Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 2-8]

I was addicted to Korean traditional musical performance after I watched 'Fantastick' show. It's like a wish came true to watch another famous show. 

 

 Jeongdong Theater (정동 극장).

 

Before watching Miso: Baebijang-jeon (배비장전), 

we attended a class on how to play Janggu. 

The teacher introduced us this percussion instrument.

Janggu (장구) is Korean Traditional hourglass-shaped drum. To play the janggu, you'll need beating sticks (chae): Gungchae and Yeolchae.

It's like learning Korean language... we're asked to repeat what the teacher said:

Jang~gu, Gung~chae and Yeol~chae, Janggu~chae.

Then we're taught on how to hold the sticks properly:

1. Gungchae on left hand. If you beat it on the janggu it'll make 'Gung' sound.

2. Yeolchae on right hand. If you beat it on the janggu it'll make 'Ttak' sound.

3. Gungchae + Yeolchae together will make 'Dong' sound.

Then, we  practiced to beat a set of rhythm - Jangdan (장단):

'Dong ~ Dong ~ Gung ~ Ttak ~ Gung'.

Now we seemed more professional as the teacher taught us a bit of 

hand variation to beat Gungchae on the right side of Janggu.

After that we learned another 3 sets of basic rhythms: 

1. 'Dong ~ Ttak ~ Ttak ~ Gung ~ Tak ~ Gung'

2. Dong dong dong~~~ dong!

3. Dong ~ Dong ~ (pause) ~ Dong ~ Dong (pause) ~ Dong Dong Dong ~ Dong Dong

The class ended after we played from first to forth rhythm in one go. 박수~!!! 

It's not hard nor easy too. Well, kinda tricky especially when I've to think which hand to hit the Janggu when changing the rhythms. But it's really fun and everyone enjoyed the class because the teacher was really nice and passionate to teach us how to play this folk percussion instrument.

 Yes! Certificate for completing Janggu class. 

(Maybe I can apply job as Janggu performer in Korea) ;P

  
 We were to leave the theater after the class, as they need to prepare the stage.


 Ticket counter open at 7:00 pm for 8:00 pm show.

 Tourists and locals were waiting for the show.

Quite a lot of people inside the hall, so I went outside to take some photos.

 
Secretary Bae (배비장) and District Magistrate (사또).

In the bus, Kim eonni told us meaning of Miso (미소 = Smile) and synopsis of newly created traditional performance of Baebijang-jeon (裵裨將傳 / The Story of Secretary Bae).

Baebijang-jeon is based on classical satire novel of the Joseon Dynasty. It evokes laughter by alluding to the hypocrisy of Secretary Bae who act that he's not interested with beautiful gisaeng and just concentrating in his study.

 Yangban and Giseang lifestyle in Hanyang (capital of Joseon Dynasty).

 

He's appointed as secretary in charge of culture and art. 

He and the Jeju new district magistrate (Satto) sailing to Jeju Island. 

  

Aerang, the most beautiful gisaeng in Jeju that causing

 Hareubang (Stone Statue) to wake up and horses to 

gallop (not Psy's horse-dance) towards her scent.

Secretary Bae doesn’t mingle with the people at the welcoming party of the new magistrate. Instead, he goes around scolding the other secretaries for socializing with gisaengs (courtesans). Satto was curious and wanted to test Secretary Bae. He ordered the male servant to ask Aerang to seduce him.

Aerang's seduction at the waterfall in Hallasan.

Will he be immune to Aerang's seduction as he promised his wife not to have love scandal before he went to Jeju Island?!

I love Baebijiang-jeon show because of its unique and interesting scenario. It's also vividly reviving the style of Joseon era with beautiful and colorful hanbok of Gisaeng, Satto, Yangban, Court dancers.  and nice setting of matching backgrounds according to the storyline.

 

It's so cool that they have using Traditional instruments such as janggu, buk (barrel drum),
jing (gong), Haegeum, Gayageum, and modern drum for live performance.

I was sitting on the second or third row, so I could see those musical performers playing those instruments and creating such an amazing and fantastic sound effects for the whole show.

Not only that, you feel like watching several Gugak and Pungmulnori performances in the show. There were few representative folk dances such as Ogomu (five drum dance), Court Dance Hwa-gwan mu (flower crown dance), Sangmo Dance (pinning streamer hat performance).

