Alien is Moving ....

yups.... i'm moving .... finding a new home for my story.. The Alien now resides at www.togekucai.wordpress.com

FINDING ME AT GANGNEUNG : UJUKHEON & ANMOK BEACH

Ujukheon

I’m walking about 2KM or more coz I think I was a little bit lost that day on my way to Ujukheon from Seongyojang. When my friends and WWOOF hosts asked me what I want to do at Gangneung, my first answer is to go to Ujukheon!!! When Mr Lee Seun Gun (one of 2Days 1Night member) explained about Ujukheon, I told myself that I’m not going to miss that spot! Why should I coz that is the place where the picture of Ujukheon was pictured on 5,000 korean won note!!! And it’s the place where Yil I’s mother, Lady Shin who pictured in 50,000 korean won note lived. I want to make sure how big the 3 trees in front of the house now growing after the picture taken…. Heheheh  … Oh, ya …you can find lots of black bamboo at the back of the house which where the house was name of. And, basically this house is an outdoor museum!!!  

The same view as captured on 5,000 won. Only that the tree now bigger than before

Lady Shin on 50,000 won - Yi I's mother

More info and how to get to: Ujukheon

Anmok Beach where the Coffee Story Lies

I went to this place simply because Lee Seung Gi was here during his mission in 2Days 1Night. His mission was to taste 10 different coffees and describe it with a poem!!! When he drank his espresso and described it like this ““If love melts, and the heart melts, and sadness melts, and the whole world melts, it becomes one cup of espresso.” Hahahah… this mission is simply made me think that Gangneung is a poem city!!! With poems from scholars dated 500 years ago and Lee Seung Gi, me myself while having ice Americano during the cold winter while facing the sea at Anmok beach decided to wrote a poem …. Ahaks

I am here

With the blue sea wide infront my eyes

The comforting sound of wave and seagulls

And the sea wind pleasantly touching my face

I feel relieved coz I an here at the place I love the most

Beach, Pantai, 해변

Sea, Laut, 바다

As always to be here at this kind of place

I wish forever

Coz I am here where my heart at peace

Place where I am who I am

Let’s move to what actually you can find here at Anmok beach. I’m planning actually to have a special entry about drinking coffee culture at South Korea later. But I guessed I will try to cover it first with Coffee Street phenomena at Anmok beach. It was winter when I visited the beach so you can expect not much people there strolling at the beach except me especially it almost lunch time. You can imagine how strong the wind can be and how cold it becomes but I love the salty smell of the beach. Facing the sea, there are a long stretch of 20 -30 shop building which mostly dominated by coffee shops; small, big, oversea brand, local brand, corporate look interior, cute interior, traditional interior, name it. And long list of menu you can choose from. 

 My stomach was empty to start with coffee but I badly want to be inside the warm building so I just randomly choose my first coffee shop..emhhh, randomly choose the want without Lee Seung Gi banner outside!!! Hhahah.. all the “chosen” shop owner was so eager to tell the visitor that Lee Seung Gi was there but I don’t blame them as the power of public figure marketing is so important in South Korea. Everything and anything can be sold here as long as someone popular endorsing it. The first coffee shop has a romantic interior with small table with colorful cushion and detail decor. It gives you the feeling of having your coffee at your own living room. I spent around 20 minutes there sipping my hot latte while reading my e-book.

 I left the first coffee shop and moved to bigger, double storey coffee shop. I decided to try Ice Americano which is loved by Koreans and a slice of strawberry cake. Americano = Kopi O which basically will never be in my list. I wonder why Korean love Americano so much? Maybe because it’s the cheapest one? Or because it has no milk and cream? It just doesn't suit my test!!! But I took my own sweet time staying there for about 2 hours as they provide wifi and I really engrossed in finishing one of the story in my e-book. And this is the only word that will be suitable to describe my feeling “this is how life supposed to be” … J

 

I left Anmok beach and already missing it when my eyes can’t see the sight of the beach anymore. I rode my taxi to find the place where a must to go if you are hungry!!! Let's find my late lunch!!!

More on Anmok Beach

IT'S SPRING!!!!

Busker Busker sing a spring song ...and my heart full with cherry blossom!!! 

FINDING ME AT GANGNEUNG: GYEONGPODAE & SEONGYOJANG

Gyeongpodae

After a failed attempt to buy the Seaside train ticket, I made my walked again to the taxi stand in front of the train station. I first saw Gyeongpodae pavilion in 2Days 1Night (2Days 1Night is a popular travel variety show in South Korea). Basically most of my places to go at Gangneung was featured in 2Days 1Night. Gyeongpodae is a pavilion overlooking a Gyeongpo lake. In the show, I fall in love with how beautiful the scenery been seen from the pavilion.

