[EVENT] KTO Manila's Discover Your Korea Quiz Winners

For those of you who joined Korea Tourism Organization Manila's Discover Your Korea Quiz, which I blogged about at this POST, you may now check out if your name is among the 50 winners of the Samsung Powerbanks:

Congratulations to all the winners! Your prizes will be delivered via courier. (Note: ‪#‎KTOManila‬ will not be liable for wrong/misspelled mailing address. We will follow the address indicated on your answers.)

Please keep on supporting KTO Manila and stay tuned for more updates and events! ^^

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For information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official page, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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UNESCO World Heritage Stamp Tour: Seoul & Suwon Sites

World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding international value, which can either be of natural, man-made (cultural), or mixed (cultural landscapes) properties, and are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These places are preserved and placed under special protection.

There are 11 World Heritage Sites in Korea which include the Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, Jongmyo Shrine, Andong Hahoe Village, and Gyeongju Yangdong Village among others. To help motivate visitors to see them all, the Korea World Cultural Heritage Site Pilgrimage Certificate Program offers foreign visitors a chance to collect stamps at any of the sites recommended by the KTO and redeem them for a commemorative prize. The program will operate until December 2015 and participation is easy!

• Step 1:  Visit the Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Information Center (Click HERE for                     more info)
• Step 2:  Fill out the free registration form and submit it. Then, you will be issued a world                        cultural heritage site pilgrimage visa, passport, guidebook and map. 
• Step 3: Visit at least 3 of the 10 World Heritage Sites participating in the campaign (Jeju                        Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes is not included) and get your passport stamped for                   each site you visit. The type of prize you can receive differs depending on the number               of stamps you collect, so collect as many as you can!
• Step 4: Once you complete the stamp rally, visit the Korea Tourism Organization Tourist                       Information Center again and present your stamped passport at the campaign desk to                 receive your certificate and prize.

Campaign Items for the Stamp Tour

These commemorative stamps are usually given as souvenirs for those who finish the Stamp Tour (or visit at least 3 of the sites). They are highly collectible as they are specially made for this campaign and not for sale.

For more info on the Korea World Cultural Heritage Site Pilgrimage Campaign, you may visit their official page HERE.

World Heritage Sites in Seoul & Suwon

If you're a tourist currently in Seoul, or if you plan to visit soon, there are World Heritage Sites that you can visit right there.  

Changdeokgung Palace: The quintessential royal palace of Korea

Changdeokgung Palace was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Korea. It is said to be the most authentic and traditional of Seoul's 5 palaces. Being the second palace to be built during the Joseon Dynasty (after Gyeongbokgung Palace), Changdeokgung Palace was intended to be used should Gyeongbokgung Palace become unavailable due to a war or disaster. Hence, when Gyeongbokgung Palace was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598), Changdeokgung Palace was used as the main palace until King Sunjong, the last king of the Joseon Dynasty, passed away in 1926. (Click HERE to know more about Changdeokgung Palace as a World Heritage Site)

Changdeokgung Palace is highly valued for its building techniques that worked with the natural environment without making changes to the surrounding topography. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and a rear garden (Huwon). It houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall (main hall where the king held morning assemblies with his subjects, and did other important activities), Daejojeon Hall (where the queen lived and gave birth to princes and princesses), Seonjeongjeon Hall (place where the king handled official business), and Nakseonjae (which was built as the study and living quarters of King Heonjong).

    Seonjeongjeon Hall and Bokdogak collonaded passageway                                               Injeongmun Gate

Hwagye in the backside of Nakseonjae

Also known as Secret Garden (Biwon), Huwon (rear garden) is one of the most attractive and must-see sites in Changdeokgung Palace. It is a traditional garden built seamlessly amongst the surrounding natural environment and was a place where the king and his royal family relaxed, communed in nature, read books and studied.

Flowers blooming around Juhapnu Pavilion

A visitor viewing Okryucheon Stream at Soyojeong                     Aeryeonji Pond and Aeryeonjeong Pavilion in Huwon

Some of the areas and structures you'll see there are Buyongjeong Pavilion, Aeryeonji and Buyongji Pond, Juhapnu Pavilion, Yeongyeongdang building (considered as one of the best example of traditional Korean architecture) and Okryucheon Stream (Jade Stream). Most of the trees that can be found there are 300 years old.

