With temperatures soaring, summer has officially arrived! What comes to mind when you think about summer? It must be ocean!

Gyeonggi Province lies next to the Yellow Sea, which means there are plenty of ideal spots where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets.

Are you in need of something special for your summer date? How about the beautiful coastal scenery that Gyeonggi Province has to offer?

Here are the top five most beautiful coastal locations in Gyeonggi Province!

1. One of the ‘Eight Attractions’ of Hwaseong and one of the five best sunsets in the nation: Gungpyeong Port, Hwaseong City

Have you heard of the “Eight Attractions of Hwaseong”? Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province is famous for some spectacular scenery. The “Eight Attractions of Hwaseong” are a collection of the very best sights in Hwaseong. Gungpyeong Port is one of those select locations. Gungpyeong is also a place that offers one of the five best sunsets in Korea.

With its expansive horizon and scarlet ocean waters, Gungpyeong Port is a beautiful place to enjoy the ocean. Only an hour away from Suwon, the port is also very accessible.

It is worth noting that Gungpyeong Port has a fishing pier, a fishing spot built at the end of the port’s sea wall. Standing on the pier surrounded by moored fishing boats and soaring seagulls while watching the sun sink towards the waves feels like a scene straight out of a movie. 

2. The miracle of Moses at Gukhwado Island

You can get to Gukhwado Island, a beautiful island that looks like a blooming flower, on a ferry from Gungpyeong Port.

Two islands, Maebakseom Island and Dojiseom Island, belong to Gukhwado Island. When submerged under water, they are two separate islands. But when the tide goes out, the two islands become one! It is just like the miracle of Moses! Check it out at Gukhwado Island. 

Directions to Gukhwado Island:

– Gungpyeong Port – > Gukhwado Island: 3 trips per day (09:00, 13:00, 16:00) / travel time 40 mins 

– Fare: One-way KRW 10,000, Return KRW 20,000 (Children: One-way KRW 6,000, Return KRW 12,000) 

* Inquiries to Seohaedoseon: 031-356-9387 * Additional trips available for 10 or more passengers 
* Departure times are subject to tidal conditions. Please confirm itinerary in advance. 

– Dangjin Jangdo Port – > Gukhwado Island: Please use regular ferries

3. Visit Wolgot Port by subway and enjoy the ocean from the heart of the city

Third on our list of beautiful coastal locations in Gyeoggi Province is Wolgot Port, a place you can get to by subway.

Take the Suin Line and get off at Wolgot Station. You’ll be able to see the wide open sea as soon as you get off the train. 

This photo was taken by Zzarasei (user name), a Gyeonggi Province blogger. Isn’t it exquisite?

It seems as if the skyscrapers are floating on the ocean.

That is indeed an ocean vista you can see in the heart of the city, Wolgot Port. 

4. If you’d like some fresh sashimi, come to Oido Island

When I used to live in Seoul, I went to Oido Island whenever I yearned to see the ocean or when I wanted to have some fresh sashimi.

Oido Island is a fishing village and a tourist destination famous for its vast mudflats. It is located in the southwest region of Siheung City, Gyeonggi Province.

During high tide, the sea breeze shrouds the entire village while during the low tide, you can take a look at squirming sea creatures up close.

What makes Oido Island such an attractive destination is the panoramic sunset against the backdrop provided by the Yellow Sea, the vibrant port where fishing boats accompanied by flocks of seagulls come and go, and the migratory birds that return every winter. At sashimi restaurants near the port, you can enjoy fresh sashimi as well as cooked shellfish all year long.

Oido is very accessible since it’s located close to the final station on subway line no. 4 (Oido Station) and Wolgot IC on the Yeongdong Expressway. This is why it is hugely popular among residents living in the Seoul and Gyeonggi metropolitan area as a getaway destination. 

They say Oido Island earned its name because the island is shaped like crow’s ear. Have a look at the map below. Does it look like a crow’s ear?

The last hotspot of the day, the last place you can see the beautiful ocean in Gyeonggi Province is the Seohaedaegyo Bridge in Pyeongtaek.

5. Seohaedaegyo Bridge, a bundle of attractiveness

Source: Pyeongtaek City Photo Gallery

Seohaedaegyo Bridge is a bridge that connects Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province and Dangjin County in Chungcheongnam Province along the Seohaean Expressway.

With the spectacular scenery of the Yellow Sea visible from the bridge, Seohaedaegyo Bridge is a must-see attraction in Gyeonggi Province.

The sunset seen from Seohaedaegyo Bridge is particularly extraordinary. That’s why Haengdamdo Island, the midway point on the Bridge, is packed photographers trying to capture the bridge on film. 

Source: Pyeongtaek City Photo Gallery

Seohaedaegyo Bridge exudes different charms during the day, at sunset, and at night! Take a drive on the beautiful Seohaedaegyo Bridge.

Just imagine. Driving along the beautiful coast with the sun setting and a cool sea breeze flowing through your hair. Isn’t it romantic?

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9900

My goodness!

There are rocks and there are rocks.

We don’t give some rocks a second glance, but others just naturally grab our attention.

The rare gemstone-like rocks at the World Mineral and Gemstone Museum are minerals. 

Some look like blooming roses while others look like dinosaurs with menacing horns. Where and how did these extraordinary rocks come to be?

The World Mineral and Gemstone Museum was a place where we couldn’t help but express surprise and wonder while admiring the mysteriousness of nature.

The World Mineral and Gemstone Museum currently collects and exhibits minerals that are rare and strange not only to Korea but also globally. 

The World Mineral and Gemstone Museum is located in the middle of the Heyri Art Valley in Paju. The valley is full of things to see including various museums, exhibition halls, and art galleries.

The former Ohyun Mineral Museum was reborn at Gate 4 in Heyri between the Museum of Modern History of Korea and Dalki Cafe to help it fulfill its role as an organized and exclusive museum for minerals. 

