Saturday, July 23, 2011

GENGHIS KHAN

GENGHIS KHAN and GOBI DESSERT

Excited to explore Ulaan Baatar and its outskirts....see you in a while...:)

Sunday, July 17, 2011

STARSTRUCKED AT LOTTE STAR AVENUE

STARSTRUCKED AT LOTTE STAR AVENUE
CALLING ALL KPOP AND KDRAMA ADDICTS VISIT THE LOTTE STAR AVENUE AND SEE YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITIES.
With an area of 1079.1 and with a maximum capacity of up to 100 visitors, Star Avenue is a comprehensive entertainment spot for experiencing the Korean Wave and Korean celebrities. Visitors can breathe Korean entertainment contents directly in Star Avenue. Visitors can also experience being stars themselves in Star Avenue. It's a place with fun, colorful entertainment.
Star Showcase displays clothing and items used by Korean celebrities, videos shown by Star Magazine, and taking pictures while wearing clothing items having appeared in Korean soap operas.
Big Bang
Admission / Participation Fees
Adults: KRW 10,000
Children: KRW 7,000 (children over 37 months of age)
Entire admission fees are donated to not-for-profit organizations.
Discount Information
Free admission tickets available upon purchase at Lotte World, Lotte Department Store, or Duty Free Shop (the purchase needs to be above a certain amount)
Directions
Exit #3, Jamsil Station (Subway Line No.2) and the first underground floor at the South Gate of Lotte World
Visit their website for more details: http://en.lottedfs.com/

HUGGABLE HAECHI PROMOTES SEOUL SUMMER SALE 2011

HUGGABLE HAECHI PROMOTES SEOUL SUMMER SALE 2011

We went to Myeong-dong this afternoon and we were so amazed to see Haechi promoting SSS2011. He is so cute and cuddly that we really want to take him home…
Seoul has selected the imaginary creature ``Haechi'' as the symbolic icon of the city. Haechi, generally known as Haetae, is a lion-like horned creature that often appears in myths as a guardian against fire and disasters. As corporate identify (CI) is used to upgrade corporate image, the city wants the new symbol to become the city's new icon and contribute to boosting the capital's international image.  I really love this adorable mascot..I hope the Philippines will have its own soon.

``Despite the scale and reputation of Seoul, we don't have any representative symbol. We've selected Haechi as the symbol and we hope it will promote the city internationally,'' said Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. He wants Haechi to become like the Big Apple of New York, Merloin in Singarpore and Buddy Bear of Berlin, the mayor said. Seoul will be promoted as ``City of Haechi.''
The city made the selection after six months of preparation, including various surveys and public hearings. Most respondents picked Gyeongbok Palace as a representative icon of the city but the city chose the palace's guardian Haechi for its practical variations along with its historical characteristics.

``We had other options but we concluded Haechi can be best used in various forms,'' said Kwon Young-gull, deputy mayor and chief design officer of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. ``It can appear on T-shirts, various advertisement of Seoul, coins and accessories with various images.''
Haechi will replace the city's old symbol of WangBomi, a tiger character, which has not been well known due to the lack of promotion as well as its symbolic meanings.
To actively use the new symbol, the city government will set up statues of Haechi in the Gwanghwamun Plaza, which is scheduled to open next year. Other forms of Haechi will also be installed in various spots in the city. The city will also hold a variety of promotional events such as a street parade and festival and offer tourism packages named after Haechi.
The texts are from: e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr
INTERESTED ABOUT HAECHI? CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE AT : http://haechi.seoul.go.kr/

EVERYBODY LOVES THE FACESHOP

EVERYBODY LOVES THE FACESHOP

by Team Philippines

Get 5% discount for a minimum purchase (single receipt) at all The Face Shop stores in Seoul. Just look at the Seoul Summer Sale posters or banners. I accompanied my friend Tara this afternoon to buy all her skin care and cosmetic needs at Face Shop Myeong-dong. By simply showing her Seoul Summer Sale Card we got the discount plus many exciting freebies! Hurry now and start your shopping spree.


