Korean Drama

[bag.lover]

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(source: KBS Global 2008-03-20)
Super Junior's Han Kyung to Carry Olympic Torch



SM Entertainment Agency announced that there was an online survey done by Coca-Cola China, a public sponsor of the Beijing Olympics (http://www.icoke.cn), and Han Kyung of Super Junior was voted first place as carrier of the 2008 Olympics torch. After deliberations, the Olympics organizational committee sealed the deal.

"The [Olympics] committee chose Han Kyung because they recognized his part in the cultural exchange of China through his activities in Korea and the rest of Asia," the agency stated. "Han Kyung will be participating in the carrying of the Olympic torch in Beijing from August 6th to the 8th."

Han Kyung will be taking his solemn oath at the "Coca-Cola National Olympic Torch-Bearer Ceremony" as a representative of the Olympic flame on the 24th in China. The ceremony will be broadcast on CCTV-5 and Guangdong TV, the official Chinese channels for the 2008 Olympics.

Han Kyung stated, "I'm extremely pleased and honored to be a torch-bearer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics."

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(source: Korea Times 03-20-2008 19:39)
Super Junior Member to Light Olympics Torch

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


Hangeng

Hangeng, member of K-pop group Super Junior, will take part in the torch lighting ceremony at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the singer's management agency SM Entertainment announced Thursday.

The 24-year-old Chinese national was chosen through an online poll conducted by Coca-Cola China, a sponsor of the Olympic games (www.icoke.cn). Han ranked first place for the Beijing region, and the Olympic Organizing Committee approved the choice.

"Hangeng was chosen for the role because his efforts in publicizing China and encouraging cultural exchange through his active career in Korea and other Asian countries were recognized,'' SM Entertainment was quoted as saying by Yonhap News.

Hangeng and torch lighters representing other regions of China will take part of a national illumination event in August. The singer will light the torch August 6-8.

At 5 p.m. on the 24th Hangeng will take part of an event hosted by Coca-Cola China in Shenzhen, China. It will celebrate the appointment of the torchbearers, and Chinese gold medallists of past Olympic games as well as prominent social figures will attend. The ceremony will be aired as a recorded program through CCTV-5 and Guangdong TV, official broadcasters for the Olympics.

"I am very happy and honored to chosen for the role,'' said Hangeng according to SM Entertainment.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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[bag.lover]

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(Source:Korea Times 03-20-2008 19:23 )
'Fate,’ When Pretty Boys Go Bad

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter


Actor Kwon Sang-woo, center, in a scene in ‘The Fate’

In the star-studded gangster film "The Fate,'' friends become foes and "pretty'' actors get rough. Actor-turned-director Kim Hae-gon casts hallyu TV stars Kwon Sang-woo ("Stairway to Heaven'') and Song Seung-heon ("Autumn Fairytale'') and other familiar faces to play unfamiliar roles.

"The Fate'' is a quintessential commercial flick that feeds on star power, provocative action and melodrama. While weak storytelling and exhausting running time wane the fun, the actors' engaging performances fill in the missing links.

In the dark criminal world of Seoul, U-min (Song), Cheol-jung (Kwon), Do-wan (Kim In-kwon) and Yeong-hwan (Ji Sung) are close friends in a gang. One day, with the help of an older member Gang-seop (Ahn Nae-seong), U-min, Cheol-jung and Do-wan attack the gang's casino so they can start new lives. But their plan goes awry when Cheol-jung betrays them, and U-min goes to prison. He becomes the scapegoat to save his friends' lives.

After serving his time, U-min wants to stay out of trouble but is drawn back into the underworld when he sees what has become of his friends: money and power-hungry Cheol-jung continues to betray others as he climbs up the gang ladder; Do-wan is a drug user; Gang-seop is missing; and his girlfriend Eun-yeong (Park Han-byul) has left him to run a bar as the boss' mistress.

As U-min tries to solve the situation, however, unfortunate twists of fate set off one misunderstanding after another. To make matters worse, the mob boss and right-hand man Yoeng-hwan get them involved in a huge drug deal. Once again thrown into a game with high stakes and big cash, the once best friends must fight one another for their lives.

Most of the drama centers around the "star-crossed friends,'' U-min and Cheol-jung. The unfortunate timing of certain events suggests that the friends are doomed to double, triple, quadruple-cross one another. It's all about lustful people destroying themselves because of dirty money.

