Korea Medical Tourism

Annyeonghaseyo~!^^

Today I wanna share Visit Medical Korea 'Find Your Real Beauty in Korea!'

 

Actually I heard about Medical Tourism in Korea from Visit Korea in year 2013. Was thinking to bring my daughter to consult Pediatric Dermatology to treat her atopic eczema. I sent email to enquiry about the hospital, and they provided the necessary information of hospitals that we can get treatment for eczema. However, due to time-constraint, we didn't manage to go there.

Though we visited Korea 3 times, but we only brought our children there once. It was on my birthday in 2013. This year, my hubby granted my birthday wish... Korea Trip for our family! Hooray!!!

 Then somehow I noticed this special event from Visit Medical Korea

on the Facebook...

 

You only need to Watch, Share and Solve the quiz to win the amazing prizes!

Wish I can win two round trip tickets to Korea, so we can pay treatment fees for our daughter! She has been suffering for 9 years. We'd brought her to see so many doctors, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), restricted her diet, applying medicines, lotion, essential oils,... and even now we're using Kangen water for her drinking and bathing.

But, her conditions still the same, sometimes better a bit, then without notice it suddenly flare-up! Some parts of her body even thicken and raw skin. 

It's very sad to see that her eczema condition not improving. Especially when she told me that she doesn't have a lot of friends. One of the main reason because some of her friends afraid to get close to her... afraid that they'll get infected. ㅠㅠ

I'm really thankful to her close friends that choose to be her friends. Great that she's also not really bothered by those like to bully her. Like her name... Cheerry! She is happy, cheerful and carefree girl!

I'm more interested to know more about this Medical Tourism after watched the short informative video clip above. I especially agree on the idea comprehensive wellness. Love that Korea Medical Tourism also offering program such as temple stay so that one can find their own peace and achieve healthy mind and soul on top of healthy body.

I'm very confident that Korea can provide solution for my daughter, as I think the doctors there  put her heart and soul to treat the patients... Somehow remember how 'Jang-geum', the first woman physician in Joseon treated the king in Korean Drama 'Jewel in the Palace' (대장금 / 大長今).

Do you ever heard about 'Donguibogam'?

It's encyclopedic medical books written in the early 17th century by Heo Jun (1539~1615), a royal physician, following an order by King Seonjo. The books cover not only Korean medical theories of that time, but also medical theories from all over East Asia. It took Heo 16 years to compile all the information. Donguibogam consists of a total of 25 volumes and 25 books and was printed by wooden printing types. Recognized as the highest quality of Oriental medicine books in Korea, the Donguibogam was introduced to China and Japan and is still widely referred to.   

Therefore, I don't have doubt with knowledge of medical theories,

incorporated with their advance medical technologies and high standard  
of medical excellence definitely will push the success rate higher.

  We also interested to have our annual health check-up in Korea after looking at this chart:

The cost of comprehensive 38 examination tests is
surprisingly cheaper than having 16 tests done in Singapore. 

UPDATED!!!

Though I didn't win anything from the above quiz event, but I still decided to bring my girl to see dermatologist at Gangnam Severance Hospital in Seoul. Will blog it soon~^^

Kind and caring Dr Kim Soo Chan and my daughter.

Visit Medical Korea

Currently, Visit Medical Korea is recruiting VMK supporters! Do check this link and join it, and you might win a FREE round trip to Korea + a free medical tour package (ex: Korean traditional medicine, skin care, etc.). WOW!!! So, what are you waiting?!  Good luck to all~^^

Korean Buddhist Temple

Buddhism was introduced to the Korean peninsula in the 4th century. The ancient kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla respectively acknowledged the religion officially. Buddhism was prospered as the national religion for over 1,000 years. 

Buddhism suffered after Goryeo Dynasty, as Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) adopted Confucianism. A lot of temples in were forced to closed (including Suksusa Temple that functioned as Seowon), only those located in mountainous areas were able to survive. 

It's our destiny... unbelievable landed in 'Nirwana' 

Well, we planned to go to Busan after Sosu Museum, so Buseoksa was not in our itinerary. I went to Tourist Information counter outside of Seonbichon to check whether there's intercity bus to Busan from Yeongju Bus terminal.

One of the ladies called the interpreter as they didn't speak English. Then after I asked the interpreter, passed the phone back to the officer, then passed here and there. Finally,...

