Suwon Hwaseong haenggung

Suwon   palace “Hwaseonghaenggung “was the temporary palace where King Jeongjo stayed at the time of Wonhaeng (long journey) and also where he held a splendid feast on Hyegyeonggung Hong, his mother's 60th birthday and more other events. 

Suwon Hwaseon ghaenggung is now the traditional mark of Korean history. It is one of the heritages of Korean nation. People of different ages come from far and near to explore the historical existence of this palace. A healthy number of foreigners visit this palace every year to experience the rich culture and traditions of Korea.

It was a place where different activities were planned to perform over a period of time in different eras of Korean history. Many such activates includes awarding certificates to successful candidates at special national exams, celebrating national days, organizing national level events and parades of different events. Even the national guards parades is one of the top attraction today and I must say it is

Here are the directions if you want to visit Hwaseong palace.

Operating Hours

March through October 09:00~18:00 November through February 09:00~17:00 Directions [Subway] Suwon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 6. Cross the road, turn right, and walk 100m to the Yeokjeon Market bus stop. Take Bus 7, 7-2 or 32-1 and get off at Hwaseong Haenggung. [Bus] 1)Jamsil ~ Suwon Take bus No. 1007 from Jamsil station (Subway Line 2), and get off at the Hwaseong Haenggung station. The first bus leaves at 5:00 am and comes every 8-12 minutes. 2)Gangnam ~ Suwon Take bus No.3000 from Gangnam station (Subway Line 2), and get off at the Buksu-dong station. The first bus leaves at 6:00 am and comes every 20 minutes.

Pakistani foot ball in FIFA 2014 world cup Brazil

This article is written for the promotion of  Incheon Asian Games 2014 ( http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/brazuca-ball/ ) and this is dedicated to all those Pakistanis who believe in hard work and commitment in their lives. 

Picture taken from Google

World is in fever of FIFA football world cup the biggest event of football on planet earth. The month-long tournament, already kicked on June 12, has 32 of the world’s best sides locking horns in the most watched event in sports. The knockout stage is already over after bringing fame and respect for many players in the field. In couple of days the semi finals phase would be started with lots of smart moves, best kicking and marvelous goals. This world cup is famous for many things including the modern technologies, amazing arts, latest stadiums and the last but not the least the Brazuca (football).

The FIFA World Cup match ball is the icon of the tournament as the focus of every goal, every play and every touch. Brazuca was named in September 2012 following a public vote in Brazil involving 1 million soccer fans. The name “brazuca” is a casual local term which means “Brazilian,” or to describe the Brazilian way of life. The colors and ribbon design of the ball panels symbolize the traditional parti-colored aspiration bracelets worn in the country in addition to reflecting the vibrancy and fun associated with soccer in Brazil. The brazuca is a breakthrough innovation built for every player on the field. The Brazuca features a striking new design and new panel system. Six identical interlocking panels make up the ball’s synthetic surface, thermally bonded to keep out moisture.

Picture taken from Google

It is a matter of honor for every Pakistani that made in Pakistan football is always a ball of choice for the world class football clubs, players and the FIFA world cup. Pakistan may be known as a cricketing nation but not many know that the soccer balls for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil will be imported from the 159th-ranked football nation. Sialkot, a town in eastern Pakistan, was once the unassailable soccer ball production capital of the world exporting about 30 million balls a year, an estimated 40 percent of global production. 60 million hand stitched footballs are made each year in Sialkot and sold to companies like Adidas and Nike and Reebok. And you’d better believe they are the best because this year, FIFA has placed an order to forward Sports in Sialkot to make the official football for the FIFA World Cup 2014. In December 2013, Brazil unveiled the latest soccer ball for the 2014 edition “the Brazuca” on the official FIFA World Cup website. When Akhtar (the head of company) heard last autumn that Adidas' Chinese supplier for the World Cup couldn't keep up with mandate, he instantly invited the executives to his plant in Sialkot. Although the first impression was not an impressive one but his efforts make it possible to get attention and then offer from the FIFA officials.

taken from Google

The brazuca’s thorough two and a half year analysis process tangled more than 600 of the world’s top players and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents, making it the most tested ball ever by adidas. Lionel Messi, Iker Casillas, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Zinedine Zidane, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Palmeiras and Fluminese were among the top athletes and clubs who tested brazuca. The ball was also tested in competitive international matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a different print design and in a friendly match between Sweden and Argentina in February 2013.All these efforts make the Brazuca the most amazing ball of the world cup history.