Juhapnu Pavilion and Yeonghwadang Hall seen from Buyongjeong in Huwon

Huwon is open for special viewing only. There are 15 viewings organized every day and visitors take a guided tour, which is available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Each viewing is limited to 100 persons, and visitors are advised to make an online reservation in advance. (Learn more about Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Tours HERE)

Photo credit: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation

Photo credit: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation / (Yeongyeongdang photo by KTO)

When I was in Korea, I was only able to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace so I promised myself that next time, I'd like to have a tour of Changdeokgung Palace. I was especially intrigued with the beauty of the Secret Garden and I also want to try taking the Moonlight Tour for an added twist. I'm sure the Palace will be quite a sight to behold under the light of the full moon. (Learn more about Moonlight Tours HERE ).

Jongmyo Shrine: Where the spirits of the Joseon royalty are enshrined

Jongmyo Shrine is home to the ancestral tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is largely divided into Jeongjeon Hall, home to the tablets of 19 kings and 30 queens, and Yeongnyeongjeon Halls, home to 15 kings and 17 queens, plus the son of Emperor Gojong who was the last ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. The kings of the Joseon Dynasty held memorial services to their ancestors in Jongmyo Shrine. Hence, the memorial services were quite grand. (Click HERE to know more about Jongmyo Shrine as a World Heritage Site)

Sinhyangro, Eoro and Sejaro paths                                                          Jeongjeon Hall in Jongmyo

Roofline of Jeongjeon Hall in Jongmyo Shrine

At present, the Jongmyo Jerye royal ancestral rites are held every year on the first Sunday of May following the lunar calendar. (Visit HERE for more details on Jongmyo Shrine Tours)

Seolleung and Jeongneung: Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

Also known as Seonjeongneung, Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs are situated right in the heart of Seoul’s Gangnam District. They are among the 40 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty which are scattered in 18 locations, and are all considered as World Heritage Sites. Seolleung (left side) is the site of the royal tombs of King Seongjong (19th King of Joseon) and his Queen Jeonghyeonwanghu. It is a great place for relaxation and walks for people living in the city. (Click HERE to know more about the 40 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty as World Heritage Sites)

Jeongneung (right side) is the site of the royal tomb of King Jungjong (11th King of Joseon). The History and Culture Center, where you can get your World Heritage Stamp and also watch videos on the history of the royal tombs, the state funerals and how they were built, is situated on the Jeongneung side and close to the entrance gate.

Seolleung and Jeongneung Tombs in the heart of Seoul                                          Jeongjagak in Jeongneung

If you want to just relax while taking a stroll, you may want to take a walk in the forest trail connecting Seolleung to Jeongneung, which is about 3.5 kilometers long and takes approximately an hour to finish. (Click HERE for more details about Seonjeongneung Tours)

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Done with your Stamp Tour in Seoul? Why not visit Suwon to see yet another World Heritage Site?

The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built from 1794 to 1796 during the reign of King Jeongjo, the 24th King of the Joseon Dynasty, and was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It is hailed as the world's first planned city, having been more thoroughly and systematically designed than comparable structures of its time. Measuring 5.7 kilometers in circumference, the fortress was built in just over two and a half years using state-of-the-art equipment at the time, and features 48 surviving facilities, including 4 gates that face each of the cardinal directions: Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west). (Click HERE to know more about Hwaseong Fortress as a World Heritage Site)

Visitors viewing construction equipment on exhibit outside the museum

Prior to visiting the fortress, you may want to drop by the Suwon Hwaseong Museum where visitors can learn how the fortress was built through various models and exhibits, pick up a free audio guide available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese at the Information Desk and take a self-guided tour around the museum. You can avail the free audio guide by presenting your identification card or passport.

