Summer trip to Busan Korea with AirAsiaX

여름방학! If you are planning on a mid-year break or summer vacation, AirAsia X has good news for you! AirAsia X has started a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Busan, Korea offering fares as low as RM 269 (one way). Either you are going for, business travel, vacation travel, honeymoon travel, conference travel or world travel, you can enjoy the low fare flight to Busan with your family and friends today!

Busan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, located on the southeastern border of the Korean peninsula. Let’s discover the Top 5 must-visit attractions in dynamic Busan! 

Gamcheon Culture Village    

Gamcheon Culture Village

Nested high in the hills of Saha-gu, this quirky art-filled suburb has emerged from the dust of poverty and war to become one of Busan's most unique architectural and cultural offerings. Some of the empty homes were used to do up themed rooms and art galleries for your viewing pleasure. Embark on an adventure by walking from one house to another where artists were invited to paint murals and sculptures to adorn the colourful house. The rooftop of the houses gives you the most amazing view of the whole village, sea port, ocean and mountains.  

Gukje Market, Gwangbok-dong Market and Nampo-dong Market    

Gukje Market, Gwangbok-dong Market and Nampo-dong Market   

Show off your bargaining skills at any three of these major shopping districts which are connected to each other with shops catered for the young and old with famous and local brands.  

Jagalchi Fish Market    

Jagalchi Fish Market 

Experience the selling of freshly caught fish at the largest seafood market in South Korea. Choose and buy your catch then bring it to the restaurants on the 2 cook and serve you your seafood platter. The market opens 5am to 10pm every day.  

Haeundae Beach    

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is the most popular beach in South Korea. During summer, deck chairs, lounges and floats are available for rent. For the more adventurous, surfing and jet skiing is a must! Nearby, there’s a town scattered with a wide variety of shops and restaurants as well.  

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple    

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

This Temple with an amazing view is built beside the shore that faces the sea with various statues,     stone pagodas and sculptures scattered around the temple area. Tourists and locals flock to this     temple to pray for their family and get a glimpse of the sunrise. May or June is the best time to visit     the temple when the cherry blossoms are at full bloom.  

Not getting enough fun in Busan? There are other events or festivals you can join on this upcoming HOT summer!

Busan Sea Festival (부산 바다축제) 

Busan Beach Art Festival

It is Korea’s largest Sea Festival which attracts many visitors around the globe from Aug.1 to Aug 9. The Busan Sea Festival is held not only at Haeundae Beach, but also at other famous beaches such as Songdo Beach, Gwangalli Beach, and Songjeong Beach in Busan. During Busan Beach Festival period, several pleasant art performances and of course, a variety of water-sport programs such as windsurfing, beach volleyball tournaments are available. Also, don’t forget to enroll yourself with the free lessons in canoeing, kayaking, banana boat rides, scuba diving, and so on. If you are a fan of art, you will like to visit Sea Art Festival 2013 which is expected to be held on the Songo Beach, another beach in Busan from Sept. 14 to Oct. 13 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Songdo beach under the theme of "With Songdo: Remembrance, Marks, People." along with 35 outstanding artworks from Korea and oversea. 

Directions: 

Haeundae Beach  

#[Subway] Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 3 or 5. And walk straight about 500m to Haeundae Beach. 

#[Bus] From Busan Station, take bus 1001 or 1003 to Haeundae.  

To learn more about it check out Haeundae Sea Festival

Songdo Beach 

#Busan Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 7. Take Bus 17, 26 or 61 and get off at the entrance of Songdo (송도입구). 

To learn more about it check out Songdo Art Beach Festival

Busan International Magic Festival (부산국제매직페스티벌) 

Busan International Magic Festival

Busan International Magic Festival is the largest magic festival in Asia, planned to hold from Aug. 2 to Aug. 5 on Busan Cinema Center. This year, more than 30 remarkable magicians from 14 different countries such as Andost (America), Eun-kyoung Park (Korea), Netcheporenko (Russia), Nagisa Haruhiko (Japan) David Stone (French) and others have confirmed to perform on the Busan stage! What excite me the most is you will have chances to interact with your favorite magicians and well, learn a few tricks from them to show off! Admission fee is subjected according to the section you are interested. Chill up your summer with this fascinating magic festival in Busan. 