By definition, a mineral is a small grain that forms rock; most rocks consist of one or more minerals.

For example, granite is the name of a rock. Then, how many types of minerals is granite made of?

Granite is a rock made of three types of minerals: quartz, mica, and feldspar.

Materials like quartz, mica, and feldspar that form a rock are called minerals.

Just as each and every person has their own unique character and appearance, each mineral has its own traits and name. Different minerals can be identified depending on their intensity, luster, color, crystal form, and so on. 

At the World Mineral and Gemstone Museum, you will be able to see Antarctic rock specimens.

Although the Antarctic rock specimens were collected at King Sejong Station, Korea’s first Antarctic base, for scientific purposes and subsequently donated to the museum, most of the other specimens were collected by the World Mineral and Gemstone Museum’s Director himself during his travels around the world as an academic seeking major minerals from 52 different countries.

It would be an impossible task under today’s restrictions; however, the act of collecting specimens one after another as a geologist became the foundation of the World Mineral and Gemstone Museum.

Wherever some type of mineral was rumored to be found in some location, the director went there. This passion gave birth to the World Mineral and Gemstone Museum.

Now, the director says he relocated and reopened the museum with a focus on the educational purpose of promoting minerals correctly based on expert knowledge and steadfast conviction. 

What six types of minerals are indispensable for Korea’s industrial and economic activities?

Those six minerals are bituminous coal, uranium, zinc, iron, copper, and nickel.

Bituminous coal is used as fuel, uranium is used as a source of environment-friendly energy, and copper is a necessity for electronic devices. These minerals are essential for the growth of mankind.

Minerals are required for industrial development as well as our daily lives. In some cases, they become ornamental or decorative pieces.

Let’s examine the diverse world of minerals at the World Mineral and Gemstone Museum.

Petrified wood (silicified wood)

Did you know that petrified wood, which is a fossilized tree, is a type of mineral?

The reason it features a wide range of colors including red and blue is because oxidized steel was introduced to the fossil. A specimen comprised of pure silica is called an opal.

What about dinosaur egg fossils?

The word ‘fossil’ means ‘to become a rock’. Therefore becoming a rock can be interpreted as featuring minerals.Fossils are living organisms or traces of living organisms turned to solid rock inside layers of stratum.

What sort of minerals are included in dinosaur egg fossils?

Since a long ago, mankind has been using minerals.

We made weapons such as swords, arrowheads, and axes as well as household items during the Bronze Age. Feldspar was used in the glaze applied to ceramics after they were fired. In the modern age, they are used in necessities that we require in our everyday lives.

What types of minerals are used in mobile phones, a necessity in modern society (and a device we feel anxious without for even a second), and other electronic devices? They require as many as several dozen to as few as just over ten minerals. 

Jewels are typical products made using minerals.

The World Mineral and Gemstone Museum also tells tales regarding gemstones. 

Diamonds, gold, silver, crystals, jade…

The value of gemstones goes without saying.

We even look into our birthstones.

“Have you held a meteorite before?”

“Wow, is it okay to leave this valuable meteorite out in the open like this?”

The museum offers hands-on programs in which people can hold, touch, scratch, and scrape minerals for educational purposes.

The director gladly offers the meteorite for children to feel and touch rather than keeping it solely as an exhibited specimen.

The World Mineral and Gemstone Museum is a place that fosters an understanding of the value of minerals as a resource that we cannot do without in our daily lives.

We anticipate a bright future for the World Mineral and Gemstone Museum as a pioneer in mineral education. 

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9868

Are you familiar with Baudeogi?

How about Eoreum (tightrope dancing)?

Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Pungmul-dan Namsadang-nori ‘lecture concert’ at Gyeonggi Provincial Human Resource Development Institute.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Human Resource Development Institute holds cultural event during the last week of the every month in order to address demand among public officials and provincial residents for cultural events.

On May 28, a ‘lecture concert’ was held under the theme of “Namsadang-nori with Ansung Namsadang Baudeogi Pungmul-dan for Interaction”. The event was not only attended by the provincial public officials and residents, but also by Kurdistan Regional Government officials from Iraq and government officers from Shandong, China, who flew to Korea to receive training at the Gyeonggi Provincial Human Resource Development Institute. It was a valuable time since it provided an opportunity for us to introduce Korean cultural heritage to foreign nationals and promote their engagement at the event.

I was glad to hear the news about Baudeogi Pungmuldan coming, so I visited Gyeonggi Provincial Human Resource Development Institute right away.

“Enjoying the ‘lecture concert’ of Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Pungmul-dan”

The ‘lecture concert’ is a program that combines art and literature – for instance, books and music, video and fine arts. The program effectively balances the combination of a lecture and concert.

▶ Nanta plays the world! Lecture concert with Song Seung-hwan

▶ Music interacts with sound! Lecture concert with the Gyeonggi Provincial Human Resource Development Institute

It was not the first time that the institute held a lecture concert.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government, in fact, has been holding lecture concerts on diverse topics since last year.

Before the lecture concert began, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, which targeted “a fairy tale-like day”, held an event and offered leaflets along with gifts to increase public awareness of Gyeonggi tourism.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Human Resource Development Institute held a lecture featuring a narrative on the origin of Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Pungmul-dan and Baudeogi for this month’s cultural event. The Namsadang performance then took place in the form of a lecture concert.

The event started off with a humorous lecture by Senior Member Lee Sang-chul of the Anseong City Baudeogi Pungmul-dan.

Through the lecture, I got to know that Namsadang, Korean Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 3 and a UNESCO World Heritage item, was a professional performing artist of the Joseon Dynasty and the country’s first-ever public entertainer. In addition, he narrated stories of Namsadang ogi Pungmul-nori based on Namsadang.

The leader of the Namsadang group is called Kkokduswei, and a new trainee who just joined the group is called Ppiri. I just learned that Goppiri, a Korean slang term for a high school, originated from this.