Hwaseomun Gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

The Hwahongmun Gate, which features seven rainbow arches that allow Suwoncheon Stream to run through the fortress, and Banghwasuryujeong, the site from which area surveillance was conducted and the military commanded, are the highlights of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Banghwasuryujeong sits above a beautiful pond and garden where you can enjoy a break while you take in the view. Also recommended is the Hwaseong Dragon Train that goes around the fortress. There are tour cars that operate on the road by the fortress walls from Seongsinsa Temple on Paldalsan Mountain to Yeonmudae, and makes for a quick, yet enjoyable, way to view the fortress.

           Hwaseong Dragon Train that goes around the fortress                                    Archery program at Yeonmudae

Here are the schedule of some permanent performances organized in front of Sinpungnu, the main gate to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace:

• 24 martial arts demonstrations (Tuesday to Sunday at 11 A.M. and 3 P.M)
• Jangyongyeong Guard Ceremony (2 P.M. on Sundays)- Visitors can take photos with the guards after the ceremony
• Traditional Performances like royal dance and tightrope dancing performace (Saturdays at 2pm)

There are also Art Workshops Street and Mural Streets in Haenggung-dong near the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and one can rent bicycles at Haenggung Plaza (ID card is needed) to cruise along the fortress wall area and through the Mural Streets. (Visit HERE to know more about Hwaseong Fortress Tours)

Saturday performances and 24 martial arts trial performances at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Credits to Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr), travel columnist Moon Il-sik, and Korea Tourism Organization Manila. You may visit HERE for the full article.

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For more information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official page, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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Join these contests for a chance to win a trip to Korea!

*Birthday Post!* 

I love joining contests and raffles simply because I live up to my name and have won quite a handful of them (well, except for the lottery :)) ^^ 

Many people have actually asked me what my secret to winning is, but really, I think it's all pure luck. I think that in joining contests, you just have to keep on taking your chances because one day, you might just hit the jackpot! :) 

And since it's my special day,  I want to share with you some really nice contests (and hopefully some of my luck!) that you can join... And guess what the prize is?... A trip to Korea! So try your luck now and join^^ Who knows, you might just get your chance of a lifetime! :) 

KyoChon Philippine's Fly Me To Korea Raffle Promo

Promo Period: June 1-30, 2015

This one is my favorite :) Being a huge fan of Lee Min Ho, I was so thrilled to find out that Kyochon Philippines is once again giving us the chance to see him in person and this time, they're even giving fans a chance to fly to Korea and experience Chimaek (Chicken & Beer) Festival! 

To participate, all you have to do is to visit any KyoChon Philippines store and purchase P1000 worth (single receipt) of KyoChon goodies (Love their Honey Chicken and Kimchi Fried Rice!). After that, they'll give you a raffle coupon where you should write your complete name, address, contact number, OR number, and signature. Then, you'll be asked to drop that at the designated drop box in the store.

Yay, got my raffle stub! *Hoping to win :)*

2 winners from the draw will win an all-expense paid trip to Korea and celebrate Chimaek Festival on July 21-24 and see Lee Min Ho. 3 consolation winners will also get a limited edition Kyochon Jacket with Lee Min Ho's signature. Prizes are tax free and transferable but not convertible to cash.

KyoChon Philippines has branches in SM Megamall, SM Fairview, Eastwood, and Greenhills. 

For more details, you may click on the promo poster or visit KyoChon PH's official website HERE or their official Facebook page HERE.

Grand Draw: July 3, 2015

Looking for Korean DNA Contest

Contest Period: May 1-June 30, 2015

What do you think of Korea and it's people?

A special contest that welcomes everyone to freely share their thoughts about Korea, 'Looking for Korean DNA' is Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism's (MCST) way of capturing the over-all image and identity, the essence and soul of South Korea as seen through the eyes of the global community. 

The contest has three categories- photographs, drawings and videos. To join, entries must be submitted at the following official competition websites, where participants will also be asked to key in their personal info :

• http://www.k-playground.kr/ (Korean)
• http://www.allkpop.com/mcst (English)

Entries must capture your interpretation of the image of Korea and may include landscapes, culture, nature, food, etc.

There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted by a participant. However, multiple submission of the same entry or submission of the same entry to both English and Korean sites are not allowed.

The 1st place winner will get the chance to win 2 round trip tickets to Korea, while 5 2nd Place Winners will also be selected to win tickets to YG/SM Hologram Concert in Korea. 30 random applicants will also be chosen and rewarded with a free BTS or EXO album as a token of appreciation for submitting their entries. (Not bad, right?)

