[Seoul Travel] Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)

The Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe) is a 3-day event held annual in Seoul. In 2019, it was from 3 to 5 May 2019. For those who are familiar with the lunar calendar, the Buddha's Day is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month in Korea. The Lotus Lantern Festival is usually held 1 week before the actual day. For 2020, the dates for Yeon Deung Hoe will be from 24 to 26 April 2020.

The event would commence on a Friday and there are lantern exhibitions at Jogyesa, Bongeunsa and Cheonggyecheon over the 3 days. Below is a photo of the lantern exhibition at Bongeunsa, located near COEX.

On the 2nd day, which is a Saturday, the various Buddhist temples would commences the ceremonial events such as the bathing of the baby Buddha's status and daily chanting. This signifies the cleansing of one's own defilement (greed, anger and delusion). They would also be busy with their final rehearsals to give their best for the evening's parade.

A Buddhist Cheer Rally would be held at Dongguk University from 4.30pm. This is where all the parade participants would gather before the commencement of the parade. The parade would take place along Jongno (central of Gangbuk area) from 7pm to 9.30pm. There are seats lined on both sides of the Jongno and pre-registration is needed to secure tickets for the seats. Those without tickets may stand and watch the parade too, thought it can be a little tiring. Audience are encouraged to join the parade towards the tail-end and take part in the walk until the post-parade celebration at the Jonggak Intersection. Over there, there will be stage performances until 11pm.

Below is a photo of the stage at the Jonggak Intersection.  Most of the audience stayed till the end of the concert.

The roads leading to Jogyesa remained crowded as the audience tried to get upclose with the big lantern floats!  Jogyesa was all lit up that evening.

On the 3rd day, the area in front of Jogyesa is turned into a carnival street with many cultural events and stall lines on both sides of the street. The area is blocked and vehicles are have to be detoured to other road. Participants can walked along street freely and take part in the carnival events which has tea appreciation, meditation sessions, photo exhibitions and several handicraft-making stations.

The closing event, from 7pm to 9pm, is an energy-charged event with youths from different universities and temples coming together to put up the final show near Jogyesa.

It was an eye-opener to see how Koreans celebrate the Lotus Lantern Festival.  The colourful performances, the enthusiasm from the parade participants, the helpful event ushers and the vibrant atmosphere definitely made my trip worthwhile.

For those interested to experience this festival, information is available on the official website http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/

[Winter Korea] Tips for Inaugural Ski Experience

Tips before going on your first ski. It is not going to be feasible to buy the full set of ski equipment if you stay in a tropical country like me. Instead, everything that you need can be rented. That includes the skisuit, skiboots, skis, skipole, goggles and helmet.

What you need to buy is a pair of waterproof gloves suitable for this cold and wet sports.

Do note that ski suits are insulated and waterproof, which means you are protected from the icy snow even if you fall. Many people (that includes me) think that thick sweaters underneath the ski jacket will be needed. If you did that, you will regret big time. Thick jackets not only will cause obstructions to your movements, it will also cause you to perspire and get uncomfortable. In fact, a piece of lightweight comfy top should be sufficient. If you are really concerned about withstanding the cold, wear a set of heat-tech and that should be enough.

The ski boots is the most uncomfortable part of the suit. It is heavy and tight. Hence, it is best to avoid wearing socks that are thick and bulky eg. wool socks. If you are skiing in Yong Pyong, you can measure your foot size before asking for the shoe size at the boots rental counter. As a general guide, get a size that is 10mm (or 1cm) bigger. Getting a pair of shoes that fits snugly can greatly prevent aches and pains after your ski session. Good luck!


==============



List of Ski Resort in Pyeongchang - www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/pyeongchang


There are 2 ways to get the ski resorts in Pyeongchange:

1. By bus from Incheon Airport or from Seoul (www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/about/bustShuttle.do)

2. By KTX from Incheon Airport or from Seoul Station. Depending on the ski resort you are going to, you may alight at Pyeongchang station (for Phoenix Snow Park) or Jinbu station (for Alpensia Ski Resort, Yong Pyong Ski Resort or Jeongseon Ski Resort) .


