Film/Drama Location: Avengers (Age of Ultron)

Long time ago a friend of mine asking me, why I choose to go to Korea for few times and what really captured my heart there?? Many would says people isn't it?? Yes I agreed! However FIRST thing is you need to know what are the motivation for you to go some new places ㅋㅋㅋ. For me I fell in love with Korea for its SCENERY before goes to people.ㅋㅋㅋ For scenery, one question that come to people mind, how I know those beautiful places when I'm NOT even visit those places yet? ㅋㅋ Its because of their movie or drama! I believe many people fell in LOVE with South Korea because seen such beautiful scenery in Korean film or drama.ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Well I've got so many film or drama locations that I can reveal on my blog. However for today I choose to reveal about Mega blockbusters movie that currently on air, hit all around the globe. It's Avengers: Age of Ultron.ㅋㅋㅋ Did anyone watch it???  Why I choose this film?? Am I their hardcore fan?? Well, I did read some comic when I was a kid but somehow I'm not a fan for Marvel comic series ㅋㅋㅋ Then why I choose this film??ㅋㅋ Like what I said before film location!ㅋㅋ

Avengers: Age of Ultron had been shooting in various places around the world such as in Italy, New York, Bangladesh and certain places in England. For Europe countries and metropolitan city like New York its NOT a surprise for shooting some huge international film scene because we seen it in lots of other mega blockbusters movie.ㅋㅋㅋ However for Asia metropolitan city, Tokyo, Beijing or Hong Kong are on the top list for shooting places!! Finally, its a time to break those Asia top list shooting places record! ㅋㅋㅋ

Now we get a chance to see new metropolitan city with this new Hollywood movie!! Wee ^^ Congratulation for Korean! SEOUL had been selected to be a place for shooting this exciting movie! There are few location in Seoul that been snap in the movie. Too bad that I didn't watch the movie yet! ㅋㅋ Lucky me, some of my Korean friends tell me about the location and been googling myself for it! ㅇㅅㅇ ㅋㅋㅋㅋ so below are some of the location scene around Seoul for Avengers: Age of Ultron. 

p/s: Don't ask me the name of each scene places (in Seoul) ㅋㅋㅋ because yes those places quite familiar with me but I don't know what was it NAME! ㅋㅋㅋ Curious to know more?? Why don't heading yourself to South Korea then~ ㅋㅋㅋ

Sources: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3050093/How-Koreans-paid-2-5m-costs-makers-Avengers-Age-Ultron-make-sure-Seoul-look-good-ultimate-product-placement.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avengers:_Age_of_Ultron

Photo Credit: hanshostel.net
                      koreaobserver.com 
                      galleryhip.com
                      forums.sherdog.com
                      jdmillercreator.wordpress.com
                      dailymail.co.uk
                      koreatimes.co.kr
                      atlasofwonders.com 

Seasons: Royal Azelea Festival

It's been 3 spring seasons^^ since I starts this blog, time flies so fast.... Normally whenever spring coming I will covering about cherry blossom festival around Korea isn't it?? However have you realized something different on this spring seasons?? I didn't write any specific post about cherry blossom, neither posting any of its photos ㅋㅋ Is it because I didn't receive any Cherry blossom photos from my Korean friends?? ㅋㅋㅋ Well its NOT true, I got plenty photos of 2015 cherry blossom but I decided NOT to cover about it.ㅋㅋ Spring is NOT ONLY about cherry blossom, there are few other types of flowers that bloom during spring!!ㅋㅋㅋ ^^ 

Those flowers are Tulips, Royal Azalea, Canola flowers and etc?? For today I would like to share about Royal Azelea. Have anyone seen Royal Azelea?? O-o Royal Azelea known as one of Rhododendron species and its one of NATIVE flower in Korean Peninsula. This flower grown a lot on Korean hillside forest. There are few colors of Royal Azelea in Korea, which is white, hot pink, light purple or even red?? I'm not sure about its color ㅋㅋ, is it red or orange?ㅋㅋㅋ  Since there are so many flowers during spring you might wondering how to differentiate it right?? ㅋㅋ 

If you notice at its upper three petals, there are small red spots then wee ^^ you found the correct flower!ㅋㅋㅋ This flower bloom on late spring to early summer. I guess I saw it when I was in Korea back in 2012! Perhaps I forgot to take it photos! ㅠㅠ In Korea if it color is white they called it as Huincheoljjuk, (흰철쭉) generally Royal Azelea known as Cheoljjuk (철쭉). Royal Azelea also been chosen as local symbol for certain cities or counties in Korea, including Jeju Province, Gapyeong and Miryang. Basically Azelea is well known as symbol of femininity and softness. 

