[Korea] [Photo News] Six-days through the most enticing, breathtaking sites

Although all of Korea’s four seasons are beautiful in their own way, it’s fairly easy to argue that spring is the most beautiful of the seasons in Korea, since April is the month when spring flowers reach full bloom, and fields and trees come back to life with vivid green colors. In order to capture the beauty of this time of the year in Korea, a group of photographers from 6 different countries visited Korea for a six-day trip touring the country alongside the Korea Tourism Organization.

The participants of this trip were winners of the NX Traveller; Let’s Go to Korea event, who were credited for their amazing photography skills. Divided into two groups, each went on separate paths through Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Jeju Island, Busan, and other major tourist destinations. The purpose was for them to introduce all the picturesque landscapes and gorgeous natural surroundings South Korea has to offer to their fans back home. The KTO staff joined the crew to bring you a glimpse of the trip!

That’s it. It’s delight, Samsung d’light Store

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization

The first order of business was for the members to visit the Samsung d’light Store. Located in the center of Gangnam, the facility features the latest in electronic goods, all developed by Samsung Electronics. As the building displays a vast array of products that are not officially on the public market yet, the tech-savvy team was delighted to see all the exclusive sneak peeks and demonstrations, followed by a delectable meal of Italian food at Mad for Garlic on the first basement level.

National landmark at the heart of Seoul

Photo courtesy: Anjo Miranda (left) / Korea Tourism Organization (right)

The backdrop swiftly changed from ultra-modern to traditional when the group continued on to the Jongno area’s Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gwanghwamun Square, often referred to as Korea Main Plaza or Mixed-Culture Hub, is an authentic representation of Korea’s 600-year-old history, and heavily frequented by Koreans and visitors from overseas. Gyeongbokgung Palace, on the other hand, is arguably the most beautiful and the largest of all palaces, and popular for its unique location in the heart of the city, combining the Korea of old with contemporary life of the bustling downtown.

Photo courtesy: Anjo Miranda

Once entering the palace grounds, the photography frenzy began, as the members whipped out their cameras to take countless pictures of the cherry blossoms, forsythia, and other springtime colors that dotted the surroundings. These members, some actual professional photographers, were also set on the people in the crowds, capturing vivid expressions of happy smiles and people dressed in hanbok.

Every nook and cranny decorated with cherry blossoms at Naksan & Yeouido Park

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization (top left, bottom) / Anjo Miranda (top right)

Trees emblazoned with white, ivory, and pink cherry blossoms in full bloom blanketed Yeouido Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, as well as Naksan Park. Luckily for the group, Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival was still underway on the day they arrived. The NX travelers had a wonderful time there without traffic hindering the gorgeous sights, and followed it up by treating themselves to some delicious street food found at the festival venue.

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization (top) / Anjo Miranda (bottom)

Walk the story of Winter Sonata at Nami Island

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization

The second day of the journey took the team to Namiseom Island, the filming location of the popular TV drama “Winter Sonata.” Despite the rain slightly darkening the skies, the NX Traveller team was hard at work taking numerous photos here. They hopped on a ferry that runs every 15 minutes, taking them to the island dubbed “Republic of Namiseom.” On the island, there are various sculptures made completely of recycled materials, which really impressed the group members. They walked along a picturesque path of Metasequoia trees dripping with rain, and the view of raincoats and umbrellas gave a colorfully spotted picture.

Into the nature of Gangwon Province

Photo courtesy: Anjo Miranda

After having some lunch in Gangwon-do’s famous Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street, the NX travelers went to Kim Yujeong Station and hitched a ride on the Gangchon Rail Bike. Despite the rain making the weather quite nippy, the team quickly warmed up by pedaling along the winding track that the rail bikes followed. With cameras in hand, members took photos of the gorgeous mist-covered hills of Chuncheon, and after finishing the rail bike, continued on to the Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort.

Learning Korean Buddhist culture at Woljeongsa Temple

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization

For the third day, the team set out for Woljeongsa Temple, which is set in a large path of fir trees. Since Buddha’s Birthday was just around the corner, the paths, bridges, and Buddhist monks were adorned with all sorts of festive decorations. The team was also able to learn about Korean Buddhism.

Jeongdongjin, to the waters of the East Sea

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization

The team departed Woljeonsa Temple for the coastal area by Jeongdongjin Station, and at just about the time they arrived, the sun decided to come out and remind them that this was, in fact, springtime. They saw the deep blue waters and white sandy beaches of Jeongdongjin Beach and Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park, which really brought out the smiles – and cameras – of the team members. During this time of the April, on certain days it can even feel like the beginnings of summer. With the increasing temperature, many members went up close to the water, even dipping their feet in, only to run back and forth like giddy schoolchildren as the gentle waves washed up and down the beach.

Tea time at Seongyojang House

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization (top) / Izham Effendi (bottom)

The NX Traveller team, with their fill of fresh ocean breeze and sandy feet, headed off to learn about the traditional way of Korean tea at Seongyojang House in Gangneung. Following closely to the directions given by the instructor, the members sat cross-legged and, although making mistakes at first, were soon able to steep their own tea straight from the tea leaf to the first sip. The team learned about the traditional snacks eaten with tea, called dasik, and was able to taste them as well. It was a great time to relax and put one’s feet up in the midst of a busy, non-stop schedule. After sipping on the delicious tea, the team departed for the next stop, Gyeongpodae Pavilion, which was blanketed with cherry blossoms and overlooks the stunning Gyeongpoho Lake.

Haslla Art World Hotel: Full of artistic touch

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization

The coastal city of Gangneung is home to the modern and experimental design museum Haslla Art World. Finishing off their Gangwon-do tour here, the NX Traveller team got some luck with a chance to take some photos of the sunrise coming up over the horizon of the East Sea.

Photo courtesy: Korea Tourism Organization (top) / Anjo Miranda (bottom)

On the morning they left Haslla Art World, they were offered a special meal perfect for spring weather. The restaurant was decorated like an art gallery, and the members got to try specially-grown spring herbs and plants. The team loved being able to try such a variety of unique and delicious dishes. After being on the road for four days, it was time to leave the mainland and head to a warmer, more tropic-like environment. The team headed to Wonju Airport to catch a flight to their next stop, Jeju Island.

The last stop of the journey, beautiful Jeju Island

Photo courtesy: Anjo Miranda

Over the next three days, the NX Traveller team spent a fantastic time in Jeju-do, seeing famous places like Oreum, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Udo Island, and Hyeopjae Beach. Even in such a short span of time, the packed schedule allowed the group to see all the best corners of Korea, and was able to store it all on their cameras to share on their respective countries’ Smart Photography homepage, as well as their official Facebook Page and social media pages.

More info

NX Traveller Korea: Capturing My Korea

☞ Period: April 13 (Mon) – April 18 (Sat), 2015 / 6 days
☞ Location: Team A: Seoul, Gangwon-do, Jeju Island / Team B: Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Busan, Gyeongju
☞ Homepage: www.smartphotography.asia (English)
☞ Facebook: www.facebook.com/smartphotographyasia
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

  Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

Date	04/24/2015

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