Directions:  

#Haeundae Beach (Opening Ceremony) 

Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 3 or 5 and a 10min-walk from the station. 

#Busan Cinema Center (Main Events)  

Centum City Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 6. Then, go straight 270m and turn left onto Centum 5-ro Road. Continue to walk 250m, until you see the Busan Cinema Center on your right.  

To learn more about it check out Busan International Magic Festival  

Busan International Rock Festival (부산 국제록페스티벌) 

Busan International Rock Festival

Busan International Rock Festival is a leading rock festival in Asia, will take place on this summer from Aug.2 to Aug 4 at Samnak Riverside Park. Busan Rock Festival has played a crucial role in assembly of world’s popular rock bands started in the year 2000 and will celebrate its 14th anniversary this year. Objectives of this festival are to introduce new trend of rock music, celebrate latest indie bands and rock with cool rock artists! For those who have a strong passion in rock music shouldn’t miss this priceless chance to participate in this exciting rock festival. No admission fee, it is totally FREE! You will be able to feel the openness, youth, and the beauty of Busan through this festival. Let’s rock this together. 

Directions: 

#Sasang Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 3. Samnak Riverside Sports Park (삼락강변공원) is a 15min walk from the station. 

To learn more about it check out Busan International Rock Festival  

After visiting Busan, many travelers often visit Jeju Island as it’s just a short 50 minutes flight from Busan! For your information, Jeju Island is a majestic island is one of the 7 Wonders of Nature in the world that comprises various rare yet incredible species of flora and fauna. Several unique collections of museums can be seen in  Teddy Bear Museum, Glass Museum, Sex Museums. To experience the fullest of nature beauty in Jeju, Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System  which were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO (2007) also could be your next destination after Busan. Don’t forget to visit Submarine Tours, Cruises, Night Markets, Seafood Restaurants since they are truly awesome! Other attractions of natural wonders are Sangumburi Crater, Jeongbang Waterfall, Jungmun Daepo Columnar-Jointed Lava.  

Sounds interesting? Then hesitate no more! Log on to AirAsia.com and discover Busan today!

Any thought? Do let me know :)

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5 places must-go for ski and winter sports in South Korea!

People from other part of the world especially tropical countries or none 4 seasons countries, they somehow think about how actually the White Christmas look like in their own eyes with snow fall from the sky! Winter in South Korea is going to be one of the best destination for them especially for traveller from Asia where it is nearer and quite a budget destination compare to other countries. To celebrate White Christmas without ski and winter sports is not a complete Korea winter vacation. So, I would like to recommend 5 best places must-go for ski and winter sports in South Korea as to make your winter vacation completely satisfied! 

1. Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea

Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea

Alpensia Resort is at about 700m above sea level, an altitude that is not known primarily for its “healthy altitude,” but rather its excellent snow quality and sweeping view of the majestic Daegwallyeong Range. The resort has 6 slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Runs as long as 1.4km provide a dynamic experience for both beginner and experienced skiers. There is also an area exclusively for advanaced snowboarders to practive their skills, Alpensia is not just for winter-revellers, the year-round resort transforms the lower, Apron Area, of the mountain into a 100,000 meter square wild flower garden during summer months. As the main venue of the 2018 Pyeonchang Winter Olympics, Alpensia Resort has recently been the subject of much buzz across the nation and in the international sports community.  

Rental Fees

LIFT RENTAL Type Adults Children Adults Children Morning 40,000 won 30,000 won 22,000 won 16,000 won Afternoon Night Day 55,000 won 38,000 won 26,000 won 20,000 won Afternoon & Night 65,000 won 45,000 won Day & Night 75,000 won 52,000 won 33,000 won 25,000 won

Direction
- Apgujeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 3),

Exit 6. Board the Alpensia shuttle bus at the parking lot next to Hyundai Department Store. 