Between the 2 options, KTX will be the faster option but the fare is higher compared to taking the public bus.

Gangwon-do Delicacy - Makguksu

One of the good things about Singapore is that, we are really a foodie city.  And especially with the rise in interest in Korean culture, the number of Korean restaurants in Singapore have increased significantly.  I recently checked out Singapore's first Handmade Korean Noodles House - Guksu 1945, located at Suntec City and was treated to the variety of guksu options available.

But wait... what is Guksu?  It is essentially the collective term for Korean noodles or colloquially known as myeon eg. ramyeon (Korean instant noodles), naengmyeon (Cold noodles), jjajangmyeon (Korean-Chinese noodles with black bean sauce).

With Korean's long history, many guksu varieties have been created.  The commonly known ones will include gamja guksu (main ingredient for the noodles: potato starch), hobak guksu (main ingredient for the noodles: pumpkin and wheat floor), kong guksu (noodles in cold soybean soup), janchi guksu (noodles cooked in clear anchovy or beef broth).

(Guksu from Jeju - 국수회관, 신제주점)

I had a lasting impression of a bibim naengmyeong (spicy cold noodles) which I had at the Incheon Airport in 2015 and have been searching for a naengmeyon which resembles what I had.

Seeing that naengmyeong was on Guksu 1945's menu, I didn't hesitate to place that order.  But it turned out to be another variety of naengmyeon which comes with ice cubes in the soup and tasted entirely different.

When will we be able to try ALL the guksu varieties?  But one thing for sure, Makguksu (buckwheat noodles serve in cold kimchi broth), is one of the 2 Gangwon-do specialty dishes.  The other dish is Dakgalbi, which I have introduced earlier.  Click on this link if you missed the post.

Makguksu became a Gangwon-do delicacy because buckwheat is the staple crop that is widely cultivated in the province.  This delicacy has come a long way and it has been around since the Koryeo Dynasty.  And now, the go-to place for Makguksu is the Dakgalbi Alley where you can get enjoy both Gangwon-do delicacies at the same time!

Makguksu is similar to naengmyeon with the key difference being in the high concentration of wheat flour used in Makguksu and the greater use of vegetables in this dish.  In terms of taste, it is chilly, spicy, savoury and wheaty.  Doesn't this make the best combination to go with the warmly pan-fried spicy chicken during the cold seasons?!  Go for it!

(source: Korea Herald)

Spring in Korea 2015 (Part 4) ~ Experience Templestay at Haeinsa (Tripitaka Koreana)



Gayasan Mountain (height: 1,430m), where Haeinsa Temple is located, is revered as one of the top eight scenic spots in the country.

 

Haeinsa Temple (海印寺， 해인사) was founded in 802 CE (more than 1,200 years ago) by Sun-Eung Sunim (Venerable Sun-Eung) and I-Jeong Sunim (Venerable I-Jeong) under the full support of the Silla royal family in the third year of King Aejang, the 40th king of the Silla Dynasty.  The goal for setting up Haeinsa was to elucidate the philosophy and thinking from the Avatamsaka School (Flower Garland School).  Haein (海印) comes from "Haein Samadhi" of the Flower Garland Sutra, which means that the reason for everything, is revealed through an undefiled mind, just like how we can see images clearly on a quiet and still sea.

 

Haein-sa, the First Dharma Jewel Monastery, is the foundation temple of Avatamsaka School of Korea and the temple that the Tripitaka Koreana is enshrined. The Tripitaka Koreana is integration of Korean people's faith. Haein-sa is the spiritual shelter of Koreans, the lantern of wisdom brightening this land, and a sacred place of Korean Buddhism.  With the extension historical collect, the temple was named as one of the world heritage sites.

 

 

 

Vegetarian food (which we are commonly familiar with in Singapore) is known as temple-food in Korea.  In Korea, many dishes contain meat and there aren't that many vegetarian restaurants in Korea.  Even for food such as vegetable dumplings, it is likely to contain some meat and many stew dishes uses meat/seafood in the stew stock.  So, if you're particular about food containing meat, probably the best option is to go for Bibimbap and request the chef not to add in the meat.

