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Sunday 21 July 2013

Korea free and easy : odongjae hanok hotel at yeosu expo

Odongjae Hanok hotel
Although is not really within our usual hotel budget, we decide to give this place a try.
Firstly, it was hard to look for accomodation at Yeosu. Secondly, I wanted to stay in an Hanok for this trip and lastly, our accomodation in Busan is cheap so the money can be used to pay for this hotel.
The place is around 10 minutes walk from Yeosu Expo station, as it is somewhere up a small hill.
It is advisable to take the taxi up (cost around $3-$4) and walk down when necessary..
If there is a need, the hotel can call a cab for you, additional charges of 1000 won.
My first impression of this place is that it is so new and beautiful although it is a traditional hanok.
The staff are polite and speak good English.



The room consist of a living room, bedroom and a toilet( shower, facilities and sink are separated).
The room is clean, new and beautiful. The bedroom is a bit small but the living room is quite big. Hence, there are ample spaces for our luggages and clothes. Bed is comfortable.
There are air-con and heater. However, the instructions are in Korean so you may need help in operating them.



I was quite satisfied with the toilet as I am worried that the toilet will be in traditional style too.
The water pressure was good and the toilet has shelves for toiletries.



The view is good both morning and night. 
Can just sit out with coffee or wind, relax and chill.
I went in May, sat outside at around 20 plus degree with a sweater and a bottle of raspberry wine... :)







For those who are driving around Yeosu or Korea or Suncheon, there are parking lots available.






There are two different ways to walk down to the station. One is through the brick stairs at the back of the hanok. You will be able to see Yeosu expo station and the sea.

 another way is walk from the main entrance downslope and turn left. There is a school and a playground. if you have a kid along, you can bring them to the playground.









Wednesday 17 July 2013

Korea free and easy : Suncheon city bus tour


We took a train from yeosu expo, where we are staying to suncheon.
Interesting train station





We reached suncheon early, around 730am.
There were too many version of  the timing of the tours online.
And even when we message kto, they just provided us with a link to the tour.
If you there early, can have your breakfast as there is a paris baguette and 7-11 over there. Most shops are not opened except for some random grocery shops.





The tour starts around 9am. 
Just turn right to the vistor centre to registered.
There is a staff at the center that can speak English but not too well.
The bus is quite comfortable.
The tour guide on the bus does not speak English so we just read whatever signs are available and walk around on our own while she is explaining things to other members of the tour groups in Korean.
She was quite apologetic that she could not speak English.
We did not have much expectation, hence we were not disappointed.
I find the tour quite worth it as it is not expensive.
Entrances fees to attraction included.
The tour end around noon, bring your own snacks and drinks.












Suncheon film set. Numberous shows are filmed here.We walked around here for around an hour.
The house are unique and interesting. Nostalgic feel. Something I did not get to see in Seoul or other parts of Korea.
The wild flowers are pretty.



















Nakan Eupseong Folk Village
Fortress built years ago.
There are still locals living there. We did see locals going about with their daily chores.
There are english signboards around which is good as we don't understand a single word of Korean.
There is ample time to explore the fortress.
The bus ride takes around 1 hour, so be mentally prepared for the ride.



shopping?



Try your hand at traditional Korean games.. we did




outdoor napping.. teamwork
Museum


Try you hand at games or the torture methods?
Trying out the traditional korean wedding?




Climb up the stairs and walk along the path for a better view of the fortress and its surroundings..
It feels good to take a break from city life