tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349454082024-03-19T17:32:09.580+08:00Jos Loves Food~ Been There . Eaten There ~Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-46794211321822081352022-02-13T01:20:00.002+08:002022-06-13T00:43:33.980+08:00JosLovesFood is on SNS<div dir="ltr">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-73220115030381063282019-11-22T08:30:00.000+08:002019-11-22T08:30:05.509+08:00[Chungnam-do, Korea] Fun @ Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having lived in a city-island throughout my farm, there is hardly land for farms in Singapore. It felt good to be close to nature when I had the chance to visit the Agroland Tae Shin Farm (아그로랜드 태신목장) located in Chungnam-do in autumn last year. The air was cool & fresh. The land was huge and I felt a sense of carefree just by watching the animals roaming around freely.</div>
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The farm is also an ideal place for family with young children to experience being up close and personal with animals. Real ones and fake ones.</div>
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The young kids come here for excursions too! Truly, this is a child-friendly place.</div>
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There are opportunities to get close to cows and goats and they are friendly!</div>
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You can even try making some cheese! Freshly made cheese!</div>
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Getting to the farm from Seoul can be quite a hassle as it will take more than 4 hours by public transport. My suggestions are:</div>
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1. Rent a car from Seoul and drive to the farm; or</div>
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2. Travel from Seoul to Suwon and explore the areas such as Hwaseong. The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress has been names the UNESCO World Heritage. It is an impressive structure built in the Joseon Dynasty. It takes about 30 mins to get there from Seoul. You can consider staying a night over in Suwon before travelling southwards. Explore taking the public transport to the farm;</div>
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3. Travel to Cheonan and then to Asan. Asan is beautiful in autumn especially along the Asan Gingko Tree Road. Explore taking the public transport to the farm</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-77828966565395811812019-07-06T20:16:00.000+08:002019-12-13T20:17:16.197+08:00[Seoul Travel] Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)The Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe) is a 3-day event held annual in Seoul. In 2019, it was from 3 to 5 May 2019. For those who are familiar with the lunar calendar, the Buddha's Day is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month in Korea. The Lotus Lantern Festival is usually held 1 week before the actual day. For 2020, the dates for Yeon Deung Hoe will be from 24 to 26 April 2020.<br />
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The event would commence on a Friday and there are lantern exhibitions at Jogyesa, Bongeunsa and Cheonggyecheon over the 3 days. Below is a photo of the lantern exhibition at Bongeunsa, located near COEX.<br />
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On the 2nd day, which is a Saturday, the various Buddhist temples would commences the ceremonial events such as the bathing of the baby Buddha's status and daily chanting. This signifies the cleansing of one's own defilement (greed, anger and delusion). They would also be busy with their final rehearsals to give their best for the evening's parade.<br />
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A Buddhist Cheer Rally would be held at Dongguk University from 4.30pm. This is where all the parade participants would gather before the commencement of the parade. The parade would take place along Jongno (central of Gangbuk area) from 7pm to 9.30pm. There are seats lined on both sides of the Jongno and pre-registration is needed to secure tickets for the seats. Those without tickets may stand and watch the parade too, thought it can be a little tiring. Audience are encouraged to join the parade towards the tail-end and take part in the walk until the post-parade celebration at the Jonggak Intersection. Over there, there will be stage performances until 11pm.<br />
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Below is a photo of the stage at the Jonggak Intersection. Most of the audience stayed till the end of the concert.<br />
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The roads leading to Jogyesa remained crowded as the audience tried to get upclose with the big lantern floats! Jogyesa was all lit up that evening.<br />
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On the 3rd day, the area in front of Jogyesa is turned into a carnival street with many cultural events and stall lines on both sides of the street. The area is blocked and vehicles are have to be detoured to other road. Participants can walked along street freely and take part in the carnival events which has tea appreciation, meditation sessions, photo exhibitions and several handicraft-making stations.<br />
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The closing event, from 7pm to 9pm, is an energy-charged event with youths from different universities and temples coming together to put up the final show near Jogyesa.<br />
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It was an eye-opener to see how Koreans celebrate the Lotus Lantern Festival. The colourful performances, the enthusiasm from the parade participants, the helpful event ushers and the vibrant atmosphere definitely made my trip worthwhile.<br />
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For those interested to experience this festival, information is available on the official website <a href="http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/">http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-51962463242516395492019-06-15T16:30:00.000+08:002019-12-13T20:17:58.892+08:00[Seoul Travel] Dongguk University and Lotus Lantern Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIOHUo_p6yo/XevMmitUq7I/AAAAAAAAPxc/k5ceB-pE554LXIvkqasqLMmeOsLdAWZDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190904_091406_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIOHUo_p6yo/XevMmitUq7I/AAAAAAAAPxc/k5ceB-pE554LXIvkqasqLMmeOsLdAWZDACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190904_091406_026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the places i like to visit when i am in Korea is the university campus. The environment is usually beautiful and it gives you the positive vibes. This is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/donggukuniversity/">Dongguk University</a> (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%EB%8F%99%EA%B5%AD%EB%8C%80%ED%95%99%EA%B5%90/">동국대학교</a>) located in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/seoul/">Seoul</a>. I was there in May this year during the Lotus Lantern Festival (<a href="http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/info/schedule.php">Yeon Deung Hoe</a>), which is a highlight event during Budhha's Day in Korea.<br />
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The campus may not be as big as some of the universities in Seoul but it is a scenic place to walk around with tall green trees.<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z_9D4zeUNoo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z_9D4zeUNoo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Every year, the Buddhist Cheer Rally is held at Dongguk University's Stadium. A feast of laughter and joy where the lantern parade participants, arrayed in their traditional Korean costumes, hanbok, rally together, laughing and dancing before the lotus lantern parade begins.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RexvlD9-7XM/XevMmvVHfcI/AAAAAAAAPxY/hl15c2S6uHUI8SQ1LV1dlDXFo9tFDMcpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190904_091406_029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RexvlD9-7XM/XevMmvVHfcI/AAAAAAAAPxY/hl15c2S6uHUI8SQ1LV1dlDXFo9tFDMcpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190904_091406_029.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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This is one of the filming sites for a 2018 Korean Drama, Encounter (aka Boyfriend) starring Park Bo Gum and Song Hye Gyo. Jinhyeok (PBG)' graduation scene was filmed at the entrance of Myeongjin Hall.<br />
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Catch a short glimpse of Jinhyeok's graduation video here.<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cyfGnzlk81M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cyfGnzlk81M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-ZIjqfgg5w/XevMmhsKMNI/AAAAAAAAPxg/h8Eb8S_GcXQuaFQSLIqj714WwSaHo_PkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190904_091406_028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-ZIjqfgg5w/XevMmhsKMNI/AAAAAAAAPxg/h8Eb8S_GcXQuaFQSLIqj714WwSaHo_PkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190904_091406_028.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Dongguk University (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%EB%8F%99%EA%B5%AD%EB%8C%80%ED%95%99%EA%B5%90/">동국대학교</a>) is a private, coeducational university in South Korea, based on Buddhism. Established in 1906 as Myeongjin School (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%EB%AA%85%EC%A7%84%ED%95%99%EA%B5%90/">명진학교</a>) by Buddhist pioneers of the Association of Buddhism Research, the university gained full university status as Dongguk University in 1953. The university remains one of the few Buddhist-affiliated universities in the world, and is the member of International Association of Buddhist Universities.<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fo-WM0Qxj0/XevMn0WPHBI/AAAAAAAAPxk/O_6fm1ZuM5s6szBVTB034v8by2_uFrAsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190904_091406_035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fo-WM0Qxj0/XevMn0WPHBI/AAAAAAAAPxk/O_6fm1ZuM5s6szBVTB034v8by2_uFrAsACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190904_091406_035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dongguk University's main campus is located in Jung District, Seoul, just north of Namsan. The upper buildings of the campus are directly connected into the trails of Namsan park.<br />
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The campus' main entrance is at Dongguk University Station the intersection of Seoul Subway Line 3 and 4. Chungmuro Station is near the rear entrance.<br />
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The 2020 Lotus Lantern Festival will take place from 24 to 26 April. There are events where priority is given to travellers such as tickets to watch the lantern parade and lantern making events. Interested participants may apply for tickets via the LLF website.<br />
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<a href="http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/info/festival.php?wr_id=9">http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/info/festival.php?wr_id=9</a><br />
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Zoom into the map to check the walking direction from Dongguk University Station to the campus.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d6325.672985991323!2d126.99835405853047!3d37.55891587529487!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e2!4m5!1s0x357ca3aab7488309%3A0x43d032432a30b967!2sDongguk%20Univ.%20Station%20Exit%206%2C%20196-2%20Jangchung-dong%2C%20Jung-gu%2C%20Seoul%2C%20South%20Korea!3m2!1d37.55891!2d127.00484999999999!4m5!1s0x357ca302d491f811%3A0x809ffb62a47609b5!2zU291dGggS29yZWEsIFNlb3VsLCDtlYTrj5nroZwx6ri4IDMwIERvbmdndWsgVW5pdmVyc2l0eSBTZW91bENhbXB1cw!3m2!1d37.5582487!2d127.0001896!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1576231126658!5m2!1sen!2ssg" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Seoul, South Korea37.566535 126.9779691999999637.1637645 126.33252219999996 37.969305500000004 127.62341619999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-40337198350677714382019-04-27T15:00:00.001+08:002019-04-27T15:00:07.103+08:00[Singapore Vegetarian Food] Nature Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fto1dMimSTQ/XHu_cvVAUiI/AAAAAAAAPos/ybwPJ4lXKD41Cinc0P5R-dQsX5k3y0nUACLcBGAs/s1600/Nature%2BCafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fto1dMimSTQ/XHu_cvVAUiI/AAAAAAAAPos/ybwPJ4lXKD41Cinc0P5R-dQsX5k3y0nUACLcBGAs/s400/Nature%2BCafe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>(Nature Café @ Aperia Mall)</i></div>
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<i></i><br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nature Café is a vegetarian
bistro which started business some 15 years ago and currently has 4 outlets
across Singapore in Jalan Bukit Merah, Kallang (The Aperia Mall), Boon Lay
(Trade Hub21) and Suntec City.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>With over
200 items on the menu, these are some of the items on the menu, just to name a
few:</span></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Local
favourites such as Chicken Rice, rojak, wanton noodles, kway chap;</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Local
stir-fried dishes aka tze-char; and</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">International
cuisine includes those such as Western burgers and steaks, Korean spicy noodles
(bibimmyeon), Thai Green Curry, Japanese Tonkatsu.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CCLXftrgR0/XHu_UYKeMNI/AAAAAAAAPoY/A60oJ1bHiDEHiaSZSbKd0FSCIzDV82rrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kway%2BChap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CCLXftrgR0/XHu_UYKeMNI/AAAAAAAAPoY/A60oJ1bHiDEHiaSZSbKd0FSCIzDV82rrgCLcBGAs/s400/Kway%2BChap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8e7QymB_NYs/XHu_Ur96wiI/AAAAAAAAPoc/vFsxls2U6p8ZhUwYplc5VPSfGX7XqMXBACLcBGAs/s1600/Green%2BCurry%2BKway%2BTeow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8e7QymB_NYs/XHu_Ur96wiI/AAAAAAAAPoc/vFsxls2U6p8ZhUwYplc5VPSfGX7XqMXBACLcBGAs/s400/Green%2BCurry%2BKway%2BTeow.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Jio1Z8-aM/XHu_UmoRFQI/AAAAAAAAPog/0GitNiQiSX8aqoKOt2yKeiKlMKsUoOitwCLcBGAs/s1600/Signature%2BTofu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Jio1Z8-aM/XHu_UmoRFQI/AAAAAAAAPog/0GitNiQiSX8aqoKOt2yKeiKlMKsUoOitwCLcBGAs/s400/Signature%2BTofu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You name it, they
might just have it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In my opinion, the
top 3 must-try from the café are:</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hong
Kong Style Char Siew Chicken Rice</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Japanese
Style Chicken Steak Rice</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monkeyhead
Mushroom hotpot</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xse6C_DKP5E/XHu-0z6b52I/AAAAAAAAPn4/Z7CKRp2tDhwq_JJjKe2VnfYP6KFCroyxwCLcBGAs/s1600/HK%2BStyle%2BChar%2BSiew%2BChicken%2BRice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xse6C_DKP5E/XHu-0z6b52I/AAAAAAAAPn4/Z7CKRp2tDhwq_JJjKe2VnfYP6KFCroyxwCLcBGAs/s400/HK%2BStyle%2BChar%2BSiew%2BChicken%2BRice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB9MBVfYrz4/XHu-19Ouj5I/AAAAAAAAPn8/RXoTVTKptfkSy1fPdLKFiffUUUDBgHWkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Japanese%2BStyle%2BChicken%2BSteak%2BRice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB9MBVfYrz4/XHu-19Ouj5I/AAAAAAAAPn8/RXoTVTKptfkSy1fPdLKFiffUUUDBgHWkQCLcBGAs/s400/Japanese%2BStyle%2BChicken%2BSteak%2BRice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3E1_jkJIRQk/XHu-3BCPu2I/AAAAAAAAPoA/fTUfL_tFB5M4ZrTXQ8W9bBt3F6pJLBEGwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sanbei%2BMonkey%2BHead%2BMushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3E1_jkJIRQk/XHu-3BCPu2I/AAAAAAAAPoA/fTUfL_tFB5M4ZrTXQ8W9bBt3F6pJLBEGwCLcBGAs/s400/Sanbei%2BMonkey%2BHead%2BMushroom.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beverages extend
