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South Korea v/s North Korea at it again.

I regret to put this kind of post in the blog. For once, I wish this act could stop. It alarmed everyone in the country and us, the innocent travellers who want to experience the beauty of Korea.

Last night, I called my Korean friends worried about their condition but all of them replied nonchalantly that it was normal for them. North Korea's threats to start war with South Korea happened almost everyday that the people get used to it.

In fact, I was in Gangwondo when the sinking of Cheonan submarine happened on March 26th 2010 (my mom gonna kill me if she knew this!). Apart from the jets flying frantically on top of our heads there's nothing much happened on that day. South Korea wanted PEACE and safety for his people. I am glad that I went through the day safely while I was there.

Hmm..for those going to South Korea any time soon, I will not give my assurance that nothing of that sort gonna happen but just be safe. I doubt that both sides want war. It's gonna be difficult for both nation and too much heartache to be undone since the 1950's Korean War.

I had the chance to visit Geoje Island POW camp (Prisoner of War) and I don't want the people to go through the same cycle. Never again.

Check out the Kosmo write up and Yahoo News on the issue.

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Hanok Stay in Korea

Some readers expressed their desire to stay in Hanok - Korean Traditional House rather than normal guesthouse or hotel. In that sense, you could experience Korean culture and enjoy the intricate and gorgeous Korean architecture. Some Hanok represents different design and each region differs. KNTO has listed some Korean Traditional House for tourists to board in accordance with G-20 Summit 2010 which recently held in Seoul.

Hanok in Seoul

Eugene's House


Room rate:
From 80,000 (for 2 people) to 250,000 won (for 5 people)

Meals Included:
Breakfast served (Toast, cereal, coffee, milk, etc.)

Reservation:
Email at yykim65@hotmail.com
Phone at +82 2 741 3338  / +82 10 5069 3348 / 070 8831 3338

How to go:
Hyehwa Station, Seoul Subway line 4, Exit #1 >> Take the local bus #8 >> Get off at 88 Gukmin Saenghwalgwan (국민생활관)

Nearby attractions:
Seoul Fortress Wall: Located within a five-minute walk
Daehakro (College Street) and Chungmuro



Room rate:
60,000won (1 person)
90,000 to 100,000 won (2 person)
160,000won (3 persons)

Meals Included:
Breakfast served (Toast, cereal, coffee, milk, etc.)

Reservation:
Email at tea@teaguesthouse.com

How to go:
Anguk Subway Station, Line 3, Exit3

Nearby attractions:

Friends House


Room Rate:
30,000 won (dormitory - per people)
40,000 won (1 person)
70,000 won (2 people)
90,000 won (3 people)
110,000 won (Group- 4 people or more)

Meals Included:
Breakfast served (Toast, cereal, coffee, milk, etc.)

Reservation:
From the website or email at friends_house@hotmail.com

How to go:
Hyewa Subway Station, Line 4. Refer to map here.

Nearby attractions:
Hyehwamun Gate (Honghwamun)
Sungkyunwan University
Dongsoong Arts Center
Gansong Art Museum
Samtoh Blue Bird Theater
 
Traditional Korean Houses of Bukchon

Check out Bukchon slideshows here.

Room rate:
40,000 won (1 person)
60,000 - 70,000 won (2 person)
70,000 - 100,000 won (3 person)

Meals Included:
Breakfast served (Toast, cereal, coffee, milk, etc.)

Reservation:
Email at bukchon72@naver.com
Call at +82-2-743-8530

How to go:
Anguk Subway Station, Line 3, Exit 3
Call the guest house for pick up from station

Nearby attractions:
Seongsim Arts & Crafts
Dong-Lim Knot Museum
Gahoe Museum
Bukchon Cultural Center
Jeongdok Library
 
Anguk Guest House



Room rate:
50,000 won (1 person)
70,000 won (2 persons)

Meals Included:
No

Reservation:
Email at xyetron@naver.com
Call at +82-2-736-8304

How to go:
Anguk Subway Station, Line 3, Exit 1. Refer to map here.

Nearby attractions:
Insa Art Space
Woorikyubang
Myeongin Museum
Ice Gallery
Bukchon Cultural Center

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7 Reasons You Should Visit Thailand Once in Your Lifetime!

