Everland: Where one's dream turns into reality

Looking for a place where you, your friends and family can enjoy to the fullest? Then Everland is what you are looking for. It is an ultimate get-away that you should not missed whenever you visit Korea. 

Visit Everland: the magical world of adventures and excitement where Everlander's dreams come true.

About Everland

• An amusement park in the Everland Resort, which is considered as the biggest theme park and first family amusement park in South Korea. 
• Opened to the public and still operating since 1976.
• Originally called as ‘Yongin Jayeon Nongwon" (용인 자연농원) which literally means "Natural Farm" and was later changed to its current name to make it more recognizable and attractive to foreign visitors.
• Strategically situated in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province (approximately an hour and a half travel journey from the country's capital, Seoul) 
• Home not just to thrilling and exciting rides that will definitely make you shout from your lungs but also to a number of educational but fun zoos and water park, such as the 'Safari World', 'Lost Valley', and 'Caribbean bay'.
• Aside from heart-pounding rides and endless entertainment and attractions, the theme park is also popular for its magnificent and admirable flower arrangements and beautiful gardens, which have been observed since 1985 following the Rose Festival.

Address: 199, Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199)

Admission Fees (discounts are offered to specific cases and to foreigners)

Daytime ticket (1 day pass)

Adults 48,000 won

Children 38,000 won

Nighttime ticket (1 day pass)

Adults 40,000 won

Children 31,000 won

Two-day pass

Adults 77,000 won

Children 61,000 won

 

** Admission fee is inclusive of free admission to Ho-Am Art Museum.

** For coin-operated rides, rentals, animal rides, and special exhibitions, additional fee will be collected.
** Night tickets and two-day tickets cannot be purchase online.

** For Two-day tickets, double discount option as well as usage of discount cards is not applicable.

For more information about ticket prices, available discount coupons and location of ticketing booth for foreigner visit this link http://goo.gl/Nt9Tzh

 

Hours of Operation

• Depend and vary per month and season, it is advisable to check the theme park's website prior to visit to see the hours of operation for the desired day of visit which is available at http://goo.gl/ID1zdZ

Getting there by public transportation

• Detailed information on how to get there is provided in this link http://goo.gl/fppR6r 

For more information about Everland feel free to visit Everland Resort's website available at http://goo.gl/BL65EK or Korea Tourism Organization detailed information about the amusement park at http://goo.gl/LWGLd3

Entrance to Everland Amusement Park

Everland Resort Guide Map

Trivia: this tree also appeared in Episode 7 of the successful Korean drama "The Producer" featuring Kim Soo Hyun, IU, Gong Hyo Jin and Cha Tae Hyun.

Screen shot of the tree (appeared at 1hour and 5 minutes of episode 7) with Kim Soo Hyun, Cha Tae Hyun and IU
Photo Credit to KBS

Photo Credit: Daranita Kuy

On our way to K-Pop Hologram

For K-Pop Fans Everland offers KPop Hologram where you can take photos with your idols and watch their concerts (so far the hologram concerts available are exclusive for YG Entertainment Stars)

Reminder: Picture taking is not allowed once the Hologram concert starts

Visitors will be welcome by this gorgeous flower arrangements
** Good for couples haha **

Top view of Everland

'Sky Cruise'
For visitor without fear of heights I highly recommend this ride (or if you are too lazy or too tired to walk up and down the theme park take this ride)

'Sky Cruise' Cable Car

My friends and I inside the 'Sky Cruise' cable car

Partial view of Everland from above

Entrance to 'Amazon Express'

Entrance to 'Amazon Express'

Reminder: Be sure to have extra clothes with you if you wanted to experience this ride in Amazon Express because you will definitely get wet

Everland's very own wooden roller coaster the 'T-express', a must try ride in Everland.
** For people who loves intense and extreme adventure you definitely should try to ride this at least once (rode them twice haha)
** Not advisable for people with fear of heights, pregnant, sick, with asthma and other illness

Entrance to 'Safari World'

The Wild Bear suddenly stand when the driver of our tour bus gave food

Wild Bear saying bye to visitors

Wild Bear laughing at us

My friends with the wild bear

Me and my friends at the entrance gate of 'Lost Valley'

Amphibian Vehicle touring around the 'Lost Valley'

close encounter with the giraffe

Me and my Ghanian friend in the open cable car

For visitors who wanted to buy souvenirs from the amusement park, various souvenir shops are available and it is usually located at the exit of each ride or attraction.

I was overwhelmed with the cute stuff toys, accessories and notebooks so decided to buy them right after I left specific attraction only to find out that it will be cheaper when you buy them right before you actually go outside of the theme park. 

TIP: Employees sell them at 70% discounts in front of the exit gate when its around 5:00pm and beyond so make sure to buy them that time and not during the middle of the day. 

