Seoul, Day 6 - Lotte World, Myeundong

Day 6 – 21 March 2011, Monday

Today, the tour was great because the 2 of them back to their normal behaviour and more cheerful. In our itinerary, we have agreed that we will explore the famous Lotte World on 6th day. Lotte World can be easily accessed from Jamsil Station, on Seoul Subway Line 2 and Subway Line 8 of the Metropolitan Subway.  It is located near the Seok-Chon Lake, and the surrounding lake was converted to a park.

Trevi Fountain of Lotte World!

The exact location of Lotte World is in Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Among its main attractions are the outdoor amusement park Magic Island, Gyro Drop (vertical free fall), Gyro Swing, and Atlantis Adventure and most popular ride of Pharaoh's Fury.

Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul. It consists of the following all in one place:-

1. The world's largest indoor Theme Park (by Guinness World Record) which is open all year around;
   

   
2. An outdoor Amusement Park called "Magic Island";
   

   
3. An artificial island inside a lake linked by Monorail;
   

   
4. Shopping Mall;
   

   
5. A luxury hotel;
   

   
6. A Korean Folk museum;
7. Sports facilities; and
8.  Movie theaters.

Opened on July 12, 1989, Lotte World receives over 8 million visitors each year and is considered along with Tokyo Disney Resort as one of the world-class theme parks in Asia.

When we arrived at the underground station, we straight went headed to its shopping mall and were looking for food outlet. It was still very early for lunch, thus, not many people were there. Cold weather always made us easily hungry and early lunch sounds a great idea. We bought a meal coupon at the counter after deciding what everyone would like to have. Thereafter, we went to take our meals. As usual, we all enjoy having "bibimpop" (rice with choices of vegetables, meat etc mixed in a wooden bowl), "kimchi bokumpop" (kimchi fried rice) and "saewoo bokumpop" (shrimp fried rice). The safest food for a Muslim is to opt for seafood and non-meat (white or red meat) items. What was amazing culture that we discovered was, everybody will return the tray back to the counter and clear their own table. Is this not a great culture? We, Malaysian should implement this in Kuala Lumpur, for a start. By who? me? No way.. as I'm not interested in food industry... Someone else will, InsyaAllah!

After lunch, we headed to the theme park counter of the big Lotte World mall to get a day entrance passes.  The admission fees are:-

	Adults (including college students)		Youths (13 to 18 years old)		Children
	Day	Night	Day	Night	Day	Night
Admission- includes admission and performances	24,000 won	20,000 won	21,000 won	17,000 won	18,000 won	15,000 won
Unlimited usage ticket	30,000 won	26,000 won	26,000 won	22,000 won	23,000 won	20,000 won
Total facility usage ticket - unlimited usage ticket after performance admission	15,000 won	13,000 won	14,000 won	10,000 won	13,000 won	9,000 won

We let the kids explore the big creation theme park on their own, whilst we two, decided to take things slowly, took picture and spent time together at the flora and fauna area. As we will not easily get lost, we just strolled and survey the whole area until we saw the flying tree. I’m very fond of trees as they implied many great things about cycle of life.

Hubby and I decided to give it a try and took a ride. See how we enjoy it of which later I regretted so much as my head got very2 dizzy and takes very long time for my head to settle down. The kid saw us when we join the que and made fun of us. However, they volunteer to record our experience by taking our picture. We took theirs, in return :)

Lotte World was one of several locations used for filming the Korean drama, i.e. "Stairway to Heaven". For the record, I watched this drama. It was also a host to the World Pump Festival in 2006.

After finished with sightseeing, we shopped at the department stores before headed to Jamsil train station for next stop of Myeundong Market for shopping. Kids were very happy except Naim who does not have much more money left to spend. I would think that everyone loves shopping.



The racquet's was his!