Different sides are armed with a small army of mobsters, with a simple argument leading to full-fledged war. But as action sequences, emotional breakdowns and other climactic moments unravel one after another, the viewer must try to make sense of the confusion.

There are snippets showing the good old days when everyone was happy (like a friendly football match where, as a service to fans, the pretty boys appear topless), as well as occasional narrations by the main protagonist U-min. But it's all rather awkwardly weaved and a bit far fetched.

It's larger than life movie, where "beautiful'' gangsters sporting sleek suits and an occasional scar win fights with odds of 30:1. Kwon is delightful in his role as a villain. Even though 99 percent of his lines are profanities, it's hard not to warm up to his rather comic character. Song, on the other hand, is a more moody, romantic kind of gangster. While wearing ugly clothes, he still manages to break women's hearts with his soulful eyes.

Kim In-kwon ("My Father'') deserves applause as a harrowing drug addict obsessing over his ex-girlfriend. The sole heroine, Park Han-byul, while also showing the hardships of life, adds little to the plotline. She's just another damsel in distress.

The director tries to make a film a la Kwak Gyeong-taek, breaking down handsome actors' chiseled, Greek god image by making them swear and do some high kicks. Following in the footsteps of heartthrobs Jang Dong-kun ("Friend'') and Joo Jin-mo ("A Love''), Song and Kwon do prove they can do more than just smile and cause ladies to swoon.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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[bag.lover]

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(source: KBS Global 2008-03-20)
Shinhwa Members Celebrate 10th Anniversary of their Debut



The group Shinhwa recently filmed a music video for their 9th studio album. The music video was filmed in a field of reeds near a dinosaur fossil site in Songsan-myeon in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province.

The scene involved five members rescuing Eric, who is held as a hostage by enemy gangsters.

March 24 marks the 10th anniversary of Shinhwa's debut. The music video shoot was a special event as members Eric and Kim Dong-wan are preparing to begin their military services.

The members said the past decade felt more like a brief thunderstorm and thanked each other for staying the same over 10 years.

Jun Jin said he feels sad to watch his "brothers" go off to the miliary before him while Andy remarked that when he is hanging out with the group members, it feels as same as it did ten years ago.

After the release of their album, Shinhwa will hold a 10th anniversary concert after which the members will go their separate ways.

The group joked around by saying that in ten years all of the members will probably be married. They added, however, that even after ten years, they will be together, and if they had an opportunity to travel back ten years, they would choose to be a part of Shinhwa all over again.

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[bag.lover]

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(Source: Korea Times 03-20-2008 17:48 )
Vive La Korean Food! Hallyu Revitalizes Culinary Tradition

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter



Garfield the cartoon cat often says, "you are what you eat.'' Rightly so, the art and science of eating and culinary customs and styles define a people's culture, tradition and spirit.

While Korea possesses a unique gastronomic culture, many have turned to imported pastas and pastries. But a few years ago, the TV drama "Jewel in the Palace'' (aka. Dae Jang Geum) rekindled the general public's interest. The culinary adventures of a Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) court lady traveled overseas, leading hallyu or the "Korean wave'' far and wide, gaining fans even in Zimbabwe.

Recently, the box office hit "Le Grand Chef'' and popular TV soap "Golden Bride'' also featured mouthwatering Korean dishes, sizzling the enthusiasm. Hansik, or Korean traditional cuisine, has gained momentum and is out to go global.

Let's go behind the scenes to see who cooked up the visually scrumptious delights and ways you can get a tasting!

Regal & Refined

Those who watched "Jewel in the Palace'' closely may have noticed that the stocky fingers busily preparing court dishes are not actress Lee Young-ae's ― they belong to one of the professionals at the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine.



Founded in 1971, the Institute specializes in the research and education of hansik, which was designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset by the government. Director Hwang Hae-sung inherited and succeeded the late Han Hui-sun, the chief cuisine court lady who served the last king of the Joseon Kingdom.

For starters, you can learn about Korean gastronomy at www.food.co.kr (Korean, English and Japanese). Under "Traditional Korean Food Culture,'' there are articles, complete with mouthwatering photographs, introducing various aspects of hansik.

For a flavorful experience, visit the Institute. The beautiful hanok or traditional Korean building is located near Changdeok Palace in northern Seoul. The Institute also runs the Traditional Snack Institute. Check out the Web site for detailed information about taking courses.



