Thursday, November 1, 2018

The stunning beauty of Yeosu from The Yeosu Marine cable car view.

    Yeosu Cable car is the first marine cable car in Korea, and Asia's fourth largest sea cable in the world located in Dolsan-ro, Yeosu-si Jeollanamdo. The project wascompleted in 2014 with 10 crystal cabins and 40 general cabins and 50 cable cars. Connecting Dolsan Island and mainland over the ocean which offers a safe yet thrilling experience.

                      

This was still a continuation from our  exciting 4 days exploration with my in-laws. Coming from an hour drive Namhea Island to Yeosu. We arrived here at around past eleven and arriving here indeed is a totally different world. Namhea is a beautiful and innocent peaceful modernized countryside, while Yeosu is a busy booming innovative city. 
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We wanted to visit the Olongdo Island first but we've already felt the pressure of the parking problem so we backed off and tried a detour, went in and out of the tunnel trying to avoid the crowded parking lot but we did not have a luck.

 

Luckily, we found the parking lot with lots of space on the left side across this building leaning towards the mountain. And the good news was there aren't any parking fees. 
               
From the parking lot, we found an elevator which lead us to the Cable car on top of the mountain.

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From the top, I was able to take a photo of the Ocean park where the 2012 Yeosu International expo was held. I was here during that event and was desperately looking for a higher place to take a photo of the whole place not expecting to be finally here being able to do so. That flat looking structure facing the circle ring in the middle is a convention center which at that time consisting an indoor both representing each culture from every countries all over the world. If I were to find time to dig into my old photos I might make a blog about that experience too. On its right side is an Aqua museum and on the left side is a Marine museum. This place indeed is an interesting place where you can spend all day and wait till dark for the Big O show. Click the link for inquiries of the Ocean park Big O show 

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There are two entrances where you can start your Yeosu cable car journey. Depending on your route between Dolsan Island and Jasan Island. Click for the ticketing price and other informations about Yeosu Maritime cable car.


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While I was busy taking photos, my father in - law was doing all the purchasing so I was not able to take photo of the tickets and where he bought it. But I saw this vending machine where costumers can also conveniently purchase ticket. 

On our way to the second floor where the starting point is located, we passed by this irresistible honey sweet smelling walnut treat and I grabbed some. It was 5,000 won for 25 pcs. and was freshly made and hot. We enjoyed it while we were in the cable ride. 

Here we go! But wait! Are you afraid of heights? So do I. But don't worry I enjoyed it a lot. Are you a claustrophobic? I'm not, so I can't really help you but passengers can choose between the standard cabins and crystal cabins. In particular, crystal cabins allow passengers to observe the ocean below ones feet, experiencing the thrill of being suspended in mid-air through its transparent flooring. Take note it is transparent. But if you aren't sure think hard because it's gonna be a 13 minutes rides in the mid air. 

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Yeosu Cablecar is indeed amazing and is one of the major tourism that connects the distance of 1.5 km between Dolsan Island and Jasan Island over the beautiful sea in famous port city called Yeosu. During this day, the weather was perfect, but weather forecast are well monitored on weather it is safe to operate or not.

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We enjoyed the beautiful panoramic view of southern seaside and sky, the scenery of fantastic city and around the old seaport of Yeosu during the ride. Watch the video for more.


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We've also enjoyed the stunning view of this cable which turned colorful with its beautiful lights along with the Dolsan bridge from our Yeosu night adventure.
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We stayed at Yeosu cable car guest house somewhere below this area a bit further past the bridge. Which costed us 100,000 won for a night. It was descent and very accommodating. And was fine for us who are traveling from city to another and needs a peaceful night rest. But if you are planning to spend more nights or are young and wants to enjoy more of the night life. I do recommend you the downtown guest houses. 

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          The amazing view of Yeosu city from our cable car ride.

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Arriving at Dolsan park at the approximately duration of 13 minutes. The place was very relaxing and was indeed a worth of experience. 

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The Dolsan park can be accessed without using the cable car  by climbing starting from the bottom of the hill after passing the Dolsan bridge by foot or by car. How to get there.