In this article I am going to give you seven reasons you should visit Thailand. It is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer. I have been there twice already and I have to say it was a life changing experience for me.
Ok so why should you go to Thailand and what does it have to offer?


1. The Beaches
My number one reason to visit would have to be the beautiful beaches. You are really spoilt for choice and it is really up to you which ones you go to. Some of the most beautiful ones that I have seen are on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, south of the mainland.

2. The People
You will find that the Thai people are very friendly and welcoming. Thailand is often called "The Land Of Smiles" and it really does live up to its name. If you visit Thailand you will be sure to make a lot of new friends.

3. The Atmosphere
Thailand has a unique atmosphere that is very laid back. You can take your time to enjoy the surroundings and take things at your own pace. This is another thing that makes Thailand so special.

4. The Food
Thai food is delicious and extremely healthy. You will find that you rarely will want to cook because the food is so affordable you can just eat out whenever you like. There is a wide range of seafood, noodles and rice dishes. You can eat at local markets, food stalls and restaurants. There are plenty of options for you to choose from!


5. The Temples
Thailand has some magnificent temples that you can visit during the day. Some of the most spectacular ones are in the capitol city of Bangkok but there are many others all around the country.


6. The Nightlife
If you like to party than Thailand could be the place for you. There is always something going on whether you are in Bangkok or staying on one of the islands. There are usually posters everywhere letting you know what is happening and when.


7. The Adventure
I saved the best until last. The most exciting thing about Thailand is that you never know what will happen next. It is one big adventure from the minute you arrive. I think this is what will keep me coming back again and again. You really have to experience it for yourself!
So here are my 7 reason why you definitely should visit Thailand at least once in your life. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. If you do decide to visit "The Land Of Smiles" then it will surely be an unforgettable experience, which you will never forget.

John Edmunds is passionate about self development and enjoys writing articles to help others.




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Kimbap Cheonguk

김밥 천국 or Kimbap Cheonguk  means kimbap heaven. It is franchise restaurants all over Korea and you could recognize the bright orange signboard easily. It's almost like McDonalds where you can find at least one around the block.

Video courtesy of esloutlet

Although kimbap literally represents a roll of rice with various filling wrapped in seaweed but in Kimbap Cheonguk there are a lot of other dishes that we could try other than kimbap. Other varieties of similar chain restaurants are Kimbap Nara and Kim Ga Ne.

Picture courtesy of http://www.mykoreankitchen.com/

Kimbap Cheonguk

Kim Ga Ne

Kimbap Nara

 김밥 - Kimbap

천국 김밥 (Cheonguk Kimbap) 1,000 원 - Standard kimbap (rice, ham, omellete, pickled radish and carrot)

야채 김밥 (Yachae Kimbap) 2,000 원 - Standard kimbap + vegetables

참치 김밥 (Chamchi Kimbap) 2,000 원 - Standard kimbap + tuna

김치 김밥 ( Kimchi Kimbap) 2,000 원- Standard kimbap + kimchi

치즈 김밥 (Cheese Kimbap) 2,000 원- Standard kimbap + cheese

소고기 김밥 (So gogi Kimbap) 2,000 원- Standard kimbap + beef

날치알 김밥 (Nalchial Kimbap) 2,000 원- Standard kimbap + flying fish roe

계란말이 김밥 (Kyeranmari Kimbap) 2,000 원- Standard kimbap + egg rolls

누드 김밥 (Nude Kimbap) 2,500 원- Check out the video below for better explanation. Don't succumb to your own imagination..ahahaha ^^

 
How to make nude kimbap by ekthal

돈까스 김밥 (Donkatsu Kimbap) 2,500 원- Standard kimbap + pork cutlet

모듬 김밥 (Modem Kimbap) 2,500 원- a mix of your choice

Nowadays, they have menu with pictures and English translation.
No more worries! ^^

Kimchi fried rice with egg - 4,500 won

Sundubu jjigae with seafood

An ahjumma preparing kimbab.

Pictures: Courtesy of Hanim, Nyna, Iris and Fiza.

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