After a small talk with the taxi driver on the way to Gyeongpodae, we arrived! No other car or public transportation was there and as explained by the taxi driver when he made an offer to wait for me there before taking me to my next location. Of course I said yes and hurriedly climb to Gyeongpodae. Nothing there except the pavilion but in front of me, looking from the pavilion is really beautiful scenery of Gyeongpo Lake.  It is said that one can see the moon five times when at Gyeongpodae. One sees the moon once in the sky, once reflected in the lake, once reflected in the sea, once reflected in the drinking glass, and once more in the eyes of a lover. Huks, suddenly I featured myself back to 500 years ago when a famous scholar Yi I, wrote his poems while he is there when he is still 10 years old. The poem is now written on 28 pillars of Gyeongpodae. I guess anybody who are here and see the beautiful scenery will definitely would like to capture the beauty in a poem. As my taxi driver is waiting for me, I just managed to capture the beauty in the pictures. Please have a look at the scenery from the eyes of Yil I, 500 years ago.

Gyeongpodae the Pavillion

Gyeongpo Lake view from Gyeongpodae

Seongyojang

On the taxi driver recommendation, I was dropped off at Seongyojang. According to the taxi driver, UJukheon which my actual planned to go is only a walking distance from Seongyojang. Hence, he urged me not to miss Seongyojang. Without any idea on what is Seongyojang is all about, I paid 3000 won for my ticket fee and a pamphlet about Seongyojang.  After passing by the ticket counter, I am now standing at a big courtyard. 

Seongyojang is actually a house for yangban(noble person) dated 300 years ago. If anybody watched a historical drama about Hwangjini (played by Ha Ji Won and Jang Gu Seok), the drama was filmed here. It’s a beautiful house with a peaceful environment (erkss..maybe because nobody was there except me and the workers). 

But I am more attracted to a small pavilion at the right side of the courtyard. The pavilion is actually built on a small pond that being connected by a small bridge. I bet that when I closed my eyes for a while, I can see a handsome Yangban wearing hanbok at the pavilion veranda facing the lake full with white lotus.  Hahahaha …but the reality is a closed-no entry pavilion with frozen pond and only me.  After half an hour walking by myself touring the whole house while enjoying the scenery and taking my own sweet time, I left the house and my imaginary handsome Yangban and made my way to Ujukheon. 

My imaginary Yangban ..ahaks

More info and how to get to: 
 Gyeongpodae and Seongyojang

Raining Reminds Me of Rain ...and My Unsatisfactory!!!

It's been almost half of year since the “waiting clock” start to kick for Rain's fan. Celebrity is always celebrity; they can't run away from the camera lens and news about them even when they are at Military Service. But i guess, Rain's fans will be more than happy to see him or read about his whereabouts in the army through the SNS. As for me? yups ...yups...i'm okay with that.

I may sound more like a mom rather than a fan when i read his latest news in army. Forgive me on that. It just my personal view and thought of that or maybe the first impression i got.

Okay, let me explain about the situation here. Military service in South Korea is mandatory for South Korean man. Usually all boy in their 18, after their high-schools will straight go to army for 2 years or during their freshman year at University. Only man with special reasons whom most likely an artist or national athlete will extend their entry. And as in the army, being able to be selected to special force team or to be in Marine or Air force will be highly anticipated. As a fan, i'm so proud that Rain can enter the 5th Division which the team will be the second layer of defense in war (i read somewhere) and of course he is the best in his team to be able to be selected as a team leader and later promoted to be a trainer.

But when i read somewhere that he applied for a transfer to Public Relation department which most of the artists are placed to be an entertainer, to promote the army, etc.. i just sighing...why? i kinda disappointed... i really wish that he can do more on that elite group, to show his potential other than what he usually do...

However, when i saw his latest picture after been transferred to Public Relation Department, i come to understand his decision. To be able to do what he love to do, to be in front of many people, to perform is not only a job which he can left behind for a while... it's his life!!! In what condition or situation, nothing can change that. His happy face told me that i should be more understanding. Like a mom who scold you to make sure you are giving more thought on whatever you do, like a mom who are giving her most support once her son deciding something and work his best pursuing it.. i'm now silently wish that he will always be healthy and happy to be able to do what he is doing now!!! ahaksssss... An entry from Rain’s fan

Selected as an ambassador for Public Relation Department

Performing at Army concert at Seoul

Being an Emcee at an Army event at Vietnam

FINDING ME AT GANGNEUNG : FIRST STEPS

My Korean friends never have been to Gangneung before so they can’t give me any advice of that place. And I can’t find much info; I mean “budget” info of that place. Without having my accommodation booked earlier or have no idea on how should I move around, but I’m more than thrill looking at the long list of things to do at Gangneung.

