Paddle Boat at Han River

Finally after 4 years living in Korea I could swim in Han River. Not literally swimming but I ride paddle boat together with me. I never knew that it was so much fun, so refreshing since you can feel the cool water of Han River in the middle of supper hot summer of Seoul. Many people still dont know about this activity, so I really want to suggest you this one! It’s SUPER RECOMMENDED activity to do during summer time.

Once you arrive at the place, you can change clothes, wear life jacket, get the paddle and follow the instructor to get brief lession how to deal with paddle boat. This is so important because you might get hurt of you do not listen to the instruction.

After the briefing is done, time to get into the water. Before you really jump into watwr, they will give you final explanation and show you how to do it.

It cost you only 20.000 won for one sesion ride. They open everyday with more session during weekday.

Weekday

2nd session (13.00-15.00)

3rd session (15.00-17.00)

4th session (17.00-19.00)

Weekend

1st session (10.00-12.00)

2nd session (13.00-15.00)

3rd session (15.00-17.00)

4th session (17.00-19.00)

5th session (18.00-19.30)

The 4th and 5th session are the most favourite time since you can also enjoy the sunset of Han River while riding the paddle boat.

[Note]

  • There is changing room and shower facility provided
  • The paddle boat activity opens until august 15th only

[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway and get off at Ttukseom Resort Station (line 7), take exit 2, walk for around 300m.
  • Once you get out from the station, go to your left, keep going straight untill you pass the swimming pool area and turn right go to the side of river.
  • You can get more information here (link in korean)
VISITED ON AUGUST 4th, 2018

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Daegu Lantern Festival

Daegu Dalgubeol Lantern Festival ( 대구 달구벌 등불 축제 ) is the annual event, held in Daegu city, when people gather altogether to make their own colorful lantern, write some wishes on the lantern and fly them together during sunset time. This event is held to celebrate Buddha’s birthday every year on April or May at Duryu Park, the famous baseball stadium in Daegu City which also held Chicken Beer Festival annualy.

It is one of the most famous annual festival in entire Korea as people come from every area to see the magical beautiful colorful flying lantern in this park. As a result, it is super difficult to get the ticket for this event. Usually the ticket will be sold online and gonna be sold loud within 5 mins only. Another option is buying the ticket on the spot. But, you have to come early in the morning and line up (it might be so long) because the ticket is limited. People do queue for the day ticket even though this section does not have the best view of the event.

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I really recommend you to visit. The view is one of the most magical and most beautiful moment I’ve ever had in my life. Even though I tried to capture the moment with my camera dslr, but still cannot describe the magical moment I saw with my own eyes. It was 1000 times more beautiful if you witness by your own eyes. All you can see is the colorful lantern flying with the sunset sky as the background, the atmosphere was filled of people wishes which they write on the lantern and fly up to the sky as the lanterns go up. Sooooo beaautiiifuuulll.

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[HowToGetThere]

  • Take Bus to West Daegu or East Daegu Terminal or take normal train to Daegu Station or take KTX to East Daegu Station from Seoul or other cities.
  • Then take subway and get off at Duryu Station. Take exit 14, and go straight (follow other people) to Duryu park

[Tips]

  • Book the ticket online to get best seat for the event. The green section will be the most favourite and the most difficult to get. Get ready for the ticket war.
  • Come earlier to Daegu city and enter the venue earlier to keep best seat.
  • Do not forget to check the weather forecast, it is better to bring matt, jacket, blanket, pillow, food, drinks, camera, tripod and everything you need to wait for more than 3 hours.

*more info

VISITED ON MAY 19TH, 2018

IF YOU READ MY BLOG AND MANAGE TO VISIT THE PLACE, I APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME TO SHARE MY BLOG BY USING HASHTAG #rufustory  WHEN YOU POST THE PHOTOS OR SHARE MY BLOG ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA^^

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Gyeongbokgung at Night

Gyeongbokgung, the biggest King Palace in Seoul not only beautiful during the day, but also has spectacular view at night. The majestic red-green architecture design of Korea King Palace makes perfect combination with the light at night.

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Every year, Gyeongbokgung is set to open for late-night admission for some days during July until September in 2017 with schedule as follow.

  • July 16-29, 2017: 19:30-22:00 (Last admission 21:00)
  • August 20-September 2, 2017: 19:30-22:00 (Last admission 21:00)
  • September 17-30, 2017: 19:00-21:30 (Last admission 20:30)

For Koreans, they have to reserve online for the ticket, but foreigners can buy the ticket on the spot by showing the passport or ID card.

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When you visit Gyeongbokgung at night, you have to visit also Gyeonghoeru with the amazing view of lake with light.

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HowToGetThere

  • Take subway line 3 (orange line), and take exit 5

*more info

VISITED ON JULY 24TH, 2017

IF YOU READ MY BLOG AND MANAGE TO VISIT THE PLACE, I APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME TO SHARE MY BLOG BY USING HASHTAG #RUFUSTORY  WHEN YOU POST THE PHOTOS OR SHARE MY BLOG ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA^^

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Daegu City (Travel & Eat)

Daegu is the 4th largest city after Seoul, Busan and Incheon which is located in North Gyeongsang Province. Even though Daegu is famous for being the hottest place in Korea (called as Daeafrica = Daegu+Africa because of the hot weather), Daegu also offers you many tourist attractions to visit. In addition, Daegu is also famous for festivals such as Daegu Lantern Festival in April and Daegu Chimac Festival in July. Here I introduce you some recommended place to visit for sightseeing and meal.

