Thursday, February 27, 2014

PORORO

PORORO, salah satu kartun animasi Korea yang paling popular di Korea mahupun di peringkat antarabangsa...

Naaahhh, bagi yang mempunyai anak kecil, boleh la melawat Pororo Park yang terdapat di sekitar Seoul..

Lagu ni wajib dihafal oleh peminat2 Pororo, termasuk anak2 saya...

Yah! Pororo-da!
noh-neun geh jeh-eel joh-ah
chin-goo-deul moh-yuh-rah!
un-jeh-nah jeul-guh-wuh
geh-goo-jeng-ee Pororo!
noon dup-eun soop sohk-mah-eul
ggoh-mah peng-guin na-gah-shin-dah
un-jeh-nah jeul-guh-wuh
oh-neul-eun ddoh moo-seun eel-ee seng-gil-ka?
Po Ro Ro bool-uh bah-yoh
Porong Porong Porong Porong Porong Porong Porong Porong Po Ro Ro
noh-neun geh jeh-eel joh-ah
chin-goo-deul moh-yuh-rah! un-jeh-nah jeul-guh-wuh Porong Porong Porong Porong Po Ro Ro! -



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyncpoNJ7LM





How to go to Seoul from Incheon International Airport?

There are several different ways to travel from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul: Airport Railroad Express (AREX) subway, Seoul Metropolitan Subway, airport limousine buses, and taxis.

The fastest and the most punctual way is the AREX subway. The nonstop ride from Incheon International Airport Station to Seoul Station is just 43 minutes, and there is no need to worry about traffic jams. Moreover, Seoul Station is a multimodal transportation hub providing access to different areas of Seoul and beyond. Another subway system, though not as fast and direct as the AREX, is the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, which services Seoul and the surrounding areas.

Next, Airport Limousine Buses are a cost-effective way to go from Incheon International Airport to different parts of Seoul including Gangnam, Myeongdong and Yeouido. Equipped with comfortable reclining seats and spacious leg room, these buses are popular especially among passengers getting off of a long flight. It takes a bit more than an hour from the airport to downtown Seoul traffic permitting.

Finally, taxis are convenient as they provide door-to-door service, which is useful for visitors who are not comfortable with riding the subways or the buses. A downside is the cost; taxis are as expensive as they are convenient, and passengers must pay the Incheon Bridge tollgate fee (~7,700 won). Still, as most taxis are now equipped with a portable GPS navigation device, passengers can reach their destination easily and safely.
For more transportation information, please visit the Incheon International Airport's official website! 

  1. 1. Airport Railroad Express


    Airport Railroad Express (AREX) has two lines: the nonstop express line from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station, and the commuter line with 10 subway station stops.

    To take the AREX from the Incheon International Airport, follow the signs down to the Airport Transportation Center on Level B1. Free electric cart services for passengers with heavy baggage, senior citizens, and passengers with disabilities are stationed between the Airport Transportation Center and the passengers' terminal as well as between the airport parking lot and the passengers' terminal. Service hours are 07:00 to 19:00 every day. 

AREX Map


    • Travel time

      Commuter Line:
      Incheon International Airport – Seoul Station: 53 minutes
      Express Line:
      Incheon International Airport – Seoul Station: 43 minutes
    • Fare

      Incheon International Airport -> Seoul Station
      Express Line:
      Adults 14,300 won / Children 6,900 won ※ VAT included
      (Special fare: Adults 8,000 won, January 1 – December 3, 2013)
      Commuter Line:
      Adults 4,050 won / Children 2,080 won ※ VAT included
      * Fares are based on single-use transportation cards. An additional 500 won deposit is charged for the card that can be reimbursed upon returning the card via a card return machine located inside a subway station.
      AREX Lines: Commuter vs. Express
      • Commuter Line 
        The commuter line train makes stops at all 10 subway stations from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station. Six of the subway stations allow transfers to other metropolitan area subway lines.

        To use this train, passengers must use a single-use transportation card or a T-Money card. Foreign nationals may also use an M-Pass, a prepaid transportation card offering 20 rides per day. Also, passengers transferring from a commuter line train to a metropolitan area subway or bus may receive a transfer discount.

