The future of Gyeonggi in the hand of GG Supporters

How amazing is it to become Gyeonggi Tourism Organization's GG Supporter?

Fun facts:

• GG Supporters are International Students residing in Korea who were carefully selected from the pool of competitive candidates.
• GG Supporters are volunteer Tourism Promotion Reporters particularly for the province of Gyeonggi, primarily sponsored by Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (GTO). 
• They have the exclusive privilege to be able to visit various places in Gyeonggi Province and in the end promote those places via their personal SNS account to everyone around the globe using different languages they are native or well-verse speaker.

Today, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization's 1st Batch of GG Supporters International Student Press gathered in Gyeonggi Hall of Gyeonggi Small and Medium Business Center in Suwon. Athough it was raining everyone enthusiastically expressed great passion, dedication and excitement to become an official GG Supporter, and so do I.

The Welcoming (Appointment) Ceremony was blessed by the presence of the GTO Ambassador.

Entrance to the Venue of the 2015 Gyeonggi Tourism Organization International Student Press Welcoming Ceremony
(Gyeonggi Hall - 경기홀)

Venue of the 2015 Gyeonggi Tourism Organization International Student Press Welcoming Ceremony

Venue of the 2015 Gyeonggi Tourism Organization International Student Press Welcoming Ceremony

Name Tags and Activity Manuals of GG Supporters

Photo Credit: 조수민 선생님

Exclusive tees and gifts for GG Supporters

Exclusive tees and gifts for GG Supporters

After the opening ceremony, the GG Supporters were given a Special Marketing Strategy Lecture that basically explains how to effectively and successfully promote Gyeonggi province's tourism not just to domestic residents but more so to the foreigners. It was a very informative lecture because some previous volunteers gave their own experiences about it. 

GG Supporter Team 5
Photo by 유양

We ended the day with a fancy dinner at the diner hall of the same building. The viands they served at the restaurant was really delicious. It's a must-try for every tourist in Gyeonggi province. 

Photo Credit to 우수연

Jjajangmyeon (Black bean paste noodles-짜장면)

Jjampong (Spicy seafood noodles-짬뽕)

Sweet and Spicy Pork (탕수육)

sweetened lychees

Scenery outside the restaurant

** PLEASE DO NOT RE-UPLOAD PHOTOS WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE **

korean Late night meals (야식): your best friend at that busy nights

When you are in Korea or maybe watching Korean drama or movies you probably might have noticed that Korean people enjoyed eating light to heavy meal as their midnight snacks which they call as 야식 (Yasik). Students and employees alike enjoyed these meals because it not only make them awake so they can finish their goals (reviewing for exam if you are a student) but also eating together promote a sense of togetherness and camaraderie.

야식 depends on your preference but it usually includes chicken, jjajangmyeon (black soy bean paste noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodles), jokbal (pork's feet), ramyeon among others.

Below are some of my most favorite midnight snack in Korea. Ice cream in bread, chocolate, chicken, pizza, steamed sweet potato (고구마), of course citrus and tropical fruits are my most beloved late night meals. These meals simply speaking are my comfort foods if I am stress or my best friends when I need to finish papers or review for example.

If you visit Korea you shouldn't missed the chance to try some of them yourself. It will be a great opportunity to try something you might never have think off, enjoy Korea's cuisine even at late night.

Ramyeon

croquettes

Dinner out with my professors in Busan

Dinner out with my professors in Busan

Jokpal (Pork's feet)
Photo from google

Steamed Sweet potato (고구마)
Photo from google

Sweet Potato I cooked myself

Mr. Pizza Seafood Pizza
Photo from google

Jjajangmyeon (black bean paste noodles)

Sweet and spicy pork (탕수육)

Jjampong (spicy seafood noodles)

Korean Drama 101: Everything you need to know about Korean Drama "Beethoven Virus"

Below I am going to introduce one of the best Korean drama for me. As a big fan of classical music like those composed by Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Back, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and of course Ludwig Van Beethoven  without doubt this drama is the most interesting for me. 
 
About the drama

 

Beethoven Virus (베토벤 바이러스), 2008 18-episode South Korean television series starring Kim Myung-min (as Conductor or Maestro Kang), Lee Ji-ah (as Du Rumi), and Jang Geun-Suk (as Kang Gun Woo). Beethoven Virus was considered as the very first Korean drama that showcase the realistic depiction of the lives of classical musicians, an orchestra and ordinary people dreaming to become real musicians. It was aired on MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation), one of the leading South Korean Broadcasting Company alongside KBS and SBS, from September 10 to November 12, 2008. 

