Why is September a good month to visit South Korea?

My good friend went to MATTA Fair yesterday which is held from 4-6 September 2009 in PWTC, Kuala Lumpur. The crowd is lesser compared to last March according to him. Probably because of H1N1. I try not to go this time. Simply because it is so tempting to see others crazily seeking for good bargain of travel packages and flight fare. I don't want to be tempted. It's a sin. Hehehe.

Right now the Tourism Korea booth is promoting the autumn season travel. From the excerpt of The Travel Times on Why is September a good month to visit South Korea? "It's a good time to visit South Korea in September , as it is the autumn season. The weather which ranges between 18 to 23 degree Celcius, is gentle. "

Autumn is my favourite season after I watched the drama 'Autumn in My Heart'- super duper heartbreaking story line, which I don't prefer that much but attracted by the autumn sights. The colors is simply breathtaking and it's cool. Just the way I like it.

According to the Travel Times "There are 10 mosques and 50 temporary musala in South Korea, especially since the local Muslim community numbers to around 100,000. " This fact, I need to know so it would be easier for other fellow Muslims to pray while visiting the awesome sights in South Korea.

Some of the mosques (source: www.islamicfinder.org) :

1. Al-Madina Mosque
Near to cheonan bus terminal,
Cheonan, SOUTH KOREA

2. Ansan Mosque
kyungido ansan city danwon-ku wonkuk dong,
An-san, kyungido 741-5, SOUTH KOREA

500 to 600 meters far from Ansan subway station (ask any one about muslim mosque( muslim sawon ) in korean language

3. Anyang Masjid
Kyongi-do Anyang-Si Anyang 5 dong 618-132.

It's very close to Anyang University. Just Go left street from main gate of University. From Myeonghak train station (line 1) just take a taxi (about 3000 won - august year 2008 rate) to Anyang university.

4.Aqsa Daegu Islamic Center
882-5 Bisan Dong, Seo-gu
Daegu.

In front of Bukbu Bus Terminal

5. Bilal Islamic Centre
Kongdan Sangga 402HO, 456-16 Naedong - Changwon,
Masan, Changwon

In front of Changwon Hospital, go by taxi from Changwon Terminal or Changwon Station.

6. Busan Al-Fatah Masjid
30-1 Namsan-dong Keumjeong-ku, Pusan, Korea.

Nearby Dusil subway station (Line 1)

PUMITA - Persaudaraan Umat Muslim Indonesia Al-Fatah

7. Changwon Mosque and Islamic Centre
Changwon city, Palyong dong 17-13
Masan

Opposite Changwon bus terminal

8.Daejeon Mosque - Islamic Center of Daejeon
Yuseong-Gu Kung-Dong, 404-9 (2nd Floor), Daejeon


View David Hasenick's collection of autumn gorgeous colors in South Korea here.

Read More …

Precaution for H1N1 in Korea

My family has been bugging me to stop traveling due to H1N1 pandemic but I just wouldn't budge. The stubborn me. ^^

I am worried! Who says I'm not?

I must take some precaution before I go.

Those travelers like me that still want to travel to Korea but worried about the virus, here are some necessary info to help you if it really happen. Touch wood!

1. Wash your hands frequently especially after visiting crowded places.

2. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, handkerchief or your clothes when you cough.

3. If you develop symptoms like a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, wear a mask and contact your tour guide for information on the nearest hospitals or state-designated clinics where you can receive the proper medical treatment.

4. Patients with chronic diseases (including lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease), pregnant women, the elderly over 65, and babies under 59 months are especially vulnerable to influenza A. If they show signs of fever or respiratory symptoms, take them to nearby hospitals or state-designated clinics to get further medical care.

5. If you experience fever or respiratory symptoms, avoid crowded places and get proper medical care.

Contact no:

1339 (Emergency Medical Information Center)
- Available in English, Japanese and Chinese 24/7
- Consults on symptoms of Influenza A and provides information and guidance on the nearest hospital that provides service in your language.