 

Only in temples, the pure non-meat vegetarian dishes can be found.  There are some interesting snacks which I came across while in Korea such as the one in the photo.... icing sugar coated sweet potatoes, crispy lotus roots etc.  These snacks were served at the templestay office when we finally reached and was going through a simple orientation given by the staff, conducted in English.

As part of orientation to the temple and buddhist etiquette, we were briefed on the "to-dos" and "not-to-dos".

The staff briefed us on the key schedules to note on a daily basis.  In particular, the timing for the morning service, evening services and meal times.  It is important to observe the timing for meal times (morning, noon and evening meals) because once the timing is missed, there would be no more food left.  Meal time is about 30 mins.  The staff advised us to be on standby outside the dining hall 10mins before the start of meals.

There are 2 types of templestay programme, Standard Templestay Programme and Relaxed Programme.  The standard programme which takes place on weekends (Saturday to Sunday) and has more activities such as conversation with monk over tea, 108 prostrations, seon meditation, communal work and a tour of the temple and hermitages.  As for the relaxed programme, it is simply free and easy with minimal fixed schedule. 

Since I was there on a weekday, my programme was really relaxing.  We were free to roam around the whole temple, except that I had to be on time for the Buddhist services and meals.  The meals are served on time and available for only 30 minutes.  Once the timing is missed, there is really nothing to eat!

For the free and easy programme, my schedule was as such:

3.00am  Wake up
3.20am  Pre-dawn Buddhist Service
6.10am  Breakfast
11.20am Lunch
5.10pm  Dinner
5.40pm  Evening Buddhist Service
9.00pm  Lights out

The rooms for the templestay programme is located in 1 building.  Each room takes up to 4 persons.

For hygiene reasons, shoes are not worn into the room, but placed at the door steps.

As like many traditional building, the floors are heated.  The mattress, blankets and pillows are kept in a built-in cabinet inside the room.  There is also 1 toilet (with shower facilities in each of the room).  Bring your own toiletries and washing detergent, if you need to do any clothes-washing.

It is basically an empty room which you can decide how the mattresses can be placed.  There are 4 sets of power-points in the room, sufficient for charging of personal electronic equipment.

There is a hanging rack for clothes-hanging as there isn't any separate closet for clothes.

The morning wake-up call time is 3am, to be in time for the morning service.  As such, the scheduled sleeping time is 9pm.  The room will be pitched-dark when the room light is turned off.  You can keep the balcony lights on instead.  The rooms can get a little stuffy when the doors are all shut (there are no windows in the room), so we kept the doors slight ajar at night for ventilation.

In the Korea tradition, the pre-dawn service starts with drumming on the Dharma Drum, followed by the striking of the bell, the wooden fish and finally the cloud gong. This is followed by the chanting session in the main hall. 

In the break of dawn, we pray that the whole universe will hear this sound and may all hellish environments be brightened.  May the hells, ghosts and animals be relieved of suffering, and may all problems disappear and may all living beings be awakened.

The drum, bell, wooden fish and gong calls out to different sections of the world of living beings.  The bell calls out to those in the ghost and hell realm.  The drum, made of animal skin, calls the animals, the cloud-shaped gong calls the beings in the air, the fish-shaped wooden block calls all the live in the water.

 

All are called to listen to the chanting of the words of liberation taught by the Buddha and to follow Buddha's wisdom.  Below is the main hall of Haeinsa (Daejeokgwang jeon, 大寂光殿， 대적광전).  There main statue in the hall is Vairocana Buddha.  The other statues include Manjusri Bodhisattva and Universally Worthy Bodhisattva.



 

The hall is usually closed and devotees enter the hall through the side doors.  I am not sure if this is just a practice (of closing doors) during the colder seasons, but it would have been very chilly if the doors were kept opened.  As part of the temple etiquette, shoes are to be removed and placed on the shoe racks next to the hall entrance.  The floor didn't seem to have heating system and hence it felt very cold especially in the morning.  Fortunately, we each have a huge prayer cushion.  It is alright to stand on the cushion and make prostrations.