beyond the regular <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">teh</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kopi</i>, but there is a variety of gourmet
tea and coffee (with simple latte art).<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>For non-tea or coffee drinkers, there are other choices such as hot
chocolate, hot vanilla or juices to choose from.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxfO7GTi9aY/XHu_H8ZGToI/AAAAAAAAPoU/aI8dk40dWiEULv8pcHh-SB2BZLmVen-8QCLcBGAs/s1600/Cocoa%2BCappucino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxfO7GTi9aY/XHu_H8ZGToI/AAAAAAAAPoU/aI8dk40dWiEULv8pcHh-SB2BZLmVen-8QCLcBGAs/s400/Cocoa%2BCappucino.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvYHxWxF1v4/XHu_Ho7usNI/AAAAAAAAPoQ/3csgRSqPOBcR8vXtKdpGtSkBLaHzrWwUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hot%2BVanilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvYHxWxF1v4/XHu_Ho7usNI/AAAAAAAAPoQ/3csgRSqPOBcR8vXtKdpGtSkBLaHzrWwUQCLcBGAs/s400/Hot%2BVanilla.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find their pricing
to be quite reasonable, considering the comfortable environment and helpful
service.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Food dishes costs $5 and above
while beverages are $3 and above.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
place is conducive for individual diners, small group gatherings with family or
friends and even for large group gatherings.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit website for address for the various outlets: <span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.naturecafe.com.sg/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">www.naturecafe.com.sg</span></a></span></span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: #0563c1;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-9523198306418393182019-03-03T19:05:00.000+08:002019-03-03T19:05:51.354+08:00[Singapore Vegetarian Food] The Boneless Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oakc3Gg_p8/XHuyta9cHdI/AAAAAAAAPnk/98cwNpcS3vkAxjoaHF3gE_bfnSLfYT4EACLcBGAs/s1600/20151016_195441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oakc3Gg_p8/XHuyta9cHdI/AAAAAAAAPnk/98cwNpcS3vkAxjoaHF3gE_bfnSLfYT4EACLcBGAs/s400/20151016_195441.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Those
of us who have visited Korea before would know the difficulty of finding proper
vegan/vegetarian food in the Land of Kimchi.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Even for the nation’s most popular side-dish, kimchi, although it is
primarily a vegetable dish, it is not vegan-friendly because of the sauce used
in the preparation process.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Singaporeans
are very fortunate to be living in a city where vegetarian food is readily
available.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Boneless Kitchen, the
first meatless Korean casual dining restaurant in Singapore, moved to its
currently location in Tai Seng about 2 years ago.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Garlic,
onion, animal products and seafood are not used.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, egg and dairy products may be used
for some of their food.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">The
restaurant has table-seating and floor-seating options for those
who prefer a more authentic dining experience.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>And one of the best things about the restaurant is that there is no
service charge and GST, apart from the consistent food quality!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">A
total of 4 appetising side-dishes (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">banchan</span></i>) will be served
at the start.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Unlike other restaurants,
the side-dishes are refillable but with a small charge to avoid food wastage.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7GFq79A3gc/XHuxz130_LI/AAAAAAAAPm8/jbgaMHCEhPsYTyiuh71YAp_AvjWLi8m1QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170625_181250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7GFq79A3gc/XHuxz130_LI/AAAAAAAAPm8/jbgaMHCEhPsYTyiuh71YAp_AvjWLi8m1QCLcBGAs/s400/20170625_181250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Their
range of main dishes is comprehensive and has every ever-green Korean dishes including
Korean Army Stew (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Budae JJigae</span></i>), Kimchi Stew (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Kimchi Jjigae</span></i>), Spicy Soft Tofu Stew (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Soondubu Jjigae</span></i>),
Stir-fried Sweet Potato Noodles (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Japchae</span></i>), Kimchi Fried
Rice (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Kimchi Bokkeumbap</span></i>) Scorched Rice with
Vegetables (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Bibimbap</span></i>), rice roll (gimbap) etc which are available in
single-person portions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The cost of main dishes are reasonably priced
between $9.90 and $12.90.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PO3yncnuYyQ/XHuy-JAmK-I/AAAAAAAAPns/FjD6ixLbks4bMUj34wdN3CzIGq1EKzIbgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170625_181643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PO3yncnuYyQ/XHuy-JAmK-I/AAAAAAAAPns/FjD6ixLbks4bMUj34wdN3CzIGq1EKzIbgCLcBGAs/s400/20170625_181643.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Ala
carte side-dishes such as Kimchi pancake (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Kimchi Jeon</span></i>), Korean
Rice Cakes (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">Tteokbokki</span></i>) are available as well.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The side dishes are mostly under $6 and the
portion size is quite decent.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Some
dishes may contain egg, and diners may request for egg to be omitted.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">When
I am there with friends, my preference is to go for the hotpot stew (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; margin: 0px;">jeongol</span></i>), which is similar to our oriental dining culture
of having steamboat.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Korean Army
Stew and the Kimchi Jeongol are highly popular.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The soup can be refilled at a small charge.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is quite enjoyable to have a slow meal, laze
around in the cosy restaurant and enjoy the K-pop songs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, do be mindful and be considerate if
the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">waiting queue
outside the restaurant starts to build up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzipPxg7_xY/XHuyIydLYRI/AAAAAAAAPnQ/wBtv_4DScoY7BlxNDT7vr4Y_ySzbg6LtACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170625_181245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzipPxg7_xY/XHuyIydLYRI/AAAAAAAAPnQ/wBtv_4DScoY7BlxNDT7vr4Y_ySzbg6LtACEwYBhgL/s400/20170625_181245.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">In
fact, the restaurant can get quite crowded especially on Fridays and weekends.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To save the hassle of waiting with a growling
stomach, try their online reservation is available through the restaurant’s
website (<span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thebonelesskitchen.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">www.thebonelesskitchen.com</span></a></span>).</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>The Boneless Kitchen</b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">1 Irving Place #01-31, Commerze @ Irving Singapore 369546</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Opens daily from 12pm to 9pm</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Tel: 8457 6464</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">3 mins walk from Taiseng MRT Station</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d3988.733667630332!2d103.88475479934776!3d1.3360301619894614!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e2!4m5!1s0x31da178d9df03bf1%3A0xa19895d8c3cde4dd!2sTai+Seng+(CC11)%2C+Upper+Paya+Lebar+Road%2C+Singapore!3m2!1d1.3358755999999998!2d103.8877164!4m5!1s0x31da17920592c531%3A0xd725f17148567ea4!2s1+Irving+Pl%2C+%2301-31+The+Boneless+Kitchen%2C+Commerze+%40+Irving%2C+Singapore+369546!3m2!1d1.3360832999999998!2d103.8860277!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1551610908112" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-9357378068473528912018-03-22T23:34:00.000+08:002018-03-22T23:36:58.460+08:00Spring in Korea 2015 (Part 5) ~ Exploring Haeinsa (Tripitaka Koreana)Built 1,200 years ago, the Haeinsa Temple is regarded as one of the three most important temples in Korea, representing the Triple Jewels - Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. The other 2 temples are Tongdosa and Songgwangsa.<br />
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Located in Gaya-san, Hapcheon province, Haeinsa Temple is said to be home to the largest number of monks who cultivate themselves religiously in Korea. The temple has a long history and is notable for housing the Tripitaka Koreana (Goryeo Daejanggyeong aka Great Collection of the Scriptures of Goryeo), the vast canon, proudly asserts that it is the utmost symbol of Goryeo Buddhism. It has a great collection of scriptures in more than 80,000 woodblocks. The scriptures are carved on both sides of these blocks and make a total of some 160,000 pages. Each side has some 300 characters and as such, the entire Tripitaka has some 52 million characters.<br />
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The temple has since been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. It is the first temple dedicated to the Korean Avantamsaka School of Buddhism and it houses the most comprehensive woodblock edition of Buddhist scriptures ever made. The first woodblock version was compiled in China during the Song Dynasty. But all of the early Chinese editions were somehow destroyed. It was first destroyed during the Mongol invasions in the early 13th century. History textbooks explained that the Goryeo government undertook the project with the hope of expelling the Mongol invaders with the assistance of the Buddha.<br />
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The temple's layout is typical of a Korean mountain monastery. Let's explore this historical temple.<br />
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The first entrance into the temple is the <b>One Pillar Gate</b> which symbolises an aspiration towards Buddhahood. The gate itself represents the teaching of the Buddha that all things are illusionary, they aren't what they appear to be. Translating from the Chinese words, it also means the Gate of Non-Duality and it means the one-ness of all things and phenomena.<br />
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<i>(The main gate facing outside)</i></div>
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<i>(The main gate facing inside)</i></div>
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Not too far from the first gate stands the <b>Gosamok Tree</b>, which is a zelkova planted 1,200 years ago to commemorate the establishment of the temple. It is said that the king then planted this tree on his own in gratitude of the monks who helped to heal his queen of her disease. The tree has since withered but it is still kept as a monument in the temple.<br />
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The next gate, which leads to the main temple compound, is the <b>Haein-Chongrim</b> which means the Haein Forest Monastery. This is also the <b>Cheongwang-mun</b> which enshrines four fearful-looking guardians of the heavenly king who guard the Buddhist world and fight off the evil.<br />
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<em>(Pheonix Gate)</em></div>
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The storage halls of the <b>Tripitake Koreana</b> are located on the highest level of the temple compound, and designed to facilitate natural ventilation, humidity and temperature control with no obvious device other than the open grill windows.<br />
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The compound consists of 4 buildings and each building is laid out in rectangular shape. With careful planning, the buildings face the southwest so as not to get direct sunlight. And to maintain the right humidity inside the buildings, salt, charcoal, powdered lime and sand are used in the inner floorings.</div>
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The <b>Tripitaka Koreana</b> consists of three collections - Buddhist Scriptures, Precepts and Discourses. The Buddha was a great teacher born more than 2,500 years ago and taught the way for liberation for 45 years. These collections captured the Buddha's words systematically.</div>
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The <b>Tripitaka Koreana</b> is also called the Goryeo Daejangkyung (高丽大藏经) because it was published in the period of Goryeo and it reflected the people's aspirations for overcoming the nation's crisis by relying on the Buddha's teachings against the invasion of the Kitan and the Mongols.</div>
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Each block measures about 68cm by 24.5cm, and weighs about 3.2kg. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Unfortunately, the halls are not open to the public and I could only view the wooden blocks through the gaps outside the halls. Only 1 piece amongst the thousands of wooden blocks was on display, which has the Heart Sutra text engraved on it.</span></div>
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Haeinsa<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> is the first temple in Korea dedicated to the Korean Avantamsaka School of Buddhism, and hence the master Buddha of the Avantamsaka Sutra, </span>Vairocana Buddha, is enshrined in the main hall known as Daejeokgwagjeon, meaning the Hall of Great Silence and Light.</div>
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Stone Pagodas are found in most (if not all) temples. Historically, pagodas were meant to house the remains of the Buddha. In Korea, these pagodas house the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns in that monastery. Therefore, it is not unusual to see people paying respects to such pagodas.</div>
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For temples that are found in the forests, the compound is spacious and there is usually an open hall (Bumjong Gak) with 4 percussion-like instruments. Known as Samul, they include the Dharma Bell, the Dharma Drum, the Wooden Fish and the Cloud Gong.</div>
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The Dharma Drum sends the message of the Dharma to lead all land animals to enlightenment.</div>
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The Dharma Bell is rung to redeem the souls of beings in hell, to gather people in the temple, and to announce the time.</div>
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The striking of the cloud bell, usually made of bronze or iron, is to lead all air-living creatures into the heavens.</div>
