The Sparkling Lady Golfers of Korea

Aside from taekwondo, name one sport that is dominated by Koreans. Clock is ticking…1,2,3…. Okay, how about ladies golf. For the past year or so, the women of Korea have really been capturing the golf world by storm. Ever since Se Ri Pak catapulted Korea to the golfing world in 1998, Korean golfers have become byword in the sport. Every LPGA game I get to watch on TV, more often than not, there’s a Korean name, or Korean sounding name in the leaderboard. Just look at the following statistics:

- According to the latest Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking (the ranking is updated every week and is considered the official ranking in world women’s golf), as of July 27, 2009, there are 2 Koreans in the top 10: Jiyai Shin in #4 and In Kyung Kim in #8; moreover, there are 17 Koreans in the top 50, the most of any nationality, followed by the USA which has 13 and Japan with 7.

- Of the 17 tournaments already played this year, starting from the HSBC LPGA Brasil Cup last January to the Evian Masters Presented by Societe Generale held last July 23 - 26, six (6) were won by Koreans.

- Again, of the 17 concluded tournaments, there are only 2 players who have won 2 events, and one is Korean, Jiyai Shin, the other is world # 1 player, Lorena Ochoa. The rest of the 13 tournaments were won by 13 different players, 4 of which are Koreans.

- In terms of the Masters, Eun Hee Ji won the U.S. Women’s Open.

Such an ensemble of talented golfers, and I can only say WOW!!!

Out of curiosity, I started finding out how many golf courses are there in Korea. And, here is what I found out. There are at least 66 golf courses scattered from Seoul to Jeju. Here’s how the 66 golf courses are distributed:

Chungcheongnamdo – 2
Chungcheong - 2
Gangwondo – 5
Gyeonggido – 34
Gyeongsang – 9
Jejudo – 9
Jeolla – 1
Busan – 2
Seoul - 2

No wonder Korea is beaming with so many talented golfers, golf courses are aplenty in the country. Korea is a golfer’s paradise. So, when visiting Korea, aside from enjoying its sights and sounds, you can also enjoy its many excellent golf courses. If you’re the golfing enthusiast, you won’t be missing your game since you can tee-off in any of the numerous courses in Korea, you just have to make your reservations in advance.

Enjoy your round of golf and happy tee-off!!!

Hanok: Traditional Korean House

Hanok is a term used to describe Korean traditional houses. The common structure of the Hanok follows the principle called Baesanimsu wherein the ideal house is built with a mountain in the back and a river in front with a wide front porch for keeping the house cool during the hot summers and the ondol or the underlying heating system during cold winters.

The structure of the Hanok differs regionally as well as with the social class. In regions where it is warmer, such as in the south, the hanok is built in a straight line and has many windows in order to allow good wind circulation. Hanoks in the northern region, where it is colder, is box shaped and clustered rooms so that the wind flow can be blocked. In the central region of the country, a blend of the two types of hanok is observed. In terms of social class, they roof material of the hanok distinguishes the social class. Tiled roof tiles were for the upper class or the nobles while rice straws are for the commoners or the lower class.

If Hanoks were still constructed these days, then this industry, I guess would very well fit the administration’s Green Korea program. Why? Because the raw materials used in making the hanok are all natural, recyclable and environment-friendly.

Hanok Stay is offered to tourists in various parts of Korea. This gives the international tourists a good opportunity to experience the old Korean lifestyle. Places which offer this type of program are Samcheonggak, Seoul Guest House, Rakgojae in Seoul; Saechwagwan and Yangsajae in Jeonju; and Suaedang in Andong. Rates vary in every location but would usually start at about US$ 100 per room. Not bad when you consider that in some facilities, the rate is already inclusive of breakfast.

So the next time you go to Korea, why not consider a Hanok stay as an alternative to your regular hotel accommodation, a cultural experience worth trying.

Must-See Landmarks in Seoul

Seoul is not only the capital of South Korea, it is the largest city in the country and is also considered as the soul of Korea. A befitting moniker for a place which is considered as the center of Korea’s activities, may it be in politics, culture or economy. Seoul has earned this major role for over six centuries now, ever since King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty made it the capital of the country.

Seoul is not only considered as the 5th largest city in the world but also the 2nd largest mega city; it is home to more than 10 million people; and the host of the 1988 Summer Games, and, together with Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup.