In here, I found plate for me to frame on the wall. I collected plate as record of visit, which later I sent for framing at the shop near our house using the same frame material. I day, I will share here how it looks like on the wall back at our house. Hubby used to complaint that I made the wall look ugly. I just tease him more and more that I plan to decorate them for his office in our new residence, 1 day.

We went back to the hotel, tired and after prayers we all drowse in a heavy sleep. Tomorrow, we will have another long day to visit Seoul Tower.

To be continued....

Seoul, Day 5 - Nami Island

Day 5 - 20th March 2012, Sunday

It was drizzling when we left the hotel that morning. Due to last night incidents, we were late to reach the station where we supposed to meet my sister. I was feeling very sad as Nami Island is a place where I wanted to go with her. We went ahead with our plan to Nami Island hoping to see them there. To our disappointment they were no where to be seen. How sad. 

We had to change train at 3 stations to reach the the last station, Gapyeong to Nami Island. From the train station, instead of taking bus from Gapyeong Bus Terminal, we decided to get cramped in a small taxi to reach ferry location. As we reach the ferry site, we look around for restaurant for lunch. The 1 that we chose was very crowded as it was around lunch time when we arrived the dock. The meals again were wonderful as our family loves Korean food. We could stay here forever eventually. The kids really survived in Seoul and they said if given a chance, it's their wishes to study in Seoul.

The ferry's schedule @ interval time is 10-20 minutes from 9am to 6pm which can accommodate about 20,000 people in 1 ferry. Ticket to the island is fixed at Kr10,000 won/adult and Kr4,000 won for Nasrul (below 18 years old). It was an amazing trip, I mean being in a short ride ferry and could be more amazing if 2 teenager did not show a sour face. This awkward situation always happened in our holidays as seeing each other for 24 hours day and night is very tough. Someone has to pick up a fight somehow. It happened on day 5 when we were in Korea! 

Namiseom is actually a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, formed as it was inundated by the rising water of the North Han River as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944. Its name was originated from General Nami, who died at the age of 28 after being falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo, the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty. Although his grave wasn't discovered, there were a pile of stones where his body was supposed to be buried. It was believed that if someone took even one stone from there, it would bring misfortune to their house. A tour company arranged the grave with soil and then developed Namiseom into an amusement park.

Namisum is located 3.8 km from Gapyeong County, but belongs to Chuncheon. It is 430,000 square meters in area and approximately 4 km in diameter.

The creator of Namisum is Kang Woohyun, born in Danyang County in 1953, majored in graphic design and was the president of the design company until 2000. Inaugurated as Namisum CEO in 2001, he has worked as an illustrator, a fairy tale writer, a graphic designer, an environmentalist and civil activist, and has been preoccupied with the development of a theme park in Namisum. He has placed much value on culture and environment Namisum's nature. Since his inauguration, he has tried to eliminate the merry-making image of the amusement park where visitors just play and drink, and recreate the place where nature is in harmony with art and culture Namisum's art and culture.

In 1965, Min Byungdo purchased and started to reforest the island. In 1966, he founded Gyeongchun Tourism Development Inc. and developed it into a resort town. He changed the firm name to Namisum Inc. in 2000.

In 2001, Namisum Inc. started to invest heavily in environment and art and culture-related events. Non-profit organizations such as YMCA have participated in environment campaigns for recycling, environment monitoring and eco-friendly development. Furthermore, Namisum Inc. has been supporting various events ranging from paintings to applied art in cooperation with writers and international organizations such as UNICEF and UNESCO.

From 1960 to 1990, it was known as a location for a film "Winterreise" and "Riverside Song Festival". Since 2001, it has become one of culture tourist attractions as the number of Asian tourists’ increases due to the success of Korean dramas. Also it has been in the spotlight of the international resort town with natural environment many foreigners living in Korea desire to visit.

Namisum declared independence as the Naminara Republic on 1 March 2006. It has drawn 1.5 million visitors a year on average. It's quite funny to have a republic in Korea which were again separated in 2, North and South Korea. Will there be a reunification between the 2 country? Similarly, will there be a reunification of Pakistan and India? I bet it will not, ever .....