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The Wooden Fish is in the shape of a carp and the hitting on this instrument is meant to send message to beings living in the water so that they will realise the awakening too.</div>
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In case you are wondering if there is anything less religious, there is a cosy tea-house, Haein Café, in the temple's vicinity! It is an ideal place to really rest, chill and relax.</div>
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The overall experience in Haeinsa has been an pleasant and peaceful experience. The key to visiting temple is to allow yourself time to explore and immerse into the serenity. The compound is big and is surrounded by a several other smaller temple. Every turn is an experience!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d207090.52539159672!2d128.20321568010516!3d35.80510170662501!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x3565e3d958d91ffd%3A0xdf42f6a045861f4b!2zU291dGggS29yZWEsIERhZWd1LCBCdWstZ3UsIENoaWxzZW9uZyAyKGkpLWdhLCDrjIDqtazsl60!3m2!1d35.87646!2d128.596213!4m5!1s0x356f7c51330002dd%3A0x4369dd8835b083dc!2sHaeinsa%2C+10+Chiin-ri%2C+Gaya-myeon%2C+Hapcheon%2C+Gyeongsangnam-do%2C+South+Korea!3m2!1d35.8011781!2d128.098098!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1521731173392" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
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Getting to Haeinsa</div>
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- From Dong Daegu KTX Station, walk to the Daegu Subway station (2 mins)</div>
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- Take Line 1 (Red Line) to Seongdangmot Station (9 stops, 15 mins)</div>
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- Exit the station by taking the lift to the street level (Exit 3) and walk to the West Daegu Intercity Bus Terminal (2 mins)</div>
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- Buy the bus ticket to Haeinsa. Bus leaves every 40 mins. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.</div>
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There is quite a distance to go even after you've passed the Haeinsa gate. I alighted at the last stop where there were shops and hotel-alike building and took a taxi to Haeinsa temple. The journey took about 5 mins.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-20403852521116374682018-01-11T00:08:00.001+08:002018-01-11T00:16:41.052+08:00[Winter Korea] Tips for Inaugural Ski Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tips before going on your first <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ski/">ski</a>. It is not going to be feasible to buy the full set of ski equipment if you stay in a tropical country like me. Instead, everything that you need can be rented. That includes the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/skisuit/">skisuit</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/skiboots/">skiboots</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/skis/">skis</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/skipole/">skipole</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/goggles/">goggles</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/helmet/">helmet</a>.<br /><br />What you need to buy is a pair of waterproof gloves suitable for this cold and wet sports.<br /><br />Do note that ski suits are insulated and waterproof, which means you are protected from the icy snow even if you fall. Many people (that includes me) think that thick sweaters underneath the ski jacket will be needed. If you did that, you will regret big time. Thick jackets not only will cause obstructions to your movements, it will also cause you to perspire and get uncomfortable. In fact, a piece of lightweight comfy top should be sufficient. If you are really concerned about withstanding the cold, wear a set of heat-tech and that should be enough.<br /><br />The ski boots is the most uncomfortable part of the suit. It is heavy and tight. Hence, it is best to avoid wearing socks that are thick and bulky eg. wool socks. If you are skiing in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/yongpyong/">Yong Pyong</a>, you can measure your foot size before asking for the shoe size at the boots rental counter. As a general guide, get a size that is 10mm (or 1cm) bigger. Getting a pair of shoes that fits snugly can greatly prevent aches and pains after your ski session. Good luck!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><span style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit;">==============</span><br /><br /><br /><br />List of Ski Resort in Pyeongchang - <a href="http://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/pyeongchang">www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/pyeongchang</a><br /><br /><br /> There are 2 ways to get the ski resorts in Pyeongchange:<br /><br />1. By bus from Incheon Airport or from Seoul (<a href="http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/about/bustShuttle.do">www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/about/bustShuttle.do</a>)<br /><br />2. By KTX from Incheon Airport or from Seoul Station. Depending on the ski resort you are going to, you may alight at Pyeongchang station (for Phoenix Snow Park) or Jinbu station (for Alpensia Ski Resort, Yong Pyong Ski Resort or Jeongseon Ski Resort) .<br /><br /><br /> Between the 2 options, KTX will be the faster option but the fare is higher compared to taking the public bus.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-9715407683893810392017-10-15T02:30:00.000+08:002017-10-15T03:20:07.501+08:00Gangwon-do Delicacy - Makguksu<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>One of the good things about Singapore is that, we are really a foodie city. And especially with the rise in interest in Korean culture, the number of Korean restaurants in Singapore have increased significantly. I recently checked out Singapore's first Handmade Korean Noodles House - Guksu 1945, located at Suntec City and was treated to the variety of guksu options available.<br />
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But wait... what is Guksu? It is essentially the collective term for Korean noodles or colloquially known as myeon eg. ramyeon (Korean instant noodles), naengmyeon (Cold noodles), jjajangmyeon (Korean-Chinese noodles with black bean sauce).<br />
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With Korean's long history, many guksu varieties have been created. The commonly known ones will include gamja guksu (main ingredient for the noodles: potato starch), hobak guksu (main ingredient for the noodles: pumpkin and wheat floor), kong guksu (noodles in cold soybean soup), janchi guksu (noodles cooked in clear anchovy or beef broth).<br />
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(Guksu from Jeju - 국수회관, 신제주점)</div>
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I had a lasting impression of a bibim naengmyeong (spicy cold noodles) which I had at the Incheon Airport in 2015 and have been searching for a naengmeyon which resembles what I had.<br />
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Seeing that naengmyeong was on Guksu 1945's menu, I didn't hesitate to place that order. But it turned out to be another variety of naengmyeon which comes with ice cubes in the soup and tasted entirely different.<br />
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When will we be able to try ALL the guksu varieties? But one thing for sure, <b>Makguksu</b> (buckwheat noodles serve in cold kimchi broth), is one of the 2 Gangwon-do specialty dishes. The other dish is Dakgalbi, which I have introduced earlier. Click on this <a href="http://joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2013/06/gangwon-do-korea-chuncheong-dakgalbi.html" target="_blank">link</a> if you missed the post.<br />
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Makguksu became a Gangwon-do delicacy because buckwheat is the staple crop that is widely cultivated in the province. This delicacy has come a long way and it has been around since the Koryeo Dynasty. And now, the go-to place for Makguksu is the Dakgalbi Alley where you can get enjoy both Gangwon-do delicacies at the same time!<br />
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Makguksu is similar to naengmyeon with the key difference being in the high concentration of wheat flour used in Makguksu and the greater use of vegetables in this dish. In terms of taste, it is chilly, spicy, savoury and wheaty. Doesn't this make the best combination to go with the warmly pan-fried spicy chicken during the cold seasons?! Go for it!<br />
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(source: Korea Herald)</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-831376621570526272017-08-26T23:02:00.000+08:002017-09-15T00:23:06.035+08:00[Gangwon-do, Korea] The Must-Go Place in Chuncheon There are many scenic places in Gangwon-do (aka Gangwon Province) such as Nami Island, Seoraksan (Mount Seorak), ski resorts. Besides the play and fun, there is a famous place in Gangwon to visit for it's specialty food - Chuncheon Dakgalbi! Dakgalbi is pretty common in Korea but Chuncheon is THE place where the famous dakgalbi restaurants congregate. <br />
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Getting to Chuncheon Station (in Gangwon Province) from Seoul is easy with ITX connecting Yongsan / Cheongnyangni stations to the Gyeongchun Line. Chuncheon station is the last station on the Gyeongchun line and it takes about an hour to travel by ITX. Fret now that the journey is long and boring, you can enjoy the scenic scenery while travelling or if you prefer to get connected, Olleh wifi is available on the ITX.<br />
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The local specialty in the Chuncheon region is that Chuncheong Dakgalbi, a stir-fried marinated chicken dish in chilli pepper paste with vegetables (cabbage, sweet potato, onion, scallion etc) and rice cakes. For years, the chuncheon region has been famous for its abundance in poultry produce. This dish started off as a side dish to go with drinks in the early days in the 1960s, it gradually grown to become so popular, so much so that a street has been dedicated to this dish. There is even an annual festival held in Chuncheon to commemorate this dish. The festival is known as the Chuncheon Dakgalbi and Makguksu (spicy buckwheat noodles) Festival. The 2017's festival is happening now from 26 August to 3 September and is held in front of the Chuncheon Station.<br />
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Exiting from the station entrance, the most convenient mode of transport would be to take a taxi to the Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street. When I was there, loads of taxis were lining along the side of the road. The exact location is Myeongdong. So, you can simply inform the taxi drive to go to Myeongdong Dakgalbi Golmok (명동닭날비골목). Golmok means alley or street. The journey is should not take more than 5 mins. Alternatively, you can walk to the Dakgalbi street if you have a map on hand and know the way. It takes about 20 mins by foot.</div>
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The taxi should let you alight at this entrance signage. Follow the directional sign and walk into the alley. There are approximately 20 dakgalbi restaurants in the alley. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsDDjtwdC3k/Uc7oPEHM-vI/AAAAAAAAKl8/iv1R7GwB6Ok/s778/DSC02881s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsDDjtwdC3k/Uc7oPEHM-vI/AAAAAAAAKl8/iv1R7GwB6Ok/s640/DSC02881s.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The dakgalbi restaurants are all rather traditional and require guests to sit on the wooden floor. Once seated and order has been placed, they would start cooking almost immediately, right on the dining table. The round flat pan is filled with freshly cut vegetables, topped with richly marinated de-boned chicken chunks that were also cut into bit sizes. No oil is added in the process. The moisture from the vegetables and the fats from the meat is sufficient for the cooking. Generally, this is a rather healthy dish since white meat is generally healthier than red meat.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZKK6nPouBU/UdAt6OUGD3I/AAAAAAAAKms/IYIvb13Ge2Y/s980/C360_2012-10-22-16-03-48s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZKK6nPouBU/UdAt6OUGD3I/AAAAAAAAKms/IYIvb13Ge2Y/s400/C360_2012-10-22-16-03-48s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cooking takes about 10 to 15 minutes. When done, the chicken is tender and juicy. The portion is usually generous so my advice is not to eat any heavy meals before having a dakgalbi meal. At some restaurants, they may even add rice to the remaining dakgalbi and turn it into dakgalbi fried rice!</div>
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Dakgalbi is a very flavourful dish that is sweet, salty and spicy at the same time. That is also one reason why it is popular amongst the general population. It was said that sweet potato and rice cakes were not part of the original recipe. Sweet potato, not only added to the sweetness of the dish, it was used as a gauge as to whether the meat is cooked. When the sweet potato turns soft and edible, it means that the meat is already cooked too. How interesting!</div>
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<strong>Getting there</strong>: Point A refers to the position of Chuncheon Station and Point B is the Dakgalbi street. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-86801826168801837542017-07-31T22:00:00.000+08:002017-08-01T00:53:03.890+08:00Winter Sports at 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The PyeongChang Olympics will kick start the games in less than 200 days. If you do not know yet, <b>Soohorang and Bandabi</b> are the mascots for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to be held I PyeongChang, Gangwon, South Korea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soohorang is a white tiger. The tiger is an animal closely related to Korean mythology and is a symbol of trust, strength and protection. Bandabi is an Asiatic black bear. The bear is a symbol of strong will and courage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A total of 7 snow sports, 5 ice sports and 3 sliding sports will be held during the Olympic games. Let trusty Soohorang introduce you to these games.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Paralympic will feature 4 snow sports events and 2 ice sports events. Courageous Bandabi will introduce you to these games.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those who are familiar with Korean reality show, these was a special episode on the PyeongChang Olympic games. <b>Park Bo Gum</b> was the guest celebrity who took part in programme and introduced several sports by attempting them together with the show hosts and national team athletes. The sports which really got me interested in the Olympic games was <b>Bobsleigh</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bobsleigh began to be practiced as a sport in Switzerland in the late 19th century. In bobsleigh, athletes ride a steerable sled down an ice track. And there are three events comprised of 4-man bobsleigh, 2-man bobsleigh, and women´s bobsleigh. 2-person bobsleigh includes a pilot and a brakeman. The pilot uses the inner steering rope to drive the sled. And the brakeman puts on the brake to bring the sled to a halt after it has passed the finish line. 4-man bobsleigh adds two pushmen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For bobsleigh, the track length is 1,200 to 1,500m long with an average slope of 8% to 15% while the curve radius is minimum 20m. The pressure an athlete feels while going around a curve is nearly four times the gravity, and the bobsleigh reaches an average maximum speed of 135Km an hour. It is important to glide around 14 to 22 curves on straight, curved, and circular segments of the track increasing the speed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Watch the clips to experience the excitement in riding a bobsleigh!