Synopsis

 

The drama revolves around the hardships experience by  Du-rumi, portrayed by Actress Lee Ji-Ah, a public official working for the Culture and Arts Department of Seokran City and the one assigned as person-in-charge for the launching of the city's public orchestra. However, contrary to the positive outlook everyone anticipated it was a tragic start with the orchestra publicist running away after fund embezzlement exacerbated by the domino effect quitting scenario of the orchestra members. 

After numerous ups and down, Du Rumi met the young Kang Gun Woo, portrayed by Jang Geun-Suk, a traffic officer overflowing with a great sense of justice and a natural music genius; and the old Kang Gun-Woo also known as Maestro Kang, portrayed by Kim Myung-Min, who is a world-renowned orchestra maestro and a person that everyone struggle to make intimate relationship with, primarily because of his perfectionist and aristocratic personality. The story got excited when the three decided to work together to put a great orchestra and ended up being untangle into a love triangle.

The story also depicts how Du Rumi struggle to continue her passion despite the fact that she will completely loss her hearing sense after a tumor develop in her auditory nerves which is the one responsible for transmitting auditory signals directly to the brain.

Filming Sites

1. Petite France

One of the most popular filming site visited by the production drama is the Petite France (Petite in French literally means small, so this place is a miniature of what France is). Besides "Beethoven Virus" Petite France have the pride to be able to host a number of Korean's most celebrated drama series and variety shows. To name a few SBS very own “별에서 온 그대 or You who came from the Star," a fantasy romance drama starring Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji-Hyun and “Secret Garden” starring Hyun Bin and Ha Jiwon, MBC “개인의 취향 or Personal Taste” featuring Lee Min Ho and Son Yejin, Girls Generation Episode of “Great Friend Note” and SBS variety show “Running Man”.

Address: 616-2 Goseong-ri Cheongpyeong-myeon Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi province

Contact number: +82-31-584-8200
Website: http://www.pfcamp.com/
Admission Fees depends on categories and privileges 

• Adult - 8,000 won
• Teenagers including Middle and High school students - 6,000 won
• Children from 3 years of age to elementary students - 5,000 won
• Gapyeong citizens, senior citizens, handicapped welfare and visitors with national merits - 6,000 won

Operating hours:  

weekdays 9:00am to 6:00pm (no holidays)

weekend (Saturday) 9:00am to 8:00pm 

Room used by Maestro Kang as his office
Photo credit: Petite France website

Room used by Maestro Kang as his office
Photo credit: Petite France website

Background for the first kiss of Du-rumi and Kang Gun Woo in "Beethoven Virus" drama
Background used for the "My Love from the Star" drama
Photo credit: Petite France website

Background used for the "My Love from the Star" drama
Photo credit: Petite France website

Background used for the "My Love from the Star" drama
Photo credit: Petite France website

Background used for "Secret Garden" drama
Photo credit: Petite France website

Hyun Bin the lead actor in the "Secret Garden" drama
Photo credit: Petite France website

Cast of variety show "Running Man"
Photo credit: Petite France website

2. Samyang Ranch

Samyang ranch is considered as the largest ranch in Asia, occupying nearly 20 square kilometers. Aside from the episode 11 of the drama which was filmed here, other movies where filmed here including Taegukgi and Lovers’ Concerto. The popular drama "Autumn in my Heart" was also filmed here. 

Address: San 1-107, Hoenggye 2-ri, Dogwamryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwonprovince

Contact number: +82-33-335-5044~5 

Website: http://www.samyangranch.co.kr/
Admission Fee: 7,000 won

Photo credit: Samyang Ranch Website

One song sang by one of Korean's best singer, In Soo-Ni was 거위의 꿈 literally translated as "A Goose Dream" the reason I like this song is because this song signifies hope for those people whose dreams are hard to achieve. 

Below is the cover I made 3 years ago after I first watched the drama. The song was also sang in the drama "Dream High"  featuring Miss A Suzy, Kim Soo Hyun, T-ara Eunjung, IU, and 2PM members Taecyeon and Wooyoung. 

