Yeouido Park Ice Skating Rink

YEOUI ICE PARK

This one involves I•SEOUL•U, so you now it's going to be a good one. The official logo of Seoul that stands proud in the banks of the Han River has been transformed into
I•SKATE•U to accommodate Yeouido’s pretty new skating rink from December 9th until
February 14th, 2017. Yeouido Park is a more recent addition to the Seoulites' list of ice
skating destinations, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.


In its second year running, couples and families will be able to skate, use the sledding slope, or just have fun making snowmen in the "snow playground." At only 2,000 won, you will get a pass for the rink, rent a pair of skates and a helmet for an hour and a half. Day passes cost 3,000 won while season passes are available at 20,000 won (valid for 55 days). This 1,800 square meter ice rink will be open from 10am until 9.30pm for the 68 days of operation.

 The Ice Park incorporates an ice rink, sledding slope and a snow playground as well as food trucks and a warm indoor café serving snacks and hot drinks. The ice rink is one of a number of ice rinks operated by the city during the winter, and is popular with both locals and tourists as an easily accessible place to enjoy some winter fun for a low price. A one day pass for the skating rink and sledding slope including skate rental costs just 5,000 won, with cheaper prices offered for one session tickets.

Accessible from:

Yeouido Station, Line 5 or 9, Exit 2 or 3.

National Assembly Station, Line 9, Exit 3 or 4.

Seoul, Created 20 Road Diet Places

As part of the “Walking City, Seoul” project, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched the Road Diet Campaign in daily life from the beginning of this year to create a comfortable and safe walking space on a 6,892m street.

The ‘Road Diet’ project is the first project to be implemented this year, which means reducing vehicle space and converting it into a pedestrian-oriented road space.

The city built a collaborative system with the autonomous regions earlier this year in order to proactively promote the road diet project and improve the citizens’ feeling, found 20 places in 19 autonomous districts, and conducted the project of Road Diet in daily life.

Based on the opinion of the autonomous district and the opinions of the local residents, Seoul reviewed the project costs and feasibility of each branch and provided a total budget of 8.13 billion won. Basically, it focused on creating a safe walking environment in situations where safety is threatened, for example, when pedestrians had to walk on the car road because there is no pedestrian road or the road is too narrow, through the installation of crossroads and CCTV cameras for pedestrian safety, based on the reduction of the car road and establishment of the pedestrian road.

Noksapyeong-daero 26-gil, Yongsan-gu. Before the improvement → after the improvement

While carrying out the project, there were some differences in opinions with the local residents, but the city actively reflected the opinions of the local residents through various measures such as the residents briefing. Seventeen sites will be completed this year as scheduled, and three sites (Jung-gu, Eunpyeong-gu and Seongbuk-gu) that are not yet completed will be completed in the first half of 2017.
On the 220m sections of Noksapyeong-daero 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, the pedestrian road was expanded (1.5→3.2 – 4.0m) and the car road was reduced (10.8 – 11.3m→7.0m). The speed limit will be drastically reduced from 60 km / h to 30 km / h for safety. It is expected the demand for Itaewon tourism will increase by creating the antique furniture street..

Nowon-ro 1ga-gil, Nowon-gu. Before the improvement → after the improvement

On Nowon-ro 1ga-gil, Gongneung-dong, Nowon-gu, the sidewalk width of the 130m section of Taereung Elementary School has expanded from 2.5 to 3.7m. This was done to improve the safety of school students and to make pedestrians comfortable by providing green space and rest facilities.

In the early stage of the Road Diet in Daily Life project, there were many concerns and opposition citing the lack of parking space and the increase in traffic jam. However, the residents’ satisfaction of the walking environment increased, which is improved after the project..

3RD KOREAN INDIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2016 IN PUNE

3^rd Korean & Indian Festival hosted By Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai, sponsored by Korean Association Pune & Powered by Face of India was held at Phoenix Market City, Pune. This festival is designed to contribute to cultural diversity through communication to look at unfamiliar cultures without prejudice and promote mutual understanding between Korean & Indian.