In the movie The King and the Clown, the character Jang Saeng asks: “How do you want to be reborn in the next life?” The participants gave witty answers.

“I want to born again as a mayor.”

“I want to born again as Wonbin.”

In addition, the foreigners’ hands-on experience with Korean culture got huge response as well.

The concert consisted of the following diverse sessions: exciting tightrope dancing, Pungmul-nori, Seoljang-go, Ttangjaeju, Beona running, back-riding play and 12-foot spinning hat performance, and more.

We refer to Eoreum as an act of narrowly walking on a tightrope, and we call tightrope dancers “Eoreumsan-ee”.

It is very difficult to run or fly even on the ground, but the scene of a dancer flying and running on a thin rope makes him look like a squirrel. I just could not stop applauding.

We call them “Namsadang” since there is no woman in the group. But, there is a woman in the group… What?

Like Eoreumsan-ee, the women have to dress up as men.

There are six basic devices: Pungmul, beona, silpang, eoreum, addition, deolmie.

The first performance, Pungmul, usually ends up in deolme.

It is so amazing to see how the beonas go up so high and come back to the people.

Now, it’s time for applause.

It was an Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Pungmul-dan performance that brought everyone together.

We may have been more appreciative and familiar with the performance since it was Korean cultural music.

Even after the performance, the Korean and foreign attendees bonded.

The whole event was completed in warmth providing the foreign nationals with the opportunity to experience traditional entertainment in Korea with Koreans.

In addition, we took a celebratory picture with Kurdistan and Shandong government officials, who first looked a bit nervous but soon started to enjoy the performance.

I guess they have obtained another piece of happiness,

It is time for us to increase public awareness and appreciation through onsite cultural experiences.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9805

Which temple did you visit on Buddha’s Birthday?

Though I am not a Buddhist, I was eager to see the ceremony on Buddha’s Birthday at least once.

Then I came across news that there would be a Buddha’s Birthday ceremony at Cheonggyesa Temple, followed by an onsite broadcast of the KBS radio program “Lee Mu-song and Lim Su-min’s Music of Hope” and a temple concert. So I headed to Cheonggyesa Temple.

It was a valuable visit since the event would be joined by famous singers and celebrities like Jang Yoon-jeong, Choi Jin-hee, Kim Heung-guk and Shin Yoo. On that day, the entry of general cars was strictly forbidden; on every Buddha’s Birthday, there is a shuttle operated from Indeokwon to Cheonggyesa Temple, and this year was no exception. I got on the shuttle at the second station, which is Deokjang Middle School, and got off at the final station.

At the final station, many seniors got on the shuttle bus to go to Cheonggyesa Temple, while young people strolled up to the temple, passing through Cheonggye Mountain Park and along a trail. It was a beautiful day in May for a stroll. Lines of families, friends and couples walking up to the temple really showed how popular Cheonggyesa Temple is.

Every Buddha’s Birthday, a total of 30 thousand people visit the temple; it is a day when people can try temple cuisine.

After climbing up the stairs on a sharp slope, you will see Sacheonwang and the precincts of the temple.

Around the Keukrakbojun, the main temple building, there are Samsung-gak, Jijang-jeon and Yosa-chae. What is special about this place is that there is a gigantic Wabul, a Buddhist statue.

With blooming lotus shapes over the temple buildings, this is the most beautiful time of the year at the temple.

These are scenes of people lined up to offer water scooped up in a gourd as if they were refreshing their mind and spirit with water. It seems that they are scooping with their hearts, hoping that everything they wish for comes true.

My heart warmed at the sight of all Catholic priests and nuns from Uiwang City celebrating this Buddhist holiday regardless of their religion.

The event started with a congratulatory address and the introduction of the main monk and institution chiefs. Over 20 to 30 thousand people attended the ceremony. It truly was a celebratory event.

Behind the guests, there was an altar portrait of Buddha on the wall.

This picture portrays a small child taking part in the ceremony with her grandmother in front of the Wabul statue. She was praying so hard. What was the child praying for?

Why are they lined up and leaving the Buddhist ceremony behind for a while?

I went to see what they were doing. The reason everyone was waiting was the temple cuisine, which was offered from five in the morning to three in the afternoon. Temple cuisine is provided for free every Buddha’s Birthday. With so many people lined up, it appeared that over 20 thousand people tried the dishes.

Under the scorching sun, everyone filled up the temple, leaving no empty space. There was a live radio program broadcast. There was reportedly a quiz event where prizes were given.

It was a day when everyone had enjoyable time at the temple regardless of their religion.

Hooray~~

The singers attending the event sang about two to three songs, adding excitement to the atmosphere. Also, idol groups and girl groups appeared on the stage, making the place seem like a concert.

There was more than the striking of woodblocks and sutras in the silent temple. Buddha’s Birthday was truly a time when everyone could enjoy the ceremony and concert together.

Cheonggyesa Temple

Mt 11 Mountain Cheonggye, Uiwang City, Gyeonggi Province

Exit #2 at Indeokwon Station of Line #4

Village Bus #10, #10-1

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9789

We have a variety of national holidays and legal observances all the way from January through to December.

May, in particular, boasts more observances compared to other months, starting with Labor Day, Children’s Day, Parents’ Day, Voters’ Day, Adoption Day and more.

Looking carefully through the observances designated for May – Labor Day, Adoption Day, Teacher’s Day, Coming-of-Age Day, and so on – you can guess ‘Aha, this day must be for such and such’.

Unlike other occasions, however, you might tilt your head to the side a little because you don’t know the meaning of ‘Together Day’ on May 20.

Falling on May 20 every year, Together Day is a legal observance designated to create a social environment in which Korean citizens and foreign nationals residing in Korea respect each other’s cultures and traditions while living in harmony. On the week of Together Day, various events take place across the country including festival-like cultural events and debates in which citizens and foreign nationals in Korea can participate.

