Rea's World

Introduction Boseong Green Tea Plantation Light Festival will take place in the green tea fields of Boseong, one of Korea's most well-known tourist destinations. A large tree will be set up and various other places will be decorated with lights in the Hoecheon-myeon, Yeongcheon-ri regions. The festival will send a message of hope for the New Year to tourist and residents who visit Boseong during the winter period. Boseong, the green tea capital, will present the nation's largest green tea field tree, which will strike a beautiful image of Boseong into the hearts of all its winter guests. Those who visit the festival will wish to stay longer in Boseong and participate in all the events, rather than merely passing through. Programs Large tree decorated with lights, photo zone, Milky Way Tunnel, theme street in green tea field, etc. Performance Times [Lighting hours] Monday to Thursday: 18:00-22:00 Friday to Saturday: 18:00-24:00 Admission Free Address 61...

Introduction Namsan cable car is an aerial tramway in Seoul. Built in 1962, it spans from the Hoehyeon-dong platform (near Myeong-dong) to the Yejang-dong platform near the top of Mt. Namsan and the N Seoul Tower. It is the first commercial cable car service for passengers in Korea. The length of the cable is 605 metres. The altitude difference of 138 metres makes a gradient of  13° . The cabins move at a speed of 3.2 m/s. The transit between platforms takes about three minutes. The new cable cars, which have been in operation since Dec. 6, 2008, have an increased capacity of 48 people per car (up from 38). Unlike the older cars, the new cable cars have glass on all four sides, giving riders a wider of the mountainside. Approximately 50,000 people ride the Namsan Cable Car each month. Visitors who are looking for a more tranquil tour are advised to go in the morning. For both a daytime and nighttime view of Seoul and the tower, take the cable car up the mountain in the l...

  Bibim guksu , a cold dish made with very thin wheat flour noodles called somyeon  with added flavorings, is one of the most popular traditional noodle dishes in Korean cuisine. It is also called guksu bibim  or goldong myeon , all of which literally mean "stirred noodles" or "mixed noodles". The dish is especially popular during summer. There are many kinds of cold noodle dishes in Korea, including one made with cold beef broth; however, spicy cold noodles have historically been apreciated by spice-loving people in Korea and recognized internationally. What makes this dish so distinct from other cold noodles dishes from different cultures is the strong spicy flavor produced from the combination of red pepper powder, gochujang , and minced garlic, along with a sweet-and-sour flavor created by vinegar and sugar. Most spicy cold noodles are prepared with a slight touch of sesame oil to enhance the richness of its flavor. Typically the dish would be prepared by ...

Introduction The Gwangju Biennale, which was founded in September 1995 in the city of Gwangju in the South Jeolla Province of South Korea, is Asia's first and most prestigious contemporary art biennale. Founded in memory of spirits of civil uprising of the 1980 repression of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, the Gwangju Biennale presents a global perspective on contemporary art. Under the helm of a progression of international curators - including Massimiliano Gioni, Kerry Brougher, Sukwon Chang, Okwui Enwezor, Charles Esche, Hou Hanru, Honghee Kim, Yongwoo Lee, Youngchul Lee, Kwangsoo Oh, Wankyoung Sung and Harald Szeemann - the Gwangju Biennale has established itself as a highlight of the international contemporary art biennale circuit. Centered in Gwangju's 8,100 square meter Biennale Hall in Jungoui Park, the Gwangju Biennale's presence has elevated the city of 1.4 million to become a cultural hub of East Asia. Gwangju Biennale is an international contemporar...

Introduction Myeongdong (Hangul:  명동 , literally 'bright town') is a dong in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea between Chungmu-ro, Eulji-ro, and Namdaemun-ro. It covers 0.99 km ²  with a population of 3,409 and is mostly a commercial area, being one of Seoul's main shopping and tourism districts. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, Myeongdong was listed as the ninth most expensive shopping street in the world. The area is known for its two historically significant sites, namely the Myeongdong Cathedral and the Myeongdong Nanta Theater. History Myeongdong dates back to the Joseon Dynasty when it was called Myeongryebang (Hangul:  명례방 ) and mostly a residential area. During the Japanese area the name was changed to Myeongchijeong  (Hangul:  명치정 )and became more of a commercial district, being influenced by the rising commerce in the neighboring Chungmuro area. It became the official district of Myeongdong in 1964, after independence. After the Korean War and into th...