ALL PHOTOS ARE TAKEN BY ME EXCEPT OTHERWISE STATED. PLEASE DO NOT RE-UPLOAD THEM WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THANK YOU. 

Gyeonggi Province: the endless paradise for travel enthusiast

Ever imagine an ultimate travel escapade in South Korea besides Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island travel tour? 

Gyeonggi Province is what you are searching for, in here you will experience a balance of the past, the present, and the future. Read this post in its entirety and together let's explore the hidden wonders of Gyeonggi Province.

Explore Gyeonggi's pride: World Heritage Cultural sites and traditional culture, Filming Sites, and Unique experiences    

MBC Dramia

A filming location that was co-created in August 2005 by Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC: one of the leading South Korean Broadcasting Company alongside KBS and SBS) and Yongin Municipal Office.
  
What makes this drama filming set different from other filming location is that it has been re-created primarily based on historical records to accurately reflects the structures and culture of ancient times.

In here you can be able to see first-hand the shooting place for some of Korea's most successful TV drama including Moon Embracing the Sun (해를 품은 달), Dong-i (동이), Jumong (주몽), Lee San (이산), Arang and the Magistrate (아랑사또전), Gu Family Book (구가의 서), and Queen Seondeok (선덕여왕). 

Address: 25 deurama-gil Yongcheon Baegam-myeon Cheoin-gu Yongin-si Gyeonggi-do  (경기도 용인시 처인구 백암면 용천 드라마길 25)

Admission Fees depends on categories and privileges (traveling by group of 20 and more people will be given  ￦ 2,000 discounts)

For visitors 19 years old and over          ￦ 7,000
For visitors 13 to 18 years old                 ￦ 6,000
For visitors 4 to 12 years old                   ￦ 5,000
 

Operating hours: open all year round but the time schedule depends on which month you will visit (MBC dramia accommodate visitors one hour prior to closing time)
March to October: 9:00am - 6:00pm
November to February: 9:00am - 5:00pm
 

** For visitors who wanted to try wearing traditional royal costumes and have remembrance photo from the MBC Dramia filming set you will be required to pay ￦ 20,000 per each.

For more information visit their website: http://withmbc.imbc.com/dramia/en/

Getting there by Public Transportation

From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line 3), take an intercity bus bound for Baegam Terminal. From the Baegam Terminal take bus 105 in Hanaro Drugstore across Baegam terminal or hire a taxi to MBC Dramia Parking Lot. Then walk towards the MBC Dramia entrance.

Estimated travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes (50 minutes, 20 minutes respectively)

Travel Fee: Inter-city Bus - 4,200 won
                     Intra-city Bus - 1,100 won
                     Taxi - around 8,000 won
  

Lunch at Sambuja Galbi Restaurant

“Sambuja (삼부자)” literally means “a father and two sons” collectively helping their father in managing the restaurant and continuing the tradition of Suwon galbi.

The restaurant carries on the legacy of Suwon galbi (beef ribs) after the closing of Hwachunok, which used to be a representative ribs restaurant of Suwon up until the early 80’s. The former manager at Hwachunok, Kim Su-kyeong, is currently the one managing and operating the Sambuja Galbi Restaurant. Blessing the famous restaurant with his 30 years worth of know-how as a ribs specialist.

Menu:

• Ribs Set A comprised of Seasoned Ribs (Korean beef), Soy bean paste stew and cup of rice: 22,000 won
• Ribs Set B comprised of Seasoned Ribs (American beef), Soy bean paste stew and cup of rice: 18,000 won 
• Mulnaengmyeon (Noodles in Chilled Broth): 7,000 won
• Bibimnaengmyeon (Buckwheat Noodles with red hot pepper sauce): 7,000 won
• Soy bean paste stew: 1,000 won
• Cup of rice: 1,000 won
• Beef rib stew: 10,000 won

Facade of the Restaurant
Photo retrieved from KTO Website

The famous Sambuja Beef Ribs
Photo retrieved from KTO Website

Address:  335, Jungbu-daero, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 영통구 중부대로 335 (원천동)

Operating Hours: 11:30am to 10:00pm

For more information visit the restaurant's website: http://www.sambuja.co.kr/eng/index.asp

Getting there by Public Transportation

From MBC Dramia walk about 5 minutes (350 meters) towards  MBC Drama Filming Site (MBC드라마세트장) Bus stop. From there take bus 105 bound for Intercity Bus Terminal (시외버스터미널) it will take roughly 30 minutes. From there take bus number 10 bound for Suwon Station. Get off at KT East Suwon branch (KT동수원지사) bus stop, it will take about 1 hour 56 minutes. From bus stop walk about 3 minutes (203 meters) until you reach the Sambuja Galbi restaurant. 

Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes 

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Hwaseong Temporary Palace

Designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since December 1997, this impressive structure was built during the latter period of Joseon Dynasty and dubbed as the world's first planned city. The fortress wall stretches a total of 5.52 km and houses a numerous number of military facilities that is rare to find somewhere else. 

In here visitors will be able to experience various activities including the Korean Traditional Archery experience, and visit some of the fortress' most unique features such as Mangru (observatory tower), the Nugak (Korean-styled building), the Poru (cannon post), and the Ongseong (semi-circular protective wall).

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Photo retrieved from google

Janganmun at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Photo retrieved from google

Address: 11, Haenggung-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 행궁로 11 , 장안구, 권선구 일원)

Admission Fee depends on categories (group of 30 people will be given admission fee discounts)
Adults 1,000 won (700 won)
Youth 700 won (500 won)
Children 500 won  (300 won)

Operating Hour depends on season you will visit
Summer: 09:00am-6:00pm
Winter: 09:00am-5:00pm

** Korean Traditional Archery (Gukgung) Activity for only 2,000 won (10 arrows)

For more information visit these websites http://ehs.suwon.ne.kr/ http://goo.gl/ddqrBx 

Getting there by Public Transportation
From Sambuja Galbi restaurant walk about 3 minutes (203 meters) to KT East Suwon branch (KT동수원지사) bus stop. Take Bus 65 bound for Anyang Station (안양역). Get off at Paldalmun (팔달문) bus stop walk for about 9 minutes (600 meters) until you reach the fortress entrance.  

Estimated travel time: 25 minutes  

Paldalmun Gate and Market

Paldalmun Gate is the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, designated as the National Treasure No. 402. A crescent shaped defensive secondary wall built to prevent the main gate from being broken down with logs. Located on the right wall of the gate, one can see a nameplate which engraves all the names of the people involved in the construction of the gate. 

Being detached from the rest of the gates of the Hwaseong Fortress and situated directly at the middle of the busy city, are some of its uniqueness. Primary reason for this is that, during the old time commerce took roots around the gates before its reconstruction, making it impossible to build in that area. 

Paldalmun "The Southern Gate"
Photo retrieved from Korean Website

Paldalmun market
Photo retrieved from google

Paldalmun market
Photo retrieved from google

Goguryeo Blacksmith Town

Dubbed as the only Goguryeo blacksmith village in Korea and boasts Korea’s largest water mill and brick oven. It resembles an actual blacksmith’s shop, as water falls from a water mill with a seven-meter diameter, and the brick oven is two stories tall. 

This place also take pride for being one of the filming site of the Korean drama The Legend (태왕사신기).  

Photo retrieved from google

Photo retrieved from google

Photo retrieved from KTO Website

Photo retrieved from KTO Website

Photo retrieved from KTO Website

Photo retrieved from google

Address: 41, Uminae-gil, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 구리시 우미내길 41)

Admission Fee depends on categories (group of 20 people will be given admission fee discounts)
Adults 3,000 won (2,000 won)
Youth 2,000 won (1,500 won)
Children 1,500 won  (1,000 won)

Operating Hour depends on season you will visit
March-October: Weekdays 09:00am-6:00pm, Weekend and Holidays 09:00pm-7:00pm
November-February: 09:00am-5:00pm

For more information visit their website: http://goo.gl/zmPkh6

Getting there by Public Transportation
From Paldalmun Market walk about 5 minutes (290 meters) to Paldalmun bus stop. Take Bus 3000 bound for Gangnam station. Get off at Seoul National University of Education (교대역) station, walk for about 2 minutes to the subway station. Take train bound for Seongsu station (성수역), get off at Gangbyeon station walk for about 2 minutes to Gangbyeon-B Bus stop. Take bus bound for Minrakdong (민락동). Get off at Guri City hall  (구리시청.구리아트홀) then walk for 2 minutes (140 meters) until you reach the Goguryeo Blacksmith Town (고구려대장간마을)

Estimated travel time: 1 hour 47 minutes

Live like a star in Yongin MBC Dramia and Petite France

Home to pristine nature and endless beauty besides being accessible  from the country's capital, Seoul, Gyeonggi Province is without doubt one of the most promising tourist destination that Korean Wave fans should not missed to visit.

Fan of Hallyu (Korean Wave) drama? Then Yongin MBC Dramia and Petite France in Gyeonggi Province are some of the places you must add to your itinerary when you visit Korea.

MBC Dramia 

• A filming location that was co-created in August 2005 by Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC: one of the leading South Korean Broadcasting Company alongside KBS and SBS) and Yongin Municipal Office.   
  
• What makes this drama filming set different from other filming location is that it has been re-created primarily based on historical records to accurately reflects the structures and culture of ancient times.
• In here you can be able to see first-hand the shooting place for some of Korea's most successful TV drama including Moon Embracing the Sun (해를 품은 달), Dong-i (동이), Jumong (주몽), Lee San (이산), Arang and the Magistrate (아랑사또전), Gu Family Book (구가의 서), and Queen Seondeok (선덕여왕).