We were not given the chanting books, but still, we diligently followed the procedures.  From my elementary understanding, the chanting verses include:

1.  Homage to the Three-Jewels (礼佛文）
2.  The Thousand Hands Sutra (千手经）
3.  The 4 Great Vows (四宏誓愿）
3.  Heart Sutra （心经）

After the chanting, it is optional to stay on for the 108 prostrations and meditation.  The prostration is accompanied by the chanting of The Great Dharani with Mystical and Marvelous Stanzas and Verses (神妙章句大陀罗尼) and several mantras.

Meals are served at the basement of this building.  There are 2 entrances, one for the monastics and one for lay persons (non-monastics).  The monastics would take their meals just slightly ahead of the lay persons.  But fret not, there will still be enough food left.

Meals in Haeinsa are simple and made of veggies.  There are slight variations for the items served during morning, noon and evening meals.  Rice is usually the main staple for all 3 meals.  There will also be 1 type of soup, but note that some Korean soup dishes are served cold, even in the cold mornings.

 

After meals, we would have to clear our own plates and crockeries, place them in the allocated section in the dining hall for washing.  Food trash had to be discarded into the assigned bins.

 

Life in the monastery is simple and fuss-free.  Less stress felt, experience a sense of freedom as you allow yourself to immerse into the environment, nature and the calming daily practices.  Reflect on our defilements and make aspirations to be a better person for yourself and all sentient beings.

 

 

Airline Promotion: Singapore to Korea (Winter 2015)

It is never too early to start planning for your year-end holidays. Are you already thinking of having a white Christmas in Korea?

Singapore Airlines

Singapore to Seoul
From $716
Outbound Travel: 5 Oct 2015 to 23 Mar 2016
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month
Ticket sales period: 8 Apr to 5 May 2015

http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e2s1


Singapore to Seoul
From $668
Outbound Travel: 25 Aug 2015 to 11 Feb 2016
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month
Ticket sales period: 8 Jan to 31 Mar 2015 (Promotion Ended)

Website: http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1


Cathay Pacific

Singapore to Seoul (For UOB Credit Card Holders)
From $708
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 18 Dec 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month
Ticket sales period: not stated

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.early_grab_sales_uobcards.html


For Summer/Autumn 2015 promotions, please click on this link.

Airline Promotion: Singapore to Korea (Summer/Autumn 2015)

Want to explore summer festivals in Korea such as the Haeundae San Festival, Muju Firefly Festival or Boryeong Mud Festival? Or try a new experience in templestay (click here for sample itinerary)?  Be sure to catch the airline promotions early!

(credit: www.VisitKorea.or.kr)

Singapore Airlines

Singapore to Seoul
From $716
Outbound Travel: 5 Oct 2015 to 23 Mar 2016
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month
Ticket sales period: 8 Apr to 5 May 2015 (promotion ended)

http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e2s1

Singapore to Seoul
From $668
Outbound Travel: 25 Aug 2015 to 11 Feb 2016
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month
Ticket sales period: 8 Jan to 31 Mar 2015 (promotion ended)

http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1

Singapore to Seoul
From $688
Outbound Travel: 7 Jul to 29 Nov 2015
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 8 Jan to 31 Mar 2015 (please see revised promo above)

URL: http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1


Asiana Airlines

Singapore to Seoul
From $748
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 19 Nov 2015
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month
Ticket sales period: 1 to 30 Jun 2015 (promotion ended)

http://ea.flyasiana.com/C/en/main.do


Singapore to Seoul
From $755
Outbound Travel: 21 Jun to 2 Sep 2015
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month
Ticket sales period: 1 to 30 Apr 2015 (promotion ended)

URL: http://ea.flyasiana.com/C/en//boardContents.do?menuId=004002001000000&menuType=BOARD&boardCode=BOARD_EVENT&eventCateCode&eventSeq=3324&boardCmd=VIEW


Cathay Pacific

Singapore to Seoul (For HSBC Credit Card Holders)
From $608
Outbound Travel: 17 Jun to 17 Dec 2015
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month
Ticket sales period: 17 Jun to 14 Jul 2015

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.hsbc-special-fares.special-fares-hsbc.html?cm_mmc=CXpecials-SG-_-HSBCJP-SINMULTI-10JUL15-_-HS-_-10JUL2015&cm_lm=GS-677D981751FC75E00A4DD010C4510C60


Singapore to Seoul (For UOB Credit Card Holders)
From $708
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 18 Dec 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month
Ticket sales period: not stated (promotion has ended)

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.early_grab_sales_uobcards.html


For Winter 2015 promotions, please click on this link.