(Departure time: 08:30)  

- Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), 

Exit 4. Board the Alpensia shuttle bus in front of Lotte Mart. 

(Departure time: 09:00)

Round trip: Adult 28,000 won / Children 22,000 won 

One-way: Adult 15,000 won / Children 12,000 won

* Be advise to booked the tickets in advanced!

Homepage: http://www.alpensiaresort.co.kr/EnSptsSkiIntro.gdc

2. Yongpyong, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Yongpyong, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Yongpyong Resort, located on the ridge of Mt.Balwangsan with the “healthy” attitude of 700-1,500m above sea level along what is affectionately known as the “Alps of Korea”, is the first domestic ski resort opening in 1975. With average 250cm of snow each year you can enjoy skiing from November until April of the following year. Compared to other ski resorts, ski season is considerably longer. It is 215km from Seoul, and with the construction of a 4-lane highway, the travel time has been shortened to 2 hours. This is where the 1998 World Cup Ski Competition and the 1999 Gangwon Winter Asian Games were held. The Rainbow Red*Silver*Gold slopes have been authorized by the International Ski Federation (ISF). Also there are slopes for beginners such as the Yellow Run and the Pink Run, and the new Red Run and Green Run for intermediates. There are 18 slopes and 15 lifts in total, with a 3.7km long gondola which can accommodate 8 people at once. During the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, Yongpyong will host the snowboarding and alpine competitions. Yongpyong also widely known as a filming location of the famous drama ‘Winter Sonata,’ the ski resort is especially popular among tourists from Japan and other Asian countries. 

Direction

From Hwenggye Bus Terminal Walk 80m towards Daegwallyeong Post office. 

Take the free shuttle bus at the post office to Yongpyong Resort

The Schedule

5:20am, 6:20am, 7:20am, 8:00am, 08:30am, 09:40am, 12:00am, 

2:00pm, 4:20pm, 5:40pm, 6:50pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm,11:30pm 

Homepage: http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/index.asp

3. Jisan Forest Ski Resort, Icheon, South Korea

Jisan Forest Ski Resort, Icheon, South Korea

Located in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do Province, Jisan Forest Resort is only 40 minutes away from Gangnam (south of Seoul), meaning that even when accommodations are booked, visitors can make a daytrip out to enjoy a fun-filled day of skiing. There are seven main ski slopes and 3 sub-slopes, all of which are open to both skiers and snowboarders. Thanks to the 5 high-speed lifts, there is no waiting in line, and there is even an escalator for children and beginners. The new 6-person lift is equipped with heated seats for a warm, comfortable ride. The resort offers nighttime skiing for businessmen and is also perfect for beginners, making it a great getaway for the entire family.   Even though this particular resort is on the smaller side, it is packed with convenient facilities at affordable prices. The resort is a great value for the money and gives its visitors an affordable skiing experience without sacrificing quality.

Direction
- The Shuttle bus available every 20 minutes from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.
Take this bus and get off at Icheon coach bus terminal.
Then take Bus No. 12 from Icheon and get off at Jisan Resort.( About 40 min )

- Take City Coach Bus No.9800 at Gangnam Station (exit No.7) or Yangjae Station(Yangjae bus station).  (bus- 9:00~13:00 every hour/ 15:00/16:00/17:30/19:00/20:00)

Homepage: http://www.jisanresort.co.kr/eng/index.html

4. Phoenix Park Ski Resort: Snowboarder’s Paradise

Phoenix Park Ski Resort: Snowboarder’s Paradise

Phoenix Park is located approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes from Seoul. It has become one of Korea’s most famous resort complexes since its appearance in the extremely popular drama ‘Winter Sonata’. Perched 700m up upon Mt. Taegisan (1,261 meters above sea level), Phoenix Park, though large, harmonizes well with the surrounding landscape without overpowering it. The resort has a total of seventeen slopes, four of which are approved by the FIS (International Ski Federation), and has superb snow quality. Particularly popular is the ‘Panorama Slope’, which is an impressive 2.2km long and has an average width of 46meters. Eight ski lifts, state-of-the-art gondolas, and six conveyer belts transport visitors around the park quickly and efficiently.  In 2011, Phoenix Park continued to add to its facilities by completing competition venues for snow sports such as snowboarding and mogul skiing that will be used during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Phoenix Park Ski Resort is an environmentally friendly resort, created with the minimum possible disruption to surrounding nature.  

