied student from committing suicide. She is offered a scholarship to attend the prestigious school, and ends up getting on the bad side of Goo Jun-pyo.

• Lee Min-ho as Goo Jun-pyo

Goo Jun-pyo is the leader of F4 and heir to Shinhwa Group, one of the most powerful business groups in South Korea. As leader of the most popular and powerful clique in Shinhwa High, he torments Geum Jan-di after she stands up to his bullying ways, but ends up falling for her instead. His family is one of the most rich and elite in the country.

• Kim Hyun-joong as Yoon Ji-hoo

Yoon Ji-hoo is a member of F4 and the grandson of a former president of Korea. His musical talent catches Geum Jan-di's attention and she begins to develop feelings for him. He has a driving phobia after being involved in a car accident that killed his parents and left him the only survivor. He is initially in love with Min Seo-hyun, but eventually falls for Geum Jan-di and acts as her protector.

• Kim Sang Bum as So Yi-jung

So Yi-jung is F4's Casanova. He is a skilled potter, and his family owns the country's biggest art museum. He eventually changes his playboy ways when he realizes that he is in love with Chu Ga-eul. Although he does not develop romantic feelings for Jan-di, he does eventually become very fond of her and becomes good friends with her, and at times is seen to be rather protective of her.

• Kim Joon as Song Woo-bin

Song Woo-bin is known as F4's Don Juan. His family runs a large successful construction company, and has important connections to an underground organization later admitted by woo-bin to be the mafia. Like Yi-jung, he eventually befriends Jan-di and cares for her, and is also protective of her at times.

• Kim So-eun as Chu Ga-eul

Geum Jan-di's best friend who works with her at the porridge shop. She falls for So Yi-jung after he helps her get over her cheating ex-boyfriend. He eventually reciprocates those feelings.

The Story :

Hardworking Geum Jan-di (Ku Hye-sun) attends the exclusive Shinhwa High School by a scholarship she gets because of an incident. She finds her shallow, privileged classmates unbearable, especially the notorious F4. Rich, handsome, and arrogant, Goo Jun-pyo (Lee Min-ho), Yoon Ji-hoo (Kim Hyun-joong), So Yi-jung (Kim Bum), and Song Woo-bin (Kim Joon) are the kings of the school and no one, not even the teachers, dare challenge them. No one, that is, except Jan-di. Angry at their rudeness, Jan-di tells off F4 leader Jun-pyo, bringing a world of trouble upon herself. 

The proud and persistent Jun-pyo falls hard for feisty Jan-di, but she shares a connection with the quiet, sensitive Ji-hoo.There comes the love triangle.One day Jun-pyo declares to the school that Jan-di is his girlfriend even though Jan-di was not in love with him. He starts caring for Jan-di. But Jan-di has already fallen for Ji-hoo. Jan-di has to step back from it after knowing about Min Seo-hyun, Ji-hoo's girlfriend, is a famous model. By the encouragment of Jan-di, Ji-hoo goes abroad with Min seo-hyun. In the absence of ji-hoo, Jan-di gets close to Jun-pyo. 

Jandi realizes that she really loves Jun-pyo, not Ji-hoo. But there comes many bad incidents and problems that leads to breakups and reunites between Jan-di and Jun-pyo. Also Ji-hoo and his girlfriend break up and he realizes that he loves Jan-di very much. But he has to give it up for his bestfriend Jun-pyo who loves Jan-di more than anything else in the world, forgetting his richness and fame. Jun-pyo's mother,a cruel woman, tries her best to ruin her sons relationship. But finally the couple survives everything.

Back then I fell in love with Korean dramas and it makes me excite every time there was a Korean Dramas aired by Philippine network channels. After Boys Over Flowers here comes the series of 내게 거짓말을 해봐 Lie To Me then followed by 시크릿 가든 Secret Garden. But because I watched this dramas that was subbed in Filipino Language I also tried watching them in Korean Language but has English subtitle. I already bought a computer so I can watch many Korean dramas every time I want.

My record breaker watching Korean dramas: Five (5) consecutive months I already watched 35 Korean Dramas...Daebak!!

Just enjoy life....

Photos and Info Credit : Wikipedia

How To Make Korean Kimchi

What is the most famous food known in your country?That food makes your country famous,right? What about when you heard the word KIMCHI? What is the first thing that comes into your mind?

Me, when I heard it..I can already smell Korea, the land of Kimchi,hehe...

About KIMCHI?