If you're craving genuine royal court dishes, visit Jihwaja. Run by the Institute since 1991, the restaurant is located in the artsy Samcheong-dong area, near Gyeongbok Palace. You can taste traditional meals in a thoroughly modern, yet Korean, setting. Sets cost around 30,000 won up to over 100,000 won. Dishes a la carte are 30,000-50,000 won. Call (02) 733-5834. Visit www.jihwajafood.co.kr (Korean).

Lights, Camera and Cook!

While "Jewel in the Palace'' showcases the period detail of Joseon gastronomic culture, the movie "Le Grand Chef'' celebrates the palate of modern Korea, featuring everything from ramyeon (instant noodles) to court-style delicacies.



Inspired by Huh Young-man's epic cartoon series "Sikgaek,'' the film was a box office smash that drew over 3 million viewers. Food & Culture Korea, a leader in breeding food stylists, was behind the making of the featured dishes.

The institute's president Kim Soo-jin is called the nation's first "food director'' for movies, beginning with the blockbuster "King and the Clown.'' Not only does she need to make sure the dishes taste and look good, but direct the actors as well. "I meticulously planned out all the food scenes, sketching out how characters should prepare the food and eat it, including gestures and facial expressions,'' Kim told The Korea Times.

She also paid heed to minute details for "Le Grand Chef,'' a story about an intense cooking competition. "Chefs have rough hands ― it'd be unrealistic to show the pale, smooth fingers of actors onscreen. So I had the actors soak their hands in cold water before shootings so they'd turn red. It also helps keeping ingredients fresh,'' she said. Though the actors had to go through intense cooking training, they didn't have to worry about being hungry on the set. Kim's dishes are also appearing in the upcoming TV soap version of "Sikgaek.''



For a flavorful experience, sign up for a session where you can learn how to make kimchi and also try on hanbok (traditional Korean dress). When The Korea Times visited, a boy's soccer team from Hong Kong was making kimchi. Food and Culture also regularly hosts courses for foreign students at Yonsei University and Korea University. Long-term course can also be arranged. Courses are available in English and Japanese.

Call (02) 362-6704 or visit www.fnckorea.com (Korean and English). Food and Culture Korea is located near Gyeongbok Palace in northern Seoul.

Empire of Rice

Another culinary leader is the Institute of Traditional Korean Food. Director Yoon Sook-ja's dishes have appeared everywhere from Busan (2005 APEC summit) to Pyongyang (2007 Inter-Korean Summit) and New York (2006 Korean Food Festival at the United Nations headquarters) ― and high up in the air (Korean Air's award-winning in-flight meal service).

The effect of "Jewel in the Palace'' rubbed off: the feast for former President Roh Moo-hyun and Dear Leader Kim Jung-il was named "Paldo Dae Jang Geum'' after the TV soap's heroine. Yoon's own hansik expertise shone through in "Golden Bride.'' The explosively popular TV drama recorded a 30 percent viewer rate. The protagonist, a Vietnamese-Korean wed to a Korean man, tries to become a tteok, or rice cake, expert.

The cooking scenes were shot in the Institute, a 10-story tteok "wonderland'' complete with tteok laboratories, tteok
museum and tteok cafe. "Tteok lies in the heart of our culture. We eat tteok for major holidays: tteogguk (tteok soup) for Seollal (Lunar New Year) and songpyeon (type of tteok) for Chuseok.

"I fell in love with tteok among other hansik. Because rice is the main ingredient, it's very healthy, and it also helps the consumption of rice, helping our farmers,'' said Yoon, who is also a goodwill ambassador for the Korean agricultural sector.

For a flavorful experience, visit the Institute, located near Anguk-dong by exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station on subway lines 3 and 5. Try some tteok, tteok sandwiches and more with traditional Korean tea at tteok cafe Jilsiru on the first floor.

Jilsiru has another branch on the main strip of Insa-dong near Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 733-5477.



On the second and third floors of the institute is the Tteok and Kitchen Utensil Museum. It's a compact but cohesive collection that shows how tteok is made and consumed. Various utensils are on display, as well as tteok's place in the context of weddings, birthdays and other traditional festivities. You can sign up to try making tteok yourself. Call (02) 741-5414.

General hansik cooking classes are available by instructors who speak English, Japanese and Chinese. For more, visit www.kfr.or.kr (Korean).

Standardization for Globalization

"With hallyu contents like 'Jewel in the Palace,' Korean cuisine and culture is gaining international prominence. But Korean cook books are full of 'pinch of salt,' 'hint of pepper' and such. We need standardized recipes,'' said Food and Culture's Kim.