It was structured to realize ‘the escape from everyday life’ and ‘breakdown of the barrier by associating with other groups’. In particular, this festival included both ‘ethnic festivals’ and ‘multicultural festivals’. Not only expressing cultural identity of Korea and India, but also trying an experimental collaboration of 
two different arts forms.

The festival was inaugurated with lighting of lamp by Consul General H.E. Soungeun Kim of Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Head of the Korean Association Pune, Mr. Hyunsuk Choo; Mr. Kirat Vaze, former 1st Secretary of Indian Embassy in South Korea; Mr. Badal Saboo from Face of India and Mr. Shrikant Pathak, FRO & Dy. Commissioner of Police.

The beginning of this evening could not be more beautiful than children from Korean School Pune singing Korean and Indian national anthem in honor of both the countries. This was followed by a soul stirring performance of Kathak Dance and an amazing Taekwondo Demonstration. The audience was stunned with the graceful performance of the artists from ‘Jeolabuk-do Provincial Institute for Korean Traditional Performing Art’ who travelled all the way from Korea to perform Jangu-gu, Pansori and Fan dance which received an overwhelming appreciation from everyone. K-Pop & Bollywood dance by Anonymous Crew & Big Mama.

This festival was give an educational effect to the Indians who reside in Pune; participating effect of artists and local residents who participate in the event; healing effect to relieve stress through culture and art; it is expected that the cultural exchange between Korea and India will lead to the improvement of bilateral relations.
Hangul Calligraphy was also taught Theme of the festival arouses empathy from the universality of humanity within five elements (earth, water, fire, wind and ether) which are the basic concept of entire festival. It expresses the commonness as well as differences between Korean & Indian culture.




Various Korean Traditional Dance Arts were performed There were around about 190 performers including Jeollabukdo Provincial Institute of Korean Traditional Music, Renowned Indian musicians & dancer, Winner of K-pop contest, Korean school students, Show by Pune Fashion Week, Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team India, Bhosale’s Taekwondo Academy etc.




Visitors tried on the Korean costume, Hanbok and get the pictures on the spot. There will be demonstrations of Korean calligraphy in Hangul, Korean letters. Everyone was welcome to be a part of the art and craft activities.

Mr. Soungeun Kim (Consul General of Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai) says- “Cultural exchanges provide a firm foundation for people to progressively propel into more integrated and cooperative relationship. Korea and India is the cultural hub of the ancient world which sets them in an advantageous position to reap it. As the soil, however rich it may be cannot be productive without cultivation, so the mind without culture can never bear good fruit.

This spectacular event have showcase and promote Indo-Korean cultural exchanges through a variety of performances where talented individuals and groups from Korean and Indian Community across India come on stage. With the kind of overwhelming response received at Korean Film festival, I’m sure this event was also huge success too and our audience will be well gratified”.

Korean Won 2,000 notes to commemorate PyeongChang Olympic Games

The front of the commemorative KRW 2,000 bill for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games will feature images of athletes from seven key winter sports events, such as speed skating and ice hockey.

The Bank of Korea will issue 2.8 million sets of commemorative KRW 2,000 bills by the end of 2017, to promote the upcoming "PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games" which runs from Feb. 9 to 25, 2018, across Gangwon-do Province. With 140 millimeters in width and 75 millimeters in length, the notes will feature athletes engaging in seven of the key winter sports events on the front. The back of the notes, meanwhile, will paint a tiger and a pine tree from the famous “Songhamaenghodo" by Joseon-era artist Kim Hong-do.



The commemorative note is 140 millimeters wide and 75 millimeters long. The front of the note will feature athletes engaging in seven of the key winter sports events -- speed skating, ski jumping, ice hockey, curling, biathlon, bobsleigh and luge. The other side portrays a tiger and a pine tree, both believed to symbolize the nation, as in the famous “Songhamaenghodo(송하맹호도, 松下猛虎圖)” painting by a leading painter from the Joseon-era, Kim Hong-do (1745-1806, 김홍도, 金弘道), who went by the pen name Danwon (단원, 檀園). 