Info ..info and info ... the first thing I looking for at the bus station is a tourist info counter. I’m glad that South Korea is really well prepared regards to tourism info and I am glad that the tourist guy is a nice guy that willing to help me find my accommodation. It sounds weird for me at the first place to ask where I should find an accommodation here at Gangneung coz I never done it before. But lucky me, opposite of the bus terminal 4 – 5 motels was there. So, I walked to the furthest motel in hoping that I can get a room for less than 50,000 won pernight. And thank god that at last I managed to settled down with 40,000 won pernight (room with internet and desktop)…..hehehehe…I am happy. It was 5.00 pm when I looking at Gangneung bus terminal from my motel window, tomorrow I will explore Gangneung ..murmuring to myself. No town, no beach nearby like I expected so I kinda nervous thinking that how far the places I planned to go will be from the bus terminal. But tomorrow I will think about it, tomorrow ..not tonight coz tonight I need to sleep.

My motel room - resting while watching 2Days 1Night 

Gangneung bus terminal from my motel room window

I woke up early offering my Subuh prayer and open up again Gangneung map given by the tourist guy and the inter-bus time table. After a long ponder, I decided to take taxi instead to save my time. And knowing that no English announcement inside the bus, I really want to minimize the attention I will get as a foreigner when I rode the bus and need to ask around. I bet in this place, the number of foreigner will be less and after 2 weeks being the “center of attention” back at countryside, I just want to go low.

My target travel place:

1^st Day:

1. To ride Sea Side Train and stop at Jeongdonjin Station (The nearest Station to the sea in the world)
2. Sandglass Park

2^nd Day:

3. Gyeongpodae Pavillion
4. Ujukheon House

3^rd Day:

5. Cho-Dang Bean Curd Village
6. Anmuk Beach
7. Jungang Market

"Ahjussi, Gicha Yok Kaseyo" I rode my taxi and asked the driver to take me to train station where i should buy my Seaside Train ticket today. I can't miss the 10 am ride as there are only 2 times a day train in operation. When i arrived, nobody at the counter selling the Seaside train tickets. I've been standing there about 5 minutes till a women staff came and entertained me. "Gicha Pyo Obsoyo". What? no tickets? Why? I can't understand half of her words explaining why no tickets sold today which i don't really care. "Kerom, naeil ottaeyo? How about tomorrow? hehehe.. tomorrow i will come again.... Ticket will be available tomorrow!!!

There goes my plan .. huh..what should i do? my second day itinerary is now ON for 1st day!!!Gyeongpodae Pavillion wait for me!!!

Seaside Train : A special train (how special it is??? wait for my next entry) 

How to get to Train Station: Taxi : Ride a taxi near to Bus station for around 2,700 won.. Cheap!!! around 5 - 10 min Bus : uhuksss..lost my bus time table..but you can get it at tourist ingo kiosk outside the bus terminal.

http://www.seatrain.co.kr/

FINDING ME AT GANGNEUNG: INTRO

I had 3 weeks to travel at South Korea last Jan 2012. My schedule was packed with 2 WWOOF programs at Geochang,Gyeongsanam-do (southern part of South Korea) and at Joam, Hwaseong,Gyeonggi-do (northern part of South Korea). In between I was at Seoul spending my birthday with Miss Han, Miss Jungju and DoKyung. So, I decided to have a “solo” trip as a leisure traveler for the remaining 1 week of my stay.

But where to go? I need to be out from Seoul. The place must be near to Gyeonggi-do as my last stop before this “solo” leisure trip is at Gyeonggi-do. I’m missing the sea and the wind so badly, so the place must be near to the sea. And to see the sea during winter, that is a good idea!! And suddenly I watched my 5 favorite guys from 2Days 1Night went to a place called Gangneung located at Gangwon-do which is next to Gyeonggi-do. It just perfect as Gangneung is located at the east sea which popular for beautiful beaches and traditional culture. And guess what, Gangneung marked their name in the World Guinness book of record to have the nearest train station to the sea. Rusiha, we are going to Gangneung for 4 days 3 nights!!!!! Deal!!!