Airline Promotion from Singapore to Korea (Seoul/Busan/Jeju) in Spring 2015

It's really advance and very early to make travel plans yet but why not? :D


Singapore Airlines

Singapore to Seoul
From $768
Outbound Travel: 23 Apr to 28 May 2015
Min passenger: 1
Min/Max duration: 3 / 10 days
Ticket sales period: 16 Apr to 21 May 2015

http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1


Singapore to Seoul
From $798
Outbound Travel: 2 Jan to 31 Mar 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min/Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 15 Dec 2014 to 12 Jan 2015 (Promotion Ended)

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/promotions/2015-twotogo.jsp


Singapore to Seoul
From $748
Outbound Travel: 2 Jan to 31 Jan 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 14 Nov to 14 Dec 2014 (promotion ended)

http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1


Singapore to Seoul
From $648 (Early Bird Promotion)
Outbound Travel: 2 Jan to 27 May 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 15 to 28 Sep 2014 (promotion ended)

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/promotions/bookearly.jsp


Asiana Airlines

Singapore to Seoul
From $870
Travel period: 1 Jan to 27 May 2015
Min. passenger: 1
Max duration: 1 month
Ticket sale period: 1 to 31 Jan 2015 (promotion ended)

http://ea.flyasiana.com/C/en/boardContents.do?menuId=004002001000000&menuType=BOARD&boardCode=BOARD_EVENT&eventCateCode&eventSeq=2822&boardCmd=VIEW


Singapore to Seoul
From $788
Travel Period: 2 Jan to 27 May 2015 (blackout period: 17 to 20 Feb 2015)
Min. passenger: 1 pax
Max duration: 1 month
Ticket sale period: 26 Nov to 20 Dec 2014 (promotion ended)

http://ea.flyasiana.com/I/en/DiscountTicketDetail.do?menuId=001004000000000&menuType=LINK&departure=SIN&arrival=ICN


Cathay Pacific

Singapore to Seoul/Busan/Jeju (For UOB Credit Card Members Only)
From $608
Departure Period: 14 to 29 Apr; 3 to 27 May; 26 to 30 Jun 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month
Ticket sales period: 9 Apr to 5 May 2015

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.getaway-surprise-uobcards.html


Singapore to Seoul (For OCBC Credit Card Members Only)
From $558
Departure Period: 20 Mar to 1 Apr; 9 to 29 Apr; 3 to 27 May; 26 to 30 Jun 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month
Ticket sales period: 3 Mar to 7 Apr 2015 (Promotion Ended)


Singapore to Seoul
From: $553 / $573
Departure Period: 5 Jan to 10 Feb 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: 2 days (min) to 7 days (max) / 14 days (max)
Ticket sales period: 18 Dec 2014 to 13 Jan 2015 (Promotion Ended)

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.smart-saver-north-asia-and-china-two-to-travel.html


Singapore to Seoul/Busan/Jeju
From $712 / $718
Outbound Travel: 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: min. 2 days, max. 1 month
Ticket sales period: until 31 Oct 2014 (promotion ended)

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/latest-offers/flights/promotion-code-multiple-diy-fares/two-to-travel-year-long-fares.html

Related Post:
- 2015 Summer/Autumn Airfares to Korea (click here)

Airline Promotion: Singapore to Korea (Autumn 2014)

(Chrysanthemum Flower Festival at Jogyesa)



Starting to plan your autumn holidays to Korea already?  Here's a list of airline promotions for autumn trips!  [Check out the Summer/Autumn 2015 promotions here.]