It was a perfect timing when we finished our tour. However, no taxi willing to put all 6 of us cramped in their taxi. Therefore, we rather take a bus than prolong debating with the taxi driver. But it was fun. Important to note that moving around South Korea is not a big issue. Rest assured that you wont get lost. If you do, just show a freaking face and smile pitiful, as witty as possible to the Koreans. They surely will help you. There's a roadside cleaner approached me when I was alone taking pictures in Dongdaemun. He was showing a sign asking whether I need his help.. Ouch, it was so sweet, I'm feeling so touch until now.

Falls in love with the shop decoration... beautiful!

In conclusion, the Koreans are the most nicest people on the universe. Now, Mr DS Park has to welcome us 1 more time to his country :)

To be continued....

Seoul, Day 4 - Shopping in Dongdaemun

Day 4 – 19 March 2011, Saturday

Today, we had to check-out from Lexington Hotel and check-in to another hotel seated few rows behind Lexington, still in Yoido. Below photo was the last taken inside, a big flower bouquet at their foyer for remembrance.

Would be nice to have e a foyer with nice wooden round table and daily fresh flower!

Mr Park tried several times to book the hotel at many hotel counter, but it was very difficult as all the hotel were fully booked due to Japanese and South East Asia tourists. Anyhow he managed to book the hotel through the "hotelmoa" from 19th March 2011 till to 23rd March 2011 at a reasonable price. Two rooms of which 1 room with Queen bed and the other room with twin beds. As usual Nasrul is sharing our room and sleep in between me and my husband. The cost of the hotel which were paid by Mr Park, later I reimbursed him was 800,000 Korean Won,  approximately USD 735 including tax. He came to help us shifting to a new hotel at around 11pm.

Shopping Heaven's!

We had lunch just in front of the hotel which charged a very reasonable price. Again, we enjoy the food that was served. Mr Park introduced us and explain to the shop owner our pre-order meal as she cannot speak a word of English. But really, meals was not a major issue as plentiful of 24 hours groceries shops that enable us to have  instant food, like noodles, pastas, packed rice, soup etc, not to mention fruits and road side stalls.

Photo description: In search for Nike outlets known as Temple of Nike, we found "Hollys Coffee" with nice interior. As he was too eager to reach the temple, we were forced to continue without having our stop.


After lunch, Mr Park offered us a lift to Dongdaemun which is famous for shopping. It literally was known as Heunginjimun @ "Gate of Rising Benevolence",  located in a prominent landmark in central Seoul. The Korean language name "Dongdaemun" which means "Great East Gate and it was so named because it was the major eastern gate in the wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is located at Jongno 6-ga in Jongno-gu. The structure was first built by King Taejo of Joseon during his fifth year of reign 1398. It was renovated in 1453, and the current structure is the one rebuilt in 1869. Below photo is where the gate where Dongdaemun is being named. I wanted to go nearer and explore what was inside the building but all 5 objected by threatening that they would not be coming along. I will be on my own... gosh!

The area around Dongdaemun known as Dongdaemun Market includes upmarket shopping districts as well as several underground shops, stalls and markets that are open for most of the day. It has grown into the largest shopping center in South Korea. In 2007, the City of Seoul started Dongdaemun Design Project (DDP), to renovate what used to be Dongdaemun Stadium Baseball Amateur Park. 

Naim was spending his money... the 1st 1 who spent among the 4

As of 2010, the Seoul Subway station name there was changed to Dongdaemun History Culture Park Station. Nobody listen to my suggestion that we should explore the history culture park.  Everybody has planning for shopping today by having their shopping list ready.

Everybody is searching for his boot and the verge of bullying when he cannot decided

Naim's second purchase made him poor with very little money left. He almost have nothing to spend when we were in Namdaemun and Myeundong. We waited more than 20 minutes for him to decide at this spot :(

A break for smoke!