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There are many things to do around this place such as, taking photos around the viewing decks. Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful city, walk around the beautiful huge park or enjoy the food at the restaurants or cafes. Travelers can also enjoy a one way trip on the cable car ride to the other Island. Click for the ticketing price and other informations about Yeosu Maritime cable car.

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We spent about more than an hour here and had a lunch as well. There were so many choices to choose upon. But we've chosen to enter the seafood restaurant to quenched grandma's craving. I am allergic to crab so I had bibimbap instead. The soy crab menu per head was 12,000 won and bibimbap was less than 10,000 won. The serving was decent and we had a lot of left over that we dogie bagged for dinner. 

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                We had a one last glimpse and headed back.

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 Like Dolsan park this is also accessible even if you do not intend to ride the cable car. If you happened to be in Yeosu around the expo, this place is really a regretful to missed. And budget would even be out of the question because it is free of charge unless you wanna ride the cable car. Or spend a few bucks for coffee at the cafes while enjoying the stunning scenery.

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That building there gave me a Dubai vibes and the cable car and the stunning structures gave me a Singapore vibes as well.

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     Just across the parking lot, stands a loads of information both.

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Twas indeed an amazing day one itinerary in Yeosu. After this, we headed for hunting a place to stay. We first picked Sheraton located in the middle of downtown. The place was fine but a bit small to accommodate the 5 of us. So we went for another places, I forgot the name but we ended up in Yeosu cable car guest house which I've already mentioned earlier. After we settled we headed to the fish market. 




Wednesday, October 24, 2018

The battle ship of Admiral Yi Sun Shin (Turtle ship in Namhea) 이순신 거북선

         
                         

In continuation of the Chungnyeolsa or Yi Sun Shin Shrine adventure, our last destination in Namhea is ending at this Turle ship which was part of the shrine. The Shrine was free admission however, to enter the battle ship cost 50 won (50 cents) I dropped 2,500 won ( $2.50) for 5 of us I forgot to take a photo of the vending machine where you pay. We did not noticed any cashiers around except for that vending machine but when we entered, the lady who was checking the tickets told us that grandma and aboniem who were seniors were supposed to be free of charge. 


I was actually excited to finally enter this famous Jeoson dynasty  Turtle ship. The first time I've seen its model was the one displayed at the war museum in Seoul. It was displayed inside the museum and was about 1/4 huge of the actual size of this ship.


   You might consider getting yourself ready if you have a sea sick problem because the ship would be a bit shaky experience unless you get lucky with the gentle waves. 


     I took this image from one of the windows inside the battleship.
The beautiful suspension bridge that connects 
Hadong Noryang and Namhae Noryang, South Korea. 
The bridge, completed in 1973 has a total length of 660 meters.


Not to worries for those who are into molds allergy like me. The ship may be representing an ancient thing which sometimes makes us hesitant, but the inside as you can see is sparkling well maintained clean.

 


According to this very nice care taker lady, this Turtle Ship was built on January 31, 1980, by the Korea Navy using military reports of the original vessels. A personal journal of Admiral Yi and other related records were included in the exhibit after their authenticity was ascertained by Yi Eun-Sang and 16 other leading experts on turtle ships and the life of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin.


               Admiral Yi's model figure in his office and his cool uniform.


    After the fantastic tour, we headed to our next journey.



Follow my story on our next journey in Yeosu. 
Coming up next!!!


Sunday, October 21, 2018

Cute Oppa is going to show us how to make DALGONA..

               
Are you looking for an idea to start a business with your 10 bucks? Yes, you read it right! 10 bucks as in $10 dollars because all you need is sugar and baking soda to make Dalgona a retro street food in South Korea.   

                     

Dalgona is a Korean traditional and old fashion sugar candy simply made with nothing but sugar and baking soda. It was a popular and trendy street food since 80s and 90s and still in trend to these days. Something I had never pay much attention to thought I have been fascinated on how popular it is on the streets of Korea. 

I love street foods and I do love sweets but not really into candies, so I never bothered trying this one. I in fact had a lot of previous videos on how to make this which I had mostly taken from festivals. But all I thought was it was just an ordinary candy.