But when you come to Korea, you land at the Incheon International Airport, the gateway of Korea. You still have to travel an extra 52 kilometers, or about an hour to reach Seoul. You can either take a taxi or bus that will transport you to Seoul via the airport’s expressway.

Seoul offers the perfect blend of a modern city of glitzy skyscrapers and a place rich in history, cultural sights, historical landmarks and impressive monuments. Seoul offers limitless possibilities to do and see for every type of tourist. The following are the must-see landmarks of Seoul which proves that it is fast becoming a major international tourist destination.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1394, and one of the five grand palaces built in Seoul by the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbok is considered as the crown jewel although it is the oldest, it is the most beautiful and grandest of all the palaces. The palace served as home to the ruling family when Seoul became the capital of Korea.
Within the palace complex is the National Folk Museum of Korea. The museum showcases the lifestyle of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon Dynasty. Items on display are those for everyday use, major works of art and replicas.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex
Also known as Changdeok Palace, Changdeokgung Palace which literally means the “Palace of Prospering Virtue” was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997. The palace was built in 1405, and together with Gyeongbokgung Palace is part of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Considered as the most Korean of all the palaces, it covers a total area of 58 hectares, comprising of 13 buildings and 28 pavilions, and was built pleasingly blending with the surrounding landscape and with minimum effect on the natural environment.

Bongeunsa Temple
Built in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong of the Silla Dynasty, the temple sits on Sudo Mountain in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul. Bongeunsa is one of Korea’s major temples and is a popular tourist attraction because of the temple stay program, where visitors are allowed to “live” like a monk within the temple grounds.

Jongmyo Shrine
One of the two World Heritage Sites in Seoul, the Jongmyo Shrine is the first and most genuine Confucian royal shrine in Korea. It is dedicated to the memorial services of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty and is considered as the longest Korean building of traditional design.

National Museum of Korea
First established in 1945, but re-opened in a new building in Yongsan-dong, Seoul on October 2005, it is considered not only as one of the best national museums in the world but also the largest museum in Asia and the 6th largest museum in the world in terms of floor space.

Namdaemun Gate
Also called Sungreymun or the “Great Southern Gate”, this historic structure was once part of an ancient city wall. Considered as National Treasure #1 and is currently undergoing repair and reconstruction due to the major damages it incurred in a fire in 2008.

N Seoul Tower

Built on top of Mt. Namsan, this 236.7-meter communication tower features four (4) observation decks, the 4th and highest deck is a revolving restaurant which makes a complete rotation every 48 minutes. Visitors must take a cable car to enable them to climb the tower. Because of its elevation, a panoramic view of Seoul awaits the visitors of the tower. The tower can be seen from almost any point in the city.

63 Building
The third tallest building in Korea stands at a commanding height of 249-meters. 63 refers to the total number of floors: 60 are above-ground while 3 are devoted to basement levels. It houses as IMAX theater, convention center, aquarium, banquet hall, an observation deck known as the 63 Golden Tower, and a lot of stores and boutiques.

Admiral Yi Sun Shin Statue
A major landmark in Seoul, this monument commemorates the 16th century admiral and Korean maritime hero who designed the metal-clad turtle boat known as geobukseon. This warships were used in combating Japanese naval vessels during his time. To have a glimpse of how Admiral Yi Sun Shin looks like, you just have to look at a 100 Won coin, his face is immortalized in the Korean coin.

Mount Pukhansan
Located near Seoul, this mass of granite is a favorite nature trail for Koreans who would like to have a respite from the rigors and stresses of urban living. Its tallest peak is called Baekundae, and for those who can conquer this peak, the reward is a 360-degree view of Seoul.

Dongdaemun Market
Considered by Koreans as “world’s extraordinarily large shopping town” – this is probably the world’s largest wholesale shopping district. Popular destination not only to local residents but as well as tourists, this area offers almost every unimaginable product one can ever think of at really very cheap prices. A shopping district that never sleeps, it is practically open 24 hours a day. A must stop for all bargain hunters.

Seoul is truly sparkling and offers countless possibilities to all its visitors. This is an open invitation for everyone to come explore, experience and enjoy its sites and sounds and have an experience of a lifetime in the Land of the Morning Calm.