Wednesday 24 April 2013

Rush Ticket KTO

In past it was seemed a bit difficult to arrange tickets watch the Korea performances. Sometimes the cost of the tickets was also reported expensive. Recently, the Korea Tourism Organization(KNTO) plans to open a website that will sell "rush tickets" that are sold on the day of performance at discounted prices starting August this year. I personally think that it is great. This I heard from many foreigners friends “I stopped going to performances because Korea is over expensive compared to other countries but now, I'll reconsider”.









Anyhow, the website will offer 50 to 90 percent discount on the rush tickets for major performances. a theater district in Seoul, as well as major art centers, according to Korea Herald. Along with discounted discounts, visitors will have the chance to see free performances at the public square area at the Korea Tourism Organization Headquarters. 


Check the event websitefor updates on the schedule. There’s even a flash mob planned where you’ll be able to win gifts, see a great show, and, of course, dance, dance, dance!

Do visit ”www.Visit Korea”, you will love it whether you see a performance or not. Evenings are a good time and so are the weekends.

For more information, call (02) 729-9536.
Original URL
http://sarahinsouthkorea.blogspot.com/2012/07/rush-tickets-for-performances-at.h ...
Short URL
http://www.ibuzzkorea.com/e/p/47535

Monday 22 April 2013

Jeonju, the city of Traditions


Jeonju is the city of Korean culture and traditions. It is famous for many things including the hanok village, foods like Bibimpap and its film festival. All together these things made Jeonju a city of attraction for not only the foreigners but Koreans as well. It has been since my first visit to Jeonju that I just love to visit this place time and again. Surprisingly every time I feel the same joy like I had in the very first time.
 An ancient city with a thousand-year-old history, Jeonju offers an untold number of time-honored traditions. Jeonju is home to pansori, a genre of musical storytelling inscribed on UNESCO’s list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,' and is known for its hanok homes and hanji paper. The city is also famous for its scumptious cuisine, particularly jeonju bibimbap and hanjeonsik.





This time we were on way to Suncheon to attend the International Pharmacy conference with Korean and Pakistani lab mates. We decided to explore the hanok village as it has many attractions including the traditional village style, oldest church, traditional and handmade stuff market and falling tree home.

Of all the cultural gems of Jeonju, perhaps the most celebrated is the Jeonju Hanok Village. Designated as one of the top places to visit in 2011, the Jeonju Hanok Village encompassees about 700 homes and represents the largest cluster of hanok in Korea. Jeonju has several important cultural assets and facilities like the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Omokdae Pavilion, and Hyanggyo (Confucian school). Come and embrace the 'slow city' style and immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Jeonju!


Seoul → Jeonju
Seoul Central Terminal → Jeonju Express Bus Terminal
(First bus - 05:30 / Last bus - 24:00 / Runs every 10 minutes / Travel time - 2 hours, 45 minutes)

Jeonju Express Bus Terminal → Jeonju Hanok Village
* Take Bus 5-1 from the bus stop located 150m away from the taxi stand on the opposite side of the street (towards Inter-city bus terminal direction).
(Bus runs every 15 minutes / Travel time: around 15 minutes).

* Take Bus 79 from the bus stop in front of the terminal main gate.
(Runs every 25 minutes / Travel time: around 15 minutes).

* Take a taxi: approximately 10 minutes. 




Monday 15 April 2013

Health Insurance in Korea



Health insurance in Korea is very important for all the foreigners especially for those who are living with their families.  Many of the foreigners consider it useless as they have very little experience to visit hospitals. Or sometimes they believe it is just worth less to be insured having no major disease. In this case they use some sort of OTC drugs to cope with their allergies and fever. Anyway people with different considerations have different approaches. However it is worth mentioned that “international students MUST be insured according to the regulations by the Korean ministry of education”.
 I was among those people who consider the insurance as the wastage of money. But recently my three friends came across certain conditions which compels me to reconsider my opinion. They got some serious problems including major disease which not only costs a lot but at the same times get a lot of trouble. Since I have family here now, it is quite important to be insured. In this blog I am sharing my experience with you all so that you may not be able to face those problems which I have faced while Insuring health in Ansan near Hanyang University ERICA campus.. 
There are two types of insurance for students;
1-      Private Health Insurance costing less amount per month but also  has a complicated system of recovery and the return is very less may be 10-20%. Mostly the single students like to have this kind of health insurance.