To celebrate Together Day, Gyeonggi Province began hosting a wide range of events, big and small, starting from the Together Day event on May 17.

Your Gyeonggi Net-keeper was also curious about Together Day.

So, I went to the Together Day event hosted by Gyeonggi Province on Sunday, May 17.

With the 8th Together Day on May 20 approaching, Gyeonggi Province’s own Together Day event has held on May 17 (Sunday) in the quad of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex and at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

The day was particularly warm and sunny. Everyone from children to adults on the quad of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex had broad smiles on their faces.

Gyeonggi Province’s Together Day events began at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. It kicked off with an event for children! It was time for a Treasure Hunt.

Many children run around the quad at the government office complex to find treasures hidden inside capsules.

After the Treasure Hunt, the next event was the ‘Walking Competition at the World Heritage Site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress’.

Before the competition started, however, people gathered around on the large grass-covered quad inside the complex to snap some photos and do simple warm-up exercises to the accompaniment of some cheerful music.

Once you take the arm of another person and create a pair, you’re ready to go!

Now, step to the front twice… Step to the back twice… raise both hands in the air and swing your hips to the side together! Clap!

Clap to the back! Clap! And then to the side one more time, clap!

Could it be because they’re doing it together with close friends and family? Each and every motion done in rhythm seems joyful. ^^

With the simple warm-up exercises completed, everyone moved to the starting point for the ‘Walking Competition at the World Heritage Site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress’ event at the rear entrance of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. Then, with a load roar, the walking competition began.

The ‘Walking Competition at the World Heritage Site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress’ featured a course that began at the rear entrance of the government complex on to the Sooseong Mineral Spring, Jangan Park, Hwaseo Gate, Seojangdae, and then back to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. The course was devised to offer an opportunity to experience the excellence of Korean culture.

Although it was a simple course for walking, a large number of marshals and 119 rescue team members came along to ensure the safety of all.

Now, shall we begin the ‘Walking Competition at the World Heritage Site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress’? Go!

In fact, the course used for the ‘Walking Competition at the World Heritage Site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress’ was not entirely new for your Gyeonggi Net-keeper.

Since your Gyeonggi Net-keeper works at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, the course is one I often stroll along after lunch. But I have to say, it felt different although the course and the venue was familiar to me.

We passed the Sooseong Mineral Spring, Jangan Park, and Hwaseo Gate before finally arriving at Seojangdae!

Although we were gasping for air after climbing up the road on the fortress wall in the unusually bright and sunny weather, we all had to smile with a sense of accomplishment in making it to the destination.

As we arrivde at Seojangdae, we had a glimpse of Hwaseongjangdae first.

‘Hwaseongjangdae’ at Seojangdae

Everyone wiped away beads of sweat and enjoyed the magnificent nightscape while feeling the cool breeze at Seojangdae. For your information, Seojangdae has been selected as a great place to make a wish while enjoying the moon.

The marshals take in the beautiful panoramic view of Suwon for a while and to cool off.

Now that we’ve climbed up Seojangdae, which is a Jangdae from the Joseon Dynasty on top of Paldal Mountain in Suwon City of Gyeonggi Province, we should talk about a story of the Jangdae from our history.

One commentator participating in the ‘Walking Competition at the World Heritage Site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress’ told a story about the history of Seojangdae in great detail for the participants.

Now, it’s time to go back to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex!

We pick ourselves up and set off once again following instructions from the marshals.

People may have been tired from the walking competition, but they still gathered around in front of the stage and took part in the quiz on Gyeonggi Province. I don’t know where they found the energy to keep going.

What’s the correct answer…? The intensity with which the children concentrated on the questions posed by the MC was so cute. One little girl seemed to be praying with her hands clasped tightly in front of her while she said, ‘Please let it be the correct answer’. ^^

After several quiz questions, three contestants who had survived to the final round were decided.

Drumroll, please… Who will be the final contestant standing in the quiz?

Now, this was the question asked to determine the winner of the quiz! (See if you can guess the correct answer…)

“This refers to the phenomenon in which the roots of two different trees intertwine grow together as if they are one tree.

This is also the symbol of the coalition government in Gyeonggi Province. What is this phenomenon?”

I know the answer! A male contestant wearing a purple t-shirt raises his hand and calls out his answer.

“Yeonliji!” That is correct!

First place went to the contestant who correctly answered ‘Yeonliji’.

Apart from these activities, traditional Korean pastimes such as hoop rolling, Yunnori, and Jegichagi, as well as more than 20 booths featuring food and costumes from countries around the world including Japan, Russia, Mexico, Cambodia, China and Vietnam were on hand at the Together Day event. The event also had other hands-on activities including an inflatable playset (upon which children who came with their parents could jump around as much as they wanted) and a class on making soap bubbles. Everyone had a great time thanks to all of these activities.

Meanwhile, a total of 19 people were recognized at the award ceremony for Together Day with such honors as a commendation from the Governor of Gyeonggi Province for merit in supporting foreign nationals, a commendation from the Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs, and prizes for the winners of the essay contest illustrating foreigner’s life in Korea. Twenty prize winners of the 6th National Multicultural Speaking Contest that took place on the same day were also recognized.

Ms. Lee Min-hee, winner of the Most Outstanding Prize in the 6th National Multicultural Speaking Competition held inside the grand meeting hall of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, poses with Social Integration Vice Governor Lee Ki-woo. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Yoo Je-hoon

Contest participants pose for pictures after the award ceremony ⓒ Gyeonggi G News Yoo Je-hoon

Although the event wasn’t large and spectacular, Gyeonggi Province’s Together Day event was full of action! Many multicultural families and people of Gyeonggi Province were able to become one and participate happily thanks to some meaningful and fruitful activities prepared for the occasion

http://www.gg.go.kr/newscast4

I just came back from the Seoul International Food Industry Exhibition. This year’s slogan for the Exhibition was “Wave on the Table”.

