Touch Korea Tour / Day 2: Paju: A Trendsetter in Art (파주)

We headed for Paju on Day 2 to a place called Provence Village (프로방스마을) in Gyeonggi-do, a popular tourist spot for Koreans which is designed/developed - (1996) keeping in view the real Provence in France. 

It was a very lovely day with crispy wind and a beautiful autumn sky -  ideal for any outdoor activity and we were lucky to be in Provence  village - which is a shopping enclave with many restaurants and shops - both by well known international brands and local brands.

The  location of Provence is unique - due to Paju's proximity with the North Korean border, one can witness heavily guarded, barbed wired beaches  with combat-ready soldiers on patrol and a long, never ending chain of military check-post gave it a very unique touch.

Japanese friends looking at the tourist map!

There was a huge bakery and cafe, a couple of branded fashion shops, a herb garden restaurant and workshop. 

 I have no idea if other members of our Touch Korea Award winners were able to see a small but really beautiful temple 10 minutes away from the parking in Provence village - on a small hill.

I took some pictures of it in haste and joined the team members.

Around Provence Village, there are also many other attractions such as Heyri Art Valley (헤이리 문화예술마을), Paju English Village, Paju Book City (파주출판단지) and Odu Mountain Unification Observatory.

 

Afterwards we headed for lunch – the menu was Bap Ssam  (based on rich variety of organically grown vegetables) but in addition, Bulgogi and Korean style kebab was also served. We had ice-cream for dessert and then we moved to Hyeri Village for a necklace making workshop. 

By the way, I would highly recommend everyone to sign up for buzz KOREA and Korea Tourism Organization who were the SOLE SPONSORS of this entire trip.

buzz KOREA (http://www.ibuzzkorea.com/eng/) is an online community platform that allows users to share and upload content about Korea and its tourism. buzz KOREA members share their blog posts, photos and videos about their stories and experiences to help others discover the hidden attractions of Korea.

The “Touch Korea Tour” campaign (http://www.ibuzzkorea.com/touchkoreatour/eng) provides participants with the opportunity to tangibly experience Korea in person. Participants of this tour travel throughout Korea, exploring the various attractions and sights of the country. In turn, they help spread other travelers find unique destinations and activities to try. 

Free Movie Tickets by LOTTE Cinema (Nov.1st. ~ 6th)

The ASIANA INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL begins its tenth aviation today until Nov 6. Opening ceremony tonight at 19:00 with opening film "Jury" featuring the veteran actor An Seong-gi and the talented Kang Soo-yeon. 



☞ Venue: Cine Cube at Jongno-gu
☞ Period: November 1 – 6, 2012
☞ Admission
Opening ceremony: 7,000 won
Film screening: Adults 5,000 won / Children 4,000 won
Other events: Free (Entry on a first-come, first-served basis)
☞ Ticket Reservation: Online or on site
Cine Cube http://www.icinecube.com (Korean)
Max Movie http://www.maxmovie.com (Korean)
Interpark http://ticket.interpark.com (Korean)
Yes24 http://movie.yes24.com (Korean)
Naver Movie http://movie.naver.com (Korean)
Daum Movie http://movie.daum.net (Korean)
☞ Ticket Reservation Period: October 22 – November 6, 2012
☞ Homepage: http://www.aisff.org/2012 (Korean, English)
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-783-6518~9 (Korean, English,)
☞ 1330 TT call: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Tickets available online or onsite >> http://bit.ly/TViFGB

Touch Korea Tour: Gangnam Style (Day 1: Seoul Fashion Week etc.)

I had to walk all the way and my umbrella broke down....my neighborhood!

On the first day of  'Touch Korea Tour: Gangnam Style' - strong winds and rain made it very difficult for me to get to Korea Tourism Organization's head office, I was a little late but I made it. After an introduction and briefing by buzz Korea's Touch Korea organizers we headed for  Seoul Fashion Week (SFW) that was held at the War Memorial in Yongsan near the US base.

  Despite rain the excitement, enthusiasm and energy among participants was strong at the Seoul Fashion Week. This is my third Fashion Week in Seoul since I came to Korea.

 A long queue of people - waiting desperately to enter the venue. Celebrities  were there too  to see the work of a young fashion designer - Kwak Hyun Joo - who has designed clothes for figure skater/ World Champ - Kim Yuna. She has also designed for K-Pop stars. Kara Band members and TEEN TOP were also there.

I took this hot while on escalator!

From a different angle by newspapers: KARA

                       
 Runway area was packed and one could NOT even move.

S/S 2013: Kwak Hyun Jo's Collection

      The runway hype

For more on who else was in Kwak's collection read HERE.

                           The designer:  Kwak Hyun Joo with an actress after the show

Fashion designer Kwak with a member of TEEN TOP!
 

Some of the dresses were interesting....and I love everything green.

I think that the venue of Seoul Fashion Week 2012 was wisely chosen.......it seemed like a best place thus far - among all shows I have attended in Apgujong area.

and the designer here in the picture below:

After S/S 2013 Seoul Fashion Week at the War Memorial we headed for IFC Mall in Yeouido for shopping and lunch. The same day we participated in MBC's famous music show hosted by members of Girl's Generation for which we went to Ilsan. I'll do a separate post on Music Core and the live performances.....it was a great day, full of fun. Met bloggers, Vloggers from around the world and had wonderful food with the TKT winners as well as organizers especially Amelie and Sujin - who took care of us very well.

continued....