My Jeju Tour would be useless if i would not have a look at the places where my favorite Korean dramas were shot. After all, i wouldn't be aware of the place if not for Koreanovelas.
When i first went to Seoul last year, i had the chance to see the shooting location of Jewel in the Palace, which is now a theme park "Dae Jang Guem. I had a great time reminiscing the drama while walking around the park. It was a great experience because I could imagine how Lee Young Ae (Jang Guem) acted in each drama scene.
While in Jeju, i recalled the scene where Jang Geum was exiled in Jeju. So i grabbed the chance to see the place where she was "exiled". Well...it is not as gruesome and scary looking place just like in the drama, instead it is well taken care of with waterfalls and some pretty flowers on every side. But of course, it will be different since it is no longer used for the drama anymore but as a tourist spot already. It's a big place, so again a comfortable shoes is a must. I defintely appreciated some posters with "drama captions" explaining the scenes of the drama that was shot there. While in the place, we also visited an "Old Korean Folk Village". Would you believe that Koreans before were not tall. The houses were very small. The bedrooms were built for a normal height of an 10 year old kid and with minimal space. As i listened to the guide, I learned so much about Korean culture and marriages. Men are regarded as superior than women. In history, husband walk through the front door while the wife should pass through the back door which was a feet or two lower than the front door. Reason? So that the wife would be bowing down to her husband as she enter the house. Very interesting...but as what i noticed in today's Modern Korea, wives now are given importance as well. Also, Korean are a lot taller these days. Most of the guys are six-footers.
Right after that, i went to see "The Legend's" drama location. Honestly, I am not a fan of Bae Yong Joon (but my cousin is). I went out of curiosity since the drama is very popular. I watched "Jumong" and knowing that Legend is the continuation of the story built my interest to see the place where the shooting was done. Compared to Dae Jang Geum, it is a lot bigger. The place is really HUGE! In fact, my cousins and i were not able to have a look at the whole park. The place is unbelievable, just like a real city. It has a palace, a village, a market and a battlefield. I felt like i travelled in a certain "war era". Hands down to all those who contributed in building the set. You wouldn't know it was just a set if you have not touched the walls. I don't know what material was used, but not concrete. Also, we totally had a blast because there are no restrictions such as "no touching" or "no sitting". I even had a chance to sit on Damdeok's bed and look at his closet. ^^ what an experience! I guess it's commonsense that the only restrictions though are: no vandalism, don't damage anything and don't leave your trash. Other than that, you can even eat ice cream on Damdeok's dining table ^^ (By the way, have i written how great Korean Ice creams are? It is! Was able to eat two cups of vanilla ice cream regardless of how cold the weather that time)
To complete, my drama experience...we went out to see some "Canola Blossoms". Just as i imagined, they are very pretty! Just standing there would give you goosebumps and dramatic feeling. I felt like i want to play piano right there and then. hahaha ^^ or am i just being in a "senti mood" that time since i was able to share the moment with those I love. I suddenly remember the scene from "Spring Waltz".
I have mentioned in my previous entry (part 2) that i went to see Seongsan Sunrise Peak. It is where a scene from "My Girl" was shot. The one where Joo Yu Rin was being chased by a gang. Another "must see" in Jeju Island. Then I also went to Hallasan National Park. Oh my, hiking that place was really hard! I thought i would not reach the top. But i did! I am just not too sure now if i would climb that mountain again. I was so tired! No problem with the "going down". It's the "going up" that's too hard. I think i have used up all my energy just to climb the mountain and reach the peak. Anyway, being at the top was not that bad. ^^ I got to wave at those who gave up and stayed at the bottom (haha) Hallasan National Park is where Mt.Halla is. A scene from Kim Sam Soon was shot there.
Wooo.....being in a "drama" could be so tiring! I felt like i traveled from one century to another...;)
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