With the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services participating in the event, Seoul Food 2015 was that much more meaningful.

Shuttle buses started from various locations across Seoul, and soon they arrived at Ilsan KINTEX one after another.

Every single hall at the vast KINTEX was being used for Seoul Food 2015.

The Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services display was located inside Exhibition Hall 2.

Platforms for the shuttle buses were located in front of Exhibition Hall 1, so I slowly made my way to the venue while basking in the spring sunshine.

I found Exhibition Hall 2.

The first floor where you enter and exit the exhibition halls was packed with people, but the second floor where you can only enter was relatively quiet.

Taking up every single exhibition hall at Ilsan KINTEX was impressive enough, but looking at numerous food related booths bunched up tightly together helped me really understand the sheer number of participants and the overall size of this event.

Now, where’s our Gyeonggi Province…

Good Morning, Gyeonggi! Next Gyeonggi!

I arrived in front of the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services’ display.

The Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services aims to develop Gyeonggi Province’s agriculture into a high value-added bio-industry in response to globalization and a more open stance towards the world. The organization focuses on R&D for new technologies necessary in agriculture and supplying those technologies throughout the industry!

If it develops farming techniques, undertakes research and spreads processing technologies to promote the consumption of agricultural products, then we will be able to enjoy our agricultural products more conveniently and in a wider variety of styles, right?

This year’s exhibition featured agricultural food products made with technologies transferred by Gyeonggi Province and processed foods produced thanks to start-up assistance for women in agricultural villages.

Let’s see what food we have here…

First, we have Hannete!

Hannete Cheese is a small farming family business in Pocheon of Gyeonggi Province.

‘Hannete’ is a portmanteau of the English word ‘hand’ and French word ‘honnete’.

It embodies values such as directly produced, handmade, trust, and the image of an artisan.

The cheese was delicious, and visitors can also enjoy some hands-on activities.

This is Peach Jam made by Poongwon Farm at Icheon, Gyeonggi Province!

Poongwon Farm also offered a limited edition dried peach that must be dried on the day the peach is harvested at the farm.

They also had Korean traditional sweets and cookies.

I also found Our Home-made Kimchi from Yeoju of Gyeonggi Province, which is produced only on demand!

Gyeonggi Province also had Cheonggukjang (fermented soybeans) made with beans harvested in the clean environment of Hwaseong City.

Apparently, it was fermented using traditional methods inside rooms made of red clay!

Wow! Me-3 makgeolli (traditional rice wine) is here as well!

They also had makgeolli that tasted like beer. I wonder what it’s like.

Doraji (balloon flower root) is great for your bronchial tubes!

I performed my filial duty today with some syrup and powder made from 6-year-old Doraji.

This particular booth featured Doraji harvested at a 70,000 pyeong (approximately 23ha) farm in Icheon of Gyeonggi Province. Their products didn’t have the typical burning taste from toxins, making it even better to eat.

Then we have Healthy Jangajji (pickled vegetables) produced in Yongin of Gyeonggi Province.

To think that such great food was being produced in Gyeonggi Province, close to Seoul, was really amazing.

This is Waterway, a patented technology jointly developed by the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extention Services and Dae San Precision!

The advantage here is that you can use normal seedlings bought at the market!

Ain Farm, located in Anseong of Gyeonggi Province, is protecting our mushroom farms with a new variety of Saesongi mushroom developed in Korea, the ‘Gonji no. 3’.

These days, domestic breeds that don’t require the payment of royalties are a really important issues!

Ibee Honey Wine, produced by the Ibee Agricultural Union Corporation using sweet honey, won a Gold Award at the 2015 Monde Selection!

I had a glass; it was a very sweet honey wine indeed.

Time just flew by as I spent the day tasting and exploring the offerings of the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services! It was an awesome day during which I was able to enjoy myself and feel my body grow healthier.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9762

Here’s a trivia question for you: Which of the valuable cultural artifacts located in Gyeonggi Province recently celebrated the first anniversary of its designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?

The answer is Namhansanseong Fortress!

This year marks the first anniversary of the designation of Namhansanseong Fortress as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gyeonggi Province has prepared a wide range of cultural performances and events to celebrate this occasion.

From May to November, you can visit Namhansanseong Fortress not only during weekends but also weekdays to enjoy various exhibitions and performances.

Namhansanseong Fortress functioned as a temporary capital and palace for the kings and features facilities like Sueojangdae and Yeonmugwan, where soldiers used to train, as well as Inhwagwan, where court officials used to stay. Now you can enjoy different types of music all the way from royal court music such as ‘Nongak’ (traditional farmer’s music) to ‘Chwigosooak’ (military band music), and martial arts performed by soldiers.

Fortress Rock Fever

Fortress Rock Fever is a regular weekday concert that will begin for the first time this year. The concert at the traditional park in Namhansanseong Fortress will feature traditional music performances such as Nongak (farmer’s music), Samulnori (traditional percussion quartet), and Pansori (traditional singing) along with other musical performances involving the Ocarina, folk music, and pop ensembles with members from fine arts organizations and clubs who love music and musical instruments.

Whoa! Sueocheong

Over the weekend, you can come see ‘Whoa! Sueocheong’, which tells the fascinating story of the world’s one and only comprehensive martial arts system, Muyeshippalgi, based on traditional Korean culture.

On weekends, you will also have the chance to see the ‘Akgongcheong Concert’, which brings you superior traditional events with Gukak (traditional music) and performances by intangible cultural assets, the ‘Wipoongdangdang Sanseong Military Band’ brought to you by the Namhansanseong Fortress’ Chwigosooakdae (military band), and ‘Let’s Play Yeonhee! – Always Nongak’, which features Kwangjiwon Nongak (farmer’s music) and takes place during the consecration event for Namhansanseong Fortress and other events.