Let say if a guy give a girl Royal Azelea bouquet, what does it means?? Did it shown that the guy kind of softness guy??? ㅋㅋ Don't get me wrong! :P Its actually the symbol of person who receive it to take a good care of themselves for their partner, as well to stay BEAUTIFUL!ㅋㅋㅋ However be aware if you get a bouquet of Royal Azelea in BLACK vase! They said this flower is infamous for toxicity hence when you receive it in BLACK vase meaning its a DEATH THREAT! I'm not sure if it true or simply a myth though! ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ For anyone who interested to see Royal Azelea, you can visit this festival.

p/s: For Korean, Royal Azelea is known for beauty, strong vitality and passion! It's also been chosen         as a symbol flower for University of Seokyeong. 

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron_schlippenbachii  
               http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azalea
               http://en.canadianflowerdelivery.com/flower-meaning/azalea.aspx
               http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1810584
               http://eng.skuniv.ac.kr/symbols_and_identity

Photo Credit: My Korean Friends

Transportation: Subway LINE 9 extended Phase 2

For those who have been to South Korea, I guess some of you might be surprised seeing their subway system don't you??ㅋㅋㅋ Anyone who been there with travel agent might not have to worry; as there always bus taking them everywhere. However for someone who is free spirit like me, taking public transport is always come first on my mind whenever going for travelling!ㅋㅋㅋ

Of course, my first time seen their subway routes; my eyes suddenly wide open! O-o ㅋㅋ Seen a very complicated subway map make me and my friends have a second thought! ㅋㅋㅋ Hmm maybe we make a wrong choice for coming here Free and Easy, reading subway map already make us terrified! ㅋㅋ Well when it come to theory (fact) and practices (experience), of course we felt its not going working for us, but since we already there, why not give a try?! ㅋㅋ so we did ^^ After two time rides, we already master with it! Wee ^^ Experience always the best teacher in everything!

After that, I NO longer feel worry whenever I travel to Korea!! Even though I'm alone, I'm master at it and can travel anywhere in Seoul like local! ㅋㅋㅋ You can read some of my experience travelling there alone in My Korea Trip Journal !^^ I even guide some of my Korean friends while riding subway! Isn't it funny?? ㅋㅋㅋ My last trip to Korea is on last spring, which is a year ago.. ㅠㅠ I always missing Korea but somehow I don't know when I can come back to Korea, maybe someday I will come over again!ㅋㅋ I hope my Korean friends won't miss me so much :P ㅋㅋㅋ

Distance doesn't stop us to still keeping in touch, even though its been a year; many of my Korean friends updated me with almost everything that happening in Korea!ㅋㅋㅋ or I also can read about it on the internet! ㅋㅋㅋ On March 28, they informed me that subway LINE 9 extended phase 2 already open for public!LINE 9 routes is from Gaehwa station to Sports Complex Station. For new routes it starts at Sinnohyeon in Gangnam to Sports Complex Station.

What is the different between this new LINE 9 extended subway to normal subway??  For normal subway when we have to transfer, we just go along the path by seen the color on the wall isn't it? There is NO gate to enter the path. However for LINE 9 extended phase 2, before you enter it path, you must touch your card on the GOLD machine, this machine will allow you to enter but didn't charge you any.

Another benefit of riding this LINE 9 extended route is you can save your time more compare riding other subway. From Gangnam area to Gimpo Airport it will takes you only within 30 minutes, which is save 20 minutes! More convenient and fast isn't it??ㅋㅋㅋ  For further information, you may refer it here.

Routes for LINE 9

Subway machine for fare charges

LINE 9 Transfer get through machine

Subway Direction according to Color

code

p/s: Above are some photos was taken at Jonghabwondongjang station (Sport Complex Station)  of LINE 9 new routes. 


Sources: http://www.metro9.co.kr/eng/features/ab_merit01.jsp

Photo Credit: My Friend

Korean Food: Jukkumi

As the spring wind blows and petals falling down, its such a very beautiful moment right now in Korea!! How I wish I'm there!!ㅠㅠ Cherry blossom bloom at a very short period but it bring joys and romantic feeling to everybody.ㅋㅋㅋ For those whose in Korea now, make sure to enjoy the splendid view as well fill up your tummy with delicious Korean meal!냠 냠

Talking about delicious meal!I guess most of you already have some image of Korean dishes on your mind, don't you??ㅋㅋㅋ There are few special dishes to taste every seasons. For spring seasons, some delicious meal on the list including jukkumi, king crab, spring vegetables, strawberry and juicy tomatoes!