Admission Fees

Type	Fees
Early morning Pass	41,000 won
Morning through Evening Pass	54,000 won
Early Morning & Morning Pass	59,000 won
Morning & Afternoon Pass	64,000 won
Early Morning through Afternoon Pass	69,000 won
Night Pass	38,000 won
White night Pass	48,000 won
Night & White night Pass	58,000 won
Afternoon & Evening Pass	80,000 won
Evening & Night Pass	71,000 won
Evening through White night Pass	79,000 won

Direction
- Take an intercity bus to Jangpyeong Intercity Bus Terminal.
Take a free shuttle bus from the bus terminal to Phoenix Park.
(Shuttle bus schedule: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 20:00 / Subject to change.)

- Seoul to Phoenix Park
Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 4. Bus stop is located behind Glass Tower.
(Departure time: 10:00)

- Sports Complex Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 1. (Departure time: 10:10)

* Reservations required
Homepage: http://www.phoenixpark.co.kr/global/english/

5. Daemyung Vivaldi Park: The Nighttime Skiing

Daemyung Vivaldi Park: The Nighttime Skiing

Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World was the first ski resort in Korea to offer nighttime skiing and as such, has become a favorite among young skiers in their teens and twenties. Even the slope names (Hip-Hop, Techno, Funky, etc.) are geared towards young adults. Some of the more advanced slopes are uniquely designed with unexpected twists and turns for maximum thrills. For those who are new to winter sports, Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World provides the perfect setting to safely learn new skills, even offering skiing and snowboarding lessons for a small fee. There are a variety of slopes with difference inclines and distances to give new snow sport enthusiasts the perfect chance to gradually work their way up from the bunny slopes to more advanced courses. In all, Daemyung offers a total of 13 different slopes and 10 lifts. Moreover, the resort offers the utmost in convenience by providing condos directly connected to the ski slopes.  

Admission Fees
Morning      08:30 - 13:00 - 45,000 won
Afternoon   12:30 - 17:00 - 50,000 won
Night          18:30 - 23:00 - 50,000 won
Late nignt    24:00 - 05:00 - 48,000 won
Day            08:30 - 17:00 - 64,000 won
New Day    10:30 - 17:00 - 58,000 won

Direction
- Take an intercity bus from Seoul Sangbong Bus Terminal (first bus: 06:40/last bus: 22:00) or from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (first 07:00/last 21:30) to Kangwon-do Hongcheon.   From Hongcheon Intercity Bus Terminal, take a city bus bound for Daemyung Vivaldi Park (first bus: 06:00/last bus: 21:00/9 times a day, no fixed intervals)

- Seoul ->vivaldi park:
take shuttle bus at Asia Park near sports complex station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit #1
Departure time: weekdays 10:30/Friday :10:30, 19:00/Saturday 10:30, 15:00

- Vivaldi Park ->Seoul :
take Shuttle bus across the main center departure time : weekdays 15:00/ Friday 15:00/Saturday 13:00
Fares 
one way(member fee) adults: 9,000 won/children: 6,000 won
round trip(member fee) adults: 16,000 won/ children: 9,000 won
*Reservation Required

Homepage: http://www.daemyungresort.com/asp/main.asp

About the equipment for ski and winter sports, you can easily rent from the rental shop in the ski resort! Wish you all happy new year 2012 and make most out of it in this winter vacation Korea Christmas! Get your airfares to Seoul now and Enjoy the 5 places must-go for ski and winter sports in South Korea. 

Please do not hesitate to leave comments!

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Muslim Traveler to South Korea

Any travelers no matter who’s the traveler is, Chinese Traveler, American Traveler, European Traveler or African Traveler somehow they might worry about the foods, place of worship, cultural different in those countries that they intended to visit especially for 1^st time travelers. How about Muslim Traveler?