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Korea suffered from a myriad of invasions by foreign forces from the Age of the Three Kingdoms to the Joseon Dynasty.

For that reason, there are more than 1,600 mountain fortresses across the country. Among those fortresses, take this opportunity to learn more about Namhansanseong Fortress which retains its original form to this day!

Let’s take a walk around the fortress together!

Coming to the fortress but not taking a walk around its walls just doesn’t make sense!

Namhansanseong Fortress retains the architectural styles of each era from the Age of the Three Kingdoms to Joseon Dynasty. That’s why it is referred to as the textbook of mountain fortress architecture.

Come and explore the walls here with your family and friends!

Meet mountain fortress 1343

What does the number 1343 mean? It refers to the number of years the mountain fortress stood here before it was named Namhansanseong Fortress. This course is for those who wish to learn more about Namhansanseong professionally and it is offered twice a year – once in the first half of the year and once more in the second half of the year. As part of the program, you will visit specific locations around the fortress walls with an expert instructor every Thursday for four weeks. (Course fees: KRW 50,000, includes teaching materials)

Please visit Namhansanseong Fortress World Heritage Site Center Website (http://nhss.ggcf.kr) or call us at 031-777-7500 for more information or to apply for the program.

http://www.gg.go.kr/archives/2387827

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the 2014 entertainment sector in Korea was headlined by the TV show ‘Non-Summit’. It has come back down to earth somewhat due to a few controversies, but it was a sensation during its initial phase. The fact that a program from a general service TV channel reached as high as 6.3% per minute viewership might give you an idea just how popular it was.

Image Source: JTBC

The popularity of Non-Summit was only natural. Non-Summit is a TV program in which young foreigners living in Korea freely debate issues that they are concerned about. Listening to refreshing and varied stories about Korea from smart and handsome foreigners meant that it was difficult for the show not to gain notoriety.

Like the saying goes, it is difficult to see the forest for the trees. But what happens when we see the forest from outside the woods? We might be able to find an objective answer, one that comes from a new perspective.

At some point, the number of foreigners around us exploded. Now, it is nothing new to see a foreigner at school or on the street. Watching Non-Summit made me wonder… What does Gyeonggi Province look like to these foreigners who live among us? Would they be able to see things from a new perspective, things that we Koreans miss because they are so obvious to us living in Gyeonggi Province?

So, we went out and recruited them. A launching ceremony for the Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps took place on April 18. The final 8 candidates who made it through the intense competition for this opportunity gathered at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. Moving forward, the Global SNS Press Corps will bring you a wide range of news from Gyeonggi Province through SNS.

At noon on April 18, the global reporters we met in front of provincial public service center showed no sign of nervousness. I was able to feel their anticipation and excitement for a new role. Can you feel the determination of our Global SNS Press Corps from stances?

First, we begin with a tour of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex with our band of Global SNS Press Corps members.

“This is the public service center. We listen to the hardships of Gyeonggi residents and resolve their problems at the center.”

Everyone is listening intently. Hold on, everyone understands what we’re saying, right?

Of course they do! Do not underestimate our Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps. These guys have a great command of Korean!

Li Cheongyeon and Akutsu Yuki. Although Cheongyeon is Chinese and Yuki is Japanese, communication is not a problem between the two. That is because they can speak in Korean. We have no idea what’s so funny but they have become close already.

Did you know each other before?

No, we didn’t, but we grew close because we have so much in common.

Both share the fact that they each have one Korean parent. Let’s listen to these two beautiful foreign belles.

■ Interview with Cheongyeon and Yuki

Li Cheongyeon (left), Akutsu Yuki (right)

They sure are determined, right? Their love and interest for Gyeonggi Province seems deep, which makes me look forward to their activities already.

Of course, the Global SNS Press Corps isn’t just made up of those with Korean ancestry. I had a chat with Heunssa, who we have already seen at the Cherry Blossom Festival event that allowed people to visit the Office of the Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

■ Interview with Heunssa

Heunssa is from Ethiopia. What were his thoughts when he was applying for the Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps?

Let’s listen to Heunssa’s story.

Heunssa (left) and a communications officer with Gyeonggi Province

Today, 8 members of the Gyeonggi Province SNS Press Corps including Heunssa took a tour of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex and had the chance to talk to one another. Then, they received their letters of appointment from a provincial communications official and had a briefing on their responsibilities as members of the Global SNS Press Corps. Justina, who couldn’t attend the launching ceremony on April 18, came separately and received her letter of appointment. These reporters will bring you a wide range of Gyeonggi Province news from the perspectives of foreigners.

Apart from Li Cheongyeon, Akutsu Yuki, and Heunssa introduced to you today, a total of 8 reporters including Justina, Hyeong Gagi, Oka Eriko, Jjing Ying, and Jang Han will work as members of the Global Press Corps. Let’s meet each and every person through the Gyeonggi Provincial Government’s SNS accounts.

There are those like Hyeong Gagi who have already started their work as reporters. We eagerly anticipate the stories that will be told by the Gyeonggi Province Global SNS Press Corps. Global SNS Press Corps, we look forward to your work!

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9689

One national treasure, 20 treasures and another 80 valuable pieces are all gathered in a single room. It’s like you’ve become Ali Baba and discovered the secret of a thieves’ den by saying “Open Sesame!” What would be the value of all these treasures if converted into money? 

Currently, a majestic treasure exhibition is being held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum. The Gyeonggi Treasure Exhibition, a special exhibition that began on April 22, goes far beyond the kind of capabilities a provincial region can demonstrate. Gathering all such precious treasures from over 20 institutions is said to be an unprecedented event. What is the meaning behind this special event that may never take place again?