Introduction Jaengban-guksu (cold buckwheat noodle platter) has been popular since the 1990's when mak-guksu (mixed buckwheat noodles) restaurants first began to offer 2~3 portion of Makguksu on large platters, with mounds of delectable garnishes. The noodles, mixed with spicy sauce, fall somewhere between Bibim-guksu and Bibim-naengmyeon. Jaengban-guksu literally means 'platter noodle.' One may wonder why noodles are served on a platter instead of individual bowls. But that's the key point. Jaengban-guksu is basically Bibim-guksu on a platter. Mixed with several kinds of vegetables, Jaengban-guksu epitomizes the Korean style of dining: mixing and sharing. The Korean practice of eating from the same dish signifies trust and intimacy. Another merit of Jaengban-guksu is that individuals can eat as much or little as they want. Jaengban-guksu is best described as a dish made of 'half noodles, half vegetables.' The vegetables include lettuce, crown daisy, cu...

Introduction The annual Dong Gang International Photo Festival, which began in 2002, is held in and around Dong Gang Museum of Photography in Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do Province. This festival showcases various themes of photo exhibitions to cater to visitors' diversified tastes and interests. Along with the regular programs, the festival will also offer educational programs. The Dong Gang Photography Workshop will feature quality lectures by some of the most photographers and theorists from home and abroad such as an open lecture from renowned photographers. The workshop will provide exciting opportunities for the general public, as well as professional photographers. Sponsors/Management Yeongwol-gun Gangwon-do/ Donggang Village of Photography Management Committee Programs [Opening Ceremony] [Exhibition] Donggang Photography Award Exhibition Special Exhibition Street Installation Exhibition Gangwon Province Photographers Invitational Exhibition Yeongwol County P...

Introduction Songjeong Beach is the ideal beach for families to swim together because of its shallow waters and fine sand. The white sandy beach stretches for 1.2 km, and covers an area of 62,150 square meters. The sand is a mixture of debris from Songjeong River. The seashell grains that have formed naturally over time, lie beautifully like tiny marbles along the beach. The beach also has the unique feel of the southern region, making the experience all the more fun. At the entrance of the beach is the Jukdo, where you can find relaxation facilities in the evergreen groves. You can enjoy fishing as well at the northeast end of the beach. There is also a dock where you can use motorboats and take cruises in the summer. A particularly famous part of the Songjeong Beach is the Songiljeong Pavillion, from where you can get a magnificent view of the sunrise and moonrise. Because the beach is a bit out of the Busan area, it is quite unlike many of the other beaches in Busan. Every ye...

Introduction Janchi guksu is a Korean noodle dish consisting of wheat flour noodles in a light broth made from anchovy and sometimes also dasima (kombu). Beef broth may be substituted for the anchovy broth. It is served with a sauce made from sesame oil, ganjang , and small amounts of chili pepper powder and scallions. Thinly sliced jidan (지단, fried egg), gim (laver), and zucchini are added on top of the dish as garnishes. History The name derives from the Korean word janchi (잔치, literally "feast" or "banquet"), because the noodle dish has been eaten for special occasions like wedding feasts, birthday parties, or hwangap (60th birthday celebration) throughout Korea. The word guksu means "noodles" in Korean, and noodles symbolise longevity - in life, in a marriage. There are records of guksu dating back to the Goryeo period. In the book Dongguk Isangguk Jeonjip Book 6 (hangul 동국이상국전집) there is a mention of guksu in a line of poetry, an...

Introduction The Seoul Fringe Festival, the most representative independent arts festival of Korea, will be held for its 16th year this year in the Hongdae area. Started in the Daehangno neighborhood in 1998 and moved to Hongdae in 2001. The festival aims at presenting and supporting the indie culture of Hongdae that is in danger due to the rapid commercialization of the district. The festival showcases various artists and their works, exposing guests of all ages to new forms of cultural arts that are difficult to encounter during daily life in Hongdae. The 3 key components of the Seoul Fringe Festival are the artists, audience, and venue. The highly-supported BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue) system encourages artists to personally seek sites that compliment their works or performances, providing the audience with the opportunity to observe art in anew light. During the festival, cafes, clubs, and galleries in the Hongdae area will serve as a dynamic site for artists of varying fiel...