For more products you can check their website at: http://www.thefaceshop.com/

Friday, July 15, 2011

SWEET SERENITY

SWEET SERENITY

The photo depicts the Korean traditional architecture aesthetically characterized by moderate elegance in decoration and humble openness in structural design. The moderate use of color blended with the serene landscape of the palace grounds. The humble openness in design as shown in this archway may have grown from the tendency of the Korean people to adapt themselves to nature.

A VISIT TO MY FRIEND, PHYU PHYU YONSEI UNIVERSITY

A VISIT TO MY FRIEND, PHYU PHYU
YONSEI UNIVERSITY

Yonsei University was first established in 1885 by Christian missionaries and considered as the oldest private university in Korea. Since then it has formed leaders contributing to humanity in the spirit of “truth and freedom.” The 300,000 Yonsei alumni who take this calling to heart can be found manifesting this proud spirit from leadership positions around the world.

Statue of the Founder, Rev. Horace Grant Underwood

The (Administration)  Underwood Building

Yonsei’s main campus is ensconced in a spacious, picturesque and natural setting located minutes away from the economic, political, and cultural centers of Seoul's metropolitan downtown. Yonsei has 3,500 eminent faculty members who are conducting cutting-edge research across all academic disciplines. There are 18 graduate schools, 22 colleges and 133 subsidiary institutions hosting a selective pool of students from around the world. Yonsei is proud of its history and reputation as a leading institution of higher education and research in Asia, their tagline is the First and the Best. 

Phyu Phyu

I went to the University to visit my friend from Myanmar. Phyu Phyu Aung. She is currently writing her thesis focusing on the development of Korean Language education in Myanmar. She toured me around the campus and patiently discussed to me the history and functions of the various buildings and structures within the vicinity. Hiking towards her dormitory was not that easy, especially during winter. I really admire her perseverance and resilience to study here. Coming from Southeast Asia, I know it is really hard to live on a country with the cost of living thrice as higher than yours.

This may look like Nami Island , but hey its the road leading to her dormitory.
As a scholar, we need to budget our monthly allowance, which is just enough to survive. I know that Phyu Phyu is a future leader for her country. I hope that someday, Myanmar will embrace democracy. There is still hope.

"YOU ARE THE GUARDIANS OF OUR NATIONAL HERITAGE"

"YOU ARE THE GUARDIANS OF OUR NATIONAL HERITAGE"

- PCNB CHAIRMAN LEE BAE YOUNG

The registration booth


The gate leading to the main courtyard of Changdeokgung

One of the grand pavilions

The serene lake offers a relaxing atmosphere to its visitors.

Last July 4, 2011, the UNESCO Guardians of Cultural Heritage Opening Ceremony was held at the secret garden of the Changdeokgung Palace. The said program aims to gather international students as well as Korean students who will be visiting various heritage sites and conduct numerous activities related towards the preservation, conservation and restoration of this natural and man-made sites which some are now endangered due to tourism and some changes in the environment. It was participated by at least 100 students who will be sent on various missions and programs under the auspices of Korea National Commission for UNESCO, Presidential Commission of Nation Branding, and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.


Maybe, hundreds of years ago, the Queen will make her afternoon walk at the side of this lake.

The Stage



During the program, PCNB Chairman Lee Bae Young gave a very inspiring message for all participants. Later, they were all entertained by traditional performances.


Thursday, July 14, 2011

CAN’T GET OVER WITH GYEONGBUKGUNG

CAN’T GET OVER WITH GYEONGBUKGUNG

 Gwanghwamun
 The Banquet Hall and the pond
 The Coronation Hall


Palace Entrance





Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as "Palace of Shining Happiness."

Nearly destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the palace complex is slowly being restored to its original form prior the destruction. As of 2009, roughly 40 percent of the original number of palace buildings still stand or are being reconstructed.

EVERLAND: EVERYDAY IS A HOLIDAY


EVERLAND: EVERYDAY IS A HOLIDAY




Everland Resort, is a theme park in Yongin, a city in Gyeonggi-do province, South Korea.