■ Semiconductor of the Joseon Dynasty that cannot be reproduced even with today’s cutting-edge technology

When you stand in front of this glass-encased ceramic ware at the core of the exhibition room, you feel you are watching a scene from a mystery movie. It seems like you have become Sherlock Holmes who is trying to protect the treasure after receiving a warning from a mysterious chief of the era. This very piece seems to be very costly. Wait, is it National Treasure?

It says on the information board that this Korea’s Treasure No. 659 and is called “Baekja Chunghwa Vase with Apricot Flower, Bamboo Tree and Bird”. I unconsciously said to the curator.

“It should have less value than the National Treasure.”

Then I received an unexpected answer.

“Well, you may not be able to buy this no matter how much money you have. You could not purchase it even if you offered KRW 5 billion on the spot.”

Five billion Korean won! Some may have claimed that the treasure is less valuable than the National Treasure; they would be shocked if they heard this. Of course, the real value is beyond the cost, since it cannot be bought with money.

“Then, what part of the piece makes it value exceed KRW 5 billion?” 

This Chunghwa Baekja, assumed to have been made during the Joseon Dynasty around the 15th or 16th century, is said to be similar to a canvas painted with melted gold. At that time, the blue pigment painting was more expensive than gold.

This is not the only thing. 

This Chunghwa-hang, neither a National Treasure nor treasure, is the Royal Family’s premium ceramic ware. It would not be strange if it would be elevated to treasure at any time. According to the curator’s explanation, inscribing such delicate and sophisticated images on ceramic ware, not on a flat surface, is something that cannot be reproduced at the present time.

“Let’s say it is the semiconductor technology of the Joseon Dynasty. At that time, ceramic ware is a manmade cutting-edge technology. Despite the fabulous technology of our time, this cannot be reproduced, meaning that such a piece cannot be produced ever again.” 

Now, let’s have a look at the National Treasure, the pièce de résistance among the items displayed here: National Treasure No. 256 Daebanggwangbul Avatamasaka Vol. 1

Then, I asked for the story behind the gathering of all these precious treasures. 

■ For the splendid one thousand history of Gyeonggi

“The year 2018 marks one thousand years of Gyeonggi history. Originally, the term Gyeonggi referred to the area that surrounds and protects the capital; at first, Gyeonggi referred to the surroundings of Gaegeoung, the capital of Goryeo. Then finally, in the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonggi became what is now Gyeonggi. This exhibition traces the glamourous one-thousand-year-long history of Gyeonggi, which is heading for another one thousand years,” said the curator. 

All the treasures have specific connections to Gyeonggi or Gyeonggi Province. The reason why the exhibition is divided into five parts – “Gyeonggi Province’s Buddhist Culture and Royal Family Inspection”, “Gyeonggi Province’s Paintings and Calligraphic Works”, “Transforming from the Point of Production of Goryeo China to the Point of Consumption” and “Home of Royal Family’s White Ceramic Ware” – is that all the treasures are Gyeonggi’s precious assets. By visiting the exhibition, one becomes aware that Gyeonggi Province was the production site of Goryeo blue ceramics and a large consumption point, the place of Joseon white ceramics, the treasury of Royal Family’s treasures and Buddhist cultural heritage, and a new world of paintings and calligraphic works. 

Let’s have a look at some of the more interesting treasures. Just by looking at these treasures, you become aware that the treasure is not a treasure just because it has some gold work or some magnificent adornment, but because it conveys valuable, precious stories.

The Han Suk-bong Calligraphy Collection Book attracts the eyes. Treasure No. 1078-3, the collection conveys the legendary calligraphy of Han Seok-bong. 

The writings and paintings of Gyeonggi artist Danwon Kim Hong-do are displayed as well. There are several paintings of him including “Scholar Enjoying Music”. Choosa Kim Jeong-hui’s paintings, including “Winter Scene”, are displayed as well. The fact that there were so many great calligraphers and painters of the Joseon Dynasty in Gyeonggi was relatively unknown. 

King Jeong Jo’s Pacho has been displayed as well. Treasure No. 743, the painting has been transferred from Dongkuk University Museum to this exhibition. You can learn that King Jeong Jo was talented in literary painting. This piece is a critical one in research regarding the painting history of the Joseon Dynasty.

You will also come across Suwolgwaneumdo, an important asset to Buddhist culture in the Goryeo Dynasty. Designated as Treasure No. 1426 and preserved at the Amore Pacific Museum, this painting was produced during 14th century. It hints at the glamorous Buddhist culture back in the Goryeo Dynasty. Although it dates back seven centuries, it has been well maintained. This picture depicts a scene from “Hwaumkyung” where Sunjae Dongja, who visited Kwaneumbosal, rescues Bosaldo and Bosalhaeng. 

■ Goryeo ceramic ware that captures the blue sky emerges from a watery vault after hundreds of years.

The ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty were something that China desired. The standard practice was that Goryeo Cheongja was produced in Gyeonggi Province and distributed at the Gaegyeong Market. This ceramic ware sought to portray the striking blue sky. Over time, it exudes a faint blue hue. Appointed as treasure 1784, Celadon Vase Incised with Lotus and Branch Designs is surprisingly well preserved. Actually, there is a hidden story behind this.

“It was recently discovered at the bottom of the Mado Sea near Okdo-myun in Taean-gun of North Chungcheong with a wooden tag. The tag indicates that the vase was being sent to a lower-level military officer in Gaegyeong. It seems that the vessel carrying the vase sank during shipment.”

The tag says it was a honey pot; however, it is evaluated as an art piece, having far more value than that of a mere honey pot. 

Outside the exhibition room, you may see a folding screen on which the poems of masters such as Jung Do-jeon are inscribed. The exhibition continues until June 21. Some of the pieces will leave the exhibition earlier than this. So if you wish to see every single piece, you better hurry. Pieces such as Suwolgwaneumdo and Celadon Vase Incised with Lotus and Branch Designs will be displayed only until May 20.

