Trip to Korea by Vago, LeX Paradise Contest Winner

A guest post share by Vago, LeX Paradise Contest winner with his experience about journey to South Korea.


Getting My Kimchi On

When I signed up for Lex Paradise contest, I didn't expect to win. That's why I was so surprised when I did. Still, what a cool thing to win a free flight from Malaysia to South Korea. Never mind that I was in Turkey...

So, I bought a flight on Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur and booked my ticket from KL to Seoul and back. I've been writing about many of the places I saw on my mini-Asia trip on http://www.vagobond.com/ but I wanted to just write a short guest post for Lex Paradise about my flight with Air Asia X and my impressions of South Korea as a whole.

First of all, Air Asia X. Without a doubt those flight attendants are the sexiest flight attendants I've ever come across. Those tight mini skirt uniforms and the bright red color. Wow. I've often regretted living in an age when flight attendants all seem to be over 50, gay, or appearance challenged – Air Asia X has said “Never mind the complaints about equality” and done something wonderful. They've made flight attendants glamorous again. This alone makes air travel more bearable.

On board, the flight attendants were courteous, friendly, and even flirty. The service was great and the onboard meals were actually tasty and regionally oriented. The airport in KL is the LCCT or Low Cost Carrier Terminal and a bus can get you there from KL Sentral for about 10 Ringgits. Inside the terminal were plenty of places to have coffee or lunch and the check-in process was easy and enjoyable to the eye, thanks to the very cute employees they also have working at the desks.My only complaint with Air Asia X was that I wasn't in business class since the seats looked incredibly comfortable but that's my own fault for not upgrading.

Korea Beach

Arriving in South Korea, I was astounded by how beautiful and filled with activities the airport at Incheon was. As I said in my video, I wanted to eat Kimchi, so I decided to go straight to it by booking a room at the Kimchi Hostel in the party center of the city, Hongdae. The Kimchi Hostel is quiet but well connected with the Hong Guesthouse and the owner invited me to go out, drink shoju, and party with the guests and staff within minutes of my arrival. First though, I asked where a good Korean BBQ place was and I sat down with an Italian guest to have a feast of Korean deliciousness. BBQ beef (kelbi), three types of kimchi (pickled cabbage and vegetables), a miso soup, salad, and a bunch of things I didn't know. It was sooo delicious.

Korean Palace

Over the next few days in Seoul, I toured palaces, visited museums, and seriously explored the underground world that is connected by subterranean shopping centers, the metro, and even underground museums. Seoul is vibrant both above and below the surface. In the nearby traditional village (reachable by the subway) I watched farmers dance and learned how to weave a straw rug.

Vago and Korean Friends

I wanted to see more of South Korea so I headed out of Seoul to visit the town of Sokcho and take a short trip up to the DeMilitarized Zone (DMZ). With two new Korean friends, I gazed out at desolate North Korea and toured the DMZ Museum. One thing I found for certain is that Korean people are polite, kind, and generous. They are almost always in a hurry though so don't get offended if they shove you out of the way.

Korean Traditional Dance

From Sokcho, I headed south to Samceok (you can read about the Penis Park at Vagobond since it might be a little much for Lex Paradise). From there a visit to Andong and then on to the coastal city of Busan where I had a lovely walk on the beach, ate more and more and more Kimchi, and finally took the bullet train back to Seoul. Back in Seoul I did some amazing shopping and of course, I ate more Kimchi with my friends at the Kimchi hostel. I was sad when my time was up, but happy that the ride to Incheon was as simple as a subway ride. To be honest, I scheduled a whole day to explore Incheon International Airport with its shopping, starlight gardens, bars, pubs, and massage.

Back in Kuala Lumpur, I was unable to find the time to go meet Lex in person in Penang, but to be sure, I am grateful for the opportunity to visit South Korea and hope to go back again sometime in the future. 


Thanks Lex! You Rock!

If you have any though to share, please do not hesitate to share it here! 


Cheer!

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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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Support KTO Buzz Korea!

Korea winter will end soon and spring is coming soon! let's enjoy the winter and anticipating the spring! Since last month LeX Paradise is feature in Buzz Korea, "For the Tired and Weary traveller: The South Korean Jim-jil-bang" is selected as the one of the best post in the Buzz Korea site. If you yet to read the post, please kindly take a look and vote for it in Buzz Korea site. In the mean time, LeX Paradise also supporting Buzz Korea Campaign.

Below is the promotional video of the campaign starring David Choi :



Hope you enjoy! Happy 2011!

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

Is selected as one of the best content in Buzz Korea website, please kindly vote for LeX Paradise.

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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Korea Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Korea Christmas! Merry Christmas! to everyone! Thanks for stay tune with LeX Paradise! Above is the Christmas Scene in South Korea! If you plan to visit Korea this coming winter! please visit Korea as soon as possible! This amazing scene is wait for you! 

LeX Paradise present you the Latest Korean Christmas Song by JYP Entertainment:

Enjoy your Christmas and stay tune with LeX Paradise.

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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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Traditional South Korea Festivals!

Korean Culture

In society today, the people of Korea follow the Gregorian calendar.  However, where traditional festivals are concerned that are rooted in Korean culture, they follow the lunar calendar for these annual events.  Banks and offices typically close when these events fall on public holidays but many other venues such as amusement parks, museums, palaces, and the majority of restaurants open for business.  With the exception of the months of April and November, there are events and festivals that occur in every one of the calendar months including the following:

Traditional Festivals

January 1^st – Solar New Year

February – Seollal (Lunar New Year-3 days)

March 1^st – Independence Movement Day

May 1^st – Labour Day

May 5^th – Children’s Day

May 24^th – Buddha’s Birthday 

                (where Lantern Festival held)

June 6^th – Memorial Day

July 17^th – Constitution Day

August 15^th – Liberation Day

September – Chuseok (3 days)

October 3^rd – Foundation Day

December 25^th – Christmas

As a general rules, the festivals that follow the Gregorian calendar during the year occur on the same day every year.  Conversely, those that follow the lunar calendar will fall on different dates each year. These festivals made Korea the country that rich with culture! Please remember that, these are just the festivals that will celebrate in Korea, there are hundred more of festivals in South Korea, like Mud Festival during the summer, Ginseng Festival, Music Wave Festival, Asia Song Festival, Dream Concert Festival, Gyeongju Liquor & Rice Cake Festival, Hot Balloon Festival, International Film Festival and many more!

The Scene of autumn in South Korea 

There are plenty of festivals through out the year but what about the best time to visit Korea then? Well, the climate in South Korea goes from one extreme to the other with hot humid summers and dry, bitterly cold winters.  Typically, the best time to visit the country is in the fall months of September, October, and November as the climate is mild to slightly cooling off periods occurring in the last month of the three.  The skies are a brilliant shade of blue while the autumn colours are nothing short of spectacular!

This provides the visitor with some excellent photographic opportunities yet you can e-mail pictures to family members that you can have printed at home. Using one of the numerous Jessop’s discount vouchers or Jessop’s Discount codes that you can find online you might be able to save some money on all the photographs that you will have to print! Right?

Well, if you able to spare sometime in this period, please do not hesitate to visit Korea! You will never regret!  

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