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-72299374294867779692017-06-26T19:41:00.000+08:002017-06-27T00:44:37.344+08:00The city for the next Olympic Games - PyeongChang, Gangwon<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What opens up a new horizon?</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Passion. Connected.</span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where everyone around the world is connected with their shared passion for winter sports.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In another 7 months, approximately 6.500 athletes will gather in South Korea for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. The XXIII Olympic Games will be held for 17 days from 9 to 25 Feb 2018, 30 years since the last Olympic Games held in Seoul in 1988.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A total of 7 snow sports, 5 ice sports and 3 sliding sports will be held in Gangwon Province. PyeongChang takes central stage as the opening and closing ceremonies as well as most snow sports will be held there. Alpine speed events will take place in Jeongseon and all ice sports will be competed in the coastal city of Gangneung.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 new events such as Snowboard Big Air (Men, Women), Speed Skating Mass Start (Men, Women), Curling Mixed Dubles, Alpine Skiing Team had been added to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. A total of 102 events will take place in the 15 sports disciplines. This will be the first ever Olympic Winter Games with over 100 gold medals.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PyeongChang is 1-hour away from Seoul via the newly constructed KTX ling. And all competition venues are located within 30 minutes' driving distance from the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium.</span></div><div align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">For those planning a winter trip to Korea in 2018, it will be timing to catch the Winter Games while travelling or visit the Olympic village to immerse in the festive atmosphere. I am certain this experience will go a long way down your memory lane. <br></font>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>On A Related Note</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympics will be held for 10 days from 9 to 18 March 2018. Approximately 1,500 athletes will participate in 4 snow sports events and 2 ice sports events.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit the following official websites for event and spectator information:</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games (<a href="https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/en/index" target="_blank">website</a>)</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games (<a href="https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/en/paralympics/index" target="_blank">website</a>)</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For ticketing information, please visit </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kingdomsg.com/index.php/ticketing-programs/pyeongchang-2018">www.kingdomsg.com/index.php/ticketing-programs/pyeongchang-2018</a></span><br>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-55665345983009585412017-01-30T10:00:00.000+08:002017-01-30T10:00:41.164+08:00[Korean food] SBCD Korean Tofu House 부창동 순두부<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the recent years, Korean restaurants/fastfood specializing in signature Korean food are getting more popular in Singapore. Some of these specialties include bingsu, fried chicken, gimbap, bibimbap and the latest addition to the list is now soontofu (순두부). </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the 1970s, Korean soft tofu soup has been regarded as a daily comfort staple that provides a rich source of nourishment to Koreans and other nationalities residing in Korea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SBCD Korean Tofu House, the latest Korean Restaurant in the Tanjong Pagar CBD district, specialises in a variety of Korean soft tofu soup, where the word "soon" actually means soft.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oqDumldTwE/WI4ad9XxDDI/AAAAAAAAOtM/GxIc4eHsSfQvdSYdbqSPmBfiud5bzLnTACLcB/s1600/SBCD1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oqDumldTwE/WI4ad9XxDDI/AAAAAAAAOtM/GxIc4eHsSfQvdSYdbqSPmBfiud5bzLnTACLcB/s400/SBCD1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The restaurant uploads the kitchen philosophy of serving uplifting and complete meals. Every soontofu dish is created using handmade silken tofu prepared fresh daily. The broth comes in 4 different levels of spiciness - mild, medium, spicy and crazy hot. After trying the various level of spiciness, level 3 seems to suit me best. However, this may be a little too hot for some, who aren't into spicy food.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTiJ6cNz8q8/WI4afGeLURI/AAAAAAAAOtc/KT5ZyT71z-8ewEWuz5B096Y8Xk6c1W5fQCLcB/s1600/sbcd2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTiJ6cNz8q8/WI4afGeLURI/AAAAAAAAOtc/KT5ZyT71z-8ewEWuz5B096Y8Xk6c1W5fQCLcB/s400/sbcd2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The modern and spacious restaurant has a total sitting capacity of 120 with 96 in the main dining area and 24 in the private dining area.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30NR9eZ_qNw/WI4afK3dPcI/AAAAAAAAOtk/YeNWW_JSOJ4NGhWapFcZDMhN4ySix0U1gCLcB/s1600/sbcd3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30NR9eZ_qNw/WI4afK3dPcI/AAAAAAAAOtk/YeNWW_JSOJ4NGhWapFcZDMhN4ySix0U1gCLcB/s400/sbcd3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The private dining area can be further split into 3 smaller rooms with 8 seats each. The private rooms are names after the restaurant's name, calling itself b-dong, c-dong and d-dong. In the administrative division in South Korea, "Dong" means neighbourhood.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(entrance to one of the private rooms)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <i>(Private dining area)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The soft tofu is made with mature white soybeans, after they have been boiled, curdled and pressed. The soybean is low in cholestorol and carbohydrates and is a good source of protein and calcium. The chef comes in as early as 7am daily just to start preparing the fresh tofu for the diners.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qo18P1D1WCI/WI4afn7u1II/AAAAAAAAOto/U7fSNHdftk4m6oZGUGxgNAu9quxsSRGEwCLcB/s1600/sbcd6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qo18P1D1WCI/WI4afn7u1II/AAAAAAAAOto/U7fSNHdftk4m6oZGUGxgNAu9quxsSRGEwCLcB/s400/sbcd6a.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Chef making Prawn Tofu Pancake)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1qfuQgD0Y8/WI4ageDNFmI/AAAAAAAAOt0/GQotvVBPZNAVqz81RFLf4h3ec-MSKZKiwCLcB/s1600/sbcd7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1qfuQgD0Y8/WI4ageDNFmI/AAAAAAAAOt0/GQotvVBPZNAVqz81RFLf4h3ec-MSKZKiwCLcB/s400/sbcd7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Prawn Tofu Pancake)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each soontofu soup is served with an egg and individually prepared in a rich, savoury broth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another unique practice in SBCD Korean Tofu House if the way the rice served with every meal. Each bowl of rice is served in a hot stone bowl, and scooped out into a metal bowl at the dining table. A thick crust of scorched rice (nuraungji) will remain in the hot stone bowl and corn tea is added into the hot stone bowl and covered to retain the heat to further cook the leftover rice. Diners get to enjoy a bowl of rice porridge dish later, that is not only nutritious, but also aids in digestion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Hot Stone Bowl)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each bowl of rice is cooked in individual hot stone bowl. Each batch of rice are covered and pressure-cooked for a precise 15 min and 20 secs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The healthy soontofu soup is served with comforting taste of homemade side-dishes (ban chan), which include kimchi, seaweed, pickled green chillies, spicy squid strips and a whole fried croaker fish! Serving a whole fried fish as a side dish is not common in Korean restaurants in Singapore. Amongst the side dishes, what stood out for me was the seaweed and the kimchi. They were totally delicious. The price of set-meal ranges from $17.90 to $29.90.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are a total of 4 appetiser dishes in the menu. Besides the Prawn Tofu Pancake, there are also japchae, fried dumplings and seafood pancake. Price ranges from $12.90 to $19.90. The prawn tofu pancake is generous with the minced prawn fillings than the soft tofu itself. Each portion of the appetiser is suitable for 2 to 3 to share.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Prawn Tofu Pancake)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Besides the soontofu soup, the restaurant also serve popular Korean meat dishes such as L.A. Galbi, Spicy Grilled Chicken and Spicy Baby Octopus, with price ranging from $23.90 to $35.90. Options are available to order these dishes as main dish or to include them in the combo meal along with a soontofu soup of choice. My personal preference is the spicy grilled chicken, although I must say that the level of spiciness has been moderated, perhaps to suit the local taste. The price for the meat dishes are comparable to BBQ dishes at other Korean restaurants.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Tteok Galbi - Grilled Short Ribs Patties)</span></i></div>
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<i> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Spicy Grilled Chicken)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a good selection of 10 soontofu soups on the menu and fortunately for vegetarians, 1 of which excludes meat in the soup. All soup base contain pork and vegetable, except for the Sesame Soontofu which does not use pork in the broth. The ingredients used in this healthy option includes sesame, broccoli, mushroom and zucchini. The taste is really light and suitable for diners who just want a light soup meal. It is also the only dish that is non-spicy, making it suitable for junior diners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, the restaurant serves quite a wide range of Korean popular dishes although the main highlight are the soontofu dishes. The available of seats provides office workers in the vicinity, a good option for a healthy meal after work and with the enjoyment of continuous K-pop music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The restaurant is located in Tanjong Pagar Centre, the newest tallest building in Singapore and is conveniently connected to the Tanjong Pagar MRT station.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SBCD Korean Tofu House</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7 Wallich Street, Tanjong Pagar Centre, #B1-01/02 Singapore 078884</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tel: 6366 6441</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opens daily fom 11.30am to 10pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBCDSingapore</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Wallich St, Singapore1.276937 103.846256799999991.2749525 103.84373529999999 1.2789215 103.84877829999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-72128041529330234162015-04-25T17:30:00.000+08:002015-04-25T17:30:02.087+08:00Spring in Korea 2015 (Part 4) ~ Experience Templestay at Haeinsa (Tripitaka Koreana)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Gayasan Mountain (height: 1,430m), where Haeinsa Temple is located, is revered as one of the top eight scenic spots in the country.</div>
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Haeinsa Temple (海印寺, 해인사) was founded in 802 CE (more than 1,200 years ago) by Sun-Eung Sunim (Venerable Sun-Eung) and I-Jeong Sunim (Venerable I-Jeong) under the full support of the Silla royal family in the third year of King Aejang, the 40th king of the Silla Dynasty. The goal for setting up Haeinsa was to elucidate the philosophy and thinking from the Avatamsaka School (Flower Garland School). Haein (海印) comes from "Haein Samadhi" of the Flower Garland Sutra, which means that the reason for everything, is revealed through an undefiled mind, just like how we can see images clearly on a quiet and still sea.</div>
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Haein-sa, the First Dharma Jewel Monastery, is the foundation temple of Avatamsaka School of Korea and the temple that the Tripitaka Koreana is enshrined. The Tripitaka Koreana is integration of Korean people's faith. Haein-sa is the spiritual shelter of Koreans, the lantern of wisdom brightening this land, and a sacred place of Korean Buddhism. With the extension historical collect, the temple was named as one of the world heritage sites.<br />
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Vegetarian food (which we are commonly familiar with in Singapore) is known as temple-food in Korea. In Korea, many dishes contain meat and there aren't that many vegetarian restaurants in Korea. Even for food such as vegetable dumplings, it is likely to contain some meat and many stew dishes uses meat/seafood in the stew stock. So, if you're particular about food containing meat, probably the best option is to go for Bibimbap and request the chef not to add in the meat.</div>
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Only in temples, the pure non-meat vegetarian dishes can be found. There are some interesting snacks which I came across while in Korea such as the one in the photo.... icing sugar coated sweet potatoes, crispy lotus roots etc. These snacks were served at the templestay office when we finally reached and was going through a simple orientation given by the staff, conducted in English.</div>
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As part of orientation to the temple and buddhist etiquette, we were briefed on the "to-dos" and "not-to-dos".<br />
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The staff briefed us on the key schedules to note on a daily basis. In particular, the timing for the morning service, evening services and meal times. It is important to observe the timing for meal times (morning, noon and evening meals) because once the timing is missed, there would be no more food left. Meal time is about 30 mins. The staff advised us to be on standby outside the dining hall 10mins before the start of meals.<br />
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There are 2 types of templestay programme, <strong>Standard Templestay Programme</strong> and <strong>Relaxed Programme</strong>. The standard programme which takes place on weekends (Saturday to Sunday) and has more activities such as conversation with monk over tea, 108 prostrations, seon meditation, communal work and a tour of the temple and hermitages. As for the relaxed programme, it is simply free and easy with minimal fixed schedule. <br />
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Since I was there on a weekday, my programme was really relaxing. We were free to roam around the whole temple, except that I had to be on time for the Buddhist services and meals. The meals are served on time and available for only 30 minutes. Once the timing is missed, there is really nothing to eat!<br />