There is a caveat. There is a reason why the exhibition room is relatively dark. Light can damage the relics. So, you should not use a flash when taking pictures. You need to pay special attention as each piece is a precious national treasure that cannot be bought with money. Gyeonggi’s thousand-year-long history is something very precious, so please treat it with care. 

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9716

“DMZ” is an abbreviation for “Demilitarized Zone”. The term is defined in the dictionary as an area in which it is forbidden to station military forces or maintain military installations based on treaties. Since areas that have the potential for military conflict carry DMZ classification as a preventive measure, the DMZ blocks human access. For this reason, the DMZ usually remains intact.

As you are aware, there is a DMZ in Korea where the entry of civilians is wholly restricted. In August of 1953, based on the “Agreement about Civilian’s Entrance into DMZ”, the “Freedom Village” – in which Korean citizens were allowed to reside – was established. Residency and visiting privileges were granted only to qualifying people, and strict rules still apply regarding the entry of the general public. Technically, access and entry was strictly forbidden near the iron fence areas that are classified as part of the DMZ except for some tourist attractions.

Recently, new programs have been launched so that civilians can visit and experience select areas near the DMZ. Among these programs, the DMZ Bike Tour has been held on a regular basis. The program allows participating cyclists to travel along the Imjin River shore for 17km, crossing Imjingak in Paju City of Gyeonggi Province. The first session of the program this year took place in March; I participated in the April session. On a warm Sunday morning on April 12, I lightheartedly took part in the session with the DMZ Bike Tour group. Riders of different ages and genders started gathering from one o’clock in the afternoon. Many of them had come with their families, and some came with their bike clubs. In particular, foreign students who are studying at Seoul National University came in a group, making this session even more special.

I came across a rider who had a Korean flag on the back of his bicycle. He was an avid rider; he had crossed not only Korea but also New Zealand by bicycle. According to him, while he could go everywhere with a bicycle – whether it be tough, far, or a foreign land – it is not as easy to visit DMZ even if it is our own land; so he could not miss this chance to visit the DMZ area. What he said was insightful to those of us who are accustomed to the fact that the DMZ is just an area that cannot be reached.

A mother and a daughter who just looked like sisters attended as well.

People are getting themselves ready for the tour. With the foreign student group from Seoul National University, a lot of foreigners were seen at the April event.

I came across a very mature kid who was sitting alone on the bench. He was participating in the event with his dad. He maintained a poker face even when I took a picture of him. A cool guy, isn’t he?

I met someone familiar: a reporter from G-Teen Press. He joined the tour to write an article about it; surely an important task to fulfill. The youngster rides his bicycle and an elderly man follows him along in an electric car.

After carefully listening to the guidelines, everyone expressed their readiness with a shout. Now, all the riders are ready to depart.

We were divided into two groups – the head and rear – and each group was led by a staff rider in red vest. Since the tour area is an unpaved road surrounded by a military zone, special attention is paid to the tour in order to prevent possible incidents.

Now, it’s time for departure.

The army patrol road that we travel on is in a military region, so photos are allowed only in designated areas, and only in particular directions. For that reason, not many images were generated. You can get an initial idea regarding the appearance of the DMZ Bike Tour from the following few pictures taken during the tour.

We were on our way back from the borderline after approaching the Unification Road. The bike club members and professional riders are making a turn, while those who need a little more exercise are passionately pedaling.

There is always one person who makes this kind of pose when he/she sees a camera. “I want to go back!”

I, working on a Sunday, want to go back as well.

Oh, there goes the cool guy. The small cool guy is diligently pedaling with his dad. He looked quite cool when he was waiting for departure. Now he looks like a cute kid.

These riders went to the 64T point without taking a rest. You can see a young rider who has a candy in his mouth while determinedly riding his bike.

You can take a short rest at the midpoint in the Chopyeong Wetlands, an ecological road, or you can turn back to the starting point. Taking photographs is allowed in this area.

The tour course begins at the Imjingak Stadium and goes along the Unification Road through Imjingak. The tour route, which begins at Imjingak Park, connects the Unification Bridge to Gunname Crossroad and to 64T, a turning point for returning to the starting area. Beginner riders can rest on the opposite side of Chopyeongdo and join the group that turns at 64T to come back to Imjingak. Snacks and bottled water are provided here.

Bicycles need a rest as well.

Since there are certain operating hours, the rest time is short. There is a course where drawings by university students have been affixed to the iron fences. These paintings, which adorn the fence before the Imjin River, make one feel quite somber. This is maybe because they have far more meaning than just “art”; they convey Korea’s historical pain.

The 17km-long course maybe too short for a professional rider, but it is quite a hard for the beginners.

We pass through the last area where photos are possible. The riders who participated in the session may have returned home with precious memories.

Cheers for the G-Teen Press reporter who assiduously rode through the course.

Perhaps, May and June will present a much better landscape. The scenery was more winter-like with less rich green. For that reason, the landscape behind the fence was somewhat solitary.

I may challenge myself to take this tour again in June. To target the 64T point, which I did not reach this time, I need to train.

The pictures that I took during the tour have mostly been uploaded since there were requests for them from the participants. I hope that everyone who took part in the April DMZ Bike Tour forged special memories.

DMZ Bike Tour (17.2km)

Imjingak East Gate (Departure) – Unification Bridge (South Gate) – Gunnae Crossroad (Turn) – Unification Road (South Gate) – Chopyeongdo (Rest) – Unification Bridge – Imjingak East Gate

Time: Every fourth Sunday (once a month from March to October)

Number of participants: Around 300 / Price: KRW 10,000 per person / KRW 3,000 for equipment

Giveaways: Bottled water, snacks, KRW 5,000 gift certificates for traditional products

Application: Gyeonggi Tour (http://peace.ggtour.or.kr）

http://www.gg.go.kr/newscast2