 One of the famous painting of Shin Yun Bok also appeared on the 

screen when Secretary Bae and his maid walking to Aerang's house.

 

This live performance brought smiles to everyone... No wonder it's called MISO~! 

When I watched Baebijiangjeon, it reminded me on K-drama 'Arang and the Magistrate.'

Because newly appointed Jeju Magistrate's uniform similar to Satto Kim Eun-oh in the drama. And the leading female performer's name (애랑 / Ae-rang) sounded very similar to Arang (아랑). 

 

We received Souvenirs from Jeongdong Theater:

Miso Program Book with special fabric cover and cap.

You can purchase the the souvenirs at the counter. When I saw the scented candle in the jar, I was so sad. I won it from their contest, but I didn't replay as I only noticed the message after the cut off time. ㅠㅠ

Jeondong Theater Instagram contest: 

Beautiful photo about Korea.

Website: www.jeongdong.or.kr

Add: 43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.

Phone: +82 2-751-1500

I just noticed from the map that Jeongdong Theater is located between Deoksugung and Kyunhyang Newspaper building. If you have time, I'll recommend you to watch 'Baebijiangjeon' and 'Fantastick' Shows. In between the show, you can visit Deoksu Palace and have your meal at the restaurants or coffee shops at famous Doldamgil (Stone wall street).

This trip is made possible by VisitKorea organised by Korea  Tourism Organization. 

   

Visit Korea VIP Special Invitation Tour.

Nothing beats the happiness when you see your name on the winner list. Yes, that was almost a month ago and I'm just back to hot Singapore 2 days back.

For this post, I would like to share to you my experience of our 4D3N VIP Special Invitation Tour. But, tomorrow I'm flying back to Korea with my family, and somehow my itinerary still in a mess because of the transportation problem because Korea is a big country.

I just found out that A-train is not operating on 30 Nov, and we might not be able to go to Auraji for Rail Biking.

I woke up at 4:00 am today to edit photos and create videos so I can post this by today. Just for your info, I have about 3000 photos and 100 videos for this trip. Please stay tune as I will post more detailed information after I'm back from my family trip.

For the meantime, let's check out our VIP Special Invitation Tour:

~ Day 1 (18 Nov 2015) ~

 South East Asia (English Team) arrived at Incheon Airport

early in the morning, but sadly Jas eonni flight was delayed...

 

We're transported to Seoul and check-in at Center Mark Hotel.

 I took a short 30 minutes nap and had a warm bath to refresh

my tired body as I was unable to sleep well on the plane.

Our first meal in Korea -  Hansik Buffet Lunch at Nature Kitchen (자연별곡 홍대점).

 Somehow, when I visited Korea with my family in 2013,  we also 

visited Trick Eye Museum & Ice Gallery on our first day in Seoul.

Tea break and chillax at this pink fancy Hello Kitty cafe. 

Great that they brought us to Common Ground Pop-up Shopping Mall 

located close to the Konkuk University. I was thinking to visit this 

newly open mall because it's the largest container mall in the world.

 

 We supposed to buy our dinner from outdoor food-truck vendors,

but it was raining. Our thoughtful KTO staff and guides treated  us 

delicious cakes as appetizer before our dinner at DoreDore Cafe. 

 

Reached Insadong to have grilled mackerel, haemul pajeon and makgeolli

at Omoni Saengseon (어머니생선). After that we stroll back to hotel

as the restaurant is around Insadong area too.

~ Day 2 (19 Nov 2015) ~

 

Group photo with Japanese team before having our brunch 

at this cozy yet elegance cafe at Samcheongdong - Slow Park.  

  Candle Making Experience at Holly Go Studio with pretty and friendly instructor.

 Wiki Cafe (위키카페) is run and owned by Super Junior Sungmin's mother.

It's unbelievable to meet his handsome younger brother, Sungjin.

He's adorable, handsome and friendly. I think his charming

smiles will sure melt everyone's heart! ^^

Jas eonni, Lucky and me were being interviewed by GD from TBS eFM.

Though my tummy still full after big breakfast, but I finished the whole bowl of 

Sundubu Ramen because it's so yummy. No wonder our guide said we have to have 

an early lunch, because 55 Beonji Ramen (삼청동 55번지라면) is very popular,

 and we might not have the seats during peak lunch hour.

