King Sejong Underground Museum

One of Seoul’s most interesting and informative exhibitions is conveniently located in the heart of the city. Well, to be more precise, it’s actually located underground, in a sprawling space beneath Gwanghwamun Square.

While a prominent statue of King Sejong the Great sits atop the Square, the real tribute to him can be accessed by an almost hidden door located behind the statue.

I went to the museum called ‘The story of King Sejong’. It was very well organized and I could get all the information I wanted about King Sejong.

 
If you want to find out more about King Sejong, you can visit this exhibition. It’s located near the Gwanghwamun square! and guess what….. it’s free!!!!

Unbelievable right? I’m sure you’ll visit this place...(><,)

Sejong The Great, the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty

Daewoo E&C

The No.1 firm in terms of construction capacity, Daewoo E&C is well on its way to becoming a world-class engineering and construction company.


-Daewoo E&C HQ-

Founded in 1973, Daewoo E&C has spent thirty years at the forefront of Korea's remarkable economic development.

Relying on technological strength and quality-driven expertise, they have built reputation on industrial, residential, architectural and plant construction projects.

Using their accumulated knowledge and technological capability, Daewoo E&C continues to lead the industry in such advanced fields as "intelligent" skyscrapers, energy and environmental plants, nuclear power facilities, long-span bridges and high-speed railways.

-the entrance of Daewoo E&C building-

-GM Daewoo-

-Daewoo E&C-

Daewoo E&C : No.1 Construction Company in Korea

Embassy of Malaysia in South Korea

On the 3rd day, we woke up early (as usual...(><,)) to have breakfast and then we went to Malaysian Embassy in South Korea at Hannam-dong. Super cold that day + strong wind.


-in front of the embassy's main gate-

We had a meeting with Mr. Abdullah,Deputy Chief of Mission. We got a lot of informations from him.He told us almost all about the Korea started from the history,Korean War,The President of South Korea, Korea-Malaysia relationship and etc.

I will list down the main point that we had discussed.

1) Malaysia lags Korea for 10 years. You can see the difference from the railway system.
2) South Korea is a republic country
3) If you work in Korea, you will get 2 month bonus every 3 months.
4) The starting salary for fresh graduate is RM7000 (engineering field)
5) You will have to work whole day even if it is Saturday
6) Drug addicts in Korea is less than 1%
7) There is no such thing like subsidy in Korea. No subsidy for medical expenses, no subsidy for education, no subsidy for patrol, no subsidy on anything.
8)The citizen will have to bear the expenses all by themselves.That is why most families in Korea do not have more than 2 kids.


-photoshot with Mr.Abdullah-

We also had a meeting with Mr.Hanisan, who is the counselor for the exchange students, discussing about the education system for Korea and Malaysia.

Again, I would just list down the main point that we had discussed.

1) For students who want to further their Master in overseas, they will have to search sponsorship themselves.. JPA sponsor Degree only.
2) Malaysia - GDP 8000; Korea - GDP 20000
3) In Malaysia, we have 2 ministries to govern the IPTA and IPTS. In Korea, there is only 1.
4) Most universities in Korea are private. Less half-public,half-private.
5) Private sectors invest/sponsor the universities to build better facilities. New products invent/modify/improvise will belong to them.

-giving the UMP's sourvenirs to Mr.Hanisan-

-photoshot with Mr.Hanisan-

During the meeting, hearing all these information made me feel want to do something to improve Malaysia. Malaysia is considered as the top 3 countries in South East Asia but the systems that we have are old-fashioned.

In this fast changing world, it will be either you eliminate people or you will be eliminated. Changes need to be done and the first mission to be accomplished would be true unity. Unity among people is really important to ensure the country's development. Let's hope for the concept one 1Malaysia do work.

These courtesy visit did gave me a lot inspirations.

Everland Theme Park

Finally, on Monday, I got to go to Everland amusement park, the second biggest reason I went to Korea, but definitely the best!

Everland is one of Korea's most popular amusement parks. There is also a popular amusement park in Seoul called Lotte World, it is indoor so some claim it is the better of the two, as even during winter it is not cold. I was very excited to go to the Everland. While Everland is not Disneyland, it was a very fun day full of Christmas lights and parades!

By 9 a.m, we were up and headed towards the Gangnam Bus Stop. There we caught a bus to Yongin, the town where Everland is located.

It was so easy and convienent to hop on the bus and be dropped right at the gate to the park.

Admission was only 31,000 won each. Overall it was a really cute place, the entrance had Christmas decorations and lights all over and the main street was made up to look like famous places from around the world.

In the center of main street was a huge fairy like tree all decorated with lights and christmas ornaments.

The rest of the park was loosly divided into different theme areas "Magic Land" "European Land" and "American Land" were just a few. American Land was hilarious and ironically our first stop!

We went on a spinning "rodeo" ride, we stopped by a tipee, took pictures next to "rusty" mining gear and saw the sailing ship Columbus. It was all quite fun and really-really gorgeus!!

Hurricane

Cpt. Columbus Ship

Rusty Mining Gear

Rolling X-Train

While all the sections of the park were cutely decorated and attended by "cast members" wearing silly Christmas coats, snow hats and gloves, the rides were a little lacking. Most of them just went in circles or up and down.

We did go on one great roller coaster though!The T Express is one of the newest and main attractions at the Everland. It is one of the world’s longest wooden roller coasters, measuring in at nearly 6,000 feet. It is also the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world.

T-Express

Its claim to fame, and now mine since I rode it, is that it is the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world! They aren't lying, that first drop is dramatic and takes your breath away! It was also super cold outside so by the end of the ride you are quite frozen.

The cast members working the park were also super cute, they always had to wave their hands at passers by, as in, at all times. It did make things pleasant but when I waved back and they didn't stop I always felt like I should keep waving too!

We ended the night by strolling through the Chritmas lights before catching our bus back to Gangnam. The day was chilly and long but lots of fun.

Everland : Land of festival for 365 days!

Itaewon

Itaewon is a unique place in Seoul where one can meet people of diverse nationalities and cultures. Seoul even designated Itaewon as its first ‘Special Tourism District,’ to highlight it as a destination for internationals to enjoy a diversity of culture, shopping, and entertainment experiences.

High quality leather products in Korea can be found here at reasonable prices (though haggling is expected) as well as various types of traditional Korean souvenirs. Counterfeit goods and clothing are ubiquitous and of varying quality, but some genuine goods which are produced in Korea for the international market as well as some authentic imports can sometimes be found here. Itaewon is also known to have various tailors that peddle their services for making custom-made suits.

Many restaurants serving international dishes are found in this area including cuisine from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, and Mexico, foods that are not widely available in Korea. The most important thing is, most of foods here are HALAL.

We stop at Sultan's Kebab House to have our lunch. The kebab here are very-very delicious and tasty, but the price is not reasonable indeed. It's cost us 4,500 won for one set of kebab with cola, that's is equivalent to RM15 per set.

Sultan's Kebab House

The Seoul Central Mosque is also located in Itaewon.

Itaewon, the city for Muslims