South Korea is a non-Islamic country somehow Muslim Traveler might have some concern about especially for the 1^st time Muslim Traveler to South Korea. So, today I am going to end the worries for Muslim Traveler to Visit Korea. ^_^

But why they so worry about it?

In Islam, pork, meat of carnivorous animals, the blood of dead animals, and meat not properly slaughtered or slaughtered in any name other than Allah are prohibited for them to consume. Even among herbivorous animals and birds, only halal meat is allowed. A part from that, every Muslim Male is recommended to do worship in mosque on Friday weekly. Yeah! That’s why ^_^  

Muslim Food in South Korea

Beside, in South Korea, many dishes are made with pork and it is very common in Korea to drink alcohol during or after a meal and this may be offensive to Muslim Traveler. So, Muslim Traveler usually brought packaged instant food with them on their trip to Korea, it is kind of inconvenience for them to do this if they come for more than 3 days.  

In fact, actually there are about 100,000 of local Muslim community in Korea and also Islamic countries and Korea have had ties for more than a thousand years through cultural exchange! Believe it or not? So, this is why I said there will be no worry for Muslim Traveler to South Korea! Alright! Below are the list of Halal Restaurants and mosque in South Korea, You can check it out!

Halal Restaurants in South Korea 

Masjid in South Korea

IF, you need some halal instant foods in your trip, you still can easily get it in Muslim Grocery shops near any Masjids or the Islamic centers.  

Well, that's all from me! If you have something to add, some suggestions or correction, please do not hesitate to leave comments! 

Thanks and always stay tune with LeX Paradise! Muslim Traveler to South Korea!

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LeX Paradise in Lonely Planet Travel Bloggers Ebook

Lonely Planet Travel Blogger Photo EBook

Proudly present "Around the World with 40 Lonely Planet Bloggers" Press Release
 

Today, 40 Lonely Planet travel bloggers come together as a group to release their first free photo ebook. "Around the World with 40 Lonely Planet Bloggers" takes readers on a world tour featuring almost 70 countries, and introduces the world of professional travel blogging. Within it, each blogger, hand picked by Lonely Planet, shares a collection of stunning photos that capture the essence of their travel.  

The gathering of this eclectic group of travel experts was born out of Lonely Planet’s effort to broaden content for their audience. 

“The concept was simple – get the best 10% of travel bloggers out there to share their thoughts and ideas…shining a light on the very best travel writing and photography on the planet,” tells Matthew Cashmore, former Innovation Ecosystem Manager at Lonely Planet on the creation of the BlogSherpa Program.

Uniting from across the globe, the BlogSherpas, as they are called, share their adventures and travel lifestyles through the photo ebook. 

“Managing 40 bloggers perpetually traveling in and out of jungles, cafes, monuments and ruins, and internet free zones (gasp!) was not an easy task” says Todd Wassel, the blogger who headed up the project. 

In addition to an eye-popping collection of photographs, the book is a rich resource for anyone with a passion for travel who wants to learn from the experts. 

“The 40 BlogSherpas showcased in the ebook specialize in travel modes ranging from solo to couples to family travel, road trips, budget travel, expat living, voluntourism and even perpetually traveling digital nomads,” explains Karen Catchpole, one of the featured bloggers. 

An accomplished group, the BlogSherpas have reached beyond their own blogs, having been published in the likes of National Geographic Traveler, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, AFAR and more.

Lonely Planet BlogSherpas

Myself, as one of the Lonely Planet Travel Blogger in this community! I am proud and excited about it! After a long year of Effort by 40 of them especially Todd Wassel! Our effort finally pay off with this tremendous Photo Ebook! I believe this is the good motivation for all of the World travelers. There will be more to come from Lonely Planet Travel Bloggers. 

Front Cover of " Around the World with 40 Lonely Planet Bloggers "

  Subscribe here  and get " Around the World with 40 Lonely Planet Bloggers " free Ebook now!   