        * Where to purchase Commuter Train Passes:
        - Single-use transportation cards: Airport Transportation Center on Level B1 of the Incheon International Airport
        - T-money cards: Convenient stores inside the Incheon International Airport
        - M-Pass: Seoul Tourist Information Centers in front of Gates 5 and 10 on Level 1 of the Incheon International Airport

        ☞ Information of T-money Card (English)
        ☞ How to buy single-use traffic card (English)
        ☞ M-Pass related news (English)
      • [Facility Information]
        - Station arrivals and transfers are announced and displayed in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.
        - Wheelchair space available at the end of each car.
        - Free Wi-Fi onboard.
        - No doors between cars. No restrooms onboard.
      • Express Train

        The express line train travels from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station nonstop.

        To take this train, passengers must use an Express Train Pass, which is sold at the Customer Information Center. No additional deposit is charged for the pass. Passengers of Jeju Air, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines may receive a 20% discount on the pass upon presenting their flight ticket. Passengers who purchase both the Express Train Pass and the KTX ticket together at the Train Information Center on Level 1 of the Incheon International Airport may receive a 30% discount on the AREX pass. Since the Express Train Passes do not offer any transfer discount, passengers who wish to transfer to a metropolitan area subway or bus must purchase an appropriate transportation card.
        * Where to purchase Express Train Passes: Incheon International Airport, Express Train Passenger Information Center located inside the Transportation Information Center on Level B1 of the Incheon International Airport.
      • [Facility Information]
        - Reserved seating available.
        - Luggage storage space available.
        - Restroom available.
        - Free tablet PC rental.
        - Free Wi-Fi onboard.
        - Station arrivals are announced in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.
        - Free Duty Lotte Duty Free Store discount coupons.
    • AREX Timetable

      Incheon International Airport → Seoul Station 
      Seoul Station → Incheon International Airport 

      How to use the ticket vending machine

      • 1. Select your language (English,Japanese,
        Chinese)
      • 2. Select your destination
      • 3. Select the ticket type and the number of passengers
      • 4. Press 'Purchase'


         
      • 5. Check the fare
      • 6. Insert your money into the slot
      • 7. Pick up your ticket (left side)& change (right side)
      • 8. Take your AREX ticket and proceed to the gate

      How to pass a faregate

      Upon entry, place your card on the yellow circle.Upon exiting, place the card on the white circle if you are using either a single-use transportation card or a T-Money card. If you have an Express Train Pass, place it into the slot in the fare gate (see photo above).

      How to use the AREX - from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul

      • 1. Follow the AREX signs
      • 2. Purchase a ticket at the ticket vending machine
      • 3. Proceed to the AREX gate
      • 4. Scan your ticket as you enter
      • 5. Proceed to the AREX platform
      • 6. Board the train
      • 7. Insert your ticket and exit through the gate
      How to use the AREX: A detailed look
      • Follow the AREX signs: When you walk out of the Arrivals Gate, you will see a sign for the Airport Railroad (Airport Transportation Center). Follow the signs down to Level B1 of the Incheon International Airport.
      • Purchase a ticket at the ticket vending machine: Tickets may be purchased from the automated vending machine at the Transportation Center or from the Information Center (see below for vending machine instructions).
      • Proceed to the AREX gate.
      • Scan your ticket as you enter: Run your ticket lightly over the sensor. Direct contact is not necessary for the scanner to read the ticket.
      • Proceed to the AREX platform: The arrival time of the next train is displayed on an electronic bulletin board above the platform area.
      • Board the train: Pictured above is the interior of a commuter line train. Seats on express line trains (not pictured) are in rows facing forward, and are generally more comfortable than those on commuter line trains.
      • Insert your ticket and exit through the gate: Upon exiting the AREX gate, insert your card into the slot on the fare gate turnstile. Make sure not to misplace your ticket between when you board the AREX and when you disembark.
  1.  