 In this case you can use the following guidelines to be insured. 
2. Fill out the student insurance application form (Please note that you must input your gender and birth date correctly)
3. Click “입력” after completing the form
4. Check the information you filled out and click “입력” at the bottom of the page.
5. Check the amount to pay and the bank account number
6. You should transfer the fee to the account given within 5 days in order to proceed your application.

How to claim on insurance

1. Log-in at  www.foreignerdb.com/hanyang 
2. Choose “보험금청구 Claim insurance” in the left part
3. Upload a scanned copy of receipts and other documents.

        2-   National Health Insurance is government system costing more but can cover up to 50-70% expenses at the spot in case of visiting hospital.


In this case you need to visit the nearby Health Insurance center.

The most important problem is the insufficient information provided by the NHI website as they didn’t mentioned which documents are necessary for the health insurance process. They have a phone service which also fails to give you a clear concept about how and when to get health insurance.

The documents you may required for health insurance are
1-Alien cards of you and your family
2-Make sure you have same address on alien registration card.
3-Bank account number/ photo copy
4- Marriage certificate, which can be obtained from nearby Immigration office 
5- You can apply after completion of 3 months after your arrival in Korea (honestly I don’t know the exact reason).

The most surprising thing for me during all the process was that nobody can speak English well at Ansan Health Insurance center which was quite discouraging . So make sure you have all the required documents or you can seek help from Korean friend or your class fellow. They will cost you around 44000 won at the spot and you need to submit the same amount on regular bases on 24th of every month.. They will issue you a certificate. Whenever you visit hospital you need to take your Alien ID card with you and they will make you sure the discount according to their limits.
DIRECTIONS:
Hereby given are the directions for the ANSAN HEALTH INSURANCE Center.
Choji Subway Station Exit.1 takes right just after the exit
Keep right at the Sagori (Choraha) 
Walk for 15 minutes.
If you are in hurry take a taxi, it will cost you around 2500 won

Stay blessed &
Have a nice/healthy stay in Korea.






Sunday 14 April 2013

Dedicated to My Family & Friends


It is strange but true we are emotional people, our decisions are very fast and quick without thinking of future or keeping in mind the results of the decisions made.  Sometimes I feel like we deserve what is happening to us, Sometimes I feel we will never rise up, our system will never change. Our politicians will rule the way they did, nothing will change except that the poor will be treated more harshly and will be hanged over till death. It is all because we are divided into parts of two, One party is people like us the subjects and the other party is the rulers and they are powerful. Rules, regulations and constitutions are different for them and for us. They have the right to do what ever they want and we are born to be slave till our death. They are just few families who are ruling since decades with their friendly oppositions. It seems like we are born to slave, we are born to bag for our basic rights, we have to bag for electricity, water supply, basic education and peace in our mother land…yes we are slaves to them and nothing else but have to bring the change in our attitudes and behavior, otherwise our future will never forgive us. 


