Showing posts with label winter sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter sports. Show all posts

Sunday, 23 July 2017

How and Where to Learn Winter Sports in Korea?

[Korea] - [Buyeo] - How and Where to Learn Winter Sports in Korea? | by Meheartseoul
Too bad that not every country experience winter. For countries located near equator like Singapore only recognized two seasons which are wet and dry seasons. Therefore, it has been my dreams to visit countries where you can build snowman!

Without explanation, we all know that winter is icy cold, dry and humid. But, it didn't stop us to visit Korea during winter. In fact, out of our 5 trips to Korea, twice were in winter season. However, it wasn't snowing during our visit in Feb 2014. It's just snow covering some places that we visited. 

Actually, cold won't bother you much if you wear thermal insulating clothing, winter jacket, protecting your neck with scarf, wear hat and if not enough... you can use hot packs to keep yourself warm! I would recommend you opt to stay in Korean style hotel or Hanok House, because it's nice to sleep on ondol (heated) floor.

Still remember how we flew out from Ashley Queens Restaurant the moment I saw the weather forecast notification that it's snowing. Yes, it's our first time seeing white fluffy snow falling from blue sky. Happily 'dancing' in the snow as we tried to catch as the snow on our palms. 

It's phenomenal moments for us... but, we'd to rush back to the restaurant before being escorted back by police. You know we'd not paid the buffet.  I just used sign language to the staff that we wanted to see snow, not sure whether she understood or not.

Snow is like magic blanket and turning Daewallyeong ranch to wonderland!

Snowscape in Jeonju on 27 Nov vs cold winter without snow on 29 Nov.

 My weird body reacted as if it's colder if it's not snowing.
Completely fine even snow pouring down on me.


There are a lot of activities that you can do in winter, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, ice fishing and so on. I know, most of us that living in hot countries which ice melted in just few minutes doesn't know how to ski. Worry not, why not pick up a new skill while travelling and it'll be extraordinary and unforgetable experience in winter~^^

Korea has so no lack of ski resorts and mostly scattered around Gangwondo and Gyeonggido. Here are the list and more detailed information from VisitKorea for your easy reference.

Most of these resorts do conduct classes for skiing and snowboarding. You can even get special or discounted price if you're staying in the resort. Or you can get private instructor for one to one, where the instructor can concentrate just to one person instead of a group of students.

 You can check my previous post about Muju Ski Resort here
and also 3 hours private skiing lesson here.

Hubby's pose like he's so satisfied after successfully sliding down from expert slope.

 After the session, you should be able to slide down the hill. Cool, right?! 

Well, not for us... We're still far to be considered as fair in skiing. It's nothing to do with the instructor. He's very good that I think with his skill, he can participate in upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics Games.


I just want to lie down on the snow and make snow angel~! ;P

Actually, we wanted to learn skiing together with kids on our last trip, but too bad that all of us were sick and just stayed in the pension houseand had mild winter activities such as fed animals, built snowman, and had a good rest.

 Playing snowtubing at Elf Pension House.

Yes, my hands are itchy whenever I see thick snow!
Let's make a cool snowman~!

Do you know that building snowman, snowball fighting and ice fishing 
are considered as winter recreational sports? 
It can be casually enjoyed by whole family from young to old. 

Talking about winter sports, world mega scale winter Olympics games will be held in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do which will feature 102 events in 15 sports: 

 
 Event calendar (Source: Wikipedia)

I wish to be there to witness the spectacular opening ceremony and few competitions like figure skating, Alpine skiing, and Snowboarding. 

Would love to see  the exquisite and elegance figure skating as close as I can. Still don't understand the formula of how they manage to balance themself after super fast spin, turns, twizzles. And the most fascinating is they're like a feather... flying and spining in the air effortlessly and gracefully. Really unbelieveable skills they have by practicing hard! 

Adrenaline rush sport, Alpine skiing was one the reasons and my encouragement to take up skiing class. My ultimate goal is able to slide down the magical white hill without my legs trembling or jellified. 

I'll back to workforce tomorrow, which coincidentally marking countdown D-200 to Pyeongchang Olympics.


Oh yeah, KTO Singapore will be celebrating D-200 with many exciting activities on 8th July 2017 (Fri), 3pm to 8pm. If you want to experience mini hockey and curling, fishing game or just to get information for your next visit to Korea, do visit them and who knows you might win and bring back home souvenirs featuring cute Soohorang and Bandabi as mascots of Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Please click here for more information.