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For the free and easy programme, my schedule was as such:<br />
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3.00am Wake up<br />
3.20am Pre-dawn Buddhist Service<br />
6.10am Breakfast<br />
11.20am Lunch<br />
5.10pm Dinner<br />
5.40pm Evening Buddhist Service<br />
9.00pm Lights out<br />
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The rooms for the templestay programme is located in 1 building. Each room takes up to 4 persons.<br />
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For hygiene reasons, shoes are not worn into the room, but placed at the door steps.<br />
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As like many traditional building, the floors are heated. The mattress, blankets and pillows are kept in a built-in cabinet inside the room. There is also 1 toilet (with shower facilities in each of the room). Bring your own toiletries and washing detergent, if you need to do any clothes-washing.<br />
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It is basically an empty room which you can decide how the mattresses can be placed. There are 4 sets of power-points in the room, sufficient for charging of personal electronic equipment.<br />
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There is a hanging rack for clothes-hanging as there isn't any separate closet for clothes.<br />
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The morning wake-up call time is 3am, to be in time for the morning service. As such, the scheduled sleeping time is 9pm. The room will be pitched-dark when the room light is turned off. You can keep the balcony lights on instead. The rooms can get a little stuffy when the doors are all shut (there are no windows in the room), so we kept the doors slight ajar at night for ventilation.<br />
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In the Korea tradition, the pre-dawn service starts with drumming on the Dharma Drum, followed by the striking of the bell, the wooden fish and finally the cloud gong. This is followed by the chanting session in the main hall. <br />
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In the break of dawn, we pray that the whole universe will hear this sound and may all hellish environments be brightened. May the hells, ghosts and animals be relieved of suffering, and may all problems disappear and may all living beings be awakened.<br />
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The drum, bell, wooden fish and gong calls out to different sections of the world of living beings. The bell calls out to those in the ghost and hell realm. The drum, made of animal skin, calls the animals, the cloud-shaped gong calls the beings in the air, the fish-shaped wooden block calls all the live in the water.<br />
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All are called to listen to the chanting of the words of liberation taught by the Buddha and to follow Buddha's wisdom. Below is the main hall of Haeinsa (Daejeokgwang jeon, 大寂光殿, 대적광전). There main statue in the hall is Vairocana Buddha. The other statues include Manjusri Bodhisattva and Universally Worthy Bodhisattva.</div>
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The hall is usually closed and devotees enter the hall through the side doors. I am not sure if this is just a practice (of closing doors) during the colder seasons, but it would have been very chilly if the doors were kept opened. As part of the temple etiquette, shoes are to be removed and placed on the shoe racks next to the hall entrance. The floor didn't seem to have heating system and hence it felt very cold especially in the morning. Fortunately, we each have a huge prayer cushion. It is alright to stand on the cushion and make prostrations.<br />
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We were not given the chanting books, but still, we diligently followed the procedures. From my elementary understanding, the chanting verses include:<br />
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1. Homage to the Three-Jewels (礼佛文)<br />
2. The Thousand Hands Sutra (千手经)<br />
3. The 4 Great Vows (四宏誓愿)<br />
3. Heart Sutra (心经)<br />
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After the chanting, it is optional to stay on for the 108 prostrations and meditation. The prostration is accompanied by the chanting of The Great Dharani with Mystical and Marvelous Stanzas and Verses (神妙章句大陀罗尼) and several mantras.<br />
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Meals are served at the basement of this building. There are 2 entrances, one for the monastics and one for lay persons (non-monastics). The monastics would take their meals just slightly ahead of the lay persons. But fret not, there will still be enough food left.<br />
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Meals in Haeinsa are simple and made of veggies. There are slight variations for the items served during morning, noon and evening meals. Rice is usually the main staple for all 3 meals. There will also be 1 type of soup, but note that some Korean soup dishes are served cold, even in the cold mornings.<br />
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After meals, we would have to clear our own plates and crockeries, place them in the allocated section in the dining hall for washing. Food trash had to be discarded into the assigned bins.</div>
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Life in the monastery is simple and fuss-free. Less stress felt, experience a sense of freedom as you allow yourself to immerse into the environment, nature and the calming daily practices. Reflect on our defilements and make aspirations to be a better person for yourself and all sentient beings.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RM8NOqBJNdA" width="560"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-80719506987086130482015-04-15T06:55:00.000+08:002015-04-15T06:55:00.797+08:00Spring in Korea 2015 (Part 3) ~ Getting to Haeinsa (Tripitaka Koreana)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Travelling in Seoul has always been a breeze for me. However, getting out there, out of Seoul may seem like getting out from our soul. It can be scary but fret not. Korea's transportation system is pretty good. Some tips to share:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Load your T-money card with extra value as most of the transportation system (buses, metro and even KTX) would accept using the T-money and in case, you can't find a reload machine while in a hurry to catch the arriving bus. However, intercity buses may not accept the use of T-money because the fare may differ from timing to timing because the bus operator may be different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. Keep some small notes and loose change in case your T-money card runs out of value. The fare for local buses costs 1,100 to 1,200 per trip regardless of distance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Ensure you have data-plan on your mobile device and not to just rely on free wifi. In case you need to check the location map or the translation app at some rural cities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Travel light. Backpacks and lightweight jackets would be good. While inter-city buses have separate luggage storage compartment, this is not the case for local buses. You will need to lug your luggage onboard and hold tight to them so that the luggage will not roll away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Bring some heat packs (especially during the colder seasons). Food and drinks are optional as you can purchase them on KTX.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Have your headphones if you wish to plug in to listen to their local radio channels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready, get set, go to <strong>Haeinsa</strong>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the details about the journey to Haeinsa. From Seoul Station, we took the KTX (Korean Train Express) to Dong Daegu Station. (Note: There is Daegu and Dong Daegu station, be sure to buy tickets for the correct destination.) KTX is the high speed train system in Korea that runs from Incheon Airport to various parts of Korea such as Busan, Yeosu, Mokpo and Gwangju. Information about KTX travel and reservation information can be found </span><a href="http://info.korail.com/mbs/english/subview.jsp?id=english_050401010000" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. You can either reserve tickets online (so that you can secure the seats ahead of departure) or get the tickets at the counter.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrFhGsijlG0/VSIjqvnBXBI/AAAAAAAAM_k/-uYGwpzoQJs/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrFhGsijlG0/VSIjqvnBXBI/AAAAAAAAM_k/-uYGwpzoQJs/s1600/1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the entrance to Seoul Station, which is a really huge station for passenger transit station be it for KTX train, rail train or subway train.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the ticketing counter, which is visible the moment you enter the train station entrance. There are separate queues for those who reserved tickets online and those buying on the spot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1bzgkMy5xo/VSIj0_HPjXI/AAAAAAAANCI/UR4M_5uxDn4/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1bzgkMy5xo/VSIj0_HPjXI/AAAAAAAANCI/UR4M_5uxDn4/s1600/3.JPG" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the ticket, it shows the travelling date (Year/Month/Date) and time. The subsequent lines show the train number (KTX 133), the cabin number (No. 14) and Seat number (2B). On the right, it shows the departure destination (Seoul) and arrival destination (Dong Daegu). Beneath that, it shows the fare amount (42,500 won). Unfortunately, it doesn't state the estimated arrival time. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1WoZ189IHY/VSIj3nGjrGI/AAAAAAAANCk/bnP--1mFKXU/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1WoZ189IHY/VSIj3nGjrGI/AAAAAAAANCk/bnP--1mFKXU/s1600/4.JPG" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you have gotten the tickets, check the digital signboard for the platform number that you ought to be heading towards.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1CYiick9eI/VSIj4MuCxeI/AAAAAAAANCo/sNhllLBROWw/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1CYiick9eI/VSIj4MuCxeI/AAAAAAAANCo/sNhllLBROWw/s1600/5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take the correct lift that brings you to the track. The huge numbers plastered at the lift's side door denotes that platform which the lift will bring you to.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each lift serves 2 platforms/tracks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the platform itself, the hanging signage indicates the direction in which the incoming train is heading towards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look out for the floor signage which indicates the cabin number.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_BpKV1D9vM/VSIj5qn-7pI/AAAAAAAANDI/PQmvu8zomV0/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_BpKV1D9vM/VSIj5qn-7pI/AAAAAAAANDI/PQmvu8zomV0/s1600/9.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The KTX trains have overhead storage compartment for small luggages. Bigger ones are to be stored at the separate compartment near the train doors. Do note that the seats are not rotatable. Hence you may be assigned seats that are in the opposite direction of the moving train.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The journey from Seoul Station to Daegu Station took about 1 hour 55 mins. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhX4YUtojJY/VSIjqpBm73I/AAAAAAAAM_Y/G31eWdlA58U/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhX4YUtojJY/VSIjqpBm73I/AAAAAAAAM_Y/G31eWdlA58U/s1600/10.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the transfer direction to the <strong>Dong Daegu</strong> metro station. Upon exiting the to the public area at the ground level, turn left and walk straight. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9m--5OcO3k/VSIjqqpeLtI/AAAAAAAAM_c/yQG52GIwqm0/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9m--5OcO3k/VSIjqqpeLtI/AAAAAAAAM_c/yQG52GIwqm0/s1600/11.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are lots of shops and restaurants on both aisles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you see the Andong Bakery Shop, turn right and exit the station via Exit 2.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwDXoNMl-dE/VSIjrpK8sDI/AAAAAAAAM_s/GY8aeO9rzmY/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwDXoNMl-dE/VSIjrpK8sDI/AAAAAAAAM_s/GY8aeO9rzmY/s1600/12.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go along the sheltered walkway.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bRFWJYZOU4/VSIjsKpyk3I/AAAAAAAAM_w/98OJwP8OB_8/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bRFWJYZOU4/VSIjsKpyk3I/AAAAAAAAM_w/98OJwP8OB_8/s1600/13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the exit, take the downward-riding escalator. There is an elevator next to the escalator which can be used if you have a heavy luggage.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiRn_BbBwL0/VSIjsuASX9I/AAAAAAAAM_8/8zhoyNBUdws/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiRn_BbBwL0/VSIjsuASX9I/AAAAAAAAM_8/8zhoyNBUdws/s1600/14.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hQ6-XRoZI8/VSIjtKKQxfI/AAAAAAAANAA/XFZZlrom7b4/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hQ6-XRoZI8/VSIjtKKQxfI/AAAAAAAANAA/XFZZlrom7b4/s1600/15.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you reach the ground level, turn left. The metro station entrance will be just around the corner. To use the elevator, do not enter the entrance. Instead, follow the pedestrian path and keep walking.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUAknOSzB7s/VSIjt7Vv60I/AAAAAAAANAM/v-t08PnVuOw/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUAknOSzB7s/VSIjt7Vv60I/AAAAAAAANAM/v-t08PnVuOw/s1600/16.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take the metro to Seong Dang Mot (성당못) station (station number 123). The journey from Dong Daegu will take about 20 mins.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmcdVAVmg28/VSIjt3L-X6I/AAAAAAAANAQ/LDMYmHa-ej4/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmcdVAVmg28/VSIjt3L-X6I/AAAAAAAANAQ/LDMYmHa-ej4/s1600/17.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take the elevator from the train platform level to the gantry level.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUR2tHD7Ar8/VSIjv2yrewI/AAAAAAAANAw/WQwS8nU_GD0/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUR2tHD7Ar8/VSIjv2yrewI/AAAAAAAANAw/WQwS8nU_GD0/s1600/20.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look out for the signage pointing to the <strong>Seobu Bus Terminal </strong>and take the elevator.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxeG_CTxAmo/VSIjwqeO6QI/AAAAAAAANB4/cP7UY9nB8eU/s1600/21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxeG_CTxAmo/VSIjwqeO6QI/AAAAAAAANB4/cP7UY9nB8eU/s1600/21.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once you exit the elevator, turn right and look out for the words "TIM" on the low building. That's the shortcut and back entrance to get into the intercity bus terminal.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7zBPB1NfQ8/VSIjw8QaOXI/AAAAAAAANA8/Aehhvkv9wVQ/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7zBPB1NfQ8/VSIjw8QaOXI/AAAAAAAANA8/Aehhvkv9wVQ/s1600/22.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this is an intercity bus terminal, there are buses that bring passengers to different parts of Korea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pink signage provides the bus departure timings, the names of bus stops along the way to Haeinsa and the corresponding bus fare. So.... Haeinsa is the last stop and the fare was 7,100 won (approximately USD 7).