    2. Airport Bus


    Image courtesy of Incheon International Airport website(http://www.airport.kr)
    Airport buses run from Incheon International Airport to most parts of Seoul. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket booths just outside the Passengers Terminal (Arrival Area) on Level 1. Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops can be made at the Airport Information Desk, also conveniently located on the first floor. Night buses (22:30 – 05:50) are available, but hours vary depending on flight schedules. For more information and to check availability, please call +82-032-741-6400 before your arrival in Korea.
    • Check your bus route at the Airport Information Desk between Gates 3 & 4 or at Gates 11 & 12 on the arrival floor (1F), or the Airport Bus Ticket booth. Buy your ticket at one of the ticket booths. Look on your ticket to find the bus stop location. Go to the bus stop and check the bus route and departure time. When on the bus, make sure to listen to the English recording so you don't miss your bus stop.
    • Types of buses


      There are two types of airport buses: deluxe and standard. Deluxe buses are KAL limousines that go straight to major hotels in Seoul. These buses make fewer stops (shorter travel time) and have comfortable seats with more space. Standard buses stop at more locations on their route.
    • Bus fare

      Deluxe Limousine Bus
      To Gimpo Airport: Around 7,000 won
      To downtown Seoul: 14,000-15,000 won
      Standard Limousine Bus:
      To Gimpo Airport & Songjeong Station: Around 5,000 won
      To downtown Seoul: 9,000-10,000 won
    • Bus Numbers & Schedules

      Click on the link below, enter your destination, and press ‘Search.’ Under the search bar you will see a short list of bus numbers, bus stops, and more. Click on the gray ‘Detail’ button of your preferred route for information on the first bus, last bus, fares, and other important information.


      Airport Bus numbers and detail information 
    • How to read an Airport Limousine Bus ticket

      1. Destination: Printed in Korean and located on top
      2. Bus fare: Korean Won
      3. Bus platform(s): The number indicates the nearest Gate number, and the letter indicates left (A) or right (B) side. (e.g. "04B" = Bus platform is located to the right of Gate 4)
      4. Bus platform numbers are clearly marked.
    • How to read an Airport Limousine Bus platform sign

      1. Departure schedule: 24-hour system & updated hourly (e.g. "15: 00, 20, 40" = Bus departs at 3:00 p.m., 3:20 p.m., and 3:40 p.m.)
      2. Bus platform
      3. Bus line
      4. Bus route: Check your destination.
  2.  

    3. Taxi

     If you find it difficult to take the AREX or the Airport Limousine Bus, or simply do not know the exact location of or directions to your destination, you might want to take a taxi. Exit the airport through any gate between Gates 4 and 8 on the Passengers Terminal (Arrival Area), cross the street, and go to the taxi stands (4D-8C). It is also not unusual to be approached by a taxi driver inside the Passengers Terminal.

    In Korea, there are three types of taxis: Regular, Deluxe, and Jumbo. Regular and deluxe taxis can take as many as four passengers at a time, while jumbo taxis have a capacity of up to nine passengers. The base fare for a regular taxi is 2,400 won (for the first 2km) while the base fare is 4,500 won (for the first 3km) for deluxe and jumbo taxis. Please also note a regular taxi charges an extra charge (20% of the base fare) after midnight (24:00-4:00), while no such additional fare is applied for deluxe and jumbo taxis.

    Though it costs more to use a deluxe taxi than a regular taxi, the former is more spacious and comfortable inside and provides higher quality service to the passenger. To become a deluxe taxi driver, you are required to have had no accidents driving a regular taxi for a decade. Also, you must take a specific service training course to be fully qualified as a deluxe taxi chauffeur. While riding a taxi, you may get great tips for traveling from a driver.

    Depending on your destination, the fare for a standard taxi from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul can be anywhere from 60,000 won to 100,000 won. The 7,700 won toll for the Incheon International Airport Expressway is the responsibility of the passenger, not the driver. If by chance a driver tries to take advantage of you by demanding an inflated fare, take a picture of the license plate or driver's ID (usually displayed on the dashboard) and report the incident to the Seoul Global Center (+82-2-731-6800~1), which offers services in English, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Mongolian, Vietnamese, and Russian. You can also report your complaint to the Dasan Call Center (02-120) or the Gyeonggi Call Center (031-120).

    For more information on airport taxis, click here!

    ※ Differences between Call Vans and Jumbo Taxis

Incheon International Airport to Myeong-dong
by AREX, Airport Bus, & Taxi


  1. 1. Myeongdong by AREX

    Myeongdong by AREX
    To get to Myeongdong from the Incheon International Airport, take the AREX from the airport to Seoul Station. Get off the AREX at Seoul Station and follow the signs to transfer to Subway Line 4. Get off the subway at Myeongdong Station. The total trip, including transfers, should take about 62-72 minutes.
    Route:
    Incheon International Airport  Seoul Station  Myeong-dong
    Total travel time:
    62-72 minutes
    Fare (if paying in cash):
    AREX (Commuter): 4,050 won / AREX (Express): 14,300 + 1,150 won
    Point of departure:
    Incheon International Airport Transportation Center
  2.  