Everland is South Korea's largest theme park. With 8.6 million visitors, Everland ranked tenth in the world for amusement park attendance in 2007. Along with its main attractions, Everland also includes a zoo and a water park known as Caribbean Bay. Everland is operated by Samsung Everland, which is a subsidiary of the Samsung Group. Some say the park is a low-scale copy of Disneyland, noting the architecture, scale, themes, and general atmosphere.
The name of the park is of note, as the name "Everland" is English. 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 "Ja Yeon Nong Won" which roughly means "Natural Farm".[citation needed] Its former English name was "Farmland".


T Express





The T Express, debuted in 2006, is the first wooden roller coaster and the largest of any kind in South Korea. The T Express is the 6th longest wooden coaster in the world at 5,838 feet long. It is also the steepest, with the first drop inclined at 77 degrees. Its name comes from the logo of conglomerate SK Corporation's SK Telecom service.

Characteristics & Records of T Express (2008)
South Korea's first wooden roller coaster
World's 2nd steepest wooden roller coaster (77 degrees)
Drop : 57m (7th in the world)
Attraction time : 3min 00sec (the longest in Asia, 7th in the world)
Air time : 12 times (the most air times in South Korea)
Altitude : 56m (the highest in Asia, 3rd in the world)
Maximum Speed : 104km/h (the fastest in Asia, 8th in the world)
[+] Gravity Force : 4.5g
[-] Gravity Force : -1.2g



Everland is divided into 5 distinct zones; Global Fair, Zoo-Topia, European Adventure, Magic Land and American Adventure.

Global Fair








Global Fair is primarily a place for food, souvenirs and pictures as visitors make their way into and out of the park. There are many shops, and restaurants as well as special services such as stroller rental and lockers.

Zoo-Topia


Zoo-Topia is an animal themed portion. There is a petting zoo, pony rides, and animal shows. There is also a small zoo with polar bears, sea lions, penguins, bears, tigers and primates. A safari bus ride is available which shows animals such as ligers and bears roaming in a contained habitat. The visitors are caged up in the bus. Amazon Express is a raft ride, where most visitors get wet to varying degrees. The petting zoo provides animals such as goats and sheep to pet. Kosik, one of Zoo-topia's elephants, made headlines when he demonstrated an ability to imitate Korean words.

European Adventure








European Adventure has many restaurants in various European styles. The architecture imitates different European styles. There is a flower garden encircled by a train, games and arcades. A favorite attraction here is the Mystery Mansion in which visitors can shoot at the ghosts. In March 2008, a new ride named, "T Express" was added. It is the first roller-coaster in Korea to be constructed out of wood.


Magic Land







Magic land is an elaborate array of buildings and rides. There is a portion called Aesop's Village where the characters and themes are primarily drawn from the fables of Aesop. The Ferris wheel here provides a spectacular view of the whole park. There is also a log ride, a futuristic flying ride, and a robot ride. With the rides, there are many restaurants and stands.
American Adventure
Themes from American history are presented in this portion of the park. There are 2 Wild West rides, including the "Eagle's Fortress" thrill ride, and the rodeo. In Rock Ville the theme is the 1950s and its music. The Double Rock Spin is a main attraction as live bands play near the Rolling X-Train, a roller coaster located within the park.

Roller coasters


Ride     Year Opened   Manufacturer Description
T ExpresS (2008) Intamin AG - South Korea's highest, fastest, longest, steepest roller coaster. Also South Korea's first wooden coaster.
It has world's steepest wooden roller coaster record (77 degrees, 2009)
Eagle Fortress (1992)  Arrow Dynamics - South Korea's first suspended coaster. Limited to 40 miles per hour (64km/h) by a trim brake on the drop when opening, but now reaches 52 miles per hour (85km/h) since the trim brake was eliminated.
Rolling-X Train (1988) Arrow Dynamics (Trains built by Vekoma)     Built for the celebration of 1988 Seoul Olympics. Two loops and two corkscrews. Former name was "Fantasy Express"


Herky & Timmy's Racing Coaster (2005)       Vekoma           A Family roller coaster placed in Aesop's village.
Dragon Coaster (1987) Zamperla      A two circuit powered roller coaster.