Address: 25 deurama-gil Yongcheon Baegam-myeon Cheoin-gu Yongin-si Gyeonggi-do  (경기도 용인시 처인구 백암면 용천 드라마길 25)

Website: http://withmbc.imbc.com/dramia/en/
 
Admission Fees depends on categories and privileges (traveling by group of 20 and more people will be given  ￦ 2,000 discounts)

For visitors 19 years old and over          ￦ 7,000
For visitors 13 to 18 years old                 ￦ 6,000
For visitors 4 to 12 years old                   ￦ 5,000

Operating hours:

open all year round but the time schedule depends on which month you will visit (MBC dramia accommodate visitors one hour prior to closing time)
March to October: 9:00am - 6:00pm
November to February: 9:00am - 5:00pm

For visitors who wanted to try wearing traditional royal costumes and have remembrance photo from the MBC Dramia filming set you will be required to pay ￦ 20,000 per each.


Getting there by Public Transportation
From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line 3), take an intercity bus bound for Baekam Terminal. From the Baekam Terminal take bus 35-1 or hire a taxi to MBC Dramia.

From Yongin Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus 10-4, 94 or 94-1. Then get off at Baekam Terminal and transfer to bus 35-1 or get off at Yongcheon (용천) and walk 600m. 

Souvenir Shop and Small museum of MBC Dramia

Dae Jang Geum and Dong-i Main Cast

Dong-i and Lee San Main Cast

Gu Family Book Main Cast

The Moon that Embraces the Sun Main Cast

Petite France

• One of the most popular filming site visited by the many successful  drama and variety shows production (Petite in French literally means small, so this place is a miniature of what France is). 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, "Beethoven Virus" starring Jang Geun Suk, Kim Myung-min and Lee Ji-ah, 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 for "Beethoven Virus" Drama
Photo credit: Petite France website

Room used by Maestro Kang as his office for "Beethoven Virus" Drama
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

So what are you waiting for, visit Yongin MBC Dramia and Petite France and experience living like a star.

Journey to the Hidden Jewel of Jeonju

Wondering where to go during your visit in Korea to experience Korea's tradition and culture while at the same time seeing how modern the country is, then Jeonju is the place you should remember to visit.

Dubbed as the capital of the North Jeolla Province and located at the heart of the Korean Peninsula, Jeonju, boost as one of the most promising tourist destination for foreign and domestic tourist alike. This culturally abundant city is home for one of Korea's most celebrated food, the Jeonju bibimbap (literally mean mixed rice: bibim means to mix, bap means rice) and one of Korea's pride, the traditional house commonly known as hanok.

Jeonju Bibimbap (전주 비빔밥)
Photo by: Korea Tourism Organization

Jeonju Bibimbap (전주 비빔밥)
Photo retrieved from ilbe.com

Jeonju Hanok Village (전주한옥마을)
Photo retrieved from hanok visit korea website

Aerial view of Jeonju Hanok Village
Photo retrieved from google

Aside from being a traditional cultural tourist attraction in Korea, Jeonju also host a mixture of modernity while preserving its identity. Other places that is worth visiting for includes Jeonju Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper) Museum (formerly known as Pan-Asia Paper Museum back in 2001 before it was renamed in 2005 with its current name), Jeonju World Cup Stadium, and Deokjin Park. 

Jeonju Hanji Museum (전주한지박물관) formerly Pan-Asia Paper Museum (판아시아종이)
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

Jeonju Hanji Museum (전주한지박물관) formerly Pan-Asia Paper Museum (판아시아종이)
Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

Jeonju World Cup Stadium (전주월드컵경지장)
Photo retrieved from google

 Jeonju Deokjin Park Lotus Flower Cultural Festival (전주덕진공원 연꽃문화제)

Photo retrieved from google

 Jeonju Deokjin Park Lotus Flower Cultural Festival (전주덕진공원 연꽃문화제)

Photo retrieved from google

 Jeonju Deokjin Park Lotus Flower Cultural Festival (전주덕진공원 연꽃문화제)

Photo retrieved from google

Deokjin Park delights visitors particularly for the months of July and August with magnificent Lotus flower that can reach a several feet high.

Other places that Jeonju visitors should not missed to go are Namwon, Muju, Jinan, and Jeongeup. Autumn is the best season to visit Jeongeup for its very own mountain, the Jeongeup mountain are, will definitely mesmerized tourists with its beautiful and incredible fall foliage.

Naejangsan National Park (내장산국립공원)
Photo retrieved from google

Naejangsan National Park (내장산국립공원)
Photo retrieved from google

For more information about Jeonju visit the official website of Korea Tourism Organization (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=256284)