Korea Brand Expedition Day 3

 On the 3rd day we moved to another city called Gongju (공주). For our next content we decided to visit a famous Buddhist temple Magoksa, because our Chinese team member Yi Xin wanted to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Korean temple and compare it with typical Chinese temples. Magoksa was very beautiful. We could not do much sightseeing because of the heavy rain, but we could feel the peacefulness of this land.

Beautiful surroundings, everything around was green! *.*

 We had our lunch at the temple, it was also a unique experience for me, trying temple food. I learned that temple food does not use meat, five vegetables (Chinese squill, chive, wild chive, garlic, and green onion) and also artificial flavors. The meal was quite nice, actually, and the staff in the dining hall were very nice to us. 

Lunch time!^^

 After light lunch we had an amazing opportunity to interview a Korean monk. I can say for sure that it was a truly life-changing experience for me. Young-myeong monk turned out to be a very kind and person. Before meeting him I always thought of monks as very strict and perhaps judgemental people, however he managed to destroy all of those silly stereotypes. He was so lively, down-to-earth, and during our conversation I got a feeling he talks with us on the same level. 
 At first all of us were a bit nervous, but in the end the atmosphere got very relaxed and warm. The monk told us to refrain from complicated religion and taught us “the easiest Buddhism”: be kind to others and live life to the fullest without regrets. He also gave us some very personal advices. I would never forget how he said that even though all of us are pretty, young girls like us should apply makeup in order to be truly charming, and he even complimented on my makeup skills! When I told him I have many doubts on whether I should find a boyfriend, he told me that I should date many men, so that I can succeed in my marriage in the future. 

Unforgettable meeting

 At the end of the meeting he gave us small bracelets, explaining that they will bring us good luck. Also he showed his kindness one more time: when he learned that I did not bring an umbrella, he gave me one of his own. I feel so blessed and grateful for having an opportunity to meet such a wonderful person, I will never forget him and his life lessons. When we were leaving that place, our team was in much higher spirits than before.
When we returned to the our staying place, we were told that in the evening we have a party, since it was our last night together. Hence we had a great time together, singing songs, playing games and just running around like kids. We were a bit saddened with a thought of an upcoming farewell though :(

fun! *.*

Korea Brand Expedition Day 2

On the second day each team went on their own mission. For our first content our team decided to go to Makgeolli (막걸리) factory, to learn firsthand how Korean rice wine Makgeolli is made. But before going there I really wanted to take a look at KAIST - the best University of Science and Technology in Korea, so I asked my teammates to stop by KAIST first. As we didn't have much time, we couldn't see that much, however I still managed to take a few shots.

cute sign :)

Our team behind KAIST logo

After that we went to grab a lunch at a popular place called "장어대가", rumored to serve the best eel in Daejon. Our teammate, Jinhee onni brought us here, explaining that she learned about this restaurant from Daejon City hall’s homepage, and that it was famous among Korean netizens.

Location of 장어대가

The signboard

At the time we arrived there our expectations were set very high and we were starving. All the dishes were a bit pricey, so after a short discussion we ordered a double portion of 소금구이장어 (salty roasted eel).  While we were waiting for the main dish, in the meantime we were served side-dishes, and there were so many of them!  Seems as everything I like was present on the table: fried chicken in Chinese sauce, lobster fries, miso soup, fruit salad, and many more. My stomach was really happy that day!

  

Only a small part of all the side-dishes

That day I ate eel for the first time. The taste surpassed all of my expectations! Usually I do not eat fish much, as I dislike the taste and the smell, however I really enjoed that eel. The eel disappeared from our table very quickly, I think it speaks for itself about the wonderful taste. Even now a mere thought about that lunch makes me drool :D

Yummy!

Next time you visit Daejon, I really recommend you to grab a meal at “장어대가”. You definetely won’t regret it!

After gaining energy from the meal, we were ready to go, explore the makgeolli factory. The place we went to, was a small private factory, where various sorts of wine are produced. 

the signboard

When we arrived there, the owner greeted us in a friendly way and offered to be our guide. We had a brilliant opportunity to watch the process of making an authentic Korean rice wine. Every stage of the creation process is done very carefully, considering all the little nuances, like keeping the right temperature.

This is how makgeolli is made

I learnt a few new facts about makgeolli; it turns out to be good for your health! Especially because this place produces special makgeolli with ginseng. After the tour we were treated with makgeolli. The owner explained us that their company is the first one to make different makgeolli for women and men, and really, I enjoyed “female” 삼순이makgeolli’s taste the most. It was so delicious, not too strong, and not too sour.

삼순이, 참막걸리, 홍돌이

It was very refreshing, and the taste reminded me of our Mongolian traditional drink, called airag. The owner and his wife were very generous, giving us a few boxes of their makgeolli. I felt that after this trip I understand so much more about Korean culture.

owner with his wife, they really enjoyed taking photos :)

 Later that day, our expedition moved to 공주 (Gongju). We stayed for the night in a really luxurious place >> 한옥마을 (Korean traditional village). In the evening we played lots of traditional korean games, also we recalled our childhood by playing kids game. 

Korean traditional village

That was Day 2, read more in upcoming posts :)

Sep.27~Sep.30 "New Thinking New Korea" - Korea Brand Expedition Day 1

Earlier in August I decided to apply for the following program, organized and sponsored by Presidential Council on Nation Branding and Hyundai Motors

the poster

The purpose of the program is for foreigners and Koreans to explore a designated region of Korea for 4 days and to blog about the experience, promoting image of Korea. At the time I didn't look much into the future, didn't even expect to be selected.
However to my surprise they did select me, and so my wonderful adventure began. I was teamed with 2 korean onnis and 1 chinese girl. To our disappointment, one Korean suddenly dropped out due to classes, so our team had only 3 members: myself, Jinhee onni, very smart and kind Korean onni, and Yi Xin, a cutest Chinese girl :) We were allocated to Chungcheong region (충청도), and on September 27th us and other teams left for Chungcheong.
Our first destination was Hyundai Motor's Asan plant, which is specialized in making middle and large sedans. We had a rare opportunity of watching the whole process of manufacturing first-class cars step-by-step.

Me and Yi Xin

We have been to press shop, welding shop and assembly shop. Most of the work was done by robots, not humans, so everything seemed so futuristic and unreal. Besides those, we were also told that on the territory of Asan plant, there is paint shop, test track field, engine shop and an environmental facility complex, where water is recycled. After the tour all of us were given souvenirs: a miniature Hyundai car.

if only they gave us real cars ^^;;

After the Asan plant tour we moved to Daejon, city of Science. It was my first time there, but I used to make a presentation on Daejon in class before, so I always wished to go there sometime. That night we stayed in a place called 만인산 푸른학습원, located in a very beautiful place, surrounded by mountains.

picture perfect :)

In the evening we had an ice-breaking time. We also made up team names and us, foreigners, got new Korean names as well. Since then our team became 별빛달빛 (Starlight, Moonlight). Other teams chose such names as Dream Girls, Top Girl, Ez 4, Kobra, 3총4. My new Korean name is 한별 - Korean star :]

That's it for Day 1, you can learn more about my experience in upcoming posts^^