In recent years, South Korea has been one of the top destination for travel among my friends, including myself. In the past 3 years, I have been to South Korea 3 times, each time exploring different areas, mainly beyond Seoul.
As much as I would hope to, the 4th trip in 4 years is far from becoming a reality. Nevertheless, here’s my hottest trends for Summer this year, or rather the places I would have visit if I’m going Korea this year.
1. You Who Came From the Stars Filming Location – Jangsado Sea Park – Camelia island
This popular Korean Drama is the drama of the year and Kim Soo Hyun became an instant money-making cash cow overnight. He has appeared in local newspaper at least 4 to 5 times (despite the drama already ending in March), came to Singapore for a fan meet and made a lot of crazy fans spend tons and tons of money on him. On the contrary, I am not smitten by him but I prefer the female lead, Gianna Jun. She brought back the memories I had of My Sassy Girl and her acting was really brilliant.
So, why do I want to visit this place?
- It’s really popular (One of the highest search keywords for my blog – If you google” You Who Came From the Stars Filming Location” on google, my blog comes up right on top.)
- It’s inaccessible (which makes it more challenging and blog-worthy
*Do check back for updates. I might have friends visiting this place ^_^ *
2. You Who Came From the Stars / My Love from the Stars Film Set Exhibition @ Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Info from KTO: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1923659
For fans of the drama, this limited-time only (June 10 ~August 15) exhibition is a MUST-GO. Although it might seem rather pricey at 15,000W, it is a really a rare opportunity as such exhibitions are not very common. Well, I paid almost 56 SGD for my Harry Potter Studio tour back in 2012 so I don’t think 15,000W is steep at all =p
Admission: Adults 15,000 won / Students 10,000 won
※ 20% discount for adults if they present a picture or printed copy of the discount coupon
found at the bottom of the SBS website: http://lovefromstar.sbs.co.kr/
Directions: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 4, 5), Exit 1 or 2. The plaza is located right outside these exits.
3. Cafe Dreamy
If you’re active on social media, you would have probably seen photos of this cafe being shared around a couple of times. This dreamlike creation was the result of the (former air force pilot) owner combining two of his greatest passion, cameras and coffee into a camera-themed cafe.
Img Cr: http://photohistory.tistory.com/14245
This cafe was only built recently and if you check the street view of this place, it had been a green field. I’ll let the rest of the pictures speak for itself ❤
Img Cr: http://freezetm.tistory.com/entry/%EA%BF%88%EA%BE%B8%EB%8A%94-%EC%82%AC%EC%A7%84%EA%B8%B0
Directions: Travel via Mugunghwa Train (start from Cheongnyangni ) or Jungung Line (start from Yongasn), alight at Youngmun Station and use exit 1.
A. Take taxi and direct the taxi driver to 중원리 꿈꾸는사진기 or just show him the image of this place. (approx 10,000W, 10-15 minutes)
B. Alternatively, you can take the public bus which only comes once every hour.
- Upon exiting the station, walk to the main road and turn to your left.
- Walk down slightly and then turn right into the road.
- Walk down the road and then walk into the Bus Terminal.
- Board bus number 7-5 and alight at the 11th Stop (중원1리강이대삼거리정류장 하차) which sounds like Jung Won il-ri gang yi dae sam geo ri jeong ryu jang ha cha.
- The bus stop is by a stream and a mini dam. I guess if you’re unsure, do show the bus driver the hangul words and he will advise you where to stop.
- (The walk is approximately 1km) Continue walking in the same direction as the bus and continue on the path which brings you across the stream.
- After walking a distance, take a left turn across the bridge again.
- Continue walking (slight uphill) and you should see this awesome cafe on your left!
**Directions given have been sourced from daum maps street view as at 2010. I do not take any responsibility if these directions are inaccurate as I have not been to this place before.
*Do check back for updates. I might have friends visiting this place ^_^ *
4. Ganchon Rail Bike @ Chuncheon
If you have been following my blog, you would have probably know that I’m a fan of the rail biking experience! I have personally tried the Yangpyeong Rail Bike and adding on to the list:
(1) Auraji Rail Bike in Jeongseon
(4) Seomjingang River Rail Bike
(5) Ganchon Rail Bike & Chuncheon (below)
Ganchon Rail Bike is located right outside Gimyujeong Station. By the way, this place was featured in one of running man’s episode and it can be really packed during summer. Do book in advance if possible.
Directions: Take the ITX and alight at Gangchon station, then take stroll to ganchon rail park located at the former gangchon station or change to the subway at gangchon station to Gimyujeong Station.
Do note that the rail bike package only runs 1 way from Gangchon to Gimyujeong and vice versa. You can choose to start off at either ends.
5. Boryeong Mud Festival
The Mud festival has been an yearly affair in Korea since 1998 and this year, it will happen from 18-28 July at Daecheon Beach, Boryeong. For only 10,000W, you can take part in a crazy carnival and splash these beneficial mud onto your body. Take part in activities from mud wrestling to mud sliding to mud soap making or even participate in a marine-style training program!
Note: Fireworks fantasy happens on the 19th and 27th of July.
Directions: (From Seoul) Take the Saemaul (Express) train from Yongsan Station (Line 1) to Daecheon Station. Then, transfer a bus to from the station to Daecheon Beach (40 mins). Alternatively, you can take the bus from Express Bus terminal (Line 3, Exit 2) to Daecheon Intercity bus terminal. Then, take a local bus to Daecheon Beach.
Cr: http://www.boryeongmudfestival.com/
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Alright, these are the places which I would be covering if I were to go to Korea this summer.
Picked up any ideas for your next vacation to Korea? Do remember to share your experiences with me when you’re back!
🙂
Flyhoneystars x Follow My Footsteps 