Seoul city tour to Pocheon Herb Island.

Pocheon Herb Island.
It is famous for millions of herbs which give you good smells and good night view in the winter. It is 1.5 hours distance by car. It is getting easier after opening the new freeway.

This is kind of private-owned park with herbs, green house, buildings, restaurant. It has a fresh air because it is located in the small mountain. Take your leisure time here for refresh. Visit more place near by here, ex. Pocheon Art Valley, Sanjeong lake.

You can stroll into the dozens of building to see perfumes, bar(soap), handy craft, and drink coffee like the picture above. Please enjoy the memoraable visit to the Herb Island in Pocheon.

There are "remembrance section" where you can see the miniature street in 1960s 18970s 1980s. This is another unexpected thing to see. Please fall in love with the scene of South Korean Industrial Development Era.


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Phocheon Art Valley

Art Valley in Pocheon is famous drama location of Lee Min-ho and Ms. Jun Ji-hyun. It was the "Legend of the Blue Sea". 

The small mountain was quarry but during cop the rock it produced dust and made a pollution near by residential area. So finally it cease to crop rocks in 2000s. And not it became like small park with astronomical class hall.

The main section of this Pocheon Art Valley is the picture above. The rocks are all vertical as you can see in this picture so that this scenery makes artificial beauty. And it became looks natural as time goes by. Sometimes there is concert on the small stage near the cliff.

You can see the Sanjeong Lake and Herb Island together with this Art Valley. Please plan to see together these sites if you once to to Pocheon city. 

For more information contact Kevin H. insights.kr@gmail.com or the travel agency www.insightskorea.com

Kakao talk ID: privateguide


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Sanjeong Lake in Pocheon city.

The Sanjeong Lake (산정호수). 

The San Jeong means a place at the top of mountain.
The shape of lake is looks like reverse Korean peninsula, it is about 2 hours distance  (about 100 km) by car from Seoul. It is not far distance considering the Korean traffic situations and size of South Korea. It is considered normal distance to drive for leisure.

There are some places to visit together mostly this place a a place the first leader of North Korea, Kim il seong, to have a vacation, like summer house. There are botanical garden, Pocheon Art Valley, Herb Island near by here by half an hour driving.


There are some activities like:
   - peddling boat (duck boat) in summer.
   -  ice sledge, duck trailer, Korean Skate, Tricycle, etc. 
You can enjoy these activity normally in January and February according to the ice thickness. These activities will give you a variety of winter activities. There is also ice-fishing section but it is not much being held during week days, it is normally being held during weekends when there are more visitors.

But this place is normally sightseeing place so that you can enjoy country side views and pampas forest.There are one of famous pampas forest to see in the autumn. The sunshine reflection on pampas is very beautiful. This area is 2 hours away from the lake. But from the lake you can reach this area by enjoying walking through mountain area for hiking which make you enjoy the scenery.



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The Korean peninsula has lots of islands. These islands is making beautiful scenery. 

The Daebudo island include some smaller islands. The Seonjaedo island is one of them. Very next to the Seonjaedo island, there is Mokseon island(Hangdo). The picture is Moseom. There is sand beach (=sand bar) which is connecting the Seonjaedo island and the Mokseom. This beach appear and disappear according to the tide. 

This natural phenomenon makes beautiful and funny experience. You can cross the sea on foot when it is low ride, but you definitely should be back before the sea level is coming up(high tide). This is 'Present of the moon'. let's feel the greatness of the nature, here. 

Why don't you experience interesting miracle - 'Story of Moses'.

The Seonjaedo island is between the Yeoungheungdo island and Daebudo island, connecting two islands. There are plenty of grape in Seonjaedo island likewise Daebudo island.  The biggest Manila clam(sea shell) farm is here.


This island is undiscovered island. It is one and half hours from Seoul to the South Southwest. You can taste special the noodle which is made from Korean wheat. In the summer you can experience Seashell cropping.





Introduction  

Seonjaedo Island in Incheon (but closer to the Ansan city) is believed to have been settled since the Neolithic Era. It had been called Sowudo Island during the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties, before it was named Seonjaedo in 1871. The name Seonjaedo means "an island where a divine fairy came down and danced." At low tide, a sandbar path connecting the island with the mainland appears from the ocean. Seonjaedo Island is also a bridge island that connects Daebudo and Yeongheungdo Islands.

Fairy-tale village in Incheon, South Korea.

Do you know Korea. May be Yes. Because you know Seoul. Actually that is not enough. Incheon became the heart of Korean war and enterance to open the port to western country in 19 century. Without telling the Incheon we cannot tell Korean modern history.