The Bank of Korea already unveiled 11 kinds of commemorative coins in September this year, with two types of coins in gold, eight designs in silver and, lastly, one in brass. The gold coins depict traditional Korean winter skiing, called “gorosoi(고로쇠) ski,” and, a ski jump stand at Alpensia Resort, one of venues for the Olympic Games. The silver coins feature images from eight of winter sporting events to take place at the upcoming competition, including short-track speed skating, speed skating, bobsleighing, alpine skiing, curling, ice hockey, luge and biathlon. Lastly, the brass coins feature athletes from seven other winter sports games. 

Why I "Definitely" want to Visit Korea.

Hello"안녕하세요" Friends From All Around The World !


Introduction 

I AM Virendra Rathod From Pune India which is Know as the oxford of the East. 

I am A Huge Fan Of K-POP And A Sone!After Seeing The Music Video Of Gee By Girl's Generation In 2010.Since Then I Have Been Dreaming Of Visiting Korea & Meet K-POP Idols N See Them Performing Live In Concert.By Following K-POP Songs I came Across With Various Type of K-drams & TV shows. Through Which I came To know About The Culture, Traditions, Beautiful Jeju island, Awesome tourists spots across Korea & Food Of Korea !   So I started following KTO to Know more & participated in each N every events.Sometimes I won & got My first Korean Souvenirs.By following KTO India I came arcoss Wow Korea Suppoter event where I participated in it for 3 years through which i got to know Korea well & understand there cluture.So by participating in this event I definitely want to become a part of Global Wow Korea Suppoter.   Apart from that i have been selected as a world wide Korean blogger by Korea.net since passed 2 years & Global Seoul Mate in 2014-2015.

Why I Want to Visit Korea Follows

3. 
   
4. 
   1.
   Hallyu Effect

   I want to attend a K-POP Concert & Enjoy it Live as there haven't been any K-POP Concert in this part of  India where i live.Visiting on location sets of Running Man & Gag Concert & meet My Favorite Korean Celebrity's Specially Girl's Generation hope so figures Crossed!
I Want to Visit Everysing Studio it is Run By
SM Entertainment & it has many Stickers ,Photos, Music CD/DVDs  of  celebrities working for SM Entertainment Such As Girl's Generation, F(x),Super Junior, Red Velvet. I want to buy CDs, Signed Photos many things from there. This is a must visit place which I am just crazy about. Because of seeing many Korean Dramas I just loved the way of soft Spoken Korean language & respect shown to each other.

2. Beautiful Landscapes & Amazing Architectures.

    Korea Is gifted with many Breathtaking Natural landscapes such as Jeju Island,Seopjikoji,Hyeopjae Beach,Ggotji Beach,Uleung Island Seaside Road this all and many more the list is long.Korea should be the land of Gods or the way to the Heaven on Earth.Words are not enough to describe the Beauty of Mother Nature.It has a Such a clean environment with crystal clear sea water were even we can see the bottom of sea.If any non photographer like me would become a photographer because of amazing picture perfect locations.That Is Why Korea Is Also Known As"Land of the Morning Calm".With White sandy beaches its just perfect spend our early morning with a cup of tea with cool breeze N little Warm sun and at time of sunset enjoy BBQ party on Ggotji beach as Sun sets in a perfect line of two rocks its just amazing scene.To Watch Awesome Cherry Blossoms which lies between March to April.Want to go Hiking in the peaks of misty mountains which is very popularly among Korean peoples. Jeju Island is famous for it locations so there are many Korean Dramas & Movies shot there.But its also renowned for caching squids from the beach's by digging our hands in the sand
I have seen it on Invincible Youth show once.I also want to catch some squids & have a party.
Bukhansan National Park is the famous among Seoul residents for hiking, bird-watching & rock climbing.It has forest area, temples & granite peaks with 3 main peaks called as Beakundae, Insubong & Mangnyeongndae.