I packed my heavy haversack on the early morning at Joam. Mr Keum my WWOOF host will send me to Joam bus terminal to catch the bus to Suwon city. After listening to his last fruitful talk and a cup of coffee at Mr Keum’s beauty saloon friend’s shop, he left me at the small and shabby Joam bus terminal (it looks more shabby today). We shake hands and bidding goodbye. It was a melancholy morning. Gangneung will wait for me, so I decided to have brunch at my favorite Chongguk restaurant by having sundubu jigae and kimbab before taking 1 hour bus to Suwon and change to another 3 hours express bus ride to Gangneung.

Bye – bye Joam. My Gangneung journey begins!!!

How to get to Gangneung:

Bus

* Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Subway Line 2, Gangbyeon St) -> Gangneung Bus Terminal

* Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line 3, 7 and 9, Express Bus Terminal Station,

Gyeongbu Line) -> Gangneung Bus Terminal

....Around 3 hours ride

Puahahahaha ...I agree!!!!

For a Happy Marriage, Find Your Ideal Partner

People who think their husband or wife is their perfect partner enjoy happier marriages, a recent study shows.

A research team led by Sandra Murray, a professor of psychology at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, surveyed 193 couples, aged 27 on average, every six months for three years on their happiness in marriage.

The study, which was published in the April issue of Psychological Science, found that people who had married a partner whom they thought was their ideal type were happier with their married life than those who had not.

The researchers noted that while they could not estimate how long the high levels of satisfaction would last, those who married an ideal partner experienced no decline in happiness over time.

Article taken from englishnews@chosun.com / Apr. 04, 2011 10:22 KST

Jalan – Jalan Cari Makan Seoul (part 1)

I always got question from others “ How much you budgeted for your food?”. Frankly speaking, I never put an X amount for my food during my visit to South Korea. I do concern on how much I pay for my lodging, transportation and shopping but never do as food is concern. Food for me is something that equal to places I should visit during my stay at Korea. I eat what I want to eat and what I suppose to eat at South Korea. Besides the street food and raw seafood that I talk about at previous entry, I would like to share other Korean food that you can give a try and Insyallah for Muslim, it’s Halal.

Grill Seafood with the best Banchan ever @ Kui Kui, Yeoido
Miss Han is a frequent customer at Kui Kui Restaurant located at the ground floor of her apartment. And I naturally become a frequent too whenever I went to Seoul. I love their banchan or side dishes the most. Usually, they will serve not less than 4-5 banchan with our main dish which usually consists of spicy seafood soup and variety of grill seafood. We love to order Moli Fish. I don’t know what fish it is in English or Bahasa but it taste tender with fish fat (should I describe it like this?) which give a special taste. You might face a difficulty to order due to NO English translation on their menu .But they do display pictures of their menu on the wall and also display it outside the shop. Even, Wawa, Fidza and Syikin (my ex-office collogue) managed to order it in Bahasa Malaysia for their second visit…. Hahahaha
Price: 10,000 ++ Won per dish (per person)

Our favourite : Moli Fish

How to get there: National Assembly Station, Line 9, Exit 4. Go straight; cross a road till you see an apartment next to KBS, turn right and find Kui kui restaurant (5 minutes walking). It’s actually opposite to KBS and if you are lucky you might see Korean artist around. As for me, I managed to meet an in-famous Emcee, Mr Kim Gura at the coffee shop next door. Huh.. I wish I can switch that moment with another person.. Kim Gu Ra says Thumbs Up to Kui Kui !!!

Spicy Octopus @ at Octopus Street, Gwanghamun
I never missed going to Gwanghamun area before. After the second trip, I realized that if I was there I can access to many sightseeing area that I luv to go by walking - Bukchon Village, Insadong, etc . And I never miss eating Spicy octopus dish at this area. Small octopus fry with spicy hot sauce and bean sprout and eat with hot rice…aghhh .. I wish I can describe the taste with a word!!! “Fight Fire with Fire” , yups Spicy octopus is the answer. And after having spicy food, cool down yourself at Cheonggyecheon Stream nearby. I bet even a king food can’t win this.
Price : 15000 – 20000 won

How to get there: Exit No. 5 of Gwanghwamun Stn., Seoul Metro Line No. 5. Find the Cheonggyecheon stream nearby. Follow the stream till you see a bridge and turn left to the alley full of small restaurants selling octopus. Octopus here, octopus there.. me, is everywhere.