KIMCHI 김치 is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made of vegetables with different variety of seasoning. In traditional preparation, Kimchi was fermented into jars for months at a time. Kimchi is the national dish of Korea and there are hundreds of varieties made in with a main vegetables ingredients such as nappa cabbage, radish, scallion and cucumbers. Kimchi was also the main ingredients of many Korean dishes such as kimchi stew(김치찌개 ; kimchi jjigae ), kimchi pancake (김치부침게  kimchijeon), kimchi soup (김칫국; kimchiguk), and kimchi fried rice (김치볶음밥; kimchi bokkeumbap).

It was documented that there are 187 historic and current varieties of kimchi.

List of common seasonings of Kimchi :

• brine
• scallions
• spices, ginger
• chopped radish
• garlic
• saeujeot / 새우젓, shrimp sauce
• aekjeot / 액젓, fish sauce

The most common kimchi variations are:

• baechu kimchi / 배추김치, napa cabbage kimchi
• baechu geotjeori / 배추겉절이, unfermented napa cabbage kimchi 
• bossam kimchi / 보쌈김치
• baek kimchi / 백김치, white kimchi
• dongchimi / 동치미, water-based kimchi
• chonggak kimchi / 총각김치, young radish kimchi
• kkakdugi / 깍두기, daikon kimchi
• oisobagi / 오이소박이, cucumber kimchi
• pa kimchi / 파김치, green onion kimchi

How to make KIMCHI.

1. Prepare the ingredients. nappa cabbage, bay salt, radish, chives, mustard leaves, parsley, kimchi seasoning-pickled shrimps, hot pepper powder, pickled shrimp sauce or yellow corvina fich sauce, garlic, ginger
2. Cutting of cabbage. Peel away the outer layer of the cabbage. Split them by your hand after cutting the roots in half.
3. Salting of cabbage. Soak the cabbage in salted water and sprinkle the uncovered areas with salt. Preserve for 5 hours, turning cabbage over every so often to ensure the cabbage was soaked thoroughly. Afterwards rinse off the salted water and drain the remaining water by placing the cabbage into draining basket.
4. Cutting other vegetables. Wash and cut the radish in Julienne- style into 2cm wide strips. Wash and cut chives, mustard leaves and parsley into 4cm wide strips.
5. Prepare KIMCHI seasoning. Minced the pickled shrimp and leave the broth in the side. After marinating the hot pepper powder in warm water, add pickled shrimp sauce or pickled yellow corvina fish sauce. Then mixed the shredded radish and season with salt.
6. Mixing of vegetables and seasoning.  Mixed crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and pickled shrimp sauce. Then add the water parsley, mustard leaves and chives and then season with salt and sugar. You may oyster or shrimp according to your preference to complete the seasoning sauce for cabbage.
7. Mix cabbage with kimchi seasoning. : Put kimchi seasoning in between each of the cabbage leaves and wrap the whole cabbage with the outer leaves.
8. Wrap up. Place finished kimchi into the pot with the exposed, cut side facing upwards. Cover Kimchi with salted leaves.

For more information about Kimchi just click this links:

• History of Kimchi
• How Kimchi made by Regions in Korea
• What Kimchi that can be made by seasons
• Nutrition Facts

Try making your own kimchi and feel the taste of Korea. I want to try too, just stay tune on my blog and I will surely post here in my blog if I already make a homemade kimchi.

Annyeong....

Photo Credit : Wikipedia

Credit Info : Wikipedia and ibuzzkorea.com

Winter Break in Everland in South Korea

Because it's a winter a break, it was a perfect time to share about winter in Everland. It was my nephew who had this getaway in Everland. I just want to share how Everland look likes during winter.

About Everland:

EVERLAND Resort(에버랜드 리조트) was the biggest theme park located in Yongin,a city of Gyeonggi-do Province in South Korea. And as of 2011 it has 6.6 million visitors which make it to 13th ranked for amusement park attendance all over the world.

Everland is the English name for this park and in Korean, the name is approximated as Ebeoraendeu" – in other words, there is no authentic Korean name for the park. This park was formerly called "Jayeon Nongwon" which roughly means "Natural Farm" and it's former English name was "Farmland".

Everland Features:

• Jigu Maul (Global Village)
• Everland Global Fair
• Everland Zoo-topia
• Europian Adventure
• Magic Land
• American Adventure
• Roller Coasters feat. T- Express, Rolling X-Train, Herky & Timmy's Racing Coaster,and theDragon Coaster
• Everland Speedway
• Carribean Bay feat. Wild River, Sea Wave, Aquatic Center, Fortress, and Bay Slide

Warning: Many pictures as you scroll down but take a look at it  because it was awesome.