</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOUWpu-WcGQ/VSIjx1SOGYI/AAAAAAAANBM/W6iwqOhY1QA/s1600/24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOUWpu-WcGQ/VSIjx1SOGYI/AAAAAAAANBM/W6iwqOhY1QA/s1600/24.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bus ticket will show the platform number for the bus departing for Haeinsa.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfheR9g6D_U/VSIjyvPgcrI/AAAAAAAANBY/cqBiUn-CW5U/s1600/25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfheR9g6D_U/VSIjyvPgcrI/AAAAAAAANBY/cqBiUn-CW5U/s1600/25.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a couple of snacks stalls and coffeeshops at the bus terminal. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvcxE0T122s/VSIjyhDz3mI/AAAAAAAANBc/DZFJ4ILQaHw/s1600/26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvcxE0T122s/VSIjyhDz3mI/AAAAAAAANBc/DZFJ4ILQaHw/s1600/26.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exit the ticketing area to get to the bus bay for boarding. These intercity buses have luggage compartments. However, the bus drivers will be assist with the loading of luggage. Be prepared to DIY!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lcgkyqc7WA/VSIjzoxdqFI/AAAAAAAANBs/Rv5MEZCDr8M/s1600/27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lcgkyqc7WA/VSIjzoxdqFI/AAAAAAAANBs/Rv5MEZCDr8M/s1600/27.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you do not understand Hangeul, at least make sure you can recognize the characters for the destination that you are heading to. For example, 해인사 means Haeinsa. Double-check the destination of the bus before boarding.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjX5L9zQoAQ/VSIjzjo6ftI/AAAAAAAANBw/rp34_WfAJxI/s1600/28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjX5L9zQoAQ/VSIjzjo6ftI/AAAAAAAANBw/rp34_WfAJxI/s1600/28.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The seats on the buses are quite comfortable. Eating and drinking are allowed onboard.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geL7kFN1IlY/VSIj0hEzGMI/AAAAAAAANCM/t6WuTA1caJI/s1600/29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geL7kFN1IlY/VSIj0hEzGMI/AAAAAAAANCM/t6WuTA1caJI/s1600/29.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After about 1.5 hours' journey, we finally arrived at Haeinsa bus stop. This is the last stop for the route. A couple of things to note:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. The bus will stop at Haeinsa's ticketing entrance and you are required to pay for a 3,000 won admission ticket to the temple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. It is not advisable to alight at the admission ticketing stop because it is a very long walk into Haeinsa and if you do so, you may get lost in the compound which is really huge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. The temple is nowhere in sight when you alight at the Haeinsa bus stop. The buildings opposite the bus stop are guesthouses and hotels for temple visitors, I suppose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To get to Haeinsa, you will need to transfer to a taxi. It is a 5-minute journey and the standard fare is 5,000 won. This is not a metered-fare and there is no need for negotiation with the taxi driver.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally figured out that we needed to take a taxi and were finally on our way to Haeinsa.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Xrw6iCoHII/VSIj2Aa-R1I/AAAAAAAANCQ/_AIpA2H9c2A/s1600/31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Xrw6iCoHII/VSIj2Aa-R1I/AAAAAAAANCQ/_AIpA2H9c2A/s1600/31.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally, finally arrived at Haeinsa. This is the dormitory building for temple-stay participants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To get to the temple-stay office for registration (registration timing is between 3pm to 4pm), enter through the small traditional door at the left-end of this building and take the stairs up 1 level.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MLYYOianfU/VSIj2aWbNnI/AAAAAAAANCU/CQdtqLE4Y0M/s1600/32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MLYYOianfU/VSIj2aWbNnI/AAAAAAAANCU/CQdtqLE4Y0M/s1600/32.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a short flight of stairs. But, if you have a heavy luggage, you can choose not to lug it up. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnAnvo1dOJ0/VSIj22rf3OI/AAAAAAAANCY/gDk51VaFH_g/s1600/33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnAnvo1dOJ0/VSIj22rf3OI/AAAAAAAANCY/gDk51VaFH_g/s1600/33.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you reach the upper level, turn right and look for the temple-stay office!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMqTbTI-ZNw/VSIj3EREWvI/AAAAAAAANCc/q3Wc6FqSwjw/s1600/34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMqTbTI-ZNw/VSIj3EREWvI/AAAAAAAANCc/q3Wc6FqSwjw/s1600/34.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RY5__7g-ay0/VSIj3WDhBhI/AAAAAAAANCg/x9myqEOr88M/s1600/35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RY5__7g-ay0/VSIj3WDhBhI/AAAAAAAANCg/x9myqEOr88M/s1600/35.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Yes! Welcome to Haeinsa Temple-stay Programme!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To get a better orientation about the location of Haeinsa, check out this map! And if you're interested to know more about the buildings within the temple, stay tuned for my next blog post! :D</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3235.9492988702404!2d128.098098!3d35.801178000000014!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x356f7c51330002dd%3A0x4369dd8835b083dc!2sHaeinsa!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1429025373164" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="400"></iframe>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-40531628566942236092015-04-10T07:00:00.000+08:002015-04-10T07:00:03.494+08:00Spring in Korea 2015 (Part 2) ~ Roaming about in Myeongdong in 2D1N<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arrived at Incheon Airport on-time at 3.30pm, the easiest way to head to Myeongdong is probably by the Airport Bus 6015. The bus-fare hasn't changed for the past years. For as far as I can remember, it has always been 10,000 won. Of course, there are other options such as taking the AREX (Airport Express) or taxi. Whenever I stay in Myeongdong, my preferred option have always been to take the Airport bus because:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. It has luggage storage compartment where the luggage can be safely kept and you need not lug it up the bus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. The bus brings passengers directly to downtown Myeongdong, where the subway station exits are. From there, it is easy to navigate to the hotels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The buses are rather frequent, approximately once every 20 mins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Avoid the hassle of transfer from 1 (subway) train to another and fighting the crowd in the populated city, which would be unavoidable if you take the AREX.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>For more info on airport bus, check out this </em></span><a href="http://www.myeongdong.org/2013/10/bus-6015-from-incheon-airport-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>link</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I was, arrived at SkyPark III Hotel, conveniently located about 50m away from the Airport Bus-stop.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUTKWo0rNv0/VSH0cjqZPjI/AAAAAAAAM88/bwKeAFXD-HA/s1600/20150317_223122a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUTKWo0rNv0/VSH0cjqZPjI/AAAAAAAAM88/bwKeAFXD-HA/s1600/20150317_223122a.jpg" height="400" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hotel is especially catered to female tourists, especially if you're a fan of Etude House products. There are also a few limited "pink and princessy" rooms which makes fans of pink go ga-ga. Price for a twin room is quite reasonable at ~ S$110 - S$120 inclusive of tax.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8XejYvdR94/VSH0crDQfGI/AAAAAAAAM84/pCWDy80gzxw/s1600/20150317_223307a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8XejYvdR94/VSH0crDQfGI/AAAAAAAAM84/pCWDy80gzxw/s1600/20150317_223307a.jpg" height="400" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't manage to get a pink room. But a regular room work just fine for me. The basic facilities are complete.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zUZEJB_ZDY/VSH0ctaX0OI/AAAAAAAAM80/hmOKo28jZ20/s1600/20150317_183938a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zUZEJB_ZDY/VSH0ctaX0OI/AAAAAAAAM80/hmOKo28jZ20/s1600/20150317_183938a.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHmFN3dXnq4/VSH0eakkqOI/AAAAAAAAM9Q/fBTs-B5mi9Q/s1600/20150317_184004a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHmFN3dXnq4/VSH0eakkqOI/AAAAAAAAM9Q/fBTs-B5mi9Q/s1600/20150317_184004a.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The toiletries, as expected, are products from Etude House.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RF90fV1oQxo/VSH0eYm2kBI/AAAAAAAAM9M/uDXJGwBu_xM/s1600/20150317_184159a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RF90fV1oQxo/VSH0eYm2kBI/AAAAAAAAM9M/uDXJGwBu_xM/s1600/20150317_184159a.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Myeongdong is one of the very popular "integrated downtown hubs", for shopping (duty-free shops, cosmetics, food, fashion etc etc). This is also the place for checking out the latest Korean Streetfood.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXrnEe2BztY/VSH0mNMPsqI/AAAAAAAAM98/eccGDvtTCrM/s1600/20150317_222033a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXrnEe2BztY/VSH0mNMPsqI/AAAAAAAAM98/eccGDvtTCrM/s1600/20150317_222033a.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deli Manjoo, a small store located in the Myeongdong underground shopping mall, has been around for quite some time. The corn-shaped warm custard puffs still taste as delicious as before.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2oCjh8FJAI/VSH0lg_-oYI/AAAAAAAAM9s/N2CVtnn8RGY/s1600/20150317_214517a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2oCjh8FJAI/VSH0lg_-oYI/AAAAAAAAM9s/N2CVtnn8RGY/s1600/20150317_214517a.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strawberry is seasonal fruit and it is commonly found during the winter season in Korea. During this time, lots of cafes and bakeries uses strawberry as their key ingredient. This street-food stall was selling strawberry mochi.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_odAV7aTkyQ/VSH0kiRi1qI/AAAAAAAAM9g/KubOp9gXh_U/s1600/20150317_213358a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_odAV7aTkyQ/VSH0kiRi1qI/AAAAAAAAM9g/KubOp9gXh_U/s1600/20150317_213358a.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This stylish-looking guy moves in a groovy beat while making the banana-nutella crepes.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttXeeeqEzys/VSH0lnvwLAI/AAAAAAAAM90/Qks73_wCZUM/s1600/20150317_214532a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttXeeeqEzys/VSH0lnvwLAI/AAAAAAAAM90/Qks73_wCZUM/s1600/20150317_214532a.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And look at these colourful cotton candies in pastel shades. They are about 30cm in height and 20cm in width.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zroKwhaSWBo/VSH0km4RcUI/AAAAAAAAM9o/w_0s6dzS5-E/s1600/20150317_213149a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zroKwhaSWBo/VSH0km4RcUI/AAAAAAAAM9o/w_0s6dzS5-E/s1600/20150317_213149a.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing about living in a country with 4 seasons is that you get an abundance of seasonal fruits. This stall is selling freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice !</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4vPSDa_obQ/VSH0kj90fII/AAAAAAAAM9c/_mFAjkdk5VU/s1600/20150317_191005a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4vPSDa_obQ/VSH0kj90fII/AAAAAAAAM9c/_mFAjkdk5VU/s1600/20150317_191005a.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fish-shape redbean waffle might be a passé by now. The trend now is croissant fish. Also filled with redbean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What is popular for breakfast in Korea?</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One, rice with kimchi and soup, or two, toasts. Isaac Toast is a popular breakfast stall, a stone-throw away from Myeongdong station exit 5.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzVKDSAtgqw/VSH13HyBWLI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/_tID92HM6fM/s1600/IS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzVKDSAtgqw/VSH13HyBWLI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/_tID92HM6fM/s1600/IS1.jpg" height="400" width="253" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With more than 20 types of toast, including basic ham & cheese to bulgogi to potato & cheese, deciding what to order might be a chore.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-jpmVi5J5I/VSH13GeB3QI/AAAAAAAAM-U/BUL9eIMTBT0/s1600/IS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-jpmVi5J5I/VSH13GeB3QI/AAAAAAAAM-U/BUL9eIMTBT0/s1600/IS2.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, it was simple. I decide to go for a non-meat option and I only needed to decide between cheese & potato or cheese & vegetable or vegetable. Simple!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVIB0iUtfC4/VSH13CyUcJI/AAAAAAAAM-c/OEa2jOKUahk/s1600/IS3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVIB0iUtfC4/VSH13CyUcJI/AAAAAAAAM-c/OEa2jOKUahk/s1600/IS3.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Estimated queuing and waiting time ... about 15 minutes.</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to get to Isaac Toast?</span></em></strong><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1581.3845875829802!2d126.98317282951031!3d37.5605017296753!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0000000000000000%3A0x5f838bbde6d3ea92!2z7J207IKt7Yag7Iqk7Yq4IOuqheuPmeygkA!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1428291628775" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="400"></iframe>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What about Dinner?</strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A question that may make some local Koreans scratch their heads would be "Where can I find vegetarian food?". A common response that I get is "Koreans love to eat meat!" There is hardly any dish that is without meat except for vegetable salad and bread.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend who arrived in Seoul before me checked out this interesting Tteokbokki restaurant, Kang Ho Dong Cheon Ha, a new celebrity restaurant specially in hotpot rice cakes. What caught our eyes from the menu was "Yachae tteokbokki" which means vegetable tteokbokki. We decided to just go for it, although sliced fish cakes is one of the ingredients.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjr2Rnio7_Q/VSICQt83KHI/AAAAAAAAM-w/4wGx4S35iSE/s1600/KHD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjr2Rnio7_Q/VSICQt83KHI/AAAAAAAAM-w/4wGx4S35iSE/s1600/KHD1.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are tips plastered on the table for cooking the rice cakes and the ingredients. We had to adjust the heat level along the way.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GbtoG2tDAA/VSICQ_XsSmI/AAAAAAAAM-0/Y0alIRqmPlg/s1600/KHD3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GbtoG2tDAA/VSICQ_XsSmI/AAAAAAAAM-0/Y0alIRqmPlg/s1600/KHD3.