For today, lets talk about jukkumi! What is jukkumi?? Anyone tried Jukkumi before?O-o Jukkumi is an octopus ocellatus which is smaller from common octopus. The size is about 10-20 centimeters smaller. Common octopus have eight legs, one of it leg is longer than the others and the texture is firm too. Compare to jukkumi, the texture is tender and eight limbs have a same length each.

Jukkumi mostly been caught from October to May but it taste the best during spring as it head were filled with eggs. Sound yummy?? ㅋㅋ I never try Jukkumi but when I heard of it, I think it must be tasty!! Someday I wish to taste it! :) For non Muslim, they have two choices which is Jukkumi Samgyeopsal Bokkeum (the menu includes jukkumi and grill pork belly). Another choice is Jukkumi Shabu Shabu. Jukkumi Shabu Shabu normally exclude any meat, so Muslim can eat it too. ^^

Jukkumi Samgyeopsal Bokkeum is a mix of jukkumi, grill pork belly seared quickly with vegetables as well rice cake in hot and spicy red chili sauce. While Jukkumi Shabu Shabu consist of variety jukkumi that been cooked in clear vegetable broth. Knife cut nooldes (kalguksu) or dough flakes can be added in it. (For Muslim, I ask some of my Korean friends about it, they said jukkumi shabu shabu is normally without meat, but the broth they cannot sure about it, before ordering even if you are at seafood restaurant you should ask it first) Ok enough about it, somehow I felt starving now!ㅋㅋㅋ If only I can have it now! ㅠㅠ

Jukkumi Shabu Shabu

Jukkumi Samgyeopsal Bokkeum

p/s: Can anyone send me Jukkumi Shabu Shabu?? Delivery service please??ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ      

Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=713941

Photo Credit: 090129.tistory.com 
                      m.bboom2.naver.com 
                      

Event/Activities: Strawberry Festivals 2015

Heading to Korea and thinking of local seasonal fruit that you can try while you there?? There are few selection but the most prominent for this period is a delicious juicy, red fruit!!O-o It's strawberry!! Nyum nyum (냠냠)!! ㅋㅋㅋ In Korea, you can get strawberry almost everyday but the best strawberry come out every year is winter strawberry! This winter strawberry starts from November until May.

Seems like I'm late writing about this topic??O-o  ㅋㅋㅋ no I'm not!!ㅋㅋㅋ Why I choose to write it now?? Its because March and April is the best period for plucking juicy yummy strawberry! Wee ^^ㅋㅋㅋ In Korea there are few provinces that produce strawberry such as Damyang in Jeollanam-do, Nonsan in Chungcheongnam-do, Geochang in Gyeongsangnam-do and Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi-do.

Apart from those provinces, Jinju Strawberry is the best!ㅋㅋㅋ Where is Jinju??O-o Anyone knows or been there before??  Jinju is well-known as historical and traditional city located in Gyeongsangnam-do. Based on its best quality, Jinju Maehyang Strawberry had been export abroad. ^^ Some other fruits that also been export abroad from Jinju are Fuyu persimmon, Shingo pears, muskmelon and Eryngii mushroom.

Lets' back to our topic!ㅋㅋㅋ Enough about mouthwatering fruits!ㅋㅋ For travelers that prefer uncommon trip? Why don't you try to head out from Seoul and go to those provinces, experience yourself on how to plucking yummy strawberries fresh from farm!! or for any Seoulites that too tired being in the city all the time, why don't plan a weekend getaway to strawberry farm?? Bring along your love one and feel the excitement of plucking fresh seasonal fruit!Here are strawberry Festival that you can visit, Nonsan Strawberry  festival in Chungcheongnam-do and Yangpyeong Strawberry festival in Gyeonggi-do.

P/s: What are you waiting for?? Pack your stuff and lets' go to Strawberry farm this weekend! :P

Sources: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=713941
               https://www.malaysianfoodie.com/2014/12/get-taste-jinju-city-south-korea- 
               giant.html#.VRYnNvmUeSo
               http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=708055
               http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=1805395

Photo Credit: bnbhero.com 
                      tripadvisor.com