That was a good journey for my nephew. I love the views and I want to try those rides. Indeed, South Korea has many attractions and it was one of the best destination to visit on. Everybody let's go to South Korea...LOL

Info. Credit : Wikipedia
Photo Credit : Jerome Lazaro via Facebook

Liebster Award Nomination

I'm thanking to the first person who join my blog site and I'm grateful and happy to know about her. She is a blogger with dedication for her readers as well as herself. Chibilaria thank you for your nomination.

Liebster Award is for those who have less than 200 followers on Bloglovin. It was a great oppurtunity for those new bloggers  and for those who have less followers for them to find new readers as well as to connect from other bloggers.

Rules:

• Follow me via Bloglovin
• Nominate your favorite blogs maximum of 11 with less than 200 followers on bloglovin
• Make sure you follow them in bloglovin if you nominate them.

My Nominations for Liebster Award:

• Maya from A Pinay's Diary
• Chibilaria from Chibilaria

My Answers for Chibilaria's Questions :

1. What is your favorite snacks? Pringles, a potato chips.It was one of my favorite snack especially when I'm in front of my loptop.
2. What is the biggest Holiday in your country? For me, it was when we celebrate Christmas and New Year because we have a long vacation.lol
3. Do you usually read reviews when buying beauty products? If so, how many reviews do you read? Actually before I just  buy them when I want because I just used one brand of beauty products. But because I already joined some beauty blogs I already make reviews and learned a lot from them.
4. What is the most expensive in your wishlist? Hmm... Travelling.
5. Do you have lucky charm or something like that? My Faith. It will always give me lucky when I believe that I can possibly do it.
6. If you have a talent, what would you choose? I love hip hop dancing.
7. What is your favorite saying/proverb? Dream,Believe, & Survive.
8. Do you have favorite artist/illustrator? I don't have any exactly favorite artists. I appreciate them all.
9. What is your favorite TV commercial aired in your country? mmm..I'll check it in youtube.
10. What is the first thing that capture you when you visit a blog? Unique title and good template.
11. Do you believe in fate? Yes, there is always a reason either good or bad fate.

 Thanks again Chibilaria for nominating me.

Adventure in Shin Kong Chao Feng Ranch and Resort

Off to work was one of the best day I ever had. The day I enjoy and having so much fun because it was time to travel and discover such beautiful and good places. And here I am again sharing another adventure of mine here in Hualien County, Taiwan. Hualien County has many tourist attractions and beautiful spots that you can go and visit. And one of the best place I visited was SHIN KONG CHAO FENG RANCH AND RESORT which was located in the Fenglin Township, Hualien County.

The splendid European garden at the entrance of ChaoFeng Ranch.
Photo Credit : Hualien Tourists Service Network

Shin Kao Chao Feng Ranch and Resort has a total land area of 726 hectares. Imagine how wide it is,, so let's check it out what's with this area.

What's in with that area?

• Agriculture - they have their agriculture area which you can see a greenery which they use for feeding the animals and they have also different seasonal fruit trees such as guavas, star fruits, lemons, oranges, and peaches.
• Forestry - on your way visiting the different areas you can enjoy the trees which planted on the sidewalks and feel the cool air of the environment.
• Animal Husbandry or the Petting Zoo - they have many kind of  animals and you can get more closer to them like ostrich,camel,reindeer,horse, rabbit,monkeys,foxes,etc.
• Bird Park - pet lovers will really love this. Many kinds of birds are here which you can enjoy seeing the different colors and hearing their loudly chirp.
• Landscape - beautify not only the front view but the entire area of this resort ranch.
• Educational planting of medicinal herbs and flower beds.
• Other facilities which includes camping and barbecue area, creek stocked with loaches to catch and visitor center.

My camera click..

Forestry

Bed of flowers and medicinal plant area

Greenery fields

Migratory Bird...

Real racoon...

Enchanted Kingdom: The Magic Stays with You

Way back November 2011, I was given the chance to visit and enjoy an amazing amusement park on my birthday. Together with my family we pack up our bag, foods and things needed in travelling. My sister in law who got the discounted tickets through online. She made a treat with us and we are blessed because finally we will enjoy another day of our life.  Because it was a family day we also expected that there are many excursionists who will go there on that day.

Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park located in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines. It is about 29 km away from Manila. The main entrance was resembles like Disneyland just like what in Disneyland Movies. and here it is.