3.Historical Architectures

Gyeongbokgung Palace

As There are many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Korea which are almost 800 years old.It is amazing & hats off to Korean Government that they have kept all monuments as they are built in 21st Centuries as new.This Palaces are must visit sites which could be helpful to understand Korean culture & Architecture better.Get the Feeling how was the royal life of Kings N Queens back in 1400 century.This Palaces are made up of woods and strong stone base in bottom.

 Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul which also almost 600 years ancient historical & cultural heritage of world.

Bulguksa Temple is also UNESCO World Heritage site.It is a Buddhists Temple with two pagodas in central main hall.It is also built in stones base platform as other palaces.But this temple is the oldest of all & must see.

*Man Made Architecture*

Must see & what humans are capable of is Banpo Bridge .It is a double deck N Worlds longest bridge fountain. Which is made over Han River it joins Seocho & Yongsan districts.It has a Guinness World Record To its Name for 10000  Different colored LED lights on both sides.It is The Jewel Of Seoul which shines at night and attract many tourists toward it.
Namsan/Seoul Tower is another big attraction & landmark of Seoul which is 777ft tall.It has a revolving restaurant which rotates every 48 mins. I want to enjoy dinner in this restaurant in evening with amazing night view of Seoul this is so romantic for couples and then tie a padlock to the tower fence so that my love become Eternal.




63 Building on the banks of Han River is the Tallest Gold-Cladded Building in the world.It has the world's tallest Art Gallery & Observation Deck on 60th floor.It is also known as The 63 Golden Tower as it Shines like Gold for 15mins. at sunrise.It has even a Love Elevator only for couples in evening.

3. Korean Food

Korean Cuisine base is Rice many dishes are made from rice.

Songpyeon is a specially made on Chuseok which is sweet stuff in side and I have tasted it once when a friend brought it for me last year it was so Yummy.Just melted in my mouth.But Korean popular food is Tteok (Rice Cake) which is important in four ceremonial occasions of Coming Age,Wedding,Funeral & Ancestral Rites on Lunar New Year's Day or in any Feast.There are various kinds of Tteok such as Injeolmi, Honey Tteok, Baekseolgi & So on.
Kimchi represent Korea's best known food around the world though its a side dish but it is serve in almost every Korean meal.
It is a spicy dish with variety of seasoning mainly cabbage & radish are used as main ingredient.I have tried once making it but  don't know how it tastes when made by a Korean.So I have to learn this dish and give a taste of Korean food to my Family N Friends.

Eating Jajangmyeon with My Friend !
Kimbap is another popular outdoor/light dish which is made of steamed rice with carrots,cucumbers,fish,eggs are rolled with gim & served with kimchi. Kimbap origin is from Japan.
Korean traditional Noodles are handmade known as onmyeon. There are many types of  hot & cold noodles such as guksu jangguk, naengmyeon, bibim guksu and so on.
I love eating food so want to try each and every dishes. 

A group of old ladies making Kimchi.
Video Taking by me !

Gwangjang Market is a paradise for food lover like me were there are hundreds of food counters were we can enjoy each and every food items of Korea with alcoholic beverage Soju. That to Hot directly from pan to our dish then into my hunger stomach. 
Many of Counters are open all night for those who work, wholesalers and for those who want to enjoy night life.

View Of Gwangjang Market

4. Shopping & Night-life
       
          "No Travel Could be Complete without Shopping!"
 Shopping in Seoul is one of popular activities which tourists like me would like to do.The City is home to numerous markets, malls & wonderful shops.Well Gangnam is not only popular because of "Gangnam style" but also because of it markets.It attracts many young crowd with selling various trendy items.I can find many famous Cafes, Coffee shops, Pubs,Clubs & Restaurants so its also famous for its Nightlife.If i would be luck enough i can come across to any Korean Celebrity's shopping there or having fun in Clubs.Hope this wish gets fullfill T_T

Cafe, Clubs, Restaurants & Shopping Streets in Gangnam-Gu

Namdaemun is the largest open-air traditional & oldest market of Seoul that sales many things from clothes to ginseng.Many cloths sold in other places in Seoul come from Namdaemun. We can get here discounts on the original quoted price & this is a right place to buy souvenirs like t-shirts, Key chains and many other things which are widely available.I would just loved to buy beautiful korean tradition souvenirs. There are many food stalls so i can enjoy shopping with mouth watering food.This market is the popular tourist attraction of Shopping Seoul.