    2. Myeongdong by airport bus

    The airport bus is a very convenient option since you do not need to transfer, and is still one of the most preferred and recommended methods to get from the Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul. However, if you are traveling during rush hour, be prepared for the possibility of serious traffic congestion. 
    Route:
    Incheon International Airport  Myeong-dong
    Estimated total travel time:
    70 minutes
    Fare:
    Standard limousine bus: 10,000 won / Deluxe bus: 14,000 – 15,000 won
    Point of departure:
    Bus stops 5B, 12A, 6A, and 12B outside the Passengers Floor (Arrival Area) of the Incheon International Airport
  3.  

    3. Myeongdong by Taxi

    If you arrive late at night, have heavy baggage, or have several people in your travel party, you might want to take a taxi. If you go to Myeongdong by deluxe taxi late at night, you can expect to pay around 100,000 won. The fare varies depending on distance traveled. Deluxe taxi drivers are very kind and charge fairly by the meter. However, you should double-check to make sure that the meter is running as you start towards Myeongdong.
    Route:
    Incheon International Airport  Myeongdong
    Estimated total travel time:
    60 minutes
    Fare:
    About 90,000 won + expressway toll of 7,700 won
    Point of departure:
    Taxi stand 8C (taxi stand for deluxe taxies) at the across from Gate 7 on the Passengers Terminal (Arrival Area)

Kyeong-Wha Station, Jinhae (진해 경화역)

Gyeonghwa Station 

All this scene needs is a soldier and a beautiful girl waiting for him at the station. 
This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring. 
Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel. 
The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream, (number 17 on this list) is also nearby for those who want more photo-ops. 
Kyeongwha-dong, Jinhae-gu, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 창원시 진해구 경화동)

Jinhae may have more than just cherry blossom trees, but judging by this photo, cherry blossom trees are reason enough to go. Jinhae is another place that’s a little far for a day trip, but on the flip side, it is also one of the best places in the world to see the cherry blossoms in the spring.
Of course, this naval city is home to a lot more than just cherry blossom trees, but the Naval Academy and museum are only open to the public during the annual Jinhae Naval Festival, a festival commemorating one of Korea's biggest heroes from history, Admiral Yi Sun-shin.
But be warned: the festival, combined with the allure of the cherry blossoms, means that there will be swarms of tourists, so unless it's a personal must, long lines are only a waste of time.
Hardier tourists can also walk up Mount Jangbok, which has been paved with stairs, and be rewarded with a view of the 300,000 or so cherry trees in blossom.

How to get there
Bus: take a bus from Seoul Express Terminal to Masan Express Terminal and take a bus to Jinhae, or take a bus from Nambu Bus Terminal to Jinhae Bus Terminal.
Train: take the KTX from Seoul Station so Miryang, and transfer to the Saemaeul train to Jinhae.
Approximate travel time from central Seoul: three to five hours, depending on traffic and mode of transportation.
Approximate cost: ₩100,000 (US$91) for KTX roundtrip, ₩50,000 (US$46) for bus and 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market in Seoul, South Korea. The market is located next to Namdaemun, the "Great South Gate," which was the main southern gate to the old city. It is the oldest and largest market in Korea








Namdaemun Market is the best traditional market with 600 history in Korea. Daily visitors exceed 400,000 persons. It is a ‘must-do’ item on your itinerary during your trip to Seoul since you can buy anything here at cheap price. It was started in 1414 (14th year of King Taejong) as the government lease type and naturally formed to sell provincial specialties in 1608(41th year of King Seonjo) as it was moved to Namchang-dong. After that, full-scale commercial activities had been conducted with big stores. In 1963, Namdaemun Market company was inaugurated with joint investment of building owners, landowners and traders, and with incorporation of ‘Namdaemun Corporation’ in 1964, it has managed Namdaemun Market up to now.



Namdaemun Market has the wholesale and retail function of distribution structure that distributes various items from women’s cloths, men’s cloths, children’s cloths, various textiles, miscellaneous, kitchen utensils, art crafts, accessories, regional specialties, imported goods to foods, agricultural and marine products at cheap price to retailers and consumers throughout the country. 