(Source: Korea M.I.C.E. (Singapore)

Autumn seems to arrive earlier than expected this year.  The above weather was published by Korea MICE on 15 September 2014.  If you are visiting Korea this Fall, do monitor the weather closely.  ^^


Singapore Airlines

Singapore to Seoul
From $798 (MasterCard Promotion)
Outbound Travel: 14 Nov to 25 Dec 2014
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 11 Aug to 28 Sep 2014

http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/special-offers/fare-deals-listing/

Singapore to Seoul
From $768 (MasterCard Promotion)
Outbound Travel: 18 Aug 2014 to 1 Jan 2015 except from 14 Nov to 25 Dec 2014
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 11 Aug to 28 Sep 2014

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/promotions/mastercard.jsp

Singapore to Seoul (Promotion has ended)
From $658 (Visa Card Promotion)
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug 2014 to 1 Jan 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 4 Jul to 10 Aug 2014

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/promotions/visa.jsp

Singapore to Seoul (Promotion has Ended)
From $648 (MasterCard Promotion)
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 13 Nov 2014
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 29 May to 30 Jun 2014

www.singaporeairlines.com


Asiana Airlines

Singapore to Seoul (Pre-NATAS Promotion) [Promotion has ended]
From $731
Outbound Travel: 5 Aug to 14 Nov 2014 / 26 Dec 2014 to 16 Feb 2015 / 24 Feb to 28 Feb 2015
Min passenger: 2
Ticket sales period: 5 Aug to 5 Sep 2014

Singapore to Seoul
From $735
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 14 Nov 2014
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: no min., max 1 month
Ticket sales period: 1 to 31 Jul 2014 (Promotion has ended)

Website: Asiana

Cathay Pacific

Singapore to Seoul/Busan/Jeju (POSB/DBS Credit Card Promotion)
From From $628 / $638
Outbound Travel: 20 Aug to 13 Nov 2014, 26 Dec 2014 to 31 Jan 2015
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: min. 2 days, max. 1 month
Ticket sales period: 14 Aug to 23 Sep 2014

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/latest-offers/flights/promotion-code-multiple-diy-fares/getaway-surprise-dbsposb.html

Singapore to Seoul/Busan/Jeju
From From $712 / $718
Outbound Travel: 22 Jun to 30 Nov 2014, 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: min. 2 days, max. 1 month
Ticket sales period: until 31 Oct 2014

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/latest-offers/flights/promotion-code-multiple-diy-fares/two-to-travel-year-long-fares.html


More listings to be added in due course ~~

Airline Promotions: Singapore to Korea (Summer 2014)



Love the sun and the sea?  Check out the following airline promotions to Korea!


Singapore Airlines

Singapore to Seoul
From $768 (MasterCard Promotion)
Outbound Travel: 18 Aug 2014 to 1 Jan 2015 except from 14 Nov to 25 Dec 2014
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 11 Aug to 28 Sep 2014

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/promotions/mastercard.jsp


Singapore to Seoul (Promotion has ended)
From $658 (Visa Card Promotion)
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug 2014 to 1 Jan 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 4 Jul to 10 Aug 2014

http://www.singaporeair.com/jsp/cms/en_UK/promotions/visa.jsp


Singapore to Seoul (Promotion has Ended)
From $738
Outbound Travel: 22 Jun to 31 Jul 2014
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 27 May to 22 Jun 2014

www.singaporeairlines.com


Korean Air

Details of the promotion can be found at http://www.koreanair.com/local/sg/ld/eng/ft/ne/20140516_99048.jsp
(Promotion has Ended)


Asiana Airlines

Singapore to Seoul (Pre-NATAS Promotion) [Promotion has ended]
From $731
Outbound Travel: 5 Aug to 14 Nov 2014 / 26 Dec 2014 to 16 Feb 2015 / 24 Feb to 28 Feb 2015
Min passenger: 2
Ticket sales period: 5 Aug to 5 Sep 2014

Singapore to Seoul (Promotion has ended)
From $735
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 14 Nov 2014
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: no min., max 1 month
Ticket sales period: 1 to 31 Jul 2014

Singapore to Seoul (Promotion has ended)
From $665
Outbound Travel: 15 to 24 Jul 2014
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days
Ticket sales period: 1 to 21 Jul 2014