Hubby finally agreed to stop for short coffee break at Roti Mum.. eh, Malaysia pun ada Roti Mum gak!

Each kid were given Kr 150,000 won as pocket money. We told them to spend wisely. They can buy anything they want including souveniers to be given to their friends within the limit. No extras will be given to anyone should they dont have enough whatsoever. My husband and I decided that we shall not let ourselfs being cheated by them anymore. No more, no more, enough experience so far. If we allow them to choose, they will not even bother to check the price tag. At the end of every trips, when we reached home, everybody will start comparing and quarelling that we are not treating them equally. Given a times, they checked the price tags and compared things that we bought on the trip, whether it differs in quantity and value from each other. How to be fair? Let them be independant and choose what they way within their own budget and their own limit.

Naim was the 1st one to spent. The rest was exploring what to buy. Nasrul only wishes for Grade 2 soccer shoes. Hubby was aiming for tennis racquet. Nazhif and Syahirah pretended to be wiser. We shall see what happened to 4 of them on our last day in Seoul, ok!

This is what I did.. boring, boring, boring!

She who spent next.. hey hey, i'm singing "Material Girl" by Madonna, when I have money I smile, if money gone "don't you dare to speak with me!!"

It's not for her, it's for her brother's girlfriend, the 3rd 1 first purchase :)

Children's act when using their own money to buy souvenirs for friend, from the street. Those days they will simply said.. Please be considerate mother, how can we give low quality souvenirs to my friend. It's a shame! Hubby and I were so proud of our genius decision to distribute the money equally for their own individual shopping

We explored the shopping mall till late evening. Something happened after the last photo of the night was taken. What happened that night shall remain as family secret, we promised each other that no one should ever leak the secret away. Mr Park came to our rescue, later that night. He has gone home from work but came back to make sure everything was alright before sending us back to the hotel. The whole family profusely thanking him for his generosity  ending in a big circle hugs.

This photo will be in our record together. The last photo we took before we finally found the temple of NIKE!

My husband and I wishes for our 4 children's to remember their vow the night when we were there in Dongdaaemun. The promise that they shall look after of each other, to care, to love, to protect and will always lend support (financial or morally), help and assistance to one another. Remember your promises kid, for us, parent to have a peace of mind when leaving you behind 1 day. 

My Apple boy pose a big smile with his purchase after a long day and tiring night...

To be continued....

Seoul, Day 3 - Seoraksan National Park

Day 3 – 18 March 2011, Friday

Seoraksan National Park is listed by the South Korean government with UNESCO as a tentative World Heritage site. The Korean government designated the area as a nature reserve in 1965 and UNESCO designated the area as a biosphere reserve in 1982. It was also the first Korean national park to be designated under the National Park Law in 1970. Located on the east and center of the Korean peninsula, the reserve covers Injegun, Yanyanggun, and Sokchosi. It is one of the most popular attractions for tourists and nature enthusiasts in Korea. The Soraksan Nature Reserve is valuable for its stunning natural beauty and rare flora and fauna.

Naim & Luqman at the entrance spot

We were surprised to meet my sister’s family when we embarked at the Sokcho train station to take a bus to Seoraksan National Park. The kids were happy seeing their cousins as they walk together to Sokcho Intercity Express Bus Terminal. We bought a return bus ticket (Bus no 7 or 7-1) with Dongbu Express and journeyed together to the Seoraksan Mountain.

Hubby posing behind the bus station, those who is a korean drama fan would be able to see similar bus station in the drama

The bus ride took us about one and a half hour to reach the Seorak-dong station. Along the journey, we saw plentiful spots of the left over snow on the hillside and the sides of the river bank as the winter was about to over. It was a bless for the children to experience snow with their cousins. 

Photo we took from inside the bus

The bus stop for toilet and snacks. This place brings my memory to our China trip where Nasrul played cheerful in the cold winter at every bus stop in 2005.

From the last stop of the bus station, Seorak-dong, we decided to take a taxi to reach the mountain. 