Not until my friend offered me to try some while I was filming this video during our visit in one of the charity market fund. It was a big regret for me for ignoring it for a long time because it is now going to be my favorite candy. When I got home I kind of regret about not buying some because I wanted to eat some more. 


Perhaps you are looking for an idea for school projects, an activity with your kids or community or, Perhaps to start a business at low budget, you can definitely start with this. All you need is a busy street or a strong community. 

What's unique about this candy is, thought it was made of sugar it isn't sweet at all. Also, it is crunchy and delicious as it is but you can always enhance it with crushed nuts or any desired flavor you wish.This would be a great idea for party favors as well. 

 

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Admiral Yi Sun Shin Shrine in Namhea ( Chungnyeolsa)

   Chungnyeolsa or Yiraksa is located in Gwaneumpo Namhea Island part of Gyeongsangnam - do. This pavilion overlooks the sea where Admiral Yi Sun Shin was killed in a naval battle during the 1592-98 Japanese invasions. The shrine was built in memory of the admiral's outstanding Loyalty and patriotism.

                        

  
                                                                                                                                                                    Our day- 2 3rd destination in continuation of our 4 days exploration around Gyeongsangnam - do lead us to this very special and ancient shrine of the to these day well known Joseon dynasty hero of Korea Admiral Yi Sun Shin. The hero is well known for his last word before he died to remain it secret and to reveal his death to his soldier until the battle ends and they indeed defeated their enemy. 
           
  
   

We passed through the lower part and the main parking lot as well as the information area when we realized that the shrine has no entrance fee and head up to park somewhere as near as possible to avoid hiking up to the shrine on the hill.

   

We got lucky to be the only one around and are able to park anywhere we wanted. So the walk started from this beautiful isle. As I was walking as a wedding planner, I was imagining a nice scenery of a bride walking with her beautiful gown here. It would be an awesome site for pictorial.

   
   
                                                                                                                                                                        

But as soon we've reached the top, the reality sunk in. We were in a shrine dedicated to one of the greatest hero in Korean history. When I first moved in here in Korea, I started practicing my reading with the kids book and that's how I first heard about the Admiral Yi Sun Shin story. He's monument lies in Seoul along with the great King Seajong. His turtle ship invention models are scattered around Korea as well.  



       
      

                      

  


Feeling such an honor to be here. Also I have been to many places in Korea such as this, but this is somehow very different. It was so solemn and I got a chance to learn more about the difference between the shrines, temples and tombs which I always thought are the same. Those leaves must have been perfectly ripen by now. And I am suggesting a perfect time to visit this place would be on fall season around the early month of November.

     


   I was told that this serves as the great Admiral's tomb but his body was taken and currently lies somewhere else. I will surely get there someday. On my video there was a man whom I noticed testing fire safety and my beautiful models are my omoniem and Immo. 


     







This pavilion is stunningly ancient yet modern and it overlooks the sea where Admiral Yi was killed. The history book which I've read explained that he died in a naval battle during the  Japanese invasions in 1592-98. It was the last of the major battles on the sea during the war. After leading the Noryang Battle to a resounding victory, Admiral Yi was hit by a chance enemy shot while attacking the retreating Japanese forces. 


An annual of two days festival has traditionally been held in November 19 to 18 on the anniversary of the battle in which Admiral Yi died but, tourism wise, discussions are under way to move the festival on the Admiral Yi’s birthday in April where the season is most visited by tourist.  A further noticed will be updated but until then agreement hasn't been settled for any changes yet.



The very  clean and traditional theme built restroom and the modernized bus stop.


                 The very spacious street and parking lot.


To the turtle ship and Chungnyeolsa.



The admiral Yi Sun Shin Shrine adventure was very historic which we all fell in loved with. It has no admission and parking lot fee, and lies in a very peaceful coastal village with friendly environment. We haven't tried any of the restaurant around but, there were many around the area. The Yi Sun Shin Turtle ship is also part of the landscape but I separated them because I wanted to highlight the difference of each experiences. The Namhea bridge beauty was stunning and don't missed the  Scenic road of Korea stop over and the Yi Sun Shin park around the area if you happened to go there.