Fairy-tale village is very near to Incheon subway station. There are Freedom Park and China Town next to this fairy-tale village. 

Many people want to go to Seoul when they visit Korea. It will be very interesting  to visit Incheon if you have more than 5 days. 

Three places, China town, Freedom park and Fairy-tale village, are walk away distance from each other.

Have a lunch at China town and take walk to Freedom park and Fairy-tale village.

Nami island. Must-visit near Seoul.

Nami Island.

Namiseom Island Namiseom (Nami Island) is a small island which is a must-visit destination for fans of Korea pop culture.

You can enjoy first kiss place of two main actor and actress: Ujin and Junsang. Lanes of ginko trees, metasequoia trees  and maypole trees.

Sitting in the forest, this nature-friendly store offers various products, such as gifts: penholder, magnatics, doll, postcard, etc.

Visitors can take a ferry, or try out  zip line for a 1-minute scenic thrill ride to this famous island.

Inside there are small tram, bicycle, steamed bread, snowman pan cake, sausages and the like to enjoy.

Seon Nyeo Ba Wi (Taoist fairy rock, 을왕리 선녀바위) in Incheon, Korea.

Seon Nyeo Ba Wi (Taoist fairy rock, 을왕리 선녀바위) 2014.05.07. 

Eul Wang Ri (Eulwangri, 을왕리) is so famous that here is packed with many people. I visited Seon Nyeo Ba Wi (선녀바위, Taoist fairy rock). This place is calm and peaceful. 

You can enjoy camping before the peak season. Enjoy the fishery village scene. They catches sea bass and gray mullet. This picture showing that they are under drying in the sea wind. Sea wind has moisture and salt so it make the fish delicious and sticky. 

Seagull is also beautiful scenery. People feed seagull "Sae Woo Ggang (새우깡, cookie). But feed them too much, because they may forget how to catch fish. 

This place is near by Incheon international airport (ICN), 20 minutes away by taxi. if you have a injury time(transit time) it is food place to visit. Remember the sea level is different according to the position of the moon. I recommend that you visit when the highest sea level is.  

If you are interested in fishing you can go fishing gobie(망둥어). The best season for gobie fishing is autumn. You'd better go 2 hours before the high tide. 

This is real Korea (South Korea). 

 

 

 

Seon Nyeo Ba Wi  

 

 

Related near by place : Eurwangni Beach (을왕리해수욕장) 

Introduction

Eurwangni Beach is located southwest of Yongyudo Island near Incheon International Airport. With a gentle slant and an average depth of only 1.5 meters and beautiful white sand, this beach is crowded with people all year round. 

Eurwangni Beach is also one of the few astronomical observation areas among the suburbs of Seoul. Another advantage of the beach is the abundant availability of reasonably priced accommodation.

Opening date

Early July to late August

Activity Information

Banana boat, Jet ski

Maximum Occupancy

30,000 people

Parking Facilities

600 parking spaces

Admission Fees

Free

Available Facilities

Shower booths, changing room, water fountain, camping site for students, grass field, etc.

Restrooms

Available

Facilities for the Handicapped

Separate restrooms

Directions

Incheon International Airport (Airport Railroad), Gate 2A (1F). Take Bus 302 or 306 and get off at Eurwangni Beach.

related place by KTO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 
 
 



Azalea in South Korea

Azalea in South Korea.

This was shot at Gang Hwa island (강화도) in South Korea. Gang Hwa Do (or Gang Hwa Do island) is famous for azalea festival from April 20 to May 1. But, this year the spring started two weeks early than usual year. As a result I saw the end of the azalea blooming when I visited this island.

The pics those you see now was shot at Goryo San (=고려산) in Gang Hwa Do, South Korea. Gang Hwa Do is located 50 Km away from Seoul to the west.

We, Korea, have 5,000 years of history. The history started from Gang Hwa Do. To pin point the place is Ma Ni San(마니산) Cheom Sung Dan (첨성단).  the Ma Ni San is not far from Go Ryo San. You can enjoy Ma Ni San too, if you want to go.

Those are enjoying the flowers, even thought it is already the end of the blooming season. You can fill it from the gesture of the people.

Hana, Dull, Set, Say Kimchi. Kimchi has the same pronunciation with cheese, so Koreans say Kimchi when they taks picture.

 Why not enjoy this pic.

 Why not enjoy this pic.

This is dolmen. (Grave) 

This dole man is listed in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. This is very unique style of ancient grave, table style. Imagine how they put this huge rock on the two pillars. This is just next to the Go Ryo San. Do not miss it when you go to see azalea festival.

