About Korea

[Travelogue] Snow Festival in March: Day 1 – Arrival

As part of the Wow Pyeongchang Supporters group in 2017, we were invited to join the Snow Festival in March, organised by Korea Tourism Organisation. The 5 days 4 nights trip in Gangwon province and Seoul, includes  the Winter Paralympics 2018 as the highlight of the trip. Join us as we introduce the places that we have visited and probably you can use it as a guide to plan your future trips. 가자! (Pronounced as Kaja, which means let’s go in Korean).

The programme name, welcoming us

The programme name, welcoming us

Arrival, Incheon International Airport Terminal 2

Not many people know this but there’s a new airport in South Korea, and it’s challenging the airport that was named the best airport for 12 consecutive years, Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 to be even better.

Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 opened January 18, 2018þ and serves flights from Korean Air, Delta Air, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Although the built is similar to Terminal 1, Terminal 2 is definitely swankier and, allows travelers to check-in faster with its increased number of kiosks and self-bag drop services.

8.30 am, Journey to Nami Island

From the airport, we moved to one of the most famous shooting locations ever in South Korea – Nami Island. Made famous as one of the iconic shooting locations of the drama that puts Hallyu on the map, Winter Sonata stars Bae Yong Jun and Choi Ji Woo as lovers who had to endure all the hardships.

Winter Sonata board in Nami Island

Winter Sonata board in Nami Island

Nami Island is a half moon-shaped island, formed as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. Famous for it’s beautiful tree-lined roads, many fun activities can be held at the island including cycling, with facilities for water activities including swimming pool, water sports and water skiing.

Winter Sonata board in Nami Island

The famous tree lined lane

12 pm, Dakgalbi lunch

Foodwise, the areas surrounding Nami Island is famous for Chicken Galbi (chicken ribs). Pick your choice from the Malaysian famous Mr. Dakgalbi to the local stores and it will surely fill you up.

Dakgalbi, yummy!

Dakgalbi, yummy!

Dakgalbi, a famous spicy stir fried chicken is made by stir frying marinated diced chicken in a gochujang based sauce. Best served with vegetables, rice and tteok (rice cake).

1.30 pm, trip up to Haslla Art World in Gangneung

With our full stomach, we made our way up to Gangneung, which took about 2 hours from Nami Island. The trip would have been a tiring one but the scenery on the way up keeps us awake. Hills and mountains covered with snow fills us with awe. And of course, making it colder.

Haslla Art World

Haslla Art World

We reached Haslla Art World around 4pm and once again in awe. From the hills and mountains on the way here, we were welcomed by the bluest sea side view.

Beautiful view of Jeongdongjin

Beautiful view of Jeongdongjin

Haslla Art World is located near Jeongdongjin, a picturesque area famous for sunrise watching. The name Haslla is from Gangneung’s name from the Silla period. Surrounded by nature, Haslla Art World incorporated it’s natural features with an Art Garden that contains the Pine Tree Garden, Time Hall, Wetlands, Field Garden, Sea Garden and Fun Garden.

Pinocchio?

Pinocchio?

6.00 pm, dinner

One final stop before we head to the hotel to rest for the day, is dinner! We were served a full-course Korean style meal at a traditional restaurant. The Korean style meal, 한정식 (Pronounced Han-jeong-sik) is served with an array of side dishes called 반찬 (banchan).

Full table of Korean style meal

Full table of Korean style meal

We ended day 1 with a full and satisfied stomach. What awaits in day 2? Look out for our day 2 coverage coming soon!

We would like to thank Korea Tourism Organisation for organising this trip.