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The Central of Entertainment for traveler: South Korean

Entertainment

South Korea is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists, with Seoul the arrival point for most vacationers. South Korea provides plenty of modern conveniences (including numerous free activities as well as world-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping) and easy access to historical palaces and temples, natural parks, animal sanctuaries, other popular sightseeing stops and the central of entertainment. Travel tours are available for those looking for a guided experience but it's also easy to chart your own path as you explore South Korea.

When talk about entertainment, there are sorts of ideas and illusions will be appeared in our mind. For example, people tend to think about singing, dancing and playing songs when mention about entertainment. So, South Korea is a paradise which you can enjoy not only physically, but also mentally unwinds yourself from the stress of bustle cities and tiredness. Therefore, the fields of entertainment in South Korea will be listed below: 

Concerts

Asia Song Festival

In South Korea, many concert hold annually and the most popular are the Dream Concert and Asia Song Festival which are performed by well-known singers (2pm, 2NE1, Super Junior, Girl’s Generation, etc) not only from South Korea but also singers from Asia such as China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and so forth. Besides, different entertainment companies organize different kind of concert, like as well like SM Town Concert by SM Entertainment, YG Family Concert by YG Entertainment and JYP Nation Concert by JYP Entertainment. So, do make this in your travel itinerary!

Live Stage Performance

 

NanTa

Have you ever heard about “NANTA” and “JUMP”? Both of it are the most popular non-verbal comedy stage drama performances in South Korea! “NANTA” perform about the story of four crazy chefs who have been set the impossible task of making wedding banquet in just one hour! As for “JUMP”, it is a Comic Martial Art Performance that tells the story of a family of martial arts specialists who defending their house from robbers with many amazing stuns and a mixture of an ancient Korean Taekwondo and Acrobatics act. Attend these two live stage performances, you not going to stop laughing.

T-Express, Everland

Theme Parks

In California, they have Disneyland. So does South Korea, Everland is a biggest theme park where we can spend our time with the ones we love and create our lifetime childhood memories. Besides that, you can experience the fantasy of being thrown up on the air when riding roller coaster. Don’t feel hesitate to try ‘T Express’ roller coaster which has the slanted 77 degree. Get prepared before you try it!

Night Clubs

Clubbing in HongDae

Moreover, South Korea is also noted for Night Club. For example, the most renowned night club is at Hongdae. Therefore, for those who like night life in South Korea, don’t miss it. Hongdae area is one of the most popular night life spots for Koreans and foreigners to hang out at night. This area has a disco underground music, many clubs showcasing live bands on weekends. Well, there are also many pool halls, Noraebangs for singing, and movie rooms for those who prefer singing, playing pools and watching movies.

Casino

Casino in Korea

If you're looking for a little more fast-paced action, casinos are plentiful in South Korea, with most based in and around Seoul. Kangwon Land Resort and Casino is currently the largest casino in South Korea, with nearly 1,000 slot machines and over 100 table games which located at Gangwon-do. You can have free beverages as much as you wish. In addition, the casino also provides a buffer restaurant and VIP lounge in order to give the most pleasant stay for the visitors. If you prefer more peaceful atmosphere and to avoid the hassle altogether, you could play blackjack online, as well as all other favourite casino games with high speed internet connection in South Korea.

So, do include all these in your travel itinerary and please feel free to leave any thought here!

Thanks!

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For the Tired and Weary traveller: The South Korean Jim-jil-bang

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When travelling anywhere abroad, many travellers look to stuff their itinerary with as many sightseeing activities as possible.  Events, festivals, attractions, and local food stands out as a focus among many travellers, with relaxation often overlooked entirely.  While it is easy to adhere to a schedule and get quite a bit done, when things don’t go as planned, tensions run high, and bodies get tired, it can be difficult to adhere to this schedule comfortably.  For the tired and weary traveller, the South Korean Jim-jil-bang is an excellent stop to relax before heading to sleep.

What is a Jim-jil-bang?

