KTX - Korea Bullet Train

This might sound ridiculous to you but one of the things that I wanted to try in Korea was riding KTX (Korea Bullet Train). I guess there are so many reasons why tourists want to visit Korea, right? ^^ Albeit a silly one like mine.

The history of KTX
Official Website: KTX
The Korea Train eXpress (KTX) is South Korea's high-speed rail system, which connects the capital Seoul to Busan and Mokpo. Operated by Korail, the system's technology is largely based on the French TGV/LGV system. The KTX service holds in excess of 65% of the total route market share between Seoul and Busan, and transported around 37 million passengers annually since 2006 (Source: Wikipedia)

Say hi to Taeyang, Seungri and G-Dragon (Big Bang) from Yongsan Station.

I waited until both of my friends arrived in Seoul and we decided to take the shortest route from Seoul. The three of us checked out Yongsan electronic complex first and rode the KTX Korea Bullet Train later. Shopping comes first! Hehehe..

Our coach is lucky number 6!

From Yongsan to the nearest KTX Station CheonanAsan costs about 13300 won (~MYR40) and the duration was 35 minutes. It was cheaper compared to JR Nozomi Bullet train in Japan which was around MYR75 for half an hour in 2007

This KTX is bound for Gwangju.

KTX ran at maximum speed 305km/hour when we rode the train. Overall, it was a pleasant ride, but the space between seats is not that spacious considering it as a bullet train. Some of my Korean friends consider KTX fare is quite expensive. When a bullet train passed through Cheonan Asan Station, we heard an explosive sound, almost like a bomb. Amazing!

People waiting for their train at Yongsan Station

A KTX train passed by beside us in one blink!

KTX schedule at Cheonan Asan Station.

On the way back we took another type of train called

Saemaeul from Cheonan Asan to Seoul.

It set us off at 9,100 won but the time taken was 1 hour 08 minutes!

Now I know what's the meaning of the saying - Time is money. ^^

We win some, lose some. Save some money, lose some time.

Where can you grab a bullet train in Seoul?

1. Seoul Station
2. Yongsan Station

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Baan Sukhawadee, Pattaya: Thailand

“Baan Sukhawadee is open to all with the intention to give visitors a feeling of being a joint owner, to discover the Truth of Living, and finally worship our several holy images such as the Lord Buddha at birth Image, the Goddess of Mercy, King Taksin the Great, King Chulalongkorn the Great, Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the father of Royal Thai Navy. Every object in this house is placed to provide a balance between art and science, and with the power of affection and generosity of the owner who never gives up nor surrenders to poverty as a limitation of life’s targets. All these objects can either be a motivation or be the beginning of the inspiration that lead you to achieve your goals”.

                

                    Sukhawadee means pureness-happiness-wealthness. All the main buildings are in both pink and blue. Pink stands for love and use cupid as a symbol. The ancient used to say “Without love, you will never succeed”. We need to be able to love and be loved and be unified with the group. To be able to discuss and to solve the problems to reach the goal. Blue stands for water. Water is the beginning of many lives. It can adjust its shape with any surrounding. If we can adjust ourselves with all the changes occurring in the world, we will be able to live happily in this society.  

                    Baan Sukhawadee was built in the year 2000 on 11 rais of land. The house is located on Sukhumvit Road and is 400 meter long and adjacent to the sea front. Now the area has been extended to cover more than 80 rais. The house is built in peaceful area surrounded with various botanical plants and great view combined with many stunning  buildings and and several holy images for worship such as the Lord Buddha at birth Image, the Goddess of Mercy, King Taksin the Great, King Chulalongkorn the Great, Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the father of Royal Thai Navy, etc.

                  

                 Baan Sukhawadee was created with intelligence and teamwork that was based on the fundamentals of love and harmony. The result of this effort was the creation of works that are very valuable, dignified, and all are of equal importance. These works include several distinguished architectural buildings as follows:

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Bungeoppang (붕어빵) or Fish shaped waffle

Bungeoppang (붕어빵) is very tasty eaten during cold season like now in autumn..yummy. Hence, it is best tried right from the stove. When it is hot and steamy the taste is the best! In Japan you may call it Taiyaki. The shape is like a fish and stuffed with sweet red bean filling. 

Which part of Bungeoppang (붕어빵) do you eat first, head or tail ?

If you have had one before, tell me how did you eat it? For me, I love to eat from the tail because I like to leave the best part last - sweet red bean filling or because I love to eat the crunchy part first? Maybe. ^^ Do you know that a questionnaire has been done to determine your personality based on how you eat bungeoppang (붕어빵)? I know it's ridiculous but it's true! Hahaha...

More explanation about bungeoppang (붕어빵) from Wikipedia 

I had the chance to buy Bungeoppang (붕어빵) mold from G-Market last May before going back to Malaysia and only now thinking of making some for my nephew. I know I'm lazy..hahaha. The mold cost about 15,000 to 18,000 won if I'm not mistaken.

My nephew Aiman with the Bungeoppang (붕어빵) mold. It was still

in the box since May and only now I use it. ㅋㅋㅋ

This is not the proper ingredients but it worked! I added an

egg to get the crunchy result.

My first failed attempt. I didn't listen to my mother's advice.

Served me right! _ _^

Gorgeous!!

Glorious!! Yeah!

Check out on this article about Korean street food. I have tried all the food suggested except for Hoppang. 

KNTO writes about tasty Korean winter snacks here.

Watch this video on how to make Bungeoppang (붕어빵).

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Saithip Butterfly Gardens, Pattaya : Thailand

Butterfly Garden Saithip, the largest butterfly park in Asia, mainly from tourism in Pattaya. Blockade Museum and bee orchid farms, butterfly Saithip Garden Pattaya has a large butterfly enclosure. Location is also a small lake, which will enhance the beauty of nature. Lies more than 15 rai area, butterfly garden Saithip fill visitors with pure joy.
Butterfly Garden.You will not find a big butterfly cage at any time in Asia. One hundred thousand species of butterflies, butterfly garden Saithip happy great lover of animals. Many of the butterflies flitting around the landscape to emphasize the flow of creativity in the heart of the poet.
EntertainmentOne important feature of the Butterfly Garden Saithip is it that there are educational and entertaining. There will be a better place to teach one about what kind of butterfly People can find a place more appropriate to emphasize the feeling of a child on the beauty of nature and life. One can derive pleasure, such as visiting the holy places of natural beauty. Any place like it for a few, simple, and yet is so interesting. On tour to Pattaya, you should remember to include in your trip to the Butterfly Garden Tip Line. You forgot to keep the butterfly. Gardensmemories. The place and want to visit again and again.
Many schools in Bangkok and Pattaya for their students to the Butterfly Garden Saithip for education that is filled with fun, Neu study takes a break from study their usual and the time they have passed. Butterfly Gardening Tip line they learned about the natural world, which often are not. Familiar with them.
LocationLocated approximately 45 minutes from Pattaya, one can hire a taxi or bus for access to Garden. Garden is located at mile marker 10 from Highway 36.
Days and Hours.Butterfly Garden Saithip is open every day except holidays, at the 8:30 to 5:30 pm pm.

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