129 (call center run by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs)
- Partial English and Japanese service available
- Consults on symptoms, provides information and guidance on the nearest hospitals for travelers

1330 (Korea Travel Hotline)
- Available in English, Japanese and Chinese 24/7
- Provides information on nearby hospitals or state-designated clinics where you can receive treatment.

Note: Costs incurred other than the anti-virus medicine will need to be covered by patients themselves.

Read More …

2010 International Postage Stamp Design Contest

Due on 15th September!

I know this is late but those out there who are passionate about stamps and more so for competing with prizes in Korean won, this is worth to mention. ^^

Give it a shot! We never know until we try, right?

Application forms: Available at post offices nationwide

The forms can also be downloaded from the website of K-Stamp Portal and Korea Post.

Application Period: July 1- September 15, 2009(For the overseas category, designs that arrive by September 30 will be eligible.)

Address: Postage Stamps & Philately Division, KOREA POST Jongno 6 (154-1 Seorin-dong) Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-110, Korea

Inquiries: +82- 2 -2195 –1255 (Korean, English)

E-Mail: vogelruf@mke.go.kr

Homepage: http://www.koreapost.go.kr , http://www.koreastamp.go.kr

For more information: Visit Tour2Korea

Read More …

Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno (Tiger Temple) : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Otherwise known as the Tiger Temple (not to be confused with the Tiger Cave Temple), Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno Forest Monastery in the Saiyok district, kanchanaburi is an animal rescue centre run by local monks. The centre houses a dozen tigers, some who were made orphans after their parents were killed by poachers while others are their offspring born at the temple. Visitors are given the chance to pet some of the tamest of the specimens and other animals including monkeys.

The interesting in Tiger Temple are..

Bodhi Tree.. 11th May 1995: Venerable Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno-"Luangta" kindly paid the first visit to Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno, and grew a bodhi tree as an auspicious start. "Luangta" stated that… “We must think first where we’ll plant a Bodhi tree. Bodhi tree is a tree of importance. Once grown, it’s hard to move, as it’s like the Great Teacher was there. For the Buddhist, when doing anything and encountering with a Bodhi tree, no one will dare to destroy it. Since the Great Teacher attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. So, “Bodhi tree” is an auspicious sign not to be treated in a disrespectful way. Even the authority, when cutting a road and encountering with the tree, will avoid it. They will use the tool until the tree dies itself, not out of intention. That’s how it is”.

Phra Buddha Kanchanaphisek (Golden Jubilee Buddha Image) is important, a precious treasure of the nation. In 1995, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej wished to make a personal merit to Phra Rachayanwisutthisophon (Phra Acharn Maha Bua Yanasampanno) of Wat Pa Baan Taad, Muang District, Udonthani. He’s a senior monk with austere practice, traveling on foot, having good reputation, respected by meditation monks in the path of Phra Acharn Mun Bhuridhatto; and the public, both at home and abroad. So, the king had a royal command to Dr. Chao Na Silawan, the councillor, to construct a large Buddha Image, using his personal fund. The Buddha Image was dedicated to Phra Rachayanwisutthisophon (Phra Acharn Maha Bua Yanasampanno). In addition, the king made a wish to recover from heart disease.

Arkhan Metta Tan Chaokhun Maha Bua Yanasampanno 84 years: Phra Acharn Phusit (Chan) Khantitharo had asked for the opinion and guideline for the construction from the Chairman in the construction, Somdej Phra Mahamuniwong, Wat Noranatsuntrikaram, Thewes, Bangkok. Somdej Phra Mahamuniwong kindly gave the name of the biggest building of the monastery as “Arkhan Metta Tan Chaokhun Maha Bua Yanasampanno 84 years” (Compassion Pavilion of Tan Chaokhun Maha Bua Yanasampanno 84 years). The reason for the word 84 years is because in the beginning year of construction, "Luangta" Maha Bua was 84 years old.

More information or donation please visit http://www.tigertemple.org

Read More …