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here how the hotpot rice cakes (tteokbokki) looks like when served. Besides rice cakes and fish cakes, the other ingredients included glass noodles, ramyeon, lots of vegetables and some dumplings. The serving portion is just nice for 2 to 3 persons. We opted for the set meal which comes with a portion of fried chicken. There are other side dishes on the menu such as cheese fries. Total damage is below 25,000won. Overall, the food and ambience were good. Because this place was very new, overall cleanliness was very good.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dWgP4mO0X4/VSICRlPJhEI/AAAAAAAAM-8/GTv_CMx8UZ8/s1600/KHD4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dWgP4mO0X4/VSICRlPJhEI/AAAAAAAAM-8/GTv_CMx8UZ8/s1600/KHD4.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to get to Kang Ho Dong Cheon Ha?</span></em></strong><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1581.3471603340083!2d126.98562836745907!3d37.562265063734046!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x357ca2f00fb2ee7d%3A0x7f25b82c0612c42b!2s35-20+Myeongdong+10-gil%2C+Jung-gu%2C+Seoul%2C+South+Korea!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1428292529042" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="400"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-58571240305596014372015-04-07T07:00:00.000+08:002015-04-08T08:06:31.797+08:00Spring in Korea 2015 (Part 1) ~ 15-day itinerary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVSvMfNDaOs/VSKjCs40jFI/AAAAAAAANGQ/b50Hqh0gCAY/s1600/Korea%2BSpring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVSvMfNDaOs/VSKjCs40jFI/AAAAAAAANGQ/b50Hqh0gCAY/s1600/Korea%2BSpring.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flowers are blooming, signaling that spring will soon arrive. The bitter winter will soon be over! Get ready to enjoy the clear sky and breezy cool air!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every moment in the cold is precious, for only those of us who stay in the tropical countries will know why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my itinerary for the 15-day Korea trip. Stay tuned for the travel details!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 1: Seoul</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 2 to 3: Haeinsa Templestay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 4: Gyeongju</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 5 to 8: Busan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 9 to 10: Songgwangsa Templestay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 11 to 12: Suncheon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 13 to 15: Seoul</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's a <a href="http://joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/04/new-upcoming-templestay-and-temple.html" target="_blank">preview</a> of the 5 temples (UNESCO sites included) I have visited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Related posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Preview of Temples in Korea and Templestay (click <a href="http://joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/04/new-upcoming-templestay-and-temple.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Airline Promotions to Korea - Summer/Autumn 2015 (click <a href="http://joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/04/new-upcoming-templestay-and-temple.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-17025113902890307702015-04-04T13:12:00.000+08:002015-04-08T08:10:21.298+08:00[New & Upcoming] Templestay and Temple-hopping in Korea<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello everyone, it has been a while since I blog about my travel experiences. I have just returned from a 2-week templestay cum temple-hopping trip in Korea. There is so much to share about this unique and tranquil experience visiting these temples that are more than 15-centuries old, and located in the mountains. For a preview of the itinerary, click on this <a href="http://www.joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/04/spring-in-korea-2015-part-1-15-day.html" target="_blank">link</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A year ago, I read about the Three-Jewel temples in Korea. The three-jewel is of great significance in Mahayana Buddhism and it refers to the Buddha, Dharma (teachings of the Buddha) and the Sangha (the Buddhist community who's role is to actively propagate of the Dharma after the Buddha's passing). I was totally excited and had this travel plan in mind for a year and it finally came into fruition</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some background about Buddhism in Korea. After a long journey through China, Buddhism arrived in Goguryeo, one of the three ancient Korean kingdoms, in A.D. 372. From there, it travelled further south to another Korean kingdom, Baekje, about a decade later and then finally to Silla about a century later. Buddhism thrived most during the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. to A.D. 935) and was persecuted under the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1910). Korean Buddhism has their unique and distinct features based on historical relics. Through this journey, the uniqueness are evident from the infrastructure and culture of Korean Buddhism.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tongdosa Temple in South Gyeongsang Province (Gyeongsangnam-do) represents the first jewel - the Buddha. Haeinsa Temple, also in South Gyeongsang Province represents the second jewel - the Dharma. Songgwangsa Temple, in South Jeolla Province (Jeollanam-do) represents the third jewel - the Sangha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having in mind the triple-jewel is an important practice for Buddhist for it is the constant reflection and reminder of the Buddha's teaching that enable us to develop compassion and wisdom. These are the key qualities of all Bodhisattvas and Buddha which enable them to liberate the sufferings of all sentient beings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a sneak preview of the 3 key temples for this trip.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2jiSVEq-Ao/VR9vou-EXQI/AAAAAAAAM7o/8d7GAikr4pc/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2jiSVEq-Ao/VR9vou-EXQI/AAAAAAAAM7o/8d7GAikr4pc/s1600/1.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tongdosa Temple (通度寺)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QuKQOgAdS4/VR9vou8DodI/AAAAAAAAM70/A-a3DuJ_uMM/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QuKQOgAdS4/VR9vou8DodI/AAAAAAAAM70/A-a3DuJ_uMM/s1600/2.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haeinsa Temple (海印寺)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ9Gxyh1qqo/VR9voj1k_QI/AAAAAAAAM7s/wKe5HFOdQz8/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ9Gxyh1qqo/VR9voj1k_QI/AAAAAAAAM7s/wKe5HFOdQz8/s1600/3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Songgwangsa Temple (松广寺)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also took the opportunity to visit 2 other UNESCO sites, the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto (a stone-cave hermitage). Bulguksa Temple is unique because within this temple, we can meet all the "Three Bodies of Buddhas at the Vairocana Hall, Paradise Hall and Hall of Great Hero. The Avalokitesvara Hall is located right next to the Vairocana Hall. As such, it was said that this temple features all the Buddhism's most celebrated "superstars".</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1xZBe0Ojvg/VR9wisQF2sI/AAAAAAAAM8I/dIu7zTSXsuM/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1xZBe0Ojvg/VR9wisQF2sI/AAAAAAAAM8I/dIu7zTSXsuM/s1600/4.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bulguksa Temple (佛国寺)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seokguram Grotto (石窟庵)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since I was in Busan, we also made a trip to visit Beomeosa Temple. This temple is known as the temple where the fish from Nirvana play. Elaborations about the temple will be shared in my later post.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1oXJ4rgcOs/VR9x707dnXI/AAAAAAAAM8Y/oAwKZL7yRf8/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1oXJ4rgcOs/VR9x707dnXI/AAAAAAAAM8Y/oAwKZL7yRf8/s1600/6.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Beomeosa Temple (梵鱼寺)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you plan to take a route less-travelled in Korea, experience about templestay and accomodations in those cities that I visited, keep a lookout for my postings!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Related post:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">15-day itinerary in Korea (click <a href="http://www.joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/04/spring-in-korea-2015-part-1-15-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Airline promotions to Korea - Summer/Autumn 2015 (click <a href="http://www.joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/01/airline-promotion-singapore-to-korea.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Airline promotions to Korea - Winter 2015 (click <a href="http://joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/03/airline-promotion-singapore-to-korea.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-77058791520864938172015-03-15T08:00:00.000+08:002015-03-15T08:00:01.202+08:00[Singapore Restaurant] Experience New Birthday Dishes at TODAI !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UJ_NzoqaH0/VQHODEo1jnI/AAAAAAAAM6E/mEO6x7yqDGU/s1600/Todai%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UJ_NzoqaH0/VQHODEo1jnI/AAAAAAAAM6E/mEO6x7yqDGU/s1600/Todai%2B1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not, TODAI has turned 4! Diners at the restaurant, specializing in international buffet, are in for a treat. As part of TODAI's anniversary celebration, they have specially added 7 birthday dishes to the menu.</div>
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Shoutao, or steamed buns in the shape of peaches signifying longevity, is one dish commonly seen especially during birthday celebrations for the elders. This Chinese tradition is still kept even in modern days Singapore. The soft pink steamed buns are filled with sweet lotus paste. These buns are best eaten when they are fresh out from the steamer. Another Chinese dish which TODAI has added to the auspicious birthday menu is the stir-fried Yi Mein or the longevity noodles. The noodles, a savory dish with prawns and mushrooms, didn't taste too strong and the noodle texture was quite "QQ", a local term describing the chewy texture of the noodles. It tasted somewhat like handmade noodles.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRnTB4sp2LE/VQHODFxHJ1I/AAAAAAAAM6A/Z1X8tJ7s418/s1600/Todai%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRnTB4sp2LE/VQHODFxHJ1I/AAAAAAAAM6A/Z1X8tJ7s418/s1600/Todai%2B3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Two Korean dishes added to the birthday menu were Japchae and Miyeokguk. The key ingredient for Japchae is the sweet potato noodles which is different from the Chinese-style glass noodles because of it's chewy noodles texture. The flavourful dish is stir-fried by mixing sesame oil, soy sauce with vegetables and meat. This dish was first created in the 17th century during the Joseon Dynasty. The dish soon became one of the signature dishes in the royal menu, especially during celebration parties, as the king liked it so much. <br />
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In the Korean culture, one must have a bowl of Miyeokguk (or Korean-style seaweed soup) on their birthdays. Due to its high iodine and calcium content in the seaweeds, it is common for Korean women to consume this soup after child-birth. It then became a popular practice to have the seaweed soup on birthdays as a reminder of the food and nutrition from mothers.<br />
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A pretty exotic dish on the birthday menu is Oto, which originates from Ghana. Oto is a traditional African birthday dish that uses hard-boiled eggs, mashed yam and palm oil as the key ingredients. TODAI has creatively replaced the yam with potato and it has a similar taste as potato salad. Eggs in the Ghanaian culture symbolizes purity and fruitfulness and therefore it is symbolize to consume eggs on birthdays. This completes the second African dish, Jollof Rice, originating from Nigeria, which is slightly spicy and savoury.<br />
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And, birthdays wouldn't be complete without cakes. Inspired from Russia's Honey Layered Cakes, the 4-layered delicious Rainbow Cake will be available during dinner and weekend buffets. If you're a fan of butter-cream cakes, go for this!<br />
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Besides the birthday dishes, the international buffet selection includes Oriental, Western, Japanese, Korean, Italian dishes as well as fruits and salads. If you prefer to go for lighter food options, TODAI offers pretty interesting salads.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ebsvm9dSGo/VQHOEyDw3QI/AAAAAAAAM6k/4i6xjs3nIrQ/s1600/Todai%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ebsvm9dSGo/VQHOEyDw3QI/AAAAAAAAM6k/4i6xjs3nIrQ/s1600/Todai%2B6.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em> (Cherry Tomato Salad under the Italian Section)</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15GuUsG4mJk/VQHOFLVEm7I/AAAAAAAAM6g/u1kX3yeqnsM/s1600/Todai%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15GuUsG4mJk/VQHOFLVEm7I/AAAAAAAAM6g/u1kX3yeqnsM/s1600/Todai%2B8.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Mandarin Salad under the Salad Section)</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDSX9FgdSjs/VQHOQl0NcOI/AAAAAAAAM64/x4jzW3IGkIk/s1600/Todai%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDSX9FgdSjs/VQHOQl0NcOI/AAAAAAAAM64/x4jzW3IGkIk/s1600/Todai%2B7.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Garlic Bread under the Italian Section)</span></em></div>
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As part of TODAI's anniversary celebration, diners have a chance to enjoy unlimited buffet dining for 30 days. A total of 5 passes will be given away for lucky dinners who spend a minimum of $200 at TODAI. And for diners who are celebrating their birthdays in March, they get to enjoy a complimentary birthday cake as well as an instant photo taken to capture their memorable moments.<br />
<br />
UOB and Maybank card holders, senior citizens and kids get to can enjoy dining discounts at TODAI as well. Do check out the promotional details at <a href="http://www.todaisingapore.com/">www.todaisingapore.com</a>. <br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>TODAI Singapore</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Bayfront Avenue</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#B2-01</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Singapore 018972</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tel: +65 6688 7771</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Website: <a href="http://www.todaisingapore.com/">www.todaisingapore.com</a></div>
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</div>
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<strong>Monday to Friday:</strong><br />
Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm; Dinner: 5.30pm to 10pm<br />
<br />
<strong>Saturday:</strong><br />
Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm; Dinner: 5pm to 10.30pm<br />
<br />
<strong>Sunday:</strong><br />
All Day Dining: 11.30pm to 10pm<br />
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<br />
<strong>Getting there</strong>: Take MRT to Bayfront Station. Use Exit D. Enter Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and walk through The Shoppes in MBS. TODAI is located almost at the end of the building.