Most stores directly manufacture their own products, open on 11:00 p.m and their commercial activities reach their peaks around 3:00 a.m. With its priority on customers, Namdaemun Market has reinforced its position as the world tourist attractions with unique appearance showing diligence of Korean.' You can easily go to this market via Subway and stop at Hohyeon Station (Namdaemun Market).. 


Bila Musim Yang Sesuai Untuk Ke Korea?

Salam...

Anyeong Haseyo Tuan Puan Yang Dihormati sekalian,

Terima kasih kerana sudi melayari page kami.

Ramai yang PM bertanyakan mengenai kesesuaian masa untuk datang ke Korea, ia sebenarnya bergantung kepada minat dan pilihan pelanggan itu sendiri.





Bagi kami, jika anda berminat untuk menikmati suhu yang sejuk dan berhajat untuk bermain salji bersama keluarga dan rakan-rakan, masa yang paling sesuai adalah pada penghujung Disember hingga ke Februari. 





Jika berminat untuk menikmati keindahan dan kecantikan bunga-bungaan, masa yang paling sesuai adalah pada pertengahan April hingga awal Mei kerana ketika itu bunga-bunga Sakura berkembang penuh dan sangat cantik!






Jika berminat untuk melihat keindahan suasana warna-warni dedaunan dan pepohonan, masa yang paling sesuai adalah pada penghujung Oktober hingga hujung November kerana masa ini semua pepohon dan dedaunan bertukar warna kekuningan, kemerahan dan keemasan sebelum keguguran... Ditambah dengan suhu yang amat selesa, biasanya musim ini menjadi pilihan utama para pengunjung. 





Namun begitu, ada juga pelanggan yang tidak kisah untuk berkunjung sewaktu musim panas asalkan dapat meluangkan masa dan makan angin bersama keluarga dan rakan-rakan. Musim panas juga sangat menarik di Korea kerana pada musim ini pelbagai aktiviti yang menarik dianjurkan antaranya Pesta Air, Pesta Pantai, Pesta Selut, Pesta Makanan, Pesta Fesyen, Pesta Kebudayaan dan sebagainya....






Untuk menyediakan jadual perjalanan dan pakej yang bersesuaian, kami perlukan jasabaik pihak tuan/puan untuk menyatakan jangkaan tarikh untuk datang ke Korea, tempoh yang dijangkakan serta bilangan peserta yang akan mengikutinya. Jika pihak puan mempunyai permintaan khas untuk mengunjungi tempat-tempat yang dihajati, boleh juga dinyatakan. Setelah maklumat ini diberikan, pihak kami akan menyediakan pakej, jadual perjalanan serta sebut harga yang bersesuaian.

Pakej-pakej yang disediakan oleh pihak kami adalah merangkumi penginapan (hotel atau homestay guesthouse), pengangkutan termasuk pemandu, tour guide, makan minum untuk 3 kali sehari, bayaran tiket masuk ke Nami Island, Geongbok Palace dan Everland disamping menjadi tukang tawar menawar, jurufoto dan sebagainya. Pihak kami tidak menyediakan perkhidmatan pembelian tiket penerbangan, ianya lebih afdhal jika dibeli oleh pelanggan itu sendiri.

Besarlah harapan kami jika dapat menyediakan perkhidmatan yang terbaik mengikut minat, kesesuaian dan keselesaan tuan/puan sekeluarga.

Sekian, salam penuh kemesraan dari Seoul,

Hmmmmm, apa lagi, Jom ke Korea!

Hope For ALL

Last year in October, a group of Malaysian Students in Korea gathered at Seoul Station, giving away food for homeless and unlucky Korean people.. What a noble act of work there guys.. Bringing hope and love for others.. good job!

May Allah bless all of you... Malaysia Boleh! Tahniah KUK!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g6vnLHmqKc



Museums in Seoul: Ten Ways To Discover the Past, Present and Future



Investigating the culturally rich city of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, we list ten established museums located within a city marked with a fascinating past. With a plethora of museums that display the nation’s history from the prehistoric era to the present day, Seoul is where Korea’s traditional and modern cultures coexist.

http://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/museums-in-seoul-ten-ways-to-discover-the-past-present-and-future/