"부석사 까지 갑니다"

we followed the instruction on the note to go to Buseoksa

arrived in front of KTO office, then showed the note to the officer...

"전영수 선생님께 통화하게 해주세요"

After she searched the phone list and called, she told us to follow the path, and walk to Buseoksa...

Yeah, you're on the correct way... it's along
the hiking course of Sobaeksan Mountain...

 Yes, finally arrived at ticket counter...

Showed the same note, and the ticket officer also searched his phone list and called 전영수 선생님 (Teacher Jeon). Teacher Jeon said he waited for us on the stone stairs... Another mission to complete?!

Pole to hang the door or window...

One Pillar Gate - 太白山浮石寺

It is called the One Pillar Gate not because there is only one pillar but rather because the pillars are in the shape of the numeral one and are straight and upright. Written on this gate might be the mountain and temple names

I only found out that when you entering this gate, you need to have 

a deep bow from the waist with hands folded at the chest.

I'll remember this and do it next time...

A roof connects these pillars to symbolize single-mindedness. This is a reminder to forsake one’s wandering mind and go forth resolutely. 

The only gate we could see after about 8 minutes walk, but a bit relieved to see Buseoksa (浮石寺) wording on it. Actually, at the same time I started to regret... why did I go to the tourist information counter? Why we left our luggage in the tourist officer counter? If the bus use another route to Buseoksa means we need to walk down and come back again?!! 안돼~~~!!!

This reminded me on our first trip to Korean temple, Bulguksa Temple... We walked in the forest. It's quite far from the entrance too, located on the slopes of mount Toham.

A lot of Korean Buddhist temples are often nestled deep in the mountains, the traditional belief of revering mountains formed a combination with Buddhism.

Heavenly King Door (사왕천 = 天王門)

After about 5 minutes walk from 太白山浮石寺 gate, finally we saw stone stairs leading to 天王門. 

I found nobody, only Four Heavenly Kings. 

Four Great Heavenly Kings (사대천왕) are the guardians of the four corners of the heavens. They are often found at Korean temple gates:

1. Damun Cheonwang (다문천왕 = 多聞天王) = He who hears everything.

2. Jeungjang Cheonwang (증장천왕 = 增長天王) = He who causes to grow

3. Jiguk Cheonwang (지국천왕 = 持國天王) = He who upholds the realm

4. Gwangmok Cheonwang (광목천왕 = 廣目天王) = He who sees all  

They are presented two on each side of the corridor. Check this link for better photos showing them clad in armor and flowing robes, each trampling a demon and carrying an object such as a sword, stupa or pipa...

an elderly man sat on the stone stairs...

Teacher Jeon asked whether we're looking for him? I passed the memo to him, and he introduced himself and showed his name tag to us...

Teacher Cheon guided us around Buseoksa...

Extremely surprised... He didn't sound 'old' on the phone, and secondly he spoke English fluently! Just unable to stop my surprise after apologies for long waiting as we're taking so long to walk there.

I told Mr Cheon that I was so amazed by his fluency in speaking English. He explained that he was a retired English teacher with more than 30 years of teaching experience!

For this posting, I'll emphasis more on characteristic of Buddhist Temples in Korea, that maybe some of you might interested to know. And, I want to share as much as possible of what Teacher Jeon shared to us...

Four instruments (Samul) that usually found in Korean Buddhist Temple

to announce the time for monks to practice their daily rites. 

Each percussion instrument is used for the purpose of liberating all sentient beings in the universe: 

1. Mokeo - Wooden Fish (목어 = 木鱼) => for all sentient in the water.

Teacher Jeon started to tell us the story of this Mokeo. Long time ago in China... there was a monk that had many disciples. But  one of disciples didn't obey him. Eventually, this disciple died and was reborn as a fish with a tree on its back. One day when the monk's old master was crossing the river, the fish came to him sadly. The monk recognized his disciple. Then the fish asked the monk to cut the tree from his back and make a fish-shaped instrument and tell this story as a lesson for others disciples.

The monk usually carry 'moktak' (목탁), which is like the miniature of Mokeo. It shaped like the wooden fish, but is smaller and rounder. 

