Day Tour - Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park 에델바이스 테마파크

We've reached the Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park after a short and winding
ride. And that's our tour guide, purchasing our entrance tickets!

Day Tour - The Garden of Morning Calm 아침고요수목원

 

아침고요수목원을 구경하고 있어요.
The garden houses 5,000 species of plants, some rare or
endangered. And do you know that the name reminds that
Korea's nickname as the "country of the morning calm".

Greeted by lovely blooming flowers upon my entry already =)

My fave sea of colors!

So a selfie or a welfie (with those flowers) is a must!

Close-ups

As I approach to cross a small bridge to get to the other side of the garden.

What a beautiful weather to visit the garden.

I like how the little pavilion reminds me of either a Japanese or Chinese
garden with all the details that goes into it.

이시는 니의 꽃이라고 해요.
On first look, I recalled that this stone does look really quite familiar. And
then when I saw the poem engraved on it, I remembered that Chingu had once
sent me a photo of it and asked for translation. LOL!

A beautiful poem deserves another post.
한상경 시인의 "나의 꽃"

Aww...I simply love them

Honestly Im not a flower lover kinda person but I must admit that walking
through this garden does bring me a whole new feeling of calmness.

쉼의 언덕 (Hill of rest)
우리 그 언덕 위에서 누워고 잠시 잘래?

Shall we stroll along the path of poetry? = )

I really do like how they have carefully thought through
the designed of the little gardens within the big garden.

In this mini garden, im surrounded by one of mummy's fave flowers,
the Hydrangea, blooming in the most beautiful bright pink.

You can also find a resting place, either on the hammock or on the beanies.
A total enjoyment of the scenery while you reflect on life.

Blooming in progress...



I know I cant stop snapping pictures of 'em all

Compositae or star-shaped flowers are also called 프리티 우먼 (Pretty-Women)
in this garden.

Can I bring them home?

You caption this = )

There are many routes to choose from, and so little time = (
In almost 30mins i'll have to have head back to gather for the next
destination.

I chanced upon a really cute house in the midst of the garden = )

Standing straight and tall, distinguishing itself from the rest...

All that walking and exploring calls for a foot rest.
Thankew for the awesome weather so far!

And im off to find my next interesting spot in the garden
that tells its story.

달빛정원 (Moonlight Garden)
It is described as a garden that is decorated with white flowers. I love this
part of the garden because moonlight sounds so mysterious. I wonder if
garden is opened at night, would the little flowers twinkle and shine just
like stars among the moonlight?

A closer capture

내 상상을 하자...

Exploring on...

Stream garden is a renewal of the existing Iris Garden, where irises are in
full bloom in early summer. 

More info on the stream garden

The brook of the stream garden. What a lovely scene.

Rock garden is a garden where you'll see sturdy rocks aplenty, accompanied
by tall trees and plants. Flowers are not planted here on a deliberate intent
not to steal glances away from its rocks. 

 I discovered another trail walk with these stone walls
that looked like a broken mini palace. But I was diverted
away as it was time to head back.

구름 다리 means Cloud bridge.
Such poetic name to name a bridge. The wobbly feel gives you that feeling
of walking on clouds, I supposed = D



It is quite high up but isn't all that scary.
Photo for prove!

그 정원에서 상징하는 나무. 나도 똑같은 생각이야.
나무님이 제일 커서 장관한 인상을 줘.

그리움 나무가 혼자서 서있어요.그리워 보여죠?

This drama was filmed right here in The Garden of the Morning Calm.
This poster found at the entrance (which is also the exit) of K-drama Lovely
Horribly (러블리 호러블리) starring Song Jihyo and Park Sihoo.

Found an interesting store upon exiting the garden. Had a small conversation
with the store owner who told me that it is possible to grow these flowers in
potted plants even in a country like Singapore where it's all year Summer.
So i bought 2 packs hurriedly before i made my final dash back to join
my tour group.

 

"Princess" Flower for mummy (she seemed to like these type of flowers)
and
Lavender for me. But since Im not a gardening type of person, have
requested mummy to grow them for me, LOL!

 

Day Tour - Ganchon Rail Bike 강촌레일파크

Waiting for tour guide's pick up at 800am. Im all well
prepared with my café latte. Except the weather reads
22 deg & cloudy. Feeling the chills as I stand waiting
at Dongdaemun subway exit.

Off we go! It's going to be an hr plus ride to Gapyeong. Along
the way, I spotted my next destination, Seoul Forest!
가 포고 싶은 곳!

Look at the cloudy sky. Tour guide says that there may be light
showers of rain...oh no...hoping that the sun will be out.

Entering tunnels

Because of the surrounding scenery, I really quite enjoy the long
rides.

왔다,우리 = )

Waiting in line to catch the 10am bike! It's nice to
be the first = )

Statue at the Gangchon Rail Park.
무슨 생각이 있나요?

Safety belt all buckle up and ready to set off
as the first 4-seater rail bike for the day ~
 



Smile for the camera and off we go!

This is no joking matter. You really need to have taken your
breakfast to off load those calories with the biking. We paddled
very hard indeed.

20 meters ahead warning to stay on track.

해바라기를 봐!

As we enter the first tunnel, there were rainbow lights

Flashing streams of light and music = )

End of one tunnel

Approach a farm ahead

The scenery was so good and I believed it will be really awesome
if I came in spring / autumn. awww

Entering another tunnel with magical spotlights

They are really good with creating atmosphere.
There was another tunnel that I really liked & surprised to see
(gonna give a spoiler here) - Bubble tunnel. I took a video so
couldn't share it here. Cant be captured on photos. You
just have to see it for yourself!

Just look at riverside we've ride alongside with. Cant take my eyes
off it.

We are starting to struggle with the paddling.
A good 45mins of non stop paddling which
you can call it a workout = )
근데 바람이 볼면서 힘이 금방 냈어.

We are finally arriving at our destination! YAY

Completed the rail bike!

At the rest-stop as we wait for our train ride back
to the rail bike starting point.
Just relaxing and mesmerized  by the lovely
surroundings.

엄청 예뻐 죠?

Cannot resists more photos

Have always wanted to go on the Gangchon rail
bike but only had a chance till now. No regrets.
If you've yet to try, I definitely recommend you
to sign up for it.

작은 폭포도 있거든 =)

Taken on the open top train ride back to the starting point.

Picturesque

And after a really tiring morning, the tour guide had kindly picked
us up and we are off to our next destination, very excitedly, because
we are having lunch!

추천 닭갈비 집

Side dishes were served. We were really famished.

And you know what is best with Korean food - side dishes!

How can you not have these to go with 비비큐 닭갈비 ?
I almost burst into tears twice when I attempted a whole garlic
in one of my wrapped chicken = /

The best part of it all is really those cheesy cheese dips!

Seaweed soup on every occasion. Love the soup because it taste
really thick in a homemade style.

Oh and I had a picture for prove! = )

After satisfying our tummy, we head onto the tour guide's car
to our next destination...