To be very honest and with a realistic approach I am not a kind of man who lose hope with just small difficulties but sometimes there comes a point where you have to decide whether to go with the things that we have/had already or to stand against the evil for a change and for a bright future of our beloved children. Let me say, we have a point here, we have a chance to get rid of all those black sheep’s who are the only responsible s for bringing us poverty, injustice, haters and terrorism.
Yesterday, I had a phone conversation with my family back in Pakistan. I asked them who are you gonna vote this time and they said we have to vote for JUI, as we did in past and as it was a tradition of our forefathers. That was something which really made me upset and compels me to think we deserve these cheap politicians, we deserve injustice, we deserve the poverty, favoritism, terrorism and corruption that they had brought to us. We are mad people; we follow any one in the name of Islam without opening our eyes although as a matter of fact Quran says;” You need to think and observe in the Universe”. I know we are religion lovers and trying to be true believers, also we love those who struggle for Islam but my dears wait a moment.. Are they really struggling for Islam???? No of course not… They are just like the others but the only difference is that they are abusing the name of Islam for their own agenda and comforts. Let me explain my point of view and it will help you making your decision easy.


He was the part of Banazir Govt ,Nawaz govt, musharaf govt and zardare govt... In all these terms of governments he was appointed at some higher posts like chairman of Kashmir committee, opposition leader, foreign affairs and much more and the interesting thing is that he always criticize the govt after the termination of its interval... He has the capability to give certificates of Islam. It took him no time to expel some Muslim from Islam. He was the one who said,” the down surface of earth is better than the up surface, where there is a woman ruling any land” and surprisingly he was the member of parliament and also cabinet in the same government of BiBi Benazeer. What a hypocrite and double nature this party has recently shown. Ideology is something else but what you do is what people believe you and vote for.. no doubt we are Muslim but it is really unfair to attach our Islam, our religion to such people who have previously looted us in the name of Islam. If you are not following the ideology of Islam, If you are abusing the name of islam you have no more right to use the name of Islam and religion for your comforts and priorities.


It is always surprising for me why he didn’t respond to the filed cases against him like the diesel permits case and the allocation of lands to his relatives and friends in DI Khan and much more. His only response is that this is propaganda against him and JUI… Come on man we are no more kids.. It is very surprising for me he is elected many times by the people of DIK, Lucky Marwat and Bannu. He remained on some high officials post but they have done nothing more than enjoying the friendly opposition or ruling the nation.
We criticize the leadership of political parties for limitinzing the parties to their family only, as this time 30 members of Sahreef family will contest from PMLN in the upcoming elections same is the case will PPP, as Bhutto will lead the party and if they could not find bhuuto a zardari will be called Bhutto to lead the party of millions workers who spoiled their lives for the party. The JUI is not more different the parties like other as Malunana Fazal Rehman and his family will always lead the party, Maluana Atta Ur Rehmana, Maluna Lutf ur Rehaman and now their beloved young brother Maulana Obaid Ur Rehman , will lead the nation, I am surprised whether there is not a single leader other than their families members or the mothers of Pakistan have stopped producing Leader, Of course not… They are same as the leader of other parties the only difference is that they are spoiling the name of Islam,,, they are misleading the people and play with the emotions of innocent people of Pakistan.
Actually the inside story is same for all the political parties of Pakistan. We cannot differentiate the JUI from all others.. They are promoting the same favoritism as the other parties do. Mama the uncle of Fazal rehman family was appointed as the mayor of DIK district although people of DIk know he was incapable of this duty. Why didn't they select any other person for this job is a question mark although I personally know many good people and workers of this party? When it was turn of distributing the tickets for reserved woman seats in national assembly and senate they like other parties preferred their own family members... what is this kind of Islam.. I could not understand it..
I still remember the days when people in my country were at roads and were against the blossomy of Muhammad PBUP and these so called defenders were enjoying the ruling power.. they didn’t feel any discomfort for it to release a press article, or even a press conference but just after 2 weeks when one of their senator was disqualified from a post they were just furious and I saw maulana fazul rehman and his party boycotting the the session of general assembly. It compels me to think either this politics or this post was much more important than the messenger of Allah. This Kind of Islam they are following and defending in my country????. Just think for a moment, it was the government of MMA in Khyber Pakhtoon khwa, and JUI have the post of Opposition leader in national assembly, when the drone attacks started on the innocent people of Khyber Pakhttonkhwa and my people died just because of the reason we love our land, just because we are the true lovers of Islam and just because of the fact that we believe in Allah the only Super power. It was the time to leave the national assembly and stand behind the people of our land but they were enjoying the government. The sisters and mothers and daughters of Pakistan were shouting and bagging for peace and their basic right and there false followers of Islam like Maulana Fazal Rehman were enjoying foreign trips…. I still remember the speech delivered by Maulana Aman Ullah the Ex. MNA of my area from JUI, sitting in mosque he said that he will be answerable if people will vote them and they will change the future of Lakki Marwat. But, Ididnt heared he visited my village after elected and the people of Lakki marwat knows he has a house made of mud before election and then I saw him making bungalows, riding cars and making money. What kind of “Khuda ke Zameen par Khuda ka Nizam Is”??? 