Taken from Google

Pakistan made football is the only representative of Pakistan in the soccer filed at FIFA 2014 world cup, Brazil. It is believed that this will help in emerging the soccer’s love in country and will be a source of motivation for the country. 

R16 B boy championship Korea, 2014

R-16 Korea, the annual international b-boy competition and urban arts cultural festival struck Seoul, so hard, fast and full of thrill that it will be remembered for long. Returning Seoul for its eighth times, the B Boys hit the ground with their solo performances amazingly. The foremost episode features sixteen B-Boy crews representing fifteen countries competing in a two day tournament for world championship titles in 05 categories: B boy, Locking, Popping, best crew performance and best crew battle. The festival fetched together graffiti performers, street wear stylists, musical artistes and dancers who specialize in hip-hop, popping, locking and other urban arts subcultures from South Korea and other countries. R-16 is a festivity of the artistic energy representing the urban youth culture.

Based on a theme of "Respect" (which is what the "R" in R-16 refers to), the Hip Hop culture has acknowledged South Korean b-boys as a distinct part of its history. The concept of respect is an amazing thing to be experienced in the 2 days of World B Boys championship in Korea. Where people from different regions gathered to practice their skills and earn respect for their countries and promote the urban youth activities. Like previous years this time too the big battle was arranged by the Korea tourism organization with its co-organizers to promote the urban youth culture in the region and around the globe. 

This youth festival was a massive success like previous years entertaining more than 8000 Koreans and internationals in the Olympic park of Seoul. Over 300 hundreds musicians, artists, promoters, producers, hip hop specialists, urban enthusiasts and b boys gathered in this festival to promote inspiration and love for the urban youth and B boys championships. Korean-American b-boy, singer, and rapper, Jay Park, has been the official ambassador of R-16 for years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. 

It was a great honor for me to be there and watch some incredible B boy’s competitions for the consecutive 3^rd year since 2012. A massive crowed smash Seoul Olympic park this year to enjoy these competitions from the winners of different regions and to choose the best B boy, and the best team of the year 2014. R16 offers many prizes for the winner and runner up (1000 USD-3000USD), which is presented at the spot. The judges were former b boys, famous loking and popping satrs from USA, France, Korea, Japan and Germany for different categories. The gamblers from Korea won the crew battle after a tough competition with Predators from Russia. However the crew performance won by the predators. B boy champion 2014 won by Issie of Japan for the consecutive 3^rd year, this time defeating lil Zoo from Morocco. Wawoo isn’t amazing? Cio won the Loking championship and Kid boogie remains unbeaten in popping championship. Here is a link for the amazing Bboy battle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2j4X_7D8yE&feature=youtu.be

B boy is considered an art in Korea and the Korean youth has a craze about b boy championship. This might be a reason B boys sow is becoming essential part of different cultural and traditional festivals including the K pop industry and non-verbal performances.  Enthusiastic participation from the audience especially the internationals reveals that B boys championship is on the right direction to achieve its target of youth urban arts promotion. 

Achievements of Pakistan in the Asian Games

This article is written for the promotion of Incheon Asian Games 2014. The link is hereby given. http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/pakistan-asian-games/ 

One Day and Two Golds:

Last times Asian Games at Guangzhou 2010 were special for Pakistan as we celebrated the dual triumph and victory by winning two Gold Medals in one day in men field hockey and squash finals and thus making a memorable day in the country's sporting history.

A well awaited Gold in Field Hockey Men:

Field Hockey is national sports of Pakistan, and is very popular in nationwide along with the obvious South Asian craze cricket. Pakistan Field Hockey team has been the most successful team with four time world champions and two times runners up. Similarly the winning history of Pakistan Men Field Hockey team is also a pride of our nation by having the unbeaten record of eight Gold Medals in in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990 and 2010 with 2 silver and 3 bronze as well.