The Dharma Drum

2. Beopgo -  Dharma Drum (법고 = 法鼓) => for all sentient in heaven and hell.

The sound of the beating drum is considered to echo the sound of Buddha's teachings. Thus, to beat the drum means to spread Buddha Dharma as its sound diffuses in the air. At the same time, it is intended to liberate the sentient beings in heaven and hell by its sound. 

The body of the drum is made of well-dried wood and both surfaces are covered with leather hides of both bull and cow. Using the male and female cattle implies the symbolic of harmonizing the cosmic dual forces, Yin and Yang. 

The Brahma bell 

3.  Beomjong - Brahma Bell (범종 = 梵鐘) => for all sentient beings living on Earth.

The character of 梵 means Brahma (the truth of the cosmos). This great bell is struck 28 times in the morning (03:00) imply the incessant lineage of Buddhist tradition from Sakyamuni Buddha to the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng (638-713). And 33 times in the evening (18:00) signify the Buddhist realms of 33 celestial worlds.  It is believed that the sound of the bell will deliver all beings in the heavenly realm, and all beings in hell are released from their suffering.

There's a Dragon (Po) on top of the bell.  

A long time ago many dragons lived in the sea. One of them was named Po. This dragon cried often and was afraid of whales.  A whale shaped  instrument is used for striking the bell. The bell's sound is said to be like Po's cries.

The Cloud-shaped gong

4. Unpan - Cloud shaped Gong (운판 = 雲板) => for all sentient in the sky

The Unpan is made of metal forming a cumulus cloud and usually image of Buddha or phrase of sutra is inscribed on it. and represents all the  It is believed to serve for liberating all sentient in the sky. 

To strike the gong holds the additional meaning that the sound helps the hovering spirits of the dead find the Buddha’s Pure Land for rebirth. Some temples hang this gong in the kitchen or the dining room to announce mealtime.

Samhwasa Temple is another good example of Korean Buddhist Temple near Mureung Valley. 

Korean Traditional percussion music, Samulnori (사물놀이), was said to be derived from Buddhist Temple. It's comprised of the four Korean percussion instruments: Buk (북 = big barrel drum), Janggu (장구 = hourglass-shaped drum), Jing (징 = large gong), and Ggwaenggwari (꽹과리 = small gong). This four instruments are called, 'Un-u-pung-roe(雲雨風雷)' because people say that the sound of Buk (resemble to wind), Janggu (resonate the rain), Jing (echo the wind) and Ggwanggari (thunder).

Please check this link if you're interested for Temple Stay in Buseoksa. 

Ok, stay tuned~! will let you know why Buseoksa is one of the best temples in Korea on next posting... 

Related Posts:

~ Legends of Buseoksa Temple (부석사) 

~ Treasures in Buseoksa Temple (부석사)

~ Seonbichon Village (선비촌)

~ Sosu Seowon Confucian Academy (소수서원)

September in 3G - Gangnam, Garosugil & Gwanghwamun [Day 3]

It's raining, not an ideal day to visit outdoor places of interest such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village as scheduled. It has to be indoor activities, so we took taxi to COEX Mall.  Journey from Yongsan to Coex took almost 1 hour due to rainy day and traffic jammed.

Oh-uh... we didn't know that it's under major renovation and expected to be completed by December 2014. (Updated: The new and improved Coexmall is scheduled to open on November 27. Please check the news here).

Renovation in progress for fully-upgraded complex with a modern look  



 Only COEX Aquarium, Megabox, Exhibition Centre, 

Bandi and Luni's, few stores and some restaurants still opened

We walked around and found a food court...

We had Naengmyun (Cold Noodles), Sundae, Cheese Gimbap & Salad Gimbap.

 We walked to Hyundai Department Store near to COEX Mall,

and somehow we ended up at ASEM Tower.

ASEM Tower, World Trade Centre, and one unique and artistic building.

We walked to Bongeunsa Temple, which is just directly opposite of COEX Mall.

 

Bongeunsa Temple represents Korea's past 1,200 years of history and tradition.

beautiful and tranquil Temple creates great harmony with modern and busy Gangnam area.

Korea is just so awesome in preserving their historical buildings, traditions and cultures. Even in bustling metropolis Seoul, you can find so many historical sites. I can feel the calmness and not being pressurised by the modernisation of the city. That's explained why I love Korea so much. 

  

Seoul skyline from Bongeunsa Temple.

beautiful landscape and...

elegant architecture of Bongeunsa Temple.