The book "The Beauty of Korean Food: With 100 Best-Loved Recipes'' (Hollym, 20,000 won) was thus compiled by Yoon's Institute of Traditional Korean Food. The book is part of the government-supported Research and Development Project for the Standardization of Korean Cuisine. It is currently available in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese, and the French version will soon be released.

"The flavor for a Korean dish varies by household and region. The book doesn't overlook these differences by offering a uniform flavor. Our research team decided on the proportions to created the best taste,'' said Yoon.

"I once visited a Korean restaurant in Denmark run by a Chinese couple. It was terrible, but something like this could help anyone make and taste genuine hansik,'' she said.

"The book marks a great beginning,'' Kim (Food and Culture) said about Yoon's book. "Korean restaurateurs abroad can offer what is truly 'good' hansik.''

Try whipping up your own hansik dish with the book. "Beauty'' is not just a recipe book. It has chapters on general observations of hansik, including table manners and health benefits. It is available at local bookstores. For online orders, contact Hollym (www.hollym.com, in English).

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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[bag.lover]

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(source: Korea Herald 2008-03-20)
'Crossing' depicts the plight of North Korean defectors

In recent years, Korean producers have been spending more on marketing, issuing all sorts of promotional material at every possible occasion to lift their movies' chances at the box-office. Strangely though, "Crossing," a film project started about four years ago, did not announce its progress.
At a news conference held on Tuesday in downtown Seoul, "Crossing" director Kim Tae-kyun and lead actor Cha In-pyo finally disclosed the plot and some details of the film based around the politically sensitive issue of North Korean defectors.

In the film, Yong-su (played by Cha In-pyo), a North Korean living in a mining village in Hamgyeong Province, crosses the northern border with China to get food and medicine for his ailing wife, only to find himself on the run. His 11-year-old son (Shin Myeong-cheol) also risks his life to trace his father in China.


▲Lead actor Cha In-pyo with Shin Myeong-cheol

Shot in Korea, Mongolia and China between July and September last year, "Crossing" portrays the plight of North Koreans who are desperate to survive. It does so in a realistic manner aiming to raise awareness of the issue.

"This movie is about a man who faces poverty, violence and extreme control just because he happens to be born in North Korea," Cha said. "In the movie, my son is 11 years old, and I have a real son who is now 11 years old. When I was playing the role for the movie, I thought about the possibility that what I would do if my own child were sick and starving?"

Asked about a potential run for the forthcoming election, Cha said he did not have any intention to jump into politics, and the primary motive for joining the film project was his desire to help the starving North Korean children.

Director Kim Tae-kyun said: "I hope there should be no misunderstanding about this movie in terms of politics, and the key issue is concerned with the essential human nature."

Kim said the production staff members had so far met more than 100 North Korean defectors, and that careful preparations have been made to reflect the reality concerning defectors without provoking unnecessary controversy.

Director Kim said North Korean defectors' organizations helped the project in many ways, offering detailed views about the situation in North Korea and lending photographs that were later used as references for the film.

Cha said he initially rejected the offer from director Kim. "At first, I just declined his offer partly because a film about North Korean defectors would not be welcome in the market. But afterward I happened to see a photo showing a starving North Korean child, and I cried a lot because I didn't do anything for so many compatriots who are suffering."

Cha, who is also widely recognized in China for his television dramas, is also serving as an honorary ambassador for a campaign against child abuse.

By Yang Sung-jin (insight@heraldm.com)

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[bag.lover]

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Kwon Sang-woo wants to get married in 2 years

"Already 33 years old..If there's a suitable candidate, even now.."
Please anticipate my transformation in "Fate"


[image=linked from yahoo]

"I would like to get married before I reach 35"

Korean Wave star Kwon Song-woo revealed his view on marriage.

During Kwon Sang-woo's interview with Sports Korea on the 19th, he said "If there is a suitable candidate, even if it's now, I would like to get married immediately. Have a child and normal family. Live a happy life like a normal person; I would like to marry before I turn 35 years old, I don't want to wait until after 35."

Kwon Sang-woo is 33 years old this year, it's an age where marriage is considered. His brother (5 years older) is already married; as the youngest son, his parents are also worried about his marriage.

He said "If I am not an actor, I would have been married a long time ago."

Debuted in 2001, he's in showbiz for 8 years.....He said that he's changed a lot since his debut...When Asian stars turn old, it's difficult to use the word 'cool' again. When he turns old, his goal is to remain a cool actor.