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Tuesday, 25 April 2017

2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics

[Korea] - 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Supporters Team | by Meheartseoul
290 days to Winter Olympics, the most anticipated International event by winter sports athletes and spectators all over the world.!

The venue for this spectacular competition will be held in  Pyeongchang and Gangneung in South Korea from 9 February to 25 February 2018.

https://newsletter.pyeongchang2018.com/en/games/view.jsp?issueNo=2&articleNo=51
 PyeongChang Mountain Cluster will host the snow sports events, 
 and Gangneung Coastal Cluster to serve as ice sports events.

Wish I could be in Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium to witness the glorious opening ceremonies and watch

Located in Gangwon area, 84% of Pyeongchang territory comprising of mountains with average elevations of 750 m above the sea level. It received the most annual snowfall, therefore most of the ski resorts scattered here and it's the hub for winter sports.

To facilitate the event, KTX is constructing 120 km rail line connecting Seoul and Pyeongchang. It should be completed in 2017, this high-speed train would cut the travelling time between these two cities in just one hour.

Introducing official mascots: 
Soohorang for Winter Olympics and Bandabi for Paralympics 2018.

Received these official souvenirs from KTO Singapore for being part of 
2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Supporters Team.

Soohorang (수호랑), the white tiger has been long considered Korea’s guardian animal. “Sooho (수호)” meaning protection in Korean and “Rang (랑)” comes from the middle letter of “Ho-rang-i (이)” for “Tiger.” It's also the last letter of “Jeong-seon A-ri-rang (정선 아리랑)” a cherished traditional folk song of Gangwon Province, where the Games will be held. 

Soohorang not only has a challenging spirit and passion but also is a trustworthy friend who protects the athletes, spectators and all participants in the Olympic Games.

 Soohorang Doll - ₩20,000 Bandabi Doll - ₩20,000.

Bandabi (반다비), the Asiatic black bear with a half-moon mark on the chest symbolises strong willpower and courage in the Korean folklore. “Banda (반다) is derived from “ban-dal” which means half-moon. “Bi (비)” stands for the celebration of the Games.

Bandabi has strong willpower and courage. It is a warm-hearted friend who takes the lead for equality and harmony and encourages athletes to push themselves beyond their limits. We will look forward to Bandabi's amazing activities.

These good quality soft toys, hip-sack (₩39,000) and ear muff (₩21,000)
are manufactured by The North Face - the official partner of 
Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics Winter Games.

 Skiing lesson in Muju Deogyusan Resort.

Living in Singapore, we don't have any chance to experience any winter sports in this tropical country.

Therefore, during XXII Olympic Sochi 2014, I visited Korea in February and 'die die' want to learn skiing compared to ice skating or figure skating. My thought was I just need to slide down and I have 2 sticks to support me...

 
 Oh dear~ my feet not under my brain's control and jellified
when I stood at ski slope for the beginner. 
You can read our experience here.

I would have won a Gold medal for falling every one metre?!!

Gosh~! Tha's so embarrassing... even Daehan Minguk Manse (Song Triplet) have mastered the skiing skill and slide down like pro skiers in this video!

Actually, we planned to bring kids go to Phoenix Snow Park 
for skiing on our last trip in Dec 2015, but we're not feeling well 
so stayed in the Resort have fun snow tubing and...

feeding animals like goats, lamb, dogs, rabbits, chicken and pigs there.

I'll quickly post the long overdue trip in Korea after this and my home renovation review... so please stay tuned~!^^

Updated: 101 News about Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018

Meanwhile, you might want to check out my previous articles on some attractions nearby Pyeongchang: 


(filming location of 'Saimdang, Light's Diary
casting of hallyu stars Song Seung-heon and Lee Young Ae).

(K-drama Hwang Jin-Yi (황진이), Princess Hours Gung (궁) and 
Princess’ Man (공주의남자) were filmed here).
Some of the Pyeongchang Promotional Video was shoot at this charming 
 Hwallaejeong Pavilion surrounded by beautiful Lotus Pond and vast garden. 

 Check out this video : Lee Young Ae outside the pavilion. 

 You can experience Dado (다도체험) Korean Tea Ceremony and 
learn the etiquette while enjoying the outdoor view from the pavilion.

It's nice to see our Dado teachers again even it's just few seconds in this video.
선생님, 항상 건강하고 행복하게 지내세요~.


 How about having healthy and lavish Hanjeongsik. 
We felt like royalties during Joseon Dynasty.
They also served authentic Chodang Sundubu - a must try~! 

(Filming location of Korean Drama 'Goblin' 
Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na).

For more information about Pyeongchang Winter Olympic, please refer to this link.