Trivia about the song: originally sang by group Carnival in 1997 but became popular when In Soo-ni made her own rendition of the song in 2007.

In-Sooni rendition of Goose Dream: https://goo.gl/1aaCYS

My Cover: https://goo.gl/BY3noC

The amazing Jeollanam-do Escapade

Summer is just around the corner and we are pretty sure you want to have fun in Jeollanam Province but don't know what to do and where to go? Worry no more since SNU Brains and Beauties is with you. Follow our recommendations and we guarantee you that you will have the best journey you will ever have in Korea.

Summary of the Itinerary our group prepared especially for you

2015 Wow Korea Supporters Jeollanam-do escapade

DAY 1: DEPART FROM SEOUL THEN GO TO DAMYANG

Rest Time: Travel from Seoul to Damyang (Travel time: approximately 4 hours)

Lunch
Name of Restaurant: 창평전통안두부
Address: 전라남도 담양군 창평면 의항리 (walking distance from Slow City. Please refer to the map below)
Menu: 콩죽국수 (Kongjuk-guksu -> cold noodles in bean and rice porridge)

Kongguksu is a seasonal Korean delicacy. In the hotness of the summer, chilled noodles will help you cool yourself. The restaurant is famous among travelers for being cheap and delicious.

** The menu served in the restaurant is suitable for guest with dietary restrictions and for vegetarians. **

ACTIVITY 1: DAMYANG CHANGPYEONG SAMJINAE VILLAGE (SLOW CITY)

Name: Making traditional Korean sweets at Slow City
Where: 전남 담양군 창평면 삼천리 180-1
Description: Damyang Changpyeong Samjinae Village was the first Korean place designated as a slow city in 2007. Compared with the fast-changing city life, the village seeks a slow life, meaning experiencing regional cultures and food, surrounded by nature. In here, visitors can make Korean traditional sweets and cookies such as Hangwa and Ssalyeot.

Getting there by public transportation:
From Damyang Bus Terminal, take bus 303. Get off at Changpyeong Police Station bus stop.

ACTIVITY 2: JUKNOKWON (죽녹원) AND METASEQUOIA-LINED ROAD (담양 메타세쿼이아길)

Name: Juknokwon (죽녹원)
Where: 전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119 (담양읍)
Description: Damyang is considered to be Korea’s Bamboo capital for its reputation of housing the biggest Bamboo reserves in Korea and one of them is Juknokwon in Hyanggyo-ri which is haven for beautiful bamboo baths. Every steps you make in the bamboo garden without doubt will make you feel that you enter a new world without any worries and difficulties. Feel relaxed and refreshed as you sip their very own Jukro tea perfect to escape the summer heat.

Getting there by public transportation (Train):
From Yongsan Station (Seoul), take a train bound for Gwangju (광주) and from there take local Bus 311 bound for Juknokwon.

Getting there by public transportation (Bus):
From Central City Bus Terminal (Seoul), take an express bus bound for Damyang (담양). From Damyang Bus Terminal, cross the road and take a Bongsan-Damyang (봉산-담양) route bus. Get off at the Juknokwon bus stop, and cross the road.

Name: Metasequoia-lined Road (담양 메타세쿼이아길)
Where: 전남 담양군 담양읍 메타세쿼이아로 12
Description: Named as one of the most beautiful roads in Korea. This Metasequoia-lined Road recently gained nationwide popularity after a successful romantic drama Winter Sonata was shot there. This road blessed by strikingly beautiful metasequioa trees is continuously maintained since the Park Chung Hee administration in the 1970s who initiated to plant these trees in the province.

 

Getting there by public transportation:
From the Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Terminal (Subway Line 2), take a bus bound for Damyang Terminal. From the Damyang Bus Terminal, walk about 30 minutes until you see the Metasequoia-lined Road it is in the right side of the road or you can take a cab from the Bus Terminal, travel time is approximately 15 minutes.

Dinner
Name of Restaurant: 말궁이 (Malgoonge)
Address: 전라남도 담양군 고서면 분향리 124번지 대가
Menu: 떡갈비 (tteok-galbi or grilled short rib meat patties), 대통밥 (Daetongbap or rice cooked in a bamboo), 생선구이 (grilled fish)
Damyang is not only famous for its green bamboo grasses but is also famous for its mouth-watering grilled short rib beef patties. Anyone who visits Damyang should at least try this grilled patties partnered with special rice cooked in the bamboo for it will definitely make your mind and body healthy and full.