Kwon Sang-woo plays a gangster in movie 'Fate' (director Kim Hae-gon, MKDK Production) which will open on the 20th. This is the 1st time he plays a villain. He never once regrets choosing this role. Even though the role is a baddie, he feels that this baddie can bring laughter to the audience. He hopes everyone will like his transformation this time.

[Translation by me. Please don't post this outside of Purse Forum]

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[bag.lover]

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(source: Korea Herald 2008.03.21)
[CELEBRITY LOUNGE] Husband-wife combos hit the airwaves

In a perfect world, in a perfect marriage, husband and wife would be happy and content to be together all day, even together at work.
Unfortunately, some people turn their workplace into an escape from their spouse, engulfing themselves in their work to ignore their marriage.

Well, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, that won't be an option for a pair of couples set to hit the airwaves this spring.

As part of the program shuffle in the run up to the March listening season, SBS Radio has announced the husband-wife pairing of actors Nam Sung-jin and Kim Ji-young for a variety program as well as comedian couple Lee Bong-won and Park Mi-sun.

Kim retains her same timeslot on SBS Radio, but will be joined by her husband instead of Kim Il-joong, with whom she had been previously hosting.

Meanwhile, Lee and Park will be teaming up on the air as they do in their household at 8:30 p.m., bringing their daily lives to listeners in their new program "Park Mi-sun and Lee Bong-won's 'Our House Radio.'"

Just as their talents would indicate, the two couples will host decidedly different programs. The Kim and Nam combination will produce a variety program, suitable to their 12:20 to 2 p.m. timeslot, where listeners tend to be workers, stay-at-home spouses and people on the road whereas Park and Lee will showcase their comedic wit in the evening.

Regardless, both programs appeal to married couples in their 30s and 40s, and who better to relate to such an audience than real-life husband and wife combinations?

The two couples will undergo a new set of vows on the airwaves beginning March 31 -- until death do them part, or at least until poor ratings do.

(kyukim@heraldm.com)

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[bag.lover]

Original Korean Article: Donga 2008-03-17 16:59:03
English Translation Credit: HanCinema

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Fans at Kwon Sang-woo and Song Seung-heon's Movie Premiere



Fans gathered at the premiere of Song Seung-heon and Kwon Sang-woo's new movie, "Fate", something that has never been seen at premieres.

The premiere took place at 4 PM on the 17th, and there were signs to congratulate Song Seung-heon for the release of his first movie after army service. There were also about 70 fans.

Song Seung-heon's fan club congratulated his comeback with placards that read "Seung-heon, we love your passion. Be successful".

Kwon Sang-woo's fans also encouraged him with words such as "Kwon Sang-woo is the best" and "Kwon Sang-woo "Fate" Success".

Japanese fans were also there. Older-aged women fans also stood on one side, wondering if they could see Song Seung-heon and Kwon Sang-woo.

Bodyguards also re-checked the premiere entrance tickets of the people.

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[bag.lover]

Original Korean Article: DongA 2008.03.17 14:40
English Translation Credit: HanCinema

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Female presidents, bodyguards… 'Women Power'



It seems that the new keyword for 2008 will become 'women power'.

Female stars who received popularity for effeminate roles are now trying new characters, such as famous politicians, female bodyguards, and female detectives.

Ko Hyeon-jeong will be acting as Korea's first female president in her next drama, SBS "Big Things", set to air in May 2008. {delayed to July-August}

Ko Hyeon-jeong's role of Seo Hye-rim is a passionate lawyer. She quits after taking responsibility for the arrest a political gang's leader, and becomes famous as a civil rights lawyer. She runs for office and is elected as a female president.

Ko Hyeon-jeong also acted as the first female chief of a police squad in the MBC drama "Hit". She is receiving roles that differ from her past image, and that are many "firsts" in the drama industry.

Also, Chae Rim will be coming back to television as a female bodyguard.

The KBS drama "Powerful Opponents" will air April 14, and her character Cha Young-jin is an unstoppable, aggressive bodyguard.

"Powerful Opponents" will portray the lives of the people in the Blue House and incorporate a love triangle with the President's (Lee Deok-hwa) son (Lee Jin-wook) and another bodyguard (Lee Jong-hyuk).

Bae Jong-ok is already acting as a detective in MBC drama "Park Jung Gum". It is her first time in an action role in her 21 years of acting, and her character is a 38-year-old, high school graduate.

A critic of popular culture, Kang Myeong-seok judged, "Actresses are breaking the conception that they must only act in romances. The circumstances have also changed. Roles are no longer limited to old women roles but are aiming at the working woman".