Asian Games 2010 proved to be very memorable for Pakistan and Pakistan Field Hockey team as we won the Gold of Asian Games after the long drought of 2 decades. Unfortunately Pakistani Field Hockey Team had been struggling in late nineties and the early twenties, due to some lack of resources and non-serious behavior from Governmental authorities but still natural talent of Pakistan kept on brings some titles for the country but Gold for a big event such as Asian Games was the real expectation of the whole nation. We all wanted to see Pakistani team to achieve the same fame and glory when it was the fear for all the nations and remained world champions even for two continuous times of 1978 and 1982. Pakistani team remained full of world class players like Shabaz Ahmed Sr. known to be the Maradona of Hockey, Shanzan Sheikh, one of the brilliant goalkeepers of hockey history Shahid Ali Khan also known to be the hero of New Dehli World Cup, Sameeullah “the flying Horse” and from recent Sohail Abbas with ever highest goals in field hockey 348 till June 2013.

In the Asian Games 2010 Final, Pakistan’s two bright stars of Field Hockey Sohail Abbas and Rehan Butt scored historical goals to the Gold and winning the final beating a tough team of Malaysia by 2-0.  The whole country celebrated this well awaited welcoming win by Pakistan. It was a moment of celebration and pride for whole nation.

Bringing back the Squash:

With no doubt Pakistan is the first greatest ever squash-playing nation of all time, and credit for this goes to the Khan dynasty. Hashim Khan who was the founder of Pakistan Squash won 7 titles in 8 years of  British Open. Jahangir Khan the King of Squash, made not a single historical unbeaten record but many of these like he won 6 times the World Championships and British Open 10 consecutive times then won 555 matches consecutively making the longest winning streak in squash history, but also one of the longest unbeaten runs by any athlete in top-level professional sports. Along with Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan was the new King of Squash who surpassed Jahangir Khan's record of five successive victories in the world open championship. He climaxed the 1996 season by winning the 20th edition of the World Open contest for the eight time which record is likely to last a long time. Pakistan struggled after Jansher Khan’s retirement, so since 1998, Pakistan had been going through the dark age of its squash. No Pakistani since then reached the final of either the British or World Open. But then Asian Games 2010 the same Gold Medal Day for Men Field Hockey brought the long drought of Pakistan Squash when Pakistan's top-ranked squash pair of Aamir Atlas Khan and Farhan Mehboob snatched the worth a wait gold for their country with splendid and superb win over Malaysia's Ong Beng Hee and Mohammad Azlan Iskandar. This victory was the sign of revival of the glory of squash we had in the past. Pakistan was known by these sports and so we had to achieve the lost name back. And Pakistan’s duo did it with a great win in the end.

Pakistan’s whole nation celebrated the two very well needed and well deserving gold medals in same day of the Asian Games 2010. It was a historical day of smiles and pride for the whole nation.

Hopes are high:

Pakistan hope to prove his huge natural talent in coming Asian Games 2014 going to be held in Incheon, South Korea in September and October of this year. Being current champions of Field Hockey, Squash, Women’s Cricket, Pakistan is looking forward not only to defend these titles but also to conquer the arena for many more like Men’s Cricket, Tennis, Kabadi, etc. All the best Pakistan with uncountable sincere prayers and wishes

Nanta, a must watch performance

South Korea most amazing show Nanta also known as Cookin' or Cookin' Nanta is a non-verbal comedy show that in cooperate traditional samul nori rhythm. The musical has a simple back story of three cooks attempting to finish preparing a wedding banquet within a strict time limit while the manager installs his incompetent nephew among the kitchen staff. The show involves acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy, pantomime and audience participation.

I had a chance to enjoy this amazing show with my K supporter friend Omer on June27, 2014. Thanks to the Korea tourism organization for this amazing opportunity. We reserve our ticket at ChungJeongno Theater which is located at Chungjeongno station line5 exit-7. The best way is to go by subway where it can be easily traced by the exit-7connected to B2 of the building. The theater is located on F2 while the tickets can be received/reserved atF2. The theater is very clean with comfortable seats, big stage, nice sounds and lightening effects. With the kitchen as its backdrop, chefs its main character, one thing is very interesting which is to every kitchen utensils is transformed into musical instruments. Good smells of foods being cooked get to cover all over the kitchen and smiling faces of hilarious cooks make both the stage and the audience united.