Jim-jil bang

First and foremost, it is important to understand that Jim-jil-bang refers to a specific type of facility, rather than a single attraction.  A Jim-jil-bang is a large, gender-segregated South Korean public bathhouse.  These locations come complete with showers, hot tubs, Finnish-style saunas, as well as massage tables in certain locations.  In most locations, the Jim-jil-bang refers to this specific room (or “bang” in Korean), with several other rooms attached.  These areas typically have snack bars, ondol-heated floor, lounges for relaxation or sleeping, as well as other rooms for either viewing movies, playing games (known as a PC Bang or PC room), and karaoke rooms called Noraebang.  These locations are typically open 24 hours, and offer a relaxing experience, as well an inexpensive alternative to traditional hotel rooms.

Selecting a Jim-jil-bang

While many of these facilities offer similar services, they are not entirely alike.  Many focus on similar aspects, but offer different food and drink menus, different bathing facilities, and may have other rooms omitted entirely.  When selecting a Jim-jil-bang, it’s important for travellers to consider which features are most important to them, as well as what locations are close to the next day’s destination.

The Key to a Relaxing Stay :) 

Jim-jil bang

While it is safe to say that few travellers visit South Korea specifically to spend time at a Jim-jil-bang, along with excellent planning, a Jim-jil-bang can make any trip much more enjoyable and relaxing.  While there’s no need to book a stay at a Jim-jil-bang in advance, it’s still an excellent idea to plan your other travel activities well in advance.

Those interested in a more complete, more customized trip to South Korea, such as travellers searching for Asia honeymoons, should make sure that they research the area carefully and choose well known travel agents specialising in Asia Tours.  Be sure to specifically mention Jim-jil-bangs as your preferred lodging method, and their agents will be sure to find a good match.

All in all, picking your flight and planning your trip well may be frustrating at first, but preparation truly is the key to a relaxing trip for those who fly to South Korea.  Combine planning with a relaxing evening at a Jim-jil-bang, and no traveller can go wrong. So, do not miss Jim-jil-bang in your South Korea trip and include it in your travel list.

Please feel free to leave any your thought here! Thanks! :) 

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10 free things to do in South Korea !

South Korea is one of the developed countries in the world and I am no doubt about its living expenses are much higher by comparing to developing countries. Low budget visitors or visitor from developing country always think twice before plan to visit South Korea for their trip. However, I have to say it is still possible! I live in South Korea almost a year as a student and I have to say again that there are many free things that you can experience and get to know more about their culture and the country! As a student traveler in South Korea, I would like to share 10 free things that we can do in South Korea!

1. Hi Seoul Festival

Hi Seoul Festival

Hi Seoul Festival is a seasonal cultural festival that has been held four times a year in Seoul since 2003. It is also the biggest-scale festival in Seoul. It usually held in many places around the Seoul Plaza like Cheonggyecheon, Myeong-doing, Gwanghwamun, and the old palaces each year in May. This Festival became very popular due to its various exciting event programs prepared to show the culture, history and arts of Seoul! You can take part and experience in Children's day event and musical performance, global village events, traditional folk and games, Hi Seoul Parade and others activities! The most importantly is almost all the activities are free!! yes! Free! 

2. Ganghwamun plaza

Ganghwamun Plaza

Located in front of the main gate of Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace). The history of this Gwanghwamun Plaza is more than 600 years ago. Gwanghwamun square was considered the venue for government building with six government building straddling the square. Officials from these buildings gathered at the royal palace to discuss national affairs with king during the Joseon Dynasty ( 1392-1910 ). Since then, this area was long considered the heart of Korean politics and it has witnessed important turning points in Korean History! From the far, you can see the water dance and spray around the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin ( South Korea worrier ) With no doubt, you can see the night as pretty as in the picture! Please visit my experience on the day of Ganghwamun Plaza launching ceremony! 

3. Free KimChi Making Lesson

Various kind of Kimchi 

Every year during the late fall season or when the weather starting to get colder, the KimChi Making Season is coming. Almost all Korean in the household will prepare the ingredients for Kimchi Making! If you have Korean friends, they will be more than happy to invite you to see how the kimchi is made and you can try to make it by your own! Or during that time you can go to Itaewon-Hannam Global Village Center to take some free lesson on Kimchi Making! Remember! It is an annual program where you can take the lesson during the fall season. 