Gang Hwa Do also famous for Korean Ginseng which is the best in the world as anti disease and organic food. In Korea, there is old saying that Food and Medicine have same origin.

Enjoy the beautiful azalea and real Korean 5,000 years old history in Gang Hwa Do.
The average blooming season of the azalea from April 20 to May 1 in Go Ryo San, but consider the change of the temperatures.

Gang Hwa Do Hwa Mun Seok(강화화문석) at Dong Dae Mun DDP

Ganghwa Hwamunseok.

It is Korean's only rush-weaving handicraft. It is a cultural legacy inherited from Goryeo (the ancient Korean kingdom) dynasty period, and is a product that is exclusively produced in Ganghwa-gun where is in the west of the Seoul. 

To both preserve and develop its historic rush-weaving handicrafts, Ganghwa-gun constructed Hwamunseok Cultural Center at Yangoh-ri Songhae-myeon, the craft's place of origin. 

Visitors to the cultural center will be able to view the individual features and transformations of Hwamunseok in addition to the past, present and future of rush-weaving handicrafts.

This  picture is in DDP at Dong Dae Mun history and culture park subway station. 

photo by Kevin Hwang

Gang Hwa Do is also famous for Dolmen. 

Try insights Korea. 

We will better understand Korea and K-pop. 

Tips for Ganghwado(강화도, Gang Hwa Do, Ganghwa island) 

Introduction

Ganghwa island is the fifth largest island in Korea and is located in the West Sea. 

It is composed of 11 inhabited islands and 17 uninhabited islands, and its beaches are 99 km long. Recently with the creation of the Ganghwa Bridge ah Choji Bridge the island has become more like the mainland. 

Because there were people living on this island from the prehistoric times, there are many ancient artifacts on the island. The most famous of these are the Goindol Rocks, designated as World’s Cultural Treasure. 

The Goindol graves are where the rulers of the Ganghwa Island in the Bronze Age are buried. There are about 80 of these stone graves around the island. There is also evidence of the Dangunwanggeom, the founding figure of Korea whose life marks the beginning of Korean history. 

If you walk up the many steps of Chamseongdan in Mani Mountain, you will come to a peak where you can see the West Sea and the inland. This is where Dangunwanggeom is said to have offered sacrificial rites to the heavens. 

Ganghwa Island has many famous local products, including the medicinally effective Ganghwa Ginseng, Pure-Ganghwa radish with its peculiar taste, and Hwamunseok, which is a mat woven with flower patterns. 

Hwamunseok is famous also as a representative traditional Korean product, with its intricate handwork and designs.

souce : KNTC. 

My Love From the Star.

My Love from the Star(별에서 온 그대).  It is South Korean soap opera. Kim Su Hyon is the hero in the drama.

Nowadays it is almost fashion. What is the secret ? Korean soap opera catching the fashion all across the world. I think this is come from the rule of nature. We like nature itself. We have been living together with nature. We didn't destroy the nature.
It is big problem that people have a lots of stress from daily life. They need relax. The nature can bring you 'soothing effect'. In case of South Korean, it is natural for them to live according to the rule of nature. Finally it is getting popular among people. 

Sunset at Gang Hwa Do island.

Korea is peninsular, so we have a beautiful scenery sunrise and sunset. This picture is sunset at Ganghwado island. You can enjoy fishing there. Sea current surrounding Gang Haw Do(강화도) island is too fast to sail or swim. 

You can go fishing too. The west coast has much mud in the beach, so there is much fish. Mud has lots of nutrition and minerals those are fish like. 

This is famous place for fishing. 

This is also the popular palce for 

sunset ssightseeing.  

Dae-myeong Pogu (대명포구) 

Campfire in Nami island (Korean drama location)

Campfire in Nama island (Korean drama location).

If you are too cold, it will warm you. If you are exhausted it will cheer you. There are camp fires for visitors from tropical country.

Nowadays the tempture (0 degrees Celsius) is very warm for Koreans, but still cold for people from tropical countries. So Nami island provide the "details", campfire is one of them.

Ski resort wih my guests.

I went to the ski resort again with my 12 guests today, everyone with my guests were satisfied with the tour. 

Everyone looks professional after the beginner's lesson with me Ha Ha Ha. Today, the two ladies have learned skills so fast with me, Ha Ha good teacher and good studients.

They had different schedules, different packages, but I did my best to satisfy them. They are all excellent travelers who know how to enjoy the travel and very cooperative.  Thank you all of you very much. I hope I can see you agian in the near future.

Jisan Ski resort.