The unifying element throughout the musical is the use of traditional Korean samul nori music, which in this case is performed with improvised instruments, such as cutting boards, water canisters and kitchen knives. The performance is almost completely non-verbal. The very few words which are spoken are mostly in English.Nanta is the longest-running show in Korean history. In Korea it is performed in three theatres in Seoul (Myeongdong & ChungJeongno) as well as in one theatre on the island of Jeju.I must say, if you really wanted to enjoy a performance full of fun, music, charm, traditions, magic and beauty go and watch nanta. You will find all the stuff there.  

 For more detail 

Myeongdong theater http://nanta.i-pmc.co.kr/nanta/en/about/nantaTheater02.aspx

Chungjeongno theater  http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_1.jsp?cid=1792935

Why should we promote IAG smart torch application

This article is written for th Incheon Asian Games 2014. Here is the link to article http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/smart-torch-app/

It is always considered as an honor to carry the torch of Olympic Games, Asian games and all that kinds of historical events. In fact everyone wants to be one of those who can carry this torch and present their country on those auspicious occasions. Before the 2014 Incheon Asian games it was just a dream for a common person, as this honor is always been given to the super stars of nations with incredible achievements. In the 17^th Asian games, the IAGOC, has introduced a new idea to bring the dreams of all those who want to represent their country in Asian games by introducing the smart torch relay android application. This is for the first time ever in the history of Asian games that everyone can receive, hold and share the torch relay. This application is developed for the android users with multiple benefits.

Here you can get an answer to your question on why should I download the IAG smart torch relay application??

The smart torch relay offers the true representation of your country. You can just download, keep using and share through SNS with your friends and family members. This will help you making batter your country rank on the application among the participating country. The more your friends download it the more your country position will be prominent on the application.

It offers the information related to the Incheon Asian games which include the venues, stadiums and their facilities, the games that will be played and the participating countries of the Incheon Asian games 2014. Keeping in mind the interest of the modern era in games through smart phones, the smart torch relay application offers an interesting game. The IAG has created an event for those who will play IAG game and some big prize will be given to the top 03 online scores which is Samsung galaxy S5 and 5 scorers with more than 10,000 points will be randomly selected for Samsung NX mini camera. The deadline for this event is une28 and the winners will be announced on July7.

Come and join the smart torch relay the more you play the more you have chances to get high prizes.

Here is a short procedure on how to proceed.

a, Download “Smart Torch Relay” application from Google Play Store.
b, Light your flame by requesting the flame OR receive the flame from your friend using NFC function(Near Field Communication) within your mobile phone.

c, Enjoy the game with your friends and family! Sharing this application via Facebook, Twitter, Kaokaotalk(Korean popular messenger) and LINE.

With the slogan of diversity shine here, I think every one of us should promote the IAG smart torch relay to show our respect and love for games, culture and traditions of Asian countries and to promote the true and diverse culture of Asia.

KABOOM

I had a chance to explore another amazing Korean performance and I had a lot of fun there, KABOOM to me was a super like show. It was remarkable after such a long time to enjoy a performance with creativity, fun and originality. The performance form traditional fusion Korean classical music is always a source of recreation for me and at that spot I enjoyed it at my best. It was a fine Saturday, June21 2014 when I along with my wife have an opportunity to watch Kaboom. Thanks to Korea tourism organization for this awesome break.

Located at the Jongno-3-ga station of subway line 1,3 &5 it can be easily traced. Kaboom has a nice set, comfortable sitting arrangements facilitated by good sounds, music coated with fun and thrill. The lightening is perfect with the demand of the scene which all together can make those 80 minutes memorable for you.  

The magic part of the show was a bit tricky in coated with fun. Like all the other magic shows it has engaged the viewers for moments and spread many smiles in the theater exciting the spectators. The B boy show is always a source of fun for me and I had really enjoyed the R16 competitions in Korea from the past 02 years. I was not expecting here this show but the morning of owl made me feel happy with their amazing arts. I think I am gonna in love with B Boys. Performance in the darkness PID was just superb, it was a kind of performance which I was watching for the first time ever in my Korean life and it was truly amazing. It has made that night very special for me. Over all KABOOM was a nice show and I like it too much, Thanks to the KTO for such an awesome opportunity to open the session-3 of Korean Performance supporters.