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[bag.lover]

Original Korean Article: Starnews 03/18 18:14
English Translation Credit: HanCinema

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Kwon Sang-woo "Commercials are already over"



The premiere for the long awaited movie "Fate", starring Korean top stars Song Seung-heon and Kwon Sang-woo, took place on the 17th.

At the press conference that took place after the premiere, Kwon Sang-woo drew interest with his motive of starring in this movie. "If I couldn't relate to the bad character, I wouldn't have done it. I have an image as an actor. Do you think I can play the bad character?

One reporter mentioned how he may not get any commercials due to the bad character image. Kwon Sang-woo replied, "It's been a while since the commercials stopped. My biggest duty is to show good acting, and it's something I'll continue to do".

Song Seung-heon, a long-time friend of Kwon Sang-woo, said, "I exercised a lot because I'm acting with Kwon Sang-woo, who has Korea's best body. But he comes to the gym one hour later than I do and leaves 30 minutes earlier, and I wonder what he eats to still maintain such a nice body".

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[bag.lover]

Original Korean Article: Sports Chosun 2008-03-19 01:09
English Translation Credit: HanCinema

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Soo-ae Becomes Empress of Chosun, 'Last Empress'



Soo-ae was cast as the Last Empress in the movie "Like Fireworks, Like Butterflies".

This movie is about the actions of the Last Empress in order to save Chosun and the bodyguard that protects her. Jo Seung-woo will play the bodyguard, who must deal with the anguish of loving someone high in social status.

Through this movie, Soo-ae will be acting in a historical work for the first time in four years, since the KBS drama "Emperor of The Sea".

This movie will go into filming in July.

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[bag.lover]

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(source: JoongAng Daily)
Weekenders take flight to soapy spa

March 21, 2008


Left to right:: Yonggung Temple; a view of Hanagae Beach on Mui Island; Haesoopia, a hot spring in Yeongjong Island; [JoongAng Ilbo]; Kang Seon-mi, the owner of Adagio, a bed and breakfast on Yeongjong Island. By Park Soo-mee

INCHEON ― Yeongjong Island is often overlooked as simply an airport town. But its proximity to one of the largest airports in East Asia means it attracts tourists and businesspeople on stopovers or short trips to Korea. That’s why the population in the center of the island has grown by 7.6 percent in the past four years, according to a report by the district government, an increase that is directly attributable to a business boom following the opening of the Incheon International Airport in 2001. The rest of the island is packed with quiet beaches, stunning trekking courses and winding bike trails that make for a fascinating day trip or weekend getaway.


The trail leading from Hanagae Beach to Mount Horyonggok. By Park Soo-mee

Saturday, 9 a.m., Mount Horyonggok

The name Yeongjong Island is familiar to many people in Korea. Local sports clubs occasionally organize triathlons along the island’s coastal roads. The best trail starts near the bus terminal at the island’s main ferry port. It’s about 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) long and you can rent bikes here for 3,000 won ($2.93).

If you follow the seawall past the village of Geojampo and continue cycling until you get to the airport observatory, you will be greeted by a full view of the airport’s control tower. This is a great spot to watch planes landing and taking off at night.

There are plenty of other outdoor activities to choose from: ocean fishing, golf and rollerblading, to name a few. I chose a trekking course that starts at Mount Horyonggok on Mui Island, a small islet near Yeongjong Island. The starting point is a 15-minute drive from the airport.

Mount Horyonggok, which rises 236 meters (774.28 feet) above sea level, is known as the “Alps of the West Sea” among local hikers. This is a bit of an overstatement, because even though the views are stunning, the peak is nowhere near as high as the Alps.



That said, the views are exquisite. A climb to the top of the hill will treat you to lovely views of the West Sea (Yellow Sea) on a clear day. It’s not a tough walk, and veteran trekkers will consider it a quick stroll. The name of the mountain comes from a legend about a fight between a tiger and a dragon.

To find the start of the trail, catch a village bus from the bus stop near the dock. The bus goes to a small park in the forest, which is located next to the main gateway to the mountain. The bus also goes to Hanagae Beach, a perfect spot for watching the sunset. This trail will also take you to a white house with a large piano in the garden. You are likely to see crowds of people taking photos here. This is the set for “Stairway to Heaven,” a popular Korean soap opera featuring TV stars Choi Ji-woo and Kwon Sang-woo.