Take a Look at my Video shoot in Myeongdong.

Visiting Myeongdong which is also known as the "Bright Town" because of its sign boards it is a must visit place to buy beauty products & what if i am a boy we too need to take care of ourselves. 

Dongdaemun/Gwangjang Market is also an famous shopping destination here can find out many notable goods such as silk fabric, leather goods,shoes, traditional dress Hanbok for men & women, electronic goods, Fortune tellers & as I mentioned above it is also a paradise for food lovers with many food counters.There are huge 26 shopping malls with english speaking staff to coordinate with the tourists.which are open all night till morning.So this two places are the shopping paradise.
I want to buy A Hanbok which is for mens it consists of Jeogori & Baji.

                        5. National Museum Of Korea

National Museum of Korea is the 6th largest Museum in the World by its Area.To understand any country better there is no other place than the museum its speaks the history & Art of that region.

6. Fun Time in KoreaAfter seeing it in many K-Dramas & Reality shows Everland & Lotte world This two theme park are must visit N would like to have some Thrill,Entertainment,makes us feel kids again,just go crazy N spend a entire day enjoying all rides.So this all above are must to do or see things when I visit Korea.List is long but hopefully my bucket list would get fullfill soon.  Who says Paris is the only one place of Love here in Korea there are many Romantic place with beautiful mind blowing scenery.Seoul is the City that Never sleeps & with countless fun unlimited. Korea have maintain the Balance as Adapting to modernization & Keeping their Tradition, Culture Alive.
I want to feel & Visit Korea Rural area, Busan & would love share my experience with my family, friends & through my SNS N blogs. So others can to get inspire to visit Korea.❤ ♡ ❤  Saranghae Korea for My LifeTime ❤ ♡ ❤ 

Korean Film Festival In Pune 2016

National Film Archive of India (NFAI) had brought us yet another package of Korean Movies!

NFAI in association with the Korean Consulate in Mumbai, Korea Foundation, Korean Association Pune had organized a 3-day ‘Korean Film Festival in Pune’.






NFAI Pune Entrance

Korean cinema has tried to portray different themes and has gained critical acclaim in major international film festivals. The festival have showcase some of these critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies.

The festival was formally declared open by Honorable Mr Soung-eun Kim, Consul General (Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai). Day 1 of the festival saw a full house of children from the Indus International School for the screening of 'How to Steal a Dog' (2014).

The second screening of the day was 'My Love My Bride' (2014) at 7 pm in the Main Auditorium of NFAI, Law college road premises.

There were many Korean Students residing in Pune who visited the film festival.
I was not able to Visit on the last of the festival but anyways 2 days were entertaining & will cherishes it until the next film festival.

SCHEDULE:

10th &11th November: Prabhat Road & Law College Road, Main Auditorium, NFAI.

10th 4:30pm (U) : How To Steal A Dog

10th 7:00pm (U/A) : My Love My Bride

11th 4:30pm (U/A) : Jeon Woo Chi

11th 7:00pm (U/A) : A Hard Day

12th November: Near Doordarshan Kendra, Kothrud, PhaseⅡ Auditorium, NFAI. 

11:00am (U/A) : Scandal Makers

1:30pm (U/A) : No Breathing

4:00pm (U) : A Long Visit

6:30pm (U/A) : Secret Union

The 5th Seoul Dessert Fair

The 5th Seoul Dessert Fair

If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat! The 5th Seoul Dessert Fair will be held at the World Cup Stadium, from September 24th to 25th, 2016.