My family and friends… Let me say they are no more different then the PPP, PLMN, ANP and MQM. Let’s think in the current scenario, who is the true leader of our nation, who stand for the drone victims, who stand against Musharaf acts, who stand against the common problems of my nation. Who has the solution of our problems, who has the flag of justice and education for all? Who speaks of the equality for all and above all can you see all the other parties are making alliance against him. The enemies of yesterday became friends against him, why because they know, if they will not unite against him. He will make free, the people of Pakistan from their capture.. Yes I am talking about Imran Khan and PTI, WHO IS THE ONLY HOPE for Pakistan.
We still have a chance in the form of PTI and Imran Khan, let’s vote for him otherwise our future will never forgive us. 


Seokcheon Thombs


I have never been found of visiting tombs and historical places like that but here in Korea I have lot of opportunities to explore the historical places including tombs, museum, temples, mountains and different other attraction. The only reason behind this is that Korean people have sustained and preserved their cultural and historical sites.  I had a chance this time with the Sungpa-gu office as tourism ambassador to visit the Seokchon tombs. The stone mound tombs in Seokchon-dong were found and investigated as part of the city development project in Jamsil district. The tombs are presumed to belong to one of the earliest leaders of the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-660 AD).



The tomb site offers valuable information concerning the culture and customs of the Baekje Dynasty in its golden age around the 4th century, as well as the relations between the three ancient kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla) around that time. Although I was quite tired but the weather was just amazing and cool breeze made it perfect. The guide provided some interesting and historical information about the tombs. We also have a chance to watch the tree which is around 400 year’s old tree. 


Direction:
Seokchon Station (Seoul Subway Line 8), Exit 6.
Go straight along Baekjegobun-ro for 4 blocks.

Garden Munjeong Rodeo Drive


Sopping in Korea is quite expensive especially if you are unaware of the discount shops or areas. Still there are some places where you can buy the branded material at discounted price. Foreigner and travels across the Korea are especially interested in such places where they can buy some branded stuff and also some good quality souvenirs.  I had a chance to visit the Myeong-dong Rodeo Street, which is famous for branded stuff at discounted prices. Munjeong-dong Rodeo Street is the first outlet shopping center in Korea to stock such an inclusive variety of brand names. Over 200 stores line the streets near the Town Office (Munjeong 1-dong), offering a variety of products including men’s and women’s suits, casual wear, sportswear, and shoes. Unlike other outlets, this shopping center offers a huge selection of brands that cater to everyone from Infants to senior citizens.


The street is T-shaped, with a 1km-long Main Street connected to a 400-meter-long alley, and the Munjeong 1-dong Resident Center located at the center. Munjeong-dong Rodeo Street is one of Korea’s major shopping streets, since discount stores stocking sportswear; casual wear, shoes, men’s and ladies’ suits, and golf wear are all located on this street. Moreover, this is a great place to find deals on famous brands, at prices lower than at a department store. On some items you can get discounts of up to 70-80%.The parking lot is free of cost for the shoppers and foreigners.