Introduction Beomeosa temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupied the Gyeongsang-do Province region in 678 A.D). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram' the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: "There is a well on the top of Mt. Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky. This why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'." The original Beomeosa Temple building wast lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713, which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate, and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). There is Iljumun; the three ...

Introduction Kalguksu literally means "knife noodles" in Korean and the name comes from the fact that its noodles are cut rather than extruded or spun. It consists of handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a large bowl with broth and other ingredients. The noodles are made with dough from wheat flour and eggs, sometimes containing ground bean powder for additional texture. The dough is usually left to "breathe" then rolled out thinly to be cut into long strips. The broth is usually made with dried anchovies, shellfish, and kelp but chicken broth can be used as a substitute. Very similar to sujebi, ingredients are simmered together for many hours in order to obtain its rich flavor. It consists of similar vegetable and seafood contents such as zucchini, potatoes, scallions, clams and shrimps. Usually seasoned with salt, the noodles are served with garnish of choice and it is traditionally considered a seasonal food, consumed most often during summer....

Profile Movie: The Host Hangul: 괴물 Director: Bong Joon Ho Writer: Bong Joon Ho, Hah Jun Won, Baek Chul Hyun Producer: Choi Yong Bae Cinematographer: Kim Hyung Gu Release Date: July 27, 2006 Runtime: 119 min. Studio: Chungeorahm Films Distribution: Showbox/Mediaplex Language: Korean Country: South Korea Plot As it has done for ages, the Han River continues to pierce the very center of the capital city Seoul. But one day in the year 2000.. Through an unfortunate incident, a creature of an obscure nature is conceived in the waters of the river. As the creature slowly starts to grow in the depths of the river, people fail to signs of an impending disaster, devoting themselves to the Korea-Japan World Cup soccer finals, the President elections and to their individual lives. Then one day in 2005, in front of countless citizens taking a stroll and enjoying the weekend on the banks of the Han River, the creature reveals itself in shocking display of horror. ...

Introduction Guwau Village (Taebaek, Gangwon-do) is host to the Taebaek Sunflower Festival, a celebration of the area's wide array of colorful wildflowers and endless fields of sunflowers (the largest sunflower patch in Korea). Held in August, the festival takes place in the middle of a 544,000m2 stretch of land and includes a 5km-stretch of vibrant sunflowers. In addition to the astounding natural beauty, there are also a number of exhibitions of works by Korean/international artists and artists belonging to HALATEC (Hal Art & Technology), Triangle Project, and more. The festival offers a variety of fun and exciting programs including a petting zoo (rabbits, goats, ducks, etc.), small concerts around a campfire, nature films and documentaries, and a Taebaek arare performance. Sponsors/Management Sunflower Festival Committee Address 38-33, Guwau-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do 강원도 태백시 구와우길 38-33 (황지동) Location Gallery Hall, Outdoor Stage, Highlands Botanica...

Introduction Located at the foot of Mt. Geumjeong (alt. 801.5m) Geumgang Park stretches over a plot of land 3,094,215 meters square filled with lush forests and craggy cliffs and broken up by winding creeks. Regardless of the time of the year, a constant stream of people come to visit the many historical and cultural sites in the region, which one served as a base of operations for the government during the Joseon Dynasty. The area was reffered to as Geumgangwon before becoming a park in June, 1973. On July 1st, 2004 the park once again made the news as the entrance fee was abolished and the park was made free to the public. In addition to more typical sports facilities like badminton courts, the park also boasts carnival rides such as cable cars, bumper cars, and more. Visitors are also encouraged to stop by tourist sites such as the Busan Folk Tradition Art Center, the Busan Marine Natural History Museum, and the Busan Botanical Garden. Hiking Course Geumgang Park to Beo...