Having a hard time keeping up with all of the trendy dessert spots in Seoul? We don’t blame you! There’s far too many, yet they are all worth trying! Lucky for us, popular sweets from all corners of Seoul (like Itaewon, Yeonnam-dong, Sinsa, and more), will be
joining at the fair!



The Dessert Fair is even treating us to worldwide delicacies, with booths joining us from France, Germany and Czech Republic. Not to mention, there will be several themes for your taste-buds to explore, including an array of Nonsan strawberry desserts.


Details

• Event Dates

 Sep. 24, 2016 ~ Sep. 25, 2016

• Address

03932  World Cup Stadium - 240 World Cup-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul  

• Phone

+82-2-6010-8941

•

• Hours of Operation

11:00~17:00

• Fee

Advance Tickets: 3,000 won
Gate Tickets: 5,000 won

60-Foot-Tall Inflatable Moon Debuts in Seoul

This month, there’s more than one moon on view in Seoul. A 60-foot-tall work of public art called Super Moon has been erected—or rather, inflated—within the waters of Seokchon Lake, located in a park near the Han River.

The opaque, glowing space art is the work of FriendsWithYou, a Los Angeles-based art collective that specializes in cutesy, toy-like experimental installations that are often inflatable, rainbow-colored, and illluminated. It’s like Jeff Koons meets Sanrio.

Super Moon was commissioned by a massive Seoul shopping complex opening this winter, the nearby Lotte World Tower and Mall, but this particular lake is no stranger to odd art, having hosted Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s huge rubber duck in 2014.

During the day, the artists have set up a cloud-shaped bounce house and cosmos-themed mascots to interact with visitors. In addition to the moon, there are eight other planetary sculptures. At night, each of the sculptures glows, and programmable LEDs shift the colors of the moon sculpture.

“Super Moon is a symbolic manifestation of the immense power and serenity of our cosmos,” the artists say in a press release. "When we gather around the moon as a community, we all orbit together,” they explain, adding that they hope Super Moon viewers “can experience this sense of unity and peace.”

It’s on view until October 3, timed to coincide with the Korean harvest festival Chuseok (often likened to a Korean version of Thanksgiving), which happens around the fall equinox each year on the full moon. This year, the three-day festival takes place September 14 through 16.

Be Wary of Smart Phone Use While Walking in Seoul, South Korea

The SMG and the NPA will launch a pilot program which puts traffic safety signs and pedestrian walk signs to raise awareness of the danger of using smart phones in five areas, including Hongdae, which are full of pedestrians aged 10 to 30 and fraught with traffic accidents.

According to the Korean Broadcasting and Communications Committee, smart phone usage rate grew from 3.8% in 2010 to 78.7% in 2015. More than 60% of users said that smart phones are vital more than TV. According to research from the Traffic Safety Organization, the number of pedestrian traffic accidents due to smart phones increased from 437 in 2009 to 1,111 in 2014, a 2.5 fold increased over the last five years.
Pilot installation will take place in five areas: City Hall, Yonsei University, Hongdae University, Gangnam Station, and Jamsil Station.The SMG, along with the NPA, came up with designs and placed them where smart phone users are exposed to traffic accidents. By raising pedestrians’ awareness by using traffic safety signs and pedestrian walk signs, the SMG hopes to prevent accidents.The signs are designed to show situations where smart phone users are about to be hit by cars. The signs will also include “Be wary of smart phones while walking” to help pedestrians understand the signs.
                                             

Pedestrian walk signs have “Safety first when walking” to raise awareness of the danger of using smart phones. In addition, given that many pedestrians look down while they walk to look at their smart phones, the signs were made simple but clean.
The SMG will start installing 50 traffic safety signs on traffic lights and street lights in five areas and 250 pedestrian walk signs on pedestrian roads from the Thursday, June 16th.

The pilot project will be carried out for six months until the end of the year. During that time, the SMG and the NPA will monitor the changes in walking patterns, the number of pedestrian accidents, and citizens’ responses; according to the trial, the pilot signs may become official safety signs after the two organizations review the results.