** For visitors with dietary restrictions the restaurant offers fish as main course as well. **

For customers’ review about the restaurant please feel free to visit this blog http://goo.gl/TZHPDM

Accommodation
Hotel name: Damyang resort
Address: 517-812 전라남도 담양군 금성면 금성신성길202
Accommodation Fee: Standard Room 174, 900 won (Korean-style and Western-style room); Deluxe Room 297,000 won (Korean-style room) or 352,000 won (Western-style room)
For more information feel free to visit the hotel’s website at http://damyangspa.com/

DAY 2: BREAKFAST AT DAMYANG THEN MOVE TO GOKSEONG

Breakfast
Name of Restaurant: 덕인관(Deokin Gwan)
Address: 전라남도 담양군 담양읍 담주리 85-2
Menu: Deokyin Gwan is one of the best restaurants in damyang-gun for its bamboo-cooked rice. Vegetarians can taste all of the vegetarian food here and get an amazing experience. 
For more information feel free to visit this website http://goo.gl/QZVmVv

Rest Time: Travel from Damyang to Gokseong

(Travel time: approximately 1 hour)

ACTIVITY 3: SEOMJINGANG RIVER 섬진강

Seomjingang River occupies most of the borderline between Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. The word seomjin literally means “toad ferry.” According to a legend, a swarm of toads blocked the invading Japanese army from crossing the Seomjingang River into Jeollabuk-do in the 1590s. A wide variety of animals are found along the river, including European otters.

Specific Attractions around the River

Name: 심청한옥마을 Shimcheong Hanok Village/ 심청공원
Where: 전라남도 곡성군 오곡면 심청로 178
Description: Shimcheong is a character from an old Korean folklore originated in the 1700s in a temple called Gwanemsa. She is known for her filial piety values towards her father and this Hanok village is dedicated to tell the touching story of Shimcheong.

Name: 섬진간천문대 (Seomjingang Observatory)

Description: The main capsule with a 600mm astronomical telescope made by pure science and technology of Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the sub-capsule with telescopes boast precision. A planetarium equipped with an 8m around dome screen and with the study room that has various kinds of astronomical data and references. This place helps visitors to observe the stars (you can experience nostalgia by observing stars.) Observatory will provide you a moment to take you to space travel in the future.

** Note: should totally be done at night **

Getting there by public transportation:
Take a locomotive train running along the river from the Seomjingang River Train Village, approximately 5-10 minutes by cab from the Gokseong-eup Bus Terminal.

Lunch
Name of Restaurant: 삼기국밥 (Samgi gukbap)
Address: 전라남도 곡성군 곡성읍 읍내22길 3

Menu: Soondae gukbap/yums
Soondae is a Korean delicacy made with rice and other ingredients stuffed into pig’s intestines. This restaurant is especially famous in the Jeolla region in Gokseong and definitely a must-visit for tourists around that area.

** For guests who have dietary restrictions, this restaurant is also famous for their bean sprout rice soup (콩나물국밥) suitable for vegetarians. **

Rest Time: Travel from Gokseong to Gurye

(Travel time: approximately 1 hour)

ACTIVITY 4: RAFTING ALONG SEOMJIN RIVER

Name: 섬진강기차마을레포츠 (청소년힐링문화원)

Where: 전라남도 곡성군 고달면 가정마을길 51
Description: A safe and fun group activity for those people who wants to escape the hectic urban city. This rafting course last for about 5km and considered to be a popular destination for Koreans who likes to experience camping activities and do membership training.
For more information about the rafting activity visit this website http://goo.gl/SWEcTk

 

Getting there by public transportation: 
Take a train from Gokseong station (곡성역) bound for Seomjin train village Leports (Healing Youth Culture Center-which is the rafting center)
 (travel time: approximately 35-40 minutes)

Dinner 

Name of Restaurant: 만남식당
Address: 전라남도 구례군 마산면 황전리 만남식당

Menu: There are varieties of healthy and fresh food especially foods made from wild plants and mushroom. Fish, chicken as well as tasty and unique side dishes are also offered in this restaurant.
For customers’ review about the restaurant visit this blog http://goo.gl/m8jEzH