Website: Asiana


Cathay Pacific

Singapore to Seoul/Busan/Jeju (POSB/DBS Credit Card Promotion)
From From $628 / $638
Outbound Travel: 20 Aug to 13 Nov 2014, 26 Dec 2014 to 31 Jan 2015
Min passenger: 1
Min / Max duration: min. 2 days, max. 1 month
Ticket sales period: 14 Aug to 23 Sep 2014

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/latest-offers/flights/promotion-code-multiple-diy-fares/getaway-surprise-dbsposb.html

Singapore to Seoul/Busan/Jeju
From From $712 / $718
Outbound Travel: 22 Jun to 30 Nov 2014, 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2015
Min passenger: 2
Min / Max duration: min. 2 days, max. 1 month
Ticket sales period: until 31 Oct 2014

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/latest-offers/flights/promotion-code-multiple-diy-fares/two-to-travel-year-long-fares.html

More listings to be added in due course ~~

[Seoul, Korea] Nostalgic Charm in Urban Seoul (Part 2) : Samcheong-dong

Samcheong-dong is a few minutes walk from Insa-dong, and is another charming area in the Gangbuk district (ie. north of Han River).  It is a contrast from the Gangnam district (ie. south of Han River).  While the northern district has a wealth of historically significant places such as palaces, royal gardens and gates, the southern district is known to be the business district and home to the wealthiest in Seoul.

The entire Samcheong-dong gil (means Samcheong-dong road) is 3.8km long and takes about 3 hours for a relax walk.  The route would start from Anguk station, all the way up to Samcheong Park and then down back to Anguk station.  The word "Samcheong" literally means 3 (Sam) clean (cheong) things and it is characterised by mountain, water and people.  In geomancy, this is known to be an auspicious place.

From Insa-dong, you can take a 10-mins leisure walk to Samcheong-dong.  The street is sheltered on both sides by the tall trees.  Walking there is a breeze...

Enjoy walk mural paints along the way...

Shops at the Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong are characterised by low buildings.  The highest are possibly 3-storey high.  If you manage to get to walk up to the Samcheong park area, you will have a nice bird's eye view of the entire beautiful place. 

The Samcheong-dong area comprises largely of small museums, galleries, modern and traditional cafes.

Modern cafes are usually coffeeshops that serve not only coffee, tea and also desserts such as cakes and pastries.  However, I noticed that some modern cafes also serve traditional desserts such as patbingsu.

Crayon Pop endorses for Caffe Bene, with their eye-catching red and white BarBarBar uniform.

The popular green tea café, Osulloc is there too!

And even a Hello Kitty-themed café with it's so pinkish and girlish deco can be found there.

Cafes with traditional architecture and feel.  Some cafes may even be converted from hanok, Korean traditional houses, giving the café a homely ambience.

Other than café, pop-up stalls can be spotted along the street in Samcheong-dong.  This stall sells DIY fabric bags, where customers can design their own wordings to be printed on the bag.

Although café, museum and gallery are the main attraction in this area, fashion shops aren't lacking too.  Each of these shops are unique in their display, the products are also unique in their own ways.  Some of the products could be exclusively designed in-house.

 

To truly experience Samcheong-dong, you may spend perhaps half-a-day there, to slowly appreciate the ancient yet modern quaint neighbourhood. 

 

[This trip is made possible by the Asian On Air programme, organised by the Korean Air and Korea Tourism Organisation].

 

Getting to Samcheong-dong

 

Take subway to Anguk Station (Line 3), use Exit 1.  Go straight 100m and turn right onto the alleyway next to Pungmun Girl's High School.  Continue straight along the road.

 

 



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Related Posts
- Asian-on-Air: Nostalgic Charm in Urban Seoul Part 1: Insadong (Click here)
- Asian-On-Air: Knowing More about Korea at KTO (click here)
- Asian-On-Air: K-Style Hair and Spa (click here)
- Asian-On-Air: Experiencing Korean Medical Services (click here)
- Asian-On-Air: Excellence in Flight - Korean Air (click here)
- Asian-On-Air: A Twosome Place by 51K (click here)
- Asian-On-Air: Chrysanthemum Flower Festival at Jogyesa (click here)
- Asian-On-Air: The Historical Drama Playground (click here)


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