Entrance to the park is free. The park is generally spread accross 4 cities and counties; Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong, to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is again being divided into North NaeSeorak and South Baeseorka. North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon stream.

Group photo of all the happy faces to start a long walk into the mountain

After about less than 10 minutes walk, we stopped for coffee and the kids ordered sushi for light meal. The walk to the mountain was very pleasant and serene. Photos taken along the walk are shared below.

Along the walked, we bumped into the 3 lovely Korean teenage who cant' stop giggling when they saw our boys. They were so kind to take our group photo and in return we took theirs with the boys. 

Snow balls for the photo

We followed the Baekdamcheon valley where all the streams meet. On our way up, we reached the Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Upstream from the temple is Gayadong and Suryeomdong valley and after passing Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae, we found Madeungryeong ridge seated at 1,327m that leads to Seorakdong. We met a Buddhist monk from Malaysia who has a pure, radiant face granted by the Almighty. She shared a little about herself that she is a vegan (people who only takes vegetables @ vegetarian) to purify her heart. 

In here we said "I love you" :)

The Suryeomdong valley will eventually lead us to Ssangdok waterfalls. Further up from the waterfall is Bongjeongam, seated at 1,224m above sea level. For those who have more time and in a smaller group may opt to go to Daecheong peak, where people can view the magnificent mountain range. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from Oknyeotong area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung waterfall, at north of Jangsudae is teh most beautiful ste of Naeseorak, which is 88 m in height.

I love this photo taken by my brother in law, Wan that I shared from my sister Facebook

When we reached the spot where the river valley was full of snow, the children's simply shouts with delights and were throwing snowball at each other. Looking at their happy faces, my sister and I shared a pleasant talks of how happy we were that we planned for this trip and brought them all here. Last year, in January 2010, we were in Islamabad playing snow together without our family, but today, we were all there together, 2 families. How happy we both are.

How happy these boys are, never experienced snow before

Continued with the facts about Seoraksan Nature Reserve region which is known for the diversity of its flora. There are more than 822 vascular plant species classified in the region and a total of 1,013 species of plants. Pine trees are abundant on the southern slope while the northern slopes of the mountain range are characterized by Oak trees and other deciduous trees. Other trees include the Thuja trees which grow in the deep valleys and Siberian pine and native Korean Hanabusaya trees which grow on the ridges and high altitudes. Dwarf pines, forsythia, saussurea, and yew trees grow from the foot of the mountain and up. Juniper, hawthorn, and Korean edelweiss also grow in the reserve. Rare plants protected in the reserve include the Hanabusaya Asiatic and Abios nephrolepis.

The crystal clear water flowing from the mountain as the winter is over 

Cousin, Syahirah & Munirah on a way for coffee break

My Apple boy, willingly smiles showing his happy faces, very rare to see!

The reserve mountain is famous not only for its beautiful landscapes but for valuable cultural properties as well including Baekdamsa and Sinheungsa, including the Buddhist temples mentioned above, all in the reserve. Seoraksan snows every year when it’s in the winter, temperature goes under -30, which is very cold.

Coming with a big group will eventually make things difficult as the kids tend to complaints a lot that the walks is too tiring bla bla bla.. Finally we decided that we shall not continue to see the waterfall and shall be headed back. We took a bus which happened were already there ready to take us back to Seorak-dong station. On reaching the small town, we had late lunch and walked back to the bus station to bring us back to Sokcho Intercity Express Bus Terminal. It was already dark when we reached the station and departed at the train station heading to different train route as my sister family was staying in Myeundong area and we, in Yoido area. The last photo at train station shops before we parted with lots of love in our heart.

I want to end a long story of our Seoraksan trip by dedication to my beloved sister who loves me unconditionally since we were small till now. There are days we clashed...

But there are days that we forgive each other as the bond is too strong and we shall be together, happy ever after side by side. I love you very2 much my sister :)

to be continued...