4. Busan International Fireworks Festival

Busan Firework Festival

This international event takes place at Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge annually! So, the event actually will take place on the night and comprise nearly 80,000 fireworks in one amazing show! The 500minute multi-media display will feature high-tech laser lights, sounds and music to light up the sky over the beautiful Gwangan Bridge! Each fireworks demonstration is precisely-timed with music selections under the each year themes and may have as many as 50,000 explosions in each 15 minute performance! Take your chance to feel the excitement in late summer season.

5. Busan Sea Festival

Busan Sea Festival

The Busan Sea Festival is held at various beach location including Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Song-do Beach and Songjeong Beach and at various Places in the city of Busan! It is Korea's largest sea festival and is liaison of Busan International Rock Festival, Busan International Beach Dance Festival, Korean sea Literature Festival, Busan Beach Game Festival and more!! About 30 small to large festival are held during Busan Festival and visitors can pick and choose those most attractive to their personal interests! If you like sea and always wanted to experience the extreme crowded beach ever! This is the festival that you going to excited about!

6. Mud festival

Boryeong Mud Festival

Boryeong Mud Festival is one of the most famous attraction events in South Korea! The festival itself attracts the largest number of international visitor annually and it is free! It usually held in summer season at Daecheon Beach! During the festival period, tourists flock to the area to experience the beneficial properties of the Boryeong mud around the beach and also to have lots of fun! Fully immersed in the both the mud and the festival's great atmosphere, visitors can enjoy many activities like mud wrestling, mud sliding and even swimming in the mud mega tub!! You can take a look at 2010 Mud festival or visit my previous experience in Boryeong Mud Festival. 

7. Lotus Lantern Making Festival

Lotus Lantern Festival

The lantern has the meaning of brightening and praying for the world. You can experience the making of a eight-sided lantern and pray for your wishes. Lotus lantern making will be held next to the Buddhist Street Festival that will offer many, and many more cultural experiences! This festival is very interesting since you can experience the hand on work on making eight-sided lantern by your own and take it back as your gift for free! You only need to register yourself with the organizer, and that it! For more information, visit Lotus Lantern Making Festival.

8. International Hot Balloon Festival

Daejeon Hot Balloon Festival

International Balloon Festival in Daejeon (held in autumn season), is one of the grand festival that can fulfill with amazing experience as well as with the very attractive night scene with various colorful hot air balloon. It features a number of hot air balloon rides for free and aeronautical programs. If you seeking some sky high experience and flying on the sky with the colorful hot air balloon, then this is the event that you don't want to miss it out! Please visit my experience in International Balloon Festival!

9. Asia Song Festival

Asia Song Festival

Asia Song Festival is a prestigious music festival that usually held annually in summer season with all the Asian greatest starts and with the purpose to bring Asia together as a hub of cultural exchange. This festival is giving out free VIPs concert tickets to all foreigners who are stay in South Korea and visiting South Korea. Yeah! Free VIPs Tickets! That’s Right! For more information, please visit  2010 Asia Song Festival or experience in Asia Song Festival.

10. Ginseng Festival

Ginseng Wine 

The Geumsan Insam (Ginseng) Festival (held in every fall) in Geumsan County's leading festival located in Chungcheongnam-do province. The largest producer of ginseng in South Korea as well as medicinal herb market. This festival, which has been running for 30 years and is held to promote the beneficial effects of Geumsan ginseng! In the festival you can see various kind of ginseng products, try different kind of ginseng, ginseng sand feet massage, special massage with ginseng cream and so on. You can experience many program for free! You can visit my experience on Geumsan Insam Festival.  

If you have some free things to do in South Korea, please kindly leave comments here! I will be more than happy to discuss it here! 

( All the sources are base of my own experience and official traveling site. It might be change on time, if you have updated sources, please kindly leave comments, Thanks!)

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