In addition, Munjeong-dong Rodeo Street has a lot of of cafeterias and amusement services. There are a number of pizza places, coffee shops, and food courts, as well as internet cafes and game rooms in the alleys behind the stores. Visitors can also relax in the surrounding parks.  Every week end and national holidays, charity sale is held on the open-air stage of the Munjeong 1-dong Resident Center, and merchandise is sold for even bigger discounts.




Direction:
Munjeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 8), Exit 1.
Go 250m and then turn right onto Dongnam-ro (동남로).
Go 100m to arrive at the Rodeo Street.
Working Hours: 10AM -9:30 PM 

Olympic Park, Seoul




Seoul is amazing these days. The flowers of spring all around have made the scenery attractive and more beautiful than ever. Although the weather is still cold and cold breeze is taking its final breaths. However today weather is was a bit hot with perfect sunshine and it was amazing to move around. Spending this time at some beautiful place is no doubt the wish of every one. I had an opportunity to walk in the Olympic park exploring the different attractions of Olympic park.

Olympic Park is a remarkable leisure facility in which historic remains from the Baekje Era share space with modern state-of-the-art sports stadiums, an eco-friendly forest, and spacious grassy fields. A heritage of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the park not only houses the country’s largest sports arena, but has also become a place where Seoul residents come to relax and unwind. 


As an ambassador of Sungp-gu district I along with 60 other ambassadors had a nice lunch in the Korean traditional restaurant inside the Olympic park. After that we had a presentation about the Seoul Olympic. the presenter explain also briefly bout the history and attractions of park. The park was full of people of all ages including many foreigners. It seemed every one was enjoying the weekend end with their beloved ones. Sunny day, playing kids, beautiful couples, cherry blossom and beautiful faces has made this day a very special for me. 



Our next destination was the Soul Olympic museum. We were welcome warmly by the museum management. The tour guide explains the history of world Olympics and different attractions of the museum. She explains on how these Olympics brought harmony and peace to the world. Thanks to the Sungpa-gu office for proving such  a nice opportunity to explore this part of Seoul...:) 


Available Facilities:
- Mongchongtoseong Fortress, Mongchon Museum of History, Soma Museum, Olympic Museum
-Mongchonhaeja, Peace Square, World Peace Gate, picnic areas
- Eco Park, Music Fountain
- Olympic Parktel
- Gym: Swimming pool, tennis court, fencing, weightlifting, gymnastics, etc.



Directions:
* Subway 
Olympic Park Station (Subway Line 5), Exit 3 
Mongchontoseong Station (Subway Line 8), Exit 1 


Lottey World


If you are in Korea you may heard of “Lotte” in fact you can see so many sign board all around the country. Lotte is the biggest shopping mall network of the Korea where you can find all the necessities of life. The biggest store of all is located in Seoul. It is a combination of adventure, fun, entertainment and enthusiasm.
Located in the heart of the city, Lotte World is the perfect spot for performing and exploration. It is a theme park filled with exciting rides, an ice rink, different kinds of parades as well as a folk museum, a lake, and much more. About 6,000,000 visitors are welcomed every year including foreigners from different countries. it is open for visitors all year round, regardless of the weather.
One of the major reasons tourists are attracted to Lotte World is the amusement rides. The Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing are the top pleasers– a steep drop with an altitude of 70 meters, or taste the thrilling sensation of being inside a tornado.


Lotte World is divided into a '’Adventure’ theme once you are inside the building, and outside is a ‘Magic Island’ theme next to Seokchonhosu Lake. Lotte World Adventure has certain districts representing different countries with various kinds of facilities and souvenir shops. You can enjoy watching parades, numerous films, laser shows, and a variety of international cuisines even during the holidays. 