1 hour from Seoul to the South. The Jisan ski resort. I went to there yesterday. It is nearer ski resort than ski resorts those are located in pyengchang. So you can enjoy longer time in Jisan ski resort.  For beginners and intermediate skiers, this ski resort is best place to learn ski. Also best place for one day trip. 

It is me who had V stepping to go up to the top of the slope. V stepping is one of the basic skills you have to learn after learn side stepping. You can learn how to ski from me. There are many skills to learn e.g. up and down, cross over, A break, stem turn, parrallel turn, etc. In ski it is important to stop and slowdown. If you cannot control the speed by A shape break just fall down on your hip. 

A shape. 

This is lift. But I don't recommend for beginners because it is difficult for beginners to get on the life and dangerous if you fall down from the lift.

Look at this. 

It is so beautiful. 

Tourist Attraction name: Jisan ski resort 

Korean drama tours 'Winter Sonata' location Nami island

Nami island is famous for domestic and overseas tourists. Its circumference is 5 Km long. The name Nami is named after general Nami who was very brave. He was general in the Choseon dynasty (1392 ~ 1910).

It was not island before the construction of dam. It became island or mountain peak according to the amount of rain falls. After the construction of the dam Nami island became all seasons island. 

There are interesting places like first kiss place of the drama winter sonata and Dating places of Yujin and Junsang (names in drama). Many people lost their mind when they arrived in Nami island. 

10 years has passed after the first episode of the drama Winter Sonata. Nevertheless, the island still one of the major tourist attractions in South Korea. I think that is because why the Nami island promote in many ways to attract tourists. 

This year we are having heavy snow falls frequently. You can enjoy Look at the beautiful snow scenery here. 

Cheomseongdae

Let's take time machine to BC57 in Gyeongju.

Tourist Attraction Name: Cheomseongdae.
Location: Gyeongju city 390Km away from Seoul to the southeast.

You can enjoy the Splendor of Shilla dynasty (BC57 ~ 938). 

The Shilla dynasty is the country lasted 1,000 years old.
At that moment most countries lasted only 50 years
or 300 years, or so.

The Shilla dynasty started as smallest  kingdom,
eventually unified the other two kingdoms.
It is called the "Unified Shilla" dynasty.
During the Unified Shilla dynasty
they achieved lots of
splendid Buddhist culture
as well as general culture. 

After unification of three kingdoms 
the Unified Shilla needed to furnish enough food. 
To made it possible the need to observe the changes of the 
4 seasons as well as 24 seasons. 
So the king ordered construct the Cheomseongdae 
which was used to watch the stars and sky to see 
if weather conditions are good enough. 

And science is astonish. 
It is established on and among the farm land (rice paddy).
Rice paddy is soft and the soil is unstable, however the Cheomseongdae 
stand still there more than 1,200 years. 
Can you imagine how the ancient people could find the right place 
for Cheomseongdae ? Oh my, incredible ! Gorgeous. 

Just at a glance, it is nothing. 
But if you understand the story of the Cheomseongdae, 
you cannot close you eyes and mouth.   

Cheomseongdae is observatory. 

It is treasure of science, theory, 

architecture 

and mathematics. 

 Let's find the secret of number.

12 

12 

24 

362 

27 

And the oldest observatory in the orient. 

Korea Folk Village

Tourist Attraction Name: Korea National Folk village(한국민속촌). 

Location: Suwon(수원) 45Km away from Seoul to the south.

Nearby : Suwon Hwasung Fortress(수원화성)

 Suwon Hwasung fortress is listed in UNESCO World cultural Heritage. 

What to see : Nongak, Korean culture from different types of building. 

Snow shower in Korean drama Winter Sonata Location, Nami island

After the drama 'Winter Sonata' 

Still there are many visitors. 

Now we can enjoy snow scenery. 

There are many people who have not see snow. 

It is beautiful and enjoyable experience for them. 

South Korea is the best place for them, 

because South Korea has distinctive four seasons. 

The four seasons make beautiful changes of 

colors in Korea. 

Spring : Pink and white flowers 

Summer : all green

Autumn : Red and Yellow, Blue

Winter : Blue, Black and white. 

Pottery Tour

I have been to Pottery Village in Icheon.

Icheon is 50 km away from Seoul to the southeast.

You can enjoy pottery class.  You can paint you own design

on the first burned cups and then you can bring it to your home.

Also there is exhibition hall. You can look around beautiful celadon. If you are

interested you can buy it.

  

Everland (52 km away from seoul) amusement park.

EverLand is four seasons theme park.

Which is owned by Samsung. 

Now it is taking attraction for tourist from all over the world.