If you climb for 10 more minutes, you will reach “Fantastic Road,” a trail with a jaw-dropping view of the West Sea and the surrounding forests. With a pine grove on your left and an endless stretch of ocean on your right, you can easily lose all sense of place.

After passing a few landmark rocks, you reach the peak in a little over an hour. Hikers who wish to continue walking can follow a route that leads to Guksabong, the highest peak of Mount Horyonggok, from a three-way junction about halfway through the main trail. On a clear day, the view from the peak sweeps the entire Yeongjong Island and several small islands plus the ferries cresting the bearded waves.

1 p.m., Seafood

You can stay on Mui Island for lunch, but if you venture just off the dock on Yeongjong Island, you will come across 50 seafood restaurants called “Airport City Seafood Complex.” Typical dishes range from raw fish to seafood hotpots. If you are an adventurous eater, the restaurants offer assorted clams roasted on a grill. A small order (30,000 won for three) comes with a bucket of oysters, mussels, large clams and fresh scallops to die for. You roast them on a grill until the shells pop open and then dip them in chili sauce. Many restaurants here offer a sidedish of scallops and onions drenched in a spicy sauce mixed with a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese. It might not sound so appetizing, but the combination makes for a curiously harmonious blend of tastes.

The idea is to eat as much you can, and give the leftovers back to the cook, who tosses them into a seafood noodle soup. You can also skip the grilling part and get straight to the noodle soup if you want. The portions are generous: At one restaurant you could almost go for a swim in the food bowls. The soup is very tasty. The roasted clams are thrown into a fish broth, which is accompanied by a few well-prepared sidedishes. This gets you ready for your next destination.

2 p.m., Haesoopia

Haesoopia hot spring is a major tourist attraction for frequent travelers to Seoul. They flock to the sauna to relax between flights. The bad news: sheer pandemonium breaks out on weekend afternoons. The good news: a free shuttle bus whisks customers from the airport to the spa throughout the week. The quality of water here is different from the Seoul area. Seawater is pumped from deep underground. Favorites here are two outdoor spas infused with seaweed and exotic medicinal herbs. The best time to visit is when it rains. It’s an indescribable pleasure ― soaking your body in a steaming spa while cold raindrops fall on your head.

Note, though, that there are no towels in the women’s spa. You have to bring your own or purchase one at a store. The management apparently stopped giving out towels because too many got lost. They were either taken home or thrown in the trash after use.

4 p.m., Yonggung Temple

Wonhyo, a monk, founded picturesque Yonggung Temple in 670 C.E. It was then refurbished in 1864. A zelkova tree thought to be 1,300 years old stands on the temple grounds. Buddhist pilgrims travel through the forest to get to the temple, attracted by its quiet pavilions and religious art. One of the temple’s greatest treasures is a statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, which is 11 meters tall. According to records, a carved gemstone Buddha statue stood inside the main sanctuary, but it was stolen many years ago. But you can see a bronze statue here plus calligraphy said to have been penned by Daewongun (1820-1898), King Gojong’s father.

7. p.m., Adagio

Adagio is a curious departure from seafood and hot springs. It is a bed and breakfast where you can learn Italian cooking. It’s run by Kang Seon-mi, the chef-instructor at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Seoul, a local branch of the Italian cooking school based in Turin. She’s joined by her jolly Italian husband, Alessandro Viscontin. Kang, a former Cathay Pacific flight attendant and native of Yeongjong Island, settled last year near Unseo Station, a neighborhood in the satellite city of Incheon. Houses here conjure up an image of an American suburb. For dinner, Kang held a demonstration dinner of pasta made with diced prawns, paprika and zucchini in tomato sauce. The wife cooks; the husband sets the table. The house is very well maintained. You won’t find any lost hairs on the pillows, the bedsheets are spotless and the shared dining room and bathroom are well equipped. Breakfast consists of fresh orange juice, a cappuccino and a basket of bread. For 30,000 won (cooking class excluded), this is a bargain. A cooking class is an additional 30,000 won with a three-course meal.

9 p.m., Tacky pleasures

This island has been a popular spot for filmmakers for many years, long before the tourists arrived. “Silmido,” a 2003 blockbuster about South Korean secret agents trained to assassinate former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung, was shot on the island of the same name. You can find the sets for the movies “The Sad Story” and “Full House” on Sin Island ― both houses overlook idyllic beaches.