  1. Shinsegae Department Store at Dong Daegu Station

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If you wish to visit Daegu, you can take express bus to Dong Daegu Bus Terminal or KTX to Dong Daegu Station. The first place you can visit is Shinsegae Department Store which is connected to bus terminal (same building) and also KTS station (next to it). Shinsegae Departement Store in Daegu was just opened in October 2016 and became the 2nd largest department store in Korea, and in Asia. 9 floor of department store not only consist of famous shopping brand stores, but also aquarium and also mini zoo (Zooraji) on the roof top.

[HowToGetThere]

  • From outside Daegu, take bus or KTX to Dong Daegu
  • From other area in Daegu, take subway to Dong Daegu Station and take exit 1

2. Dongseongno

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If you manage to visit Myeongdong in Seoul, Daegu also has it own bigger version of Myeongdong which is Dongseongno. It has bigger area, more stores and shops as well as unique, cool, cute cafes which are really popular in Daegu.

[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway to Jungangno Station (Daegu Subway Line 1), Exit 2.

*more info

3. Kim Gwang Seok Street

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Kim Gwang Seok street is a mural street which is decorated with wall paintings as well as art stuff shops along the street where you can take walk enjoying the arts as well as take photos with your beloved ones. This place was built to remember a famous singer from Daegu, Kim Gwang Seok who already passed away. In the end of the road, you will find newly opened Kim Gwang Seok House where you can visit and get information about the singer’s life.

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[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway to Gyeongdae Hospital Station (Daegu Subway Line 2)
  • Take Exit 3 and walk straight for 300 m.
  • You will see the entrance of Kim Gwang Seok Street.

*more info

4.  Apsan Mountain (Cable Car + Observatory)

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Apsan mountain is 600m high mountain located in south of Daegu. You can take cable car to get to the observatory deck to see the Daegu city from above. Round trip ticket for Apsan cable car is only 9,500 won.

[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway to Anjirang Station (Daegu Subway Line 1), take Exit 3.
  • Take Bus 410 and get off at Apsan Park (앞산공원).

*more info

5. Seomun Market

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If you like to explore market in a city, Daegu has one of the biggest market in Korea which is Seomun Market.

[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway to Seomunsijang Station (Daegu Subway Line 2), and take Exit 1

*more info

6. The Arc

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The ARC is a monument building which geometrical design represent the sky, the earth, culture and river culture. The ARC is an abbreviation of Architecture of River Culture and Artistry of River Culture. The building has exhibition spaces and art galleries on the basement floor while the monument structure has lights on during the night.

[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway to Daesil Station (Daegu Subway Line 2) and take Exit 2
  • Take a right and walk straight for 130 m and take Bus Seongseo 2. Get off at Gangjeongbo (The Art Cultural Center) Bus Stop.
  • From the bus stop, walk to the venue for about 10 minutes.

*more info

7. Daegu Chimac Festival

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Chimac Festival is the annual summer festival where people gather to enjoy chicken (CHI) and beer (MAC, form Mekju = beer in korean) while enjoying music performances located in Duryu Park. The festival is only held in July month for around one week. As people Korean love drinking so much, this festival is really popular in Korea as many people from other cities come to enjoy the festivals together.

[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway to Duryu Station (Daegu Subway Line 2)
  • Take Exit 14 and walk straight for 600m until you see the entrance of Duryu Park on your right

*more info

8. Sky Lake Beauty Shop (Dongseongno Branch)

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You can also experience making skin care facial mask and mist from natural resources in Skylake Beauty Shop. It only const you 12.000 won per person to make your own facial mask.

[HowToGetThere]

  • Take subway to Jungangno Station (Daegu Subway Line 1)
  • Take Exit 2, go straight and turn left in Lotteria alley.
  • Keep going straight and turn right on 4th alley and you wil see the entrance of the shop on your right.

9. Recommended Restaurant & Cafe in Daegu

Bongsan Jjim Kalbi

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The famous Daegu Jjim Kalbi (Steam Ribs) with garlic and spices flavor is sooo delicious as the beef is so tender. In this area, you will find many Jjim Kalbi restaurants, but this is one if the best based on Daegu local people.  One portion for one people is 18.000 with spicy or non spicy flavor.

[HowToGetThere]

봉신찜갈비. Address : 대구광역시 중구 동덕로36길 9-18. Phone : 0507-1407-4203

  • Take subway to Chilseong Market Station (Daegu Subway Line 1)
  • Take exit 3 and go to your right (do not cross the road), go straight untill you get to big intersection, across the road to opposite side.
  • Keep walking straight with the same direction as before and you will see GS gas station on your left which is about 100 m from the intersection.
  • Turn left on the alley and you will see the restaurant

Bangcheon Sundae Dweji Gukbab

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This restaurant is famous with the most delicious pork leg (Jokbal) in Daegu. If you like Jokbal, you have to come this place for sure. The place is near Kim Gwang Seok Street as you can have meal there after or before you visit the mural street.