Please click this link to participate for Temple stay programs

(temple tour, tea ceremony, meditation, Making Lotus Flowers, Copying Sutras,..)

After praying and strolling around and taking pictures, we took a taxi to...

Gangnam Underground Shopping Center

(please click the above link for the direction)

Didn't expect that it's such a long shopping arcade! You can find almost everything here... from clothes, accessories, shoes, cosmetics products, household goods, children’s clothing, bags, lingerie, mobile accessories to furniture, interior items, paintings, carpets, and so on. You'll be amazed with the bargain price. I bought few pieces of clothes that ranging from 5,000 won to 15,000 won, and a pair of high heel shoe that only cost 10,000 won ^^

tired after shopping?!!

 why not grab something to munch before continue for gems hunting :P



My hubby brought Xuan and Zhi to Gwanghwamun Square...

Statue of Sejong The Great.

posing as royal guards in front of  King Sejong statue.

"The Story of King Sejong" Exhibition Hall

 informative and educative place to visit to know more about the life story of

The Great King Sejong, the creator of Hangul.

Admiral Yi Sunshin Exhibition Hall & Replica of Turtle Ship

little soldiers in front of Statue of Admiral Yi Shun Shin.

night strolling along Cheonggyecheon Stream.

and had sumptuous tables d'hote with grilled deodeok (더덕구이정식) - 17,000 / person

Deodeok Bap (더덕밥).

Add: 서울 중구 무교동 96 지하1층

Ph: 02-778-2959 

My Korean friend brought us to dine this healthy meal here before. Ah... why my hubby didn't pack the deodeok for me...

I was with my Korean friend at Garosugil area, and dining at Chez Maak. He recommended this place when I asked him to tell me good restaurant around Garosugil as I participated in Psy Wiki Korea Contest. I promised to treat him if I won the contest... but, I didn't win it ㅠㅠ 

Anyway, I decided to give it a try, because I like to drink Makgeolli :P

Psy Wiki Korea Dictionary

White Lotus Makgeolli - Snow with 6% of Alcohol

Chez Maak (셰막) is a Makgeolli House that famous for their Baekryun White Lotus Makgeolli and  Makgeolli Cocktails. They also serve Fusion Korean foods that matched well with Makgeolli.

I thought that they added carbonate, as this was my first time drank makgeolli with fizz. My friend said it's natural carbonate, as the makgeolli is still in the latter stages of fermentation. Oh?! That means I've to go to Korea whenever I want to drink fresh Makgeolli!

If you watched Korean drama, you often see that they poured Makgeolli from bronze kettle and served with bowls.

  

Yummylicious Crunchy & Crispy Chicken served with ddeok (rice cakes),

PaDak (Pa/파 = Spring Onion + Dak/닭 = Chicken) and sauce.

My friend told me that Padak is also Korean onomatopoeia of chicken flapping their wings ㅋㅋㅋ 

  

I like the right amount of sourness from this 1 year long fermented Kimchi Pancake 

Click for image for the clearer map from Konest

After clearing the generous portions of foods without any wastage... we walked along Garosugil and found this café...

Mug For Rabbit  (머그포래빗).

Minimalist decorated café, that created casual and friendly feeling. I like it's open air terrace that you can enjoying  Garosugil  atmosphere while chit-chatting. Actually, I was quite  hesitated  to climb up those wooden flying stairs with no railing, and have to balance myself with my high heels! Phew~!!!  luckily didn't tripped myself...

 Earl Grey Snow and Vanila Snow

Regretted for not ordering their Cupcakes or Organic Carrot Cake as it's their specialities

(just read the reviews from others bloggers). Will try them next time :P

super sweet Vanilla Snow... 

 Have you ever tried 'Earl Grey Vanilla' Snow?!

Mug For Rabbit is located opposite Youk Shim Won Gallery
and near 8seconds clothing store

Click the image for clearer map & credit

We stopped by at one of the art galleries in Itaewon

I'm always amazed to see those talented artists...

wondering how long did they take to create such awesome artworks?

Which "G" do you like the most? Please let me know... Annyeong~^^

Related Posts:

~ [Trazy] Gwanghwamun Square 광화문 광장

~ [Trazy] Coex Mall 코엑스

~ [Trazy] Bongeunsa Temple 봉은사

~ [Trazy] King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall (세종이야기)