South Korea

I decided to write a throwback Korea post because as I was reviewing my first entry, it left me with dismay. I was probably too excited to blog about it to the point that I was lost for words and was very conscious of posting too much photos in one entry. The result was a short, senseless entry with the photos on a slideshow from a third party application which I believe does not work anymore. So here I am, writing about a travel four years ago hoping I do it right this time.

You can see my previous post here: Korea 2012

I didn't bring my camera to this trip. I only had my phone with me and so I grabbed a lot of photos from my Korea buddy, Nika Peralta. Photos with no copyright are obviously from my phone; and photos which have © Nika Peralta on it are grabbed ones.

This trip being four years ago, I am only able to write about things that are still clear in my memory so let me start with...

Shot using my iPhone 4S. Not too shabby huh?

© Nika Peralta

After travelling 10 km along the lakeside road from Cheongpyeong Dam, in the direction of Namiseom Island, you will come across a cluster of white, exotic buildings on the left-hand hillside. From its outward appearance, it would appear to be a village that belongs on the Mediterranean coast or in a pastoral area of the Piedmont Alps. This is Petite France, a French cultural village set in the Korean countryside! Petite France serves as both a French cultural village and a youth training facility (Goseong Youth Training Center), and consists of 16 French-style buildings where visitors can lodge and experience French food, clothing, and household culture.

The concept of Petite France encapsulates ‘flowers, stars, and the Little Prince.’ The village contains a memorial hall dedicated to Saint-Exupery, the author of the celebrated French novel, Le Petit Prince (1943) and as such it is called the Little Prince theme park. It also has a gallery displaying sculptures and paintings of le coq gaulois (the Gallic rooster), the national symbol of France; Orgel House where a 200-year-old music box plays a sweet melody; a shop that sells herbal and aromatic products; a souvenir shop; and many other locales where you can experience French culture. The village can accommodate up to 200 visitors with 34 guest rooms that hold four to ten people each. Enjoy the marionette experience and hear percussion instruments from around the world, and also enjoy soap bubble experience.

From Enjoy Korea 

I was amazed the moment we stepped on the grounds of Petite France. I have never been to France so I would not have the right to compare it, but just the perfect architecture and feel is France enough for me. The weather that day was perfect - sunny yet cold.

© Nika Peralta

Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon-shaped isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455-1468).  

Right now, all I can think of is the fact that this is where the famous Koreanovela Winter Sonata was shot. On our Korea video made by Nika, I believe I mentioned it like a million times. I remember enjoying the place so much not only for its beautiful sights, but also because there were a lot of activities you can do. I've always wanted to try the tandem bicycle but at the time, Nika didn't know how to ride a bike yet so we settled for the electric bicycle.

We also had Korean BBQ for lunch here, and it was by far the best Korean BBQ I have ever had. All other restaurants we have eaten at also have good BBQs, but this certain restaurant was the best for me.

© Nika Peralta | before going to Nami Island

© Nika Peralta

 

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

To me, Everland is legit. I think that's one thing about Korea - they love their own. Other Asian countries have Disneyland but Korea doesn't need it. They cater to their own famous cartoons (which I am not knowledgeable of), and that's something that makes them proud. The rides were also extraordinary - better than the ones we have here.

 

© Nika Peralta

Making Kim Chi was one of my favorites! I was hoping I was going to do it correctly cause in my mind, I was thinking, "how hard could it be?" But it's easier said than done. After making kim chi, we were given the chance to fit in some Hanbok, their national costume.

© Nika Peralta

 After the photo opportunity with their costume, we went to a palace, or a kingdom, I don't even remember. Haha! Here you go, let me just show you some tourist-y photos from the site.

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

This has been a rather long post, but I can't not include this part. On our last two nights, we stayed at Lotte Park in Seoul. Everything was fine, until our tour guide, Christine, asked us if she could stay with us on our last night. Of course, we would love to have her around! She then requested an extra bed from the front desk in the morning before we left for the tour. Arriving at around 10-11PM, she was surprised not to see the requested bed in our room. It wasn't much of a hassle to us, but after arguing with the front desk, we were surprised to find out we were upgraded to a suite. We were giggling because that wasn't what we paid for. We just paid for a simple room with two beds! It was an additional YES to our last night.

This was our original room © Nika Peralta

 Then, lo and behold...

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta

© Nika Peralta