Magic Island is situated outdoors, where the dazzling Magic Castle is located as well as thrilling high-altitude rides that you can't experience elsewhere. Magic world is amazing right from the enterence.it seems like you are a part of movie from ancient time. Be sure to also check out the peaceful walking trail around the lake. The ice rink is another attraction of Lotte world. It has thrill and excitment together with joy. The ice rink is situated indoors on the B3 floor, and is opened throughout the year. Its pleasant atmosphere is perfect for family and couples to enjoy. The hours are from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm, and runs even during the holidays. 
On the other hand, The Folk Museum is the most popular museum for foreign tourists. Folk cultural items are displayed and the items go back 5,000 years in Korean history as well as miniature villages, and a playground. The museum layout was arranged to attract the visitors' attention and the displays are easily understandable. In addition, audio-visual devices and miniature models will make it more enjoyable.


Directions:
Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 8), Exit 4.
Lotte World is directly connected to the station.



Saturday 13 April 2013

Ambassador of Sungp-gu, Seoul


This was not only a presentation but was an honor to be among the ambassadors of Sungpa-gu district of Seoul, One of the most charming, developed and attractive part of Seoul. It is always a source of interest for me to meet new friends and to discuss international relations, promote peace and love through communication for the sake of humanity. It was a wonderful Saturday to meet some interesting people faces with high enthusiasm and spirits for promoting the culture and tourism of Sungpa-gu district of Seoul.

Emotions were beyond the expectations, looking at my “Green Flag” and presiding the oath ceremony of Sungpa-gu ambassadors from more than 50 countries along with Russian and Korean fellow with her hyenas Kim Young-Soon, the mayor of Sungpa-gu. Kim Young Soon is the only female mayor of 26 mayors of Seoul. She is an amazing lady with attractive personality and has the capability to attract the attention of people around. She can be truly called as the, “Iron Lady”. 

The chief of the day distributed the certificates of ambassadorship among the participants after an amazing speech about the Sungpa-gu, its attractions and the development going on with the help of city government. The most attractive part of the ceremony was the signature of poster having flags all the country representatives. All the participants were really crazy about the signatures and writing their views about Sungpa-gu and its attractions. All the participants took pictures with the honorable mayor of Sungpa-gu individually as well as in groups.


At this moment lotte word cards were given to the participants with the help of which they can enter any time to Lotty world and enjoy the adventures of Lotty. That was something unexpected..:)  
The arrangements of the ceremony were superb and the credit goes to the staff of Sungpa-gu office efforts to make this event a success. I have attended many official events here in Korea but let me say that was the most organized and well established and planned event of the day. 

Thanks to Sungpa-gu for choosing me as one of the ambassador and also to preside the ceremony of certification. It simply means I am gonna enjoy and explore this beautiful part of Seoul for the period of one year. YEEEAH 



Songpa-gu office: Directions:
Subway line-2 ?(Jamshil Station Exit-10) walk for 2 minutes

Friday 5 April 2013

Thank You Party with KTO

 It was indeed a memorable night beautified by the warm welcome of KTO officials and the charming faces of K Supporters. That night was dedicated to the commitment of Korean Performances Supporters. Around 200 K Supporters were there to enjoy the moment of pleasure including the members of K-1 Supporters and K-2 Supporters. 
Being in the heart of Gangnam, the place of fashion, charm and energy of Seoul, the location of the Gangnam K Pop hall is truly amazing. The only problem is that the face of the building is the other way of the main road. However one can find it easily with a little struggle.


After a delicious dinner, the awards were distributed among the Top-3 K Supporters of the previous sessions. It was really one of the most proud moments of my life to receive the K-1 Supporter award with a grand prize of 500,000 won including many more gifts. It was really awesome to be on top among the 400 K Supporters from around 64 countries… Wavoooooo


The night of celebration was further beautified with the K Pop concert including the Korean traditional folk performances, B boy show and K Pop music./ All together the performances were superb full of energy and enthusiasm specially the B Boy show. The concert hall was an attractive place to sit in and the sitting arrangement was perfect.
Thanks to KTO for your invitation and providing all those opportunities in the previous session… For the K-2 Supporter Session I am ready… Yeeeeeeah…J