All three islands were barren before the movie people set up their cameras. The success of the TV shows has brought in tourists and there are plenty of shops selling posters of celebrity actors. It’s interesting for 10 minutes or so, but after that it gets overly tacky. But you can’t blame the snappy-happy photographers, reliving their soap opera dreams. This fantasy island has that effect on visitors.

<continuing in next post...>

[bag.lover]

Originally Posted by bag.lover

(source: JoongAng Daily) Weekenders take flight to soapy spa

Weekenders take flight to soapy spa

Transport
To get to Mount Horyonggok from Seoul, take bus No. 306 in front of Gate 2 and 9 at Incheon International Airport. Get off at Geojampo, where the ferry leaves for Mui Island.
Alternatively, take subway line No. 1 to Incheon Station and catch any bus heading to the airport. The bus from the airport to Geojampo leaves every 10 or 15 minutes. Ferries travel between
7:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m from the dock to Mui Island.
A free shuttle bus runs from the airport to Haesoopia every hour from 9:20 a.m. to 6:20 p.m., except 12:20 p.m.
On weekends, the first bus leaves at 8:20 a.m. The bus leaves on the first level at Gate 14, past the crosswalk on 12C. For more information, call (032) 752-6000.
To get to Yonggung Temple, take bus 202 or 203 at Youngjong Dock and get off at Youngjong Public Health office. For detailed information, call (032) 760-7550.

Food
Bada Nara Hoetjip (032-889-5561) offers a variety of oyster dishes and raw fish on Mui Island. The Airport City Seafood Complex offers a wider choice of dishes and it is cleaner. At Baetgodong (032-751-8361) you can get fair deals on grilled clams, seafood hotpot and noodles.
You could also visit one of many franchise restaurants near Unseo Station or dine at Eight in the Hyatt Regency Incheon. The restaurant is named for the hotel’s eight different kitchen sections, including Korean, a sushi bar and grills.

Sleeping
The Hyatt (032-745-1234) offers a variety of accommodation packages. One night plus breakfast costs 240,000 won.
Rooms in Adagio (016-302-6970) go from 25,000 won to 150,000 won. It can accommodate up to 15 people at a time. Reservations are mandatory for both places.

By Park Soo-mee Staff Writer [myfeast@joongang.co.kr]

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[bag.lover]

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(source: CHOSUN Mar.21,2008 06:39 KST)
Actress Jeon to Launch Line of Blue Jeans

Actress Jeon Ji-hyun has lent her name to a world-famous brand of luxury blue jeans. True Religion is about to release a line of jeans called Gianna by True Religion, created with pan-Asian Korean star Jeon and named for her English name Gianna.

Distributed in some 50 nations including the U.S., Canada, Australia and countries in Europe, True Religion jeans became widely known when actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz and model Heidi Klum declared them their favorite denims.



The Gianna by True Religion line features 12 kinds of denim jeans designed to fit Korean women's figures and satisfy their sense of fashion.

To many people's surprise, Jeon was reportedly involved in every stage of their production, from design to deciding on fit and wash and their decoration with accessories.

True Religion suggested the Gianna line as it decided Jeon is the Asian star who is most stylish in blue jeans. It will be the company’s first celebrity line.

The line will debut on Friday in Korea, and then be released in 2009 in China, where Jeon has a large following and is known as a model for several companies.

(englishnews@chosun.com )

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[bag.lover]

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(source: KBS Global 2008-03-21)
New Attitude for Actor Kwon Sang-woo



March is usually a downtime for movies, but not this year. Hallyu's well-known Song Seung-heon and Kwon Sang-woo star in "Fate," and it's gaining attention from Korean fans as well as those abroad.

Fans should be prepared for Kwon's transformation in character. He curses, he's vile and he's vicious. He doesn't even blink an eye when he stabs another character in the hand with a broken beer bottle.

"At first, I was very worried about all the swearing, especially because my mother and her friends were coming to the premiere. But after she watched the movie, she told me my character didn't seem like a bad guy because I was playing him! Actually, many people said that so I guess I'm okay... 'Chul-joong' isn't completely bad."

Kwon is already 32 years old. He has become more of a society figure than one of celebrity status. The actor is a veteran in his own right and he spoke today with easy candor. "I shot the movie at a hard time in my life.

When I got really stressed, I would scream and curse on-set. It was great stress release!"

Kwon also admitted, "Now that I'm older, I don't really need anything else. I just want people to see me as 'Actor Kwon Sang-woo'... It's most important that you enjoy what you do and that means acting for me. I guess I'm finally beginning to grow up!"

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