Photo Credit: enchantedkingdom.ph

Here are the lists of the Enchanted Kingdom Park Zones for you to have a lists in your travel plan going to this place.

1. VICTORIA PARK - It was inspired by the era of Queen Victoria's rule and displays in its elegance. There are entertainers and mascots in this area of the park, and most notably, the entertainer was ELDAR and the mascot was the mascot of Enchanted Kingdom.

Attraction : Carousel.
Merchandise : Grand Era Gifts, Parkside Sweets and Culinary Delights, Stroller/Locker Rental,  Victoria       Scrapbooks Souvenirs.

2. PORTABELLO - it was the replica of Portabello, a place in Panama in the Carribean Sea where the riches Incas where shipped by the Spaniards. It features treasures hidden by the Spanish sailors. Portabello hosts the Rio Grande- the largest attraction in the park.

Attractions:

• 4D Discovery Theater - 4D Film Theater
• Flying Fiesta - Wave Swinger
• Rio Grande Rapids - River Rafting Rides
• Shake, Rattle and Roll : The Experience!!! (SRR : X!!!) - Haunted attractions
• Xtreme Paintball
• Disc-O-Magic - Dick'O Rides

Merchandise : Discovery Photo, Enchanted Kingdom Cafe, Stir Fried Rice, Purefood TJ Hotdog Kiosk,     Treasure Island Gift and Rio Grande Photo

3. BOULDERVILLE - prehistoric theme with dinosaurs as main characters. There are rides designed for childrens. Puppets shows and dinosaur mascots are found in this area.

Attractions:

• Air Pterodactyl
• Bouncing Boulders Mini Drop Tower - Drop Tower
• Boulderville Express - Train Ride
• Bumbling Boulders - Teacups
• Dinosaurs 
• Petreefied House
• Stone Eggs - Kiddie Ferris Wheel
• Bouncing Boulders
• Rock Quarry

Merchandise: Ice Age Ice Cream, Purefoods TJ Hotdogs Kiosk, Stone Age Souvenirs

4. MIDWAY BOARDWALK - colorful and carefree zone inspired by in a Coney Island, known as America's Playground. The attractions around this place mostlu including mimes, jugglers and clowns.

Atrractions :

• Anchor's Away - Pirate Ship Ride
• Bump 'n Splash
• Dodgem - Bump Cars
• EKstreme Tower Ride - Drop Tower
• Midway Games
• Roller Skater - Vekoma Junior Coaster
• Steeplechase Archade - Arcade Games
• Up, Up and Away - Balloon Ride
• Wheel of Fate - Ferris Wheel

Merchandise : Feltman's, Harry Houdini's Magic Shop, Henna Tattoo and Face Painting, Purefoods TJ     Hotdog Kiosk, Sips Ahoy, Stir Fried Rice

5. BROOKLYN PLACE - is a theater and shopping designed after 1940's Brooklyn, New York were slapstick comedies and silent movies are reminisced.

Attractions:

• Broadway and Brooklyn Shows
• Parade at the Cobblestone Street
• Rialto (now in 3D) - Simulator Ride

Merchandise : Soda Fountain, Five N' Dime Emporium

6. SPACEPORT - inspired by sci- fi films and NASA space program. Notably 11- Storey Ride, Space Shuttle that stands out in the park and it was the first shuttle coaster in the Philippines.

Attractions:

• Bandstand
• Eldar's Tent
• Kart Trak - Kart Racing
• Jr. Kart Trak - Kiddie kart Racing
• Launch Time
• Space Shuttle Max - Vekoma Boomerang Roller Coaster
• Laser Mission

Merchandise : Pizza Hut

7. JUNGLE OUTPOST - offers a jungle adventure. It was deigned after the Amazon Jungle.

Attractions:

• Amazon Hoops
• Jungle Log Jam - Log flumes
• Swan Lake
• Tropics Trading Post

Merchandise : Amazon Grill, Amazon Rice Meals, Burgers, Jungle BBQ Kiosk, Jungle Photo, Purefood TJ   Hotdogs Kiosk, Taco's (Mexican Outlet)


When the night comes, everybody was excited because the entire place was lit up with many lights and you will truly experience the fairy castle you can never imagine. And It was the best scene I've ever seen in my life especially when I tried the Wheel of Fate which was riding the ferris wheel. And if you where at the top it was really amazing and it was awesome because you can see the entire place full of lights. I cannot explained what I feel when I'm on the top looking at the place and you never feel feared or scared because what you can only see was a bright world.

Photo Credit: travelphilippinesnow.com