[HowToGetThere]

방천순대. Address : 대구광역시 중구 달구벌대로446길 7-9. Phone : 053-425-7773

  • Take subway to Gyeongdae Hostpital Station (Daegu Subway Line 2)
  • Take exit 3 and go straight for 100 m and you will see Bangcheon Market entrance on your right, go inside.
  • In the first intersection, turn left and you will see the restaurant on your left (20 m away from intersection

Geun Mam Halmae Sundaegug (Keimyung Store)

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This restaurant is belong to BTS’ Suga Family which is located nearby Keimyung University. Many people visit not only because they want to try the delicious food, but also they want to see BTS’ Suga Mom, Dad and Brother in person.

[HowToGetThere]

큰맘할배순대국. Address : 대구광역시 달서구 서당로9길 37. Phone : 053-588-5556

  • Take subway to Keimyung University Station (Daegu Subway Line 2)
  • Take exit 6 and go straight 300m until you see big intersection and across it.
  • Keep straight for a little bit and turn right on first alley and you will find restaurant on your right

Lucid Cafe

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This cafe is also located near Kim Gwang Seok Street as you can visit before or after. The cafe is famous for its traditional interior design with modern desserts. One of the speciality dessert during summer is the cherry menus.

[HowToGetThere]

루시드. Address : 대구광역시 중구 동덕로14길 7. Phone : 053-428-7020

  • Take subway to Gyeongdae Hostpital Station (Daegu Subway Line 2)
  • Take exit 3, go straight a little bit, and turn right on first alley.
  • Go straight and turn right on the 3rd intersection and the cafe will be on your right

Mr. Cafe (Poop Ice Bingsu)

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This cafe is popular because of its unique menus which is Poop Ice Bingsu which looks like poop in the toilet mug. You can visit this place while you visit Seomun Market as the cafe is located in one of the building. When you visit Seomun Market (Seomun Market Station) you can ask people the direction to the food area and the cafe is there.

The trip is sponsored by

VISITED ON JULY 22-23TH, 2017

IF YOU READ MY BLOG AND MANAGE TO VISIT THE PLACE, I APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME TO SHARE MY BLOG BY USING HASHTAG #rufustory  WHEN YOU POST THE PHOTOS OR SHARE MY BLOG ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA^^

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Olympic Park Rose Plaza

Rose is blooming in entire Seoul now! One of the best place to visit is Rose Plaza in Olympic Park. Not only colorful roses, the garden has also the iconic big red-blue ball made by string in the middle

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Rose flower blooms in Seoul city starting from last week of May until second week of June (depend on the weather). The best time to visit is late May (after May 25th) until first week of June (before June 10th) when rose reach its  peak.

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Not only rose flower, they also have the red poppy flowers (양귀비) which bloom in a small hill and blue corn flower (수레국화) on the other side.

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[HOWTOGETTHERE]

  • Get off at Bangi Station (Line 5), take exit 4.
  • When you get out, keep going straight until you see the intersection and you will see the garden across the road (walking direction on map)
VISITED ON MAY 28TH, 2017

IF YOU READ MY BLOG AND MANAGE TO VISIT THE PLACE, I APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME TO SHARE MY BLOG BY USING HASHTAG #RUFUSTORY  WHEN YOU POST THE PHOTOS OR SHARE MY BLOG ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA^^

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Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival

Seoul is having full bloomed rose flower in some days. There are some rose garden where you can see the beautiful colourful roses, one of the best one is the Seoul Grand Park Rose Garden. It also has the annual festival, which will be held from May 27 – June 11 this year.

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Watch the beauty-story of Seoul Grand Park Rose Garden HERE

[HOWTOGETTHERE]

  • Get off at Seoul Grand Park Station (Line 4), take exit 2.
  • When you get out, keep going straight until you see the shuttle train station (see on map)
  • Take the shuttle train (1000 won) to the rose garden

Watch the detailed direction from the subway station to  the rose garden through rufustory video-footage HERE

*more info

VISITED ON MAY 27TH, 2016

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Chosun University Rose Garden Festival (Gwangju)

Rose blooms everywhere on late May in Korea. One of the beautiful rose park is in Gwangju city, 3,5 hours away from Seoul. The garden is located inside the biggest private University, called Chosun University in Gwangju city. The garden has so much various kind of beautiful and colourful roses. Chosun University Rose Garden festival is only held for 3 days on May 19-21 this year, but you can still see the pretty flowers until first week of June.

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[HOWTOGETTHERE]

  • Take bus from Express Bus Terminal (17.600 won) to U-Square Gwangju Bus Terminal for 3,5 hours.
  • In front of the bus terminal take bus no 03, 02, 01 for 30 mins and get off at Chosun University bus stop. Taking taxi is only 6000 won for 15 mins.
  • From the bus stop you can walk towards the main gate and the garden is located about 5 mins from main entrance.
VISITED ON MAY 21TH, 2015

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