For more details, you may visit the official competition websites (as indicated above), official Facebook page HERE, or check out the following articles from allkpop HERE and HERE. 

You may also watch this video from Kara & MBLAQ :)

Winner Announcement: July 24, 2015

Talk! Talk! Korea 2015

Express everything that you know about Korea through various contents and get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Korea for 5 days and 4 nights! (That is surely very tempting!)

Join any of the following categories (you may click the headings to go to the official website:

• Photo: Express Korea in Photo(s)
• No limits in the number of photos
• High resolution photos are preferred (max. 6 mb)
• Webtoon: Illustrate the image of Korea
• Illustrate the story of Korea, image of Korea, or your experience in Korea 
• No limits on the number of cuts; High-resolution photos are preferred (max. 6 mb)
• Postcard: Make a postcard that introduces Korea
• No limits on expression techniques and materials (art & craft, graphic, drawing, etc.); High-resolution photos are preferred (max. 6 mb)
• Calligraphy: Express your thoughts about Korea in words
• Express your thoughts, image, and feelings about Korea in writing
• Language: Korean or English
• Creative techniques and materials are all welcomed! (Hand writing, art & craft, graphic, letter design, etc.)
• Words, poems, famous lines, idioms, various types all allowed; High-resolution images are preferred (max. 6 mb)
• Video-Arirang: Play 'Árirang' in your own way
• Sing or play 'Arirang' in your own way. You may also play it with any instruments
• Language: Korean
• May give variations to the with various genres (rock, jazz, etc.)
• Upload your video in youtube and open it to public
• High-resolution videos are preferred
• Video-Ad: Create a video that advertises Korea
• Create a video that introduces Korea
• Language: English or Korean
• Video Length: maximum 2 minutes
• Upload your video in youtube and open it to public
• High-resolution videos are preferred

6 lucky winners (1 winner per category) will win the Grand Prize, which is an invitation for 5 days and 4 nights in Korea. This includes plane tickets, accomodation, tour of KBS Music Bank & Drama Studio, and more activities. Their special activities in Korea will also be filmed and broadcasted in KBS World.

12 winners will be chosen for the 2nd prize (laptop); 80 winners for the 3rd prize (Digital Camera); and 120 winners for the 4th prize (CNBLUE signed CD, KBS World USB).

For more details, you may visit the official contest website HERE. 

Winner Announcement: August 11, 2015

4^th Annual Korean Speech Contest:

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines is looking for the best Korean speakers in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Manila! So if you're good with the Korean language, then this is your chance to win a trip for two (2) to Korea.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and above, a resident of the Philippines and must NOT have Korean as their mother tongue nor have a parent/guardian who is a native speaker of Korean language. Individuals who have stayed in Korea for more than one year within the recent two years are also NOT allowed to join.

The 2015 Korean Speech Contest is co-organized by Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, TESDA, and United Korean Community Association in the Philippines (UKCA) in Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo!

For application details and other info, you may visit the official event page HERE.

Deadline of Application: June 23 (Cebu, Davao, Iloilo) and June 29 (Manila)

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[EVENT] KTO Manila's Discover Your Korea Quiz

Are you a Koreanophile (a person who loves anything Korean)? How much do you know about Korea and Korea Tourism Organization Manila?

Just answer this simple quiz and get a chance to be one of the lucky 50 winners to have a Samsung power bank!


Mechanics:
- Like KTO Manila Facebook page
- Share this poster and tag 3 of your friends
- Include the hashtag ‪#‎DiscoverYourKorea‬
- Answer the Discover your Korea quiz found in this link: http://bit.ly/1K3qok6

Important Notes:
- Please make sure to set your post to 'PUBLIC'
- Only Filipino citizens currently residing in the Philippines are qualified to join
  (Wow Korea Supporters 2015 are not allowed to join)
- Event period is from June 1~19, 2015
- Announcement of winners is on June 24, 2015 (Wednesday)
- Entries with all correct answers will be randomly selected to win via Random.org
- Prizes will be sent through courier, make sure to double check your address

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