 

Teleported myself from National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 

to old Joseon's era. Ssshh, I need to hide myself from these royal guards of

Deoksugung Palace, I should have disguised myself by wearing hanbok here.

 

When taking photos with K-pop idols seems quite impossible, though I did

wish to meet Lee Min Ho as he's the Ambassador of K-smile campaign. 

I just imagined that these wax statues inside Grevin Museum (그레뱅 뮤지엄)

were real person and happily hold their hands. my HP was so jealous

and decided to off itself... I couldn't take selfie using my camera. ㅠㅠ 

 

Bought this blue backpack at Good Morning City Mall. 

Got it  a 'steal' price because this kind, handsome and 

babyface ahjussi gave me super huge discount. Thank you~^^

 

Shabu Shabu Buffet dinner at nTable (엔테이블) at 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP basement 2).

 

We're seriously attending Janggu (and Korean language) class at Jeongdong Theater.

시작~! Dong Dong Gung Ttak Gung...

Dong Ttak Ttak Gung Tak Gung~!!! 

 

I watched Gugak Fantastick show before. Couldn't decide which one I like most,

because both of the performances were excellent. 

For The Story of Secretary Bae' (배비장전) performance, I like 

  five-drum dance performed by the gisaeng! It's so cool!

~ Day 3 (20 Nov 2015) ~

ITX line runs from Yongsan to Chuncheon station.  It's my second ITX ride.

I traveled to Nami Island (alight at Gapyeong Station) via ITX too because

it's very convenient and fast.

Our coach from Chuncheon to Gimyujeong Station (Rail Park) 

and arrived at 강촌레일파크 Gangchon Railpark. 

So excited before the ride, and super satisfied after the ride. All smiley faces~!^^

 Nobody could resist this yummy Grilled Chuncheon Dalkgalbi,

especially after 40 minutes of rail biking! :P

Completed my last mission - to take photo with Tourist Police.

Instead of shopping in Myeongdong, I used my free time at 

Juno Hair Salon (준오헤어) to have my hair cut and permed.

 

Gala dinner at Todai Buffet Restaurant.  

It's quite sad as the time sure flies, it's our last night in Seoul~! ㅠㅠ

Since it's also the last night of Seoul Lantern Festival being displayed, 

five of us walked from our hotel to Cheonggyecheon Stream 

to see beautiful lighted-up lanterns the dark night.

~ Day 4 (21 Nov 2015) ~

 

We arrived at IFC Mall at Yeouido, which is financial district and known as

Manhattan of Seoul. It's a giant mega mall, but our luggage were overloaded

and they are currently selling F/W collections which it's to hot for us

to wear in tropical country...

Therefore, we decided to go to Yeouido Park, which is just opposite the mall.

Then, from the map we saw that KBS is located nearby, so we rushed there

to snap few photos of KBS building, as we didn't have time to go inside.

 

Since I didn't have time to shop for my friend in Myeondong, 

I'd time to do last minute shopping at Incheon airport, and

claimed tax refund at this self tax refund machine. 

Then we went to Korea Traditional Cultural Experience Center.

They're having free craft experience to paint this keychain with dancheong pattern.

 

Then, I quickly rushed out when I heard that there's a procession of royal family.

Of course I didn't want to miss a chance to take photos with King, Queen, 

Crown Prince, Crown Princess, Princess, Royal guards, and Royal Maid.

It's really my honor and grateful to be selected as one of the members of this tour. Definitely memorable trip especially we're traveling with other members from Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand with the same interests and avid Korean lover! ^^

That's ended our VIP Special Invitation Tour. I felt that we're being treated like super VIP from the beginning to the end of this tour. So happy to meet so many kind and friendly locals that showered us with warm jeong that made me smile for the whole trip.

Sincerely thanks KTO officers and staffs, our friendly and pretty guide (김 언니) and other guides.  Thank you so much for everything. 한국에서의 모든일들에 대해서 짐심으로 감사드립니다~! ^^

This trip is made possible by VisitKorea organised by Korea Tourism Organization. 

   

Ok, now it's 6:15pm, and I really need to pack luggage... maybe I need 3 to 5 luggage for 4 person. Heol~~~!!!