Accommodation
Hotel name: Little Prince Pension
Address: 전라남도 구례군 마산면 화엄사로 386-9
Check-in and Check-out time: 2:00pm and 12:00noon
Accommodation Fee: Starts from 40,000 won, fee depends on the type of room
Room types: Pension (double room; Korean-Style Ondol Room; Family room; family room Duplex)
Features: Good facilities, garden, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, parking

Getting there by private car:
From Gyeongbu-Jungbu Express Highway or Daejeon-Jinju Express Highway; Pass Hamyang Service Area and drive toward Gwangju. Get on the National Road from Namwon to Gurye and then get on the Seohaean. From Jeonju get on the National Road to Namwon and Gurye - head toward Hwaoemsa Temple you will get to the Little Prince Pension!

Getting there by public transportation:

Take express bus at Nambu Bus Terminal (Line 4) bound for Gurye. Get off at Gurye Intercity Bus Terminal and take bus for Hwaeomsa Temple. Get off at Hwaeomsa Final Station and walk for about 10 minutes until you find the pension.

Tourist sites nearby: within 20 minutes from the pension you can visit some attraction spots such as Mt. Jirisan, Hwaoesma Temple, Seomjingang River, Hwagae Market, Suncheon Rees Fields among others.
For more information and for inquiries feel free to contact them at +82-61-1330 or at +82-61-783-4700 or at 17-318-6304 (Languages available: Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) or visit the pension website http://www.jirisanprince.com/

DAY 3: BREAKFAST-ACTIVITY-RETURN TO SEOUL

 

Breakfast
Name of Restaurant: Jilisan Shikdang
Address: 전라남도 구례군 마산면 화엄사로 381
Menu: ssali-beoseos-jeongol and sanchae-jeongsig
What so much special about this Korean restaurant are the 17 different side dishes that is generously served!!
For more information and for inquiries feel free to contact them at +82-61-782-4054 or visit this website http://goo.gl/2O1FHB

ACTIVITY 5: PIAGOL VALLEY AND AUTUMN FOLIAGE

Name: Piagol valley and autumn foliage
Address: 912-1 Naedong-li, Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Description: Piagol valley was famous as a base for operations for Communist partisans in modern times. It is said to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Jirisan, the valley is rich in water resources and is frequented by vacationers wanting to escape the heat of summer. The hiking trail along the valley is not steep, making it an easy climb for even inexperienced hikers. Piagol boasts a different kind of beauty each season, with azaleas in the spring, lush green vegetation in the summers, beautiful autumn foliage in the fall and snowy landscapes in the winters. However, the autumn foliage is known to be one of the 10 most beautiful sights to see in Jirisan. Piagol's autumn landscape is famous for 'Samhong (literally, the three reds, referring to the vibrant red foliage, the red-tinted waters, and the red in the eye of the beholder.

Getting there by private car:
Along National Highway 19 from Gurye Town take the road in the direction going to Hadong – go with the direction leading to Yeongoksa – from Toji Township Checkpoint enter Jikjeon village parking lot.

Getting there by public transportation:
From Gurye Public Bus Terminal take a bus bound for Piagol, Jikjeon village and get off at Jikjeon village (Travel time: approximately 40 minutes)

Lunch
Name of Restaurant: Songi Restaurant (송이식당)
Address: 전라남도 구례군 마산면 마산리 288
Menu: set menu with wild vegetables (23,000 won)
Songi Restaurant specializes in wild vegetable and mushroom dishes and they only use greens picked from Jirisan Mountain, homemade soybean paste and soy sauce, together with 20 side dishes served that you will become full just by looking at them. The main ingredients include wild aster, bracken fern, deodeok, sesame leaves, lotus root, and pickled green plum, most of which are grown in Namdo, and accompanied with soybean paste stew and steamed egg, making for an abundant meal. The hot stone pot rice that comes along with all the greens is garnished with various medicinal herbs and other ingredients such as gingko nuts and jujube, and the meal is followed by warm scorched rice water.

** The menu served in the restaurant is suitable for guest with dietary restrictions and for vegetarians. **

Rest Time: Travel from Gurye to Seoul 

(Travel time: approximately 4 hours)

Disclaimer: We don't claim any rights to the photos used above, credits to all photo owners. Photos were used for tourism promotion purposes.