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<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d3988.816271869832!2d103.85930948584878!3d1.2841463609458625!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xa3efe55f94563136!2sTodai+Restaurant!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1406309714376" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="400"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-48078164546699711282015-03-13T06:55:00.000+08:002015-04-25T11:18:23.782+08:00Airline Promotion: Singapore to Korea (Winter 2015)It is never too early to start planning for your year-end holidays. Are you already thinking of having a white Christmas in Korea?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziSB3mpvgLA/VQHMAkSPviI/AAAAAAAAM50/aVqglOHUUw8/s1600/Korea%2BWinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziSB3mpvgLA/VQHMAkSPviI/AAAAAAAAM50/aVqglOHUUw8/s1600/Korea%2BWinter.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Singapore Airlines</span></strong> <br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul<br />
From $716<br />
Outbound Travel: 5 Oct 2015 to 23 Mar 2016<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: 8 Apr to 5 May 2015<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e2s1">http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e2s1</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul<br />
From $668<br />
Outbound Travel: 25 Aug 2015 to 11 Feb 2016<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: 8 Jan to 31 Mar 2015 <span style="color: red;">(Promotion Ended)</span><br />
<br />
Website: <a href="http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1">http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Cathay Pacific</span></strong><br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul (For UOB Credit Card Holders)<br />
From $708<br />
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 18 Dec 2015<br />
Min passenger: 2<br />
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: not stated<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.early_grab_sales_uobcards.html">http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.early_grab_sales_uobcards.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
For Summer/Autumn 2015 promotions, please click on <a href="http://joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/01/airline-promotion-singapore-to-korea.html" target="_blank">this link</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-18687656032234947802015-01-17T21:38:00.002+08:002015-07-12T02:18:44.705+08:00Airline Promotion: Singapore to Korea (Summer/Autumn 2015)Want to explore summer festivals in Korea such as the Haeundae San Festival, Muju Firefly Festival or Boryeong Mud Festival? Or try a new experience in templestay (click <a href="http://www.joslovesfood.blogspot.sg/2015/04/spring-in-korea-2015-part-1-15-day.html" target="_blank">here</a> for sample itinerary)? Be sure to catch the airline promotions early! <br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3hAYmMOkXA/VLplPkC2ceI/AAAAAAAAM3g/sspshsTfdeA/s1600/732708_1_69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3hAYmMOkXA/VLplPkC2ceI/AAAAAAAAM3g/sspshsTfdeA/s1600/732708_1_69.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">(credit: <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/">www.VisitKorea.or.kr</a>)</span></span></div>
<strong><span style="color: red;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: red;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Singapore Airlines</span></strong> <br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul<br />
From $716<br />
Outbound Travel: 5 Oct 2015 to 23 Mar 2016<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: 8 Apr to 5 May 2015 <span style="color: red;">(promotion ended)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e2s1">http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e2s1</a><br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul<br />
From $668<br />
Outbound Travel: 25 Aug 2015 to 11 Feb 2016<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: 8 Jan to 31 Mar 2015 <span style="color: red;">(promotion ended)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1">http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1</a><br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul<br />
From $688<br />
Outbound Travel: 7 Jul to 29 Nov 2015<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: 3 / 14 days<br />
Ticket sales period: 8 Jan to 31 Mar 2015 (please see revised promo above) <br />
<br />
URL: <a href="http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1">http://www.singaporeair.com/booking-flow.form?execution=e1s1</a><br />
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<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Asiana Airlines</span></strong><br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul<br />
From $748<br />
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 19 Nov 2015<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: 1 to 30 Jun 2015 <span style="color: red;">(promotion ended)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ea.flyasiana.com/C/en/main.do">http://ea.flyasiana.com/C/en/main.do</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul<br />
From $755<br />
Outbound Travel: 21 Jun to 2 Sep 2015<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: 2 days / 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: 1 to 30 Apr 2015 <span style="color: red;">(promotion ended)</span><br />
<br />
URL: <a href="http://ea.flyasiana.com/C/en//boardContents.do?menuId=004002001000000&menuType=BOARD&boardCode=BOARD_EVENT&eventCateCode&eventSeq=3324&boardCmd=VIEW">http://ea.flyasiana.com/C/en//boardContents.do?menuId=004002001000000&menuType=BOARD&boardCode=BOARD_EVENT&eventCateCode&eventSeq=3324&boardCmd=VIEW</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Cathay Pacific</span></strong><br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul (For HSBC Credit Card Holders)<br />
From $608<br />
Outbound Travel: 17 Jun to 17 Dec 2015<br />
Min passenger: 1<br />
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: 17 Jun to 14 Jul 2015<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.hsbc-special-fares.special-fares-hsbc.html?cm_mmc=CXpecials-SG-_-HSBCJP-SINMULTI-10JUL15-_-HS-_-10JUL2015&cm_lm=GS-677D981751FC75E00A4DD010C4510C60">http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.hsbc-special-fares.special-fares-hsbc.html?cm_mmc=CXpecials-SG-_-HSBCJP-SINMULTI-10JUL15-_-HS-_-10JUL2015&cm_lm=GS-677D981751FC75E00A4DD010C4510C60</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Singapore to Seoul (For UOB Credit Card Holders)<br />
From $708<br />
Outbound Travel: 1 Aug to 18 Dec 2015<br />
Min passenger: 2<br />
Min / Max duration: up to 1 month<br />
Ticket sales period: not stated <span style="color: red;">(promotion has ended)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.early_grab_sales_uobcards.html">http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/flightoffer.early_grab_sales_uobcards.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
For Winter 2015 promotions, please click on <a href="http://joslovesfood.blogspot.com/2015/03/airline-promotion-singapore-to-korea.html" target="_blank">this link</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-33112096368443700592015-01-09T06:50:00.000+08:002015-01-09T06:50:00.420+08:00[CNY 2015] Lunar New Year Vegetarian Steamboat and Lo Hei Yusheng<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Planning for a eat-clean this lunar new year? Vegetarian steamboat and Lo Hei Yusheng will be available from Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery from 14 February to 5 March 2015! For enquiries, call 6849 5333.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDT8wiMTJcA/VKwMFHKB_WI/AAAAAAAAM3M/hDrMjEsU6qY/s1600/Steamboat-Yusheng-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDT8wiMTJcA/VKwMFHKB_WI/AAAAAAAAM3M/hDrMjEsU6qY/s1600/Steamboat-Yusheng-2015.jpg" height="640" width="451" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-64598756528665419472014-12-22T00:18:00.000+08:002014-12-22T00:18:28.973+08:00[Singapore Cafe] Vegetarian Chocolate Truffle Logcake from Metta Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0EYwnAjGJs/VJbxGijDaUI/AAAAAAAAM2w/Qodq45-hY50/s1600/IMG_20141207_224147a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0EYwnAjGJs/VJbxGijDaUI/AAAAAAAAM2w/Qodq45-hY50/s1600/IMG_20141207_224147a.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thinking what to get for the year-end gathering? Consider this. I bought this for a recent gathering and most people couldn't believe that this vegetarian (eggless) chocolate truffle logcake tasted as good as any other chocolate logcakes. Best of all, the price wouldn't burn a hole in your pocket. 500g at $30 and 1kg at $42.</div>
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Contact <a href="mailto:mettacafe@metta.org.sg">mettacafe</a><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null">@metta.org.sg</a> to entire or drop by the café located at 32 Simei Street 1.</div>
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Have a great holiday!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-63083899129996233642014-12-18T06:50:00.000+08:002014-12-18T06:50:00.231+08:00[Australian Cafe] Pie Face in Singapore!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If chicken pie, mushroom pie, apple pie and perhaps yam pie are the types of pie that you've eaten all your life, does (spicy) Tandoori Vegetable pie or (sweet) Thai Green Curry Chicken pie or (savoury) Chicken + Peppercorn make you feel a little more excited about eating pies?</div>
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Leading micro-bakery café from Australia, also the world's largest pie chain, has just arrived in Singapore. 2 outlets were opened in Singapore in November and they are conveniently located at 313 Somerset and Bugis Village.</div>
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With the eye-catching signboard, you can easily spot Pie Face (Bugis) from BHG's entrance facing Victoria Street.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayhulAiTCok/VI2mn1h08NI/AAAAAAAAM0g/Pl_6UuyqqTs/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayhulAiTCok/VI2mn1h08NI/AAAAAAAAM0g/Pl_6UuyqqTs/s1600/01.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAe929U1Kw0/VI2mn0-G8iI/AAAAAAAAM0c/GdvNUupTPB0/s1600/02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAe929U1Kw0/VI2mn0-G8iI/AAAAAAAAM0c/GdvNUupTPB0/s1600/02.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W4-4mFgVwA/VI2mn5DrOJI/AAAAAAAAM0Y/ROqvEUUxFIM/s1600/03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W4-4mFgVwA/VI2mn5DrOJI/AAAAAAAAM0Y/ROqvEUUxFIM/s1600/03.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCYvet2Fd1o/VI2mo2vNnSI/AAAAAAAAM1o/uGhoMhBHQGU/s1600/04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCYvet2Fd1o/VI2mo2vNnSI/AAAAAAAAM1o/uGhoMhBHQGU/s1600/04.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXjtbcpXFnA/VI2mpY5zImI/AAAAAAAAM0o/neYbjCW_lMw/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXjtbcpXFnA/VI2mpY5zImI/AAAAAAAAM0o/neYbjCW_lMw/s1600/05.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pie Face doles out pies in a multitude of flavours. The pies come in regular and mini sizes (from $4.90 and $3 respectively). The pie flavours include:<br />
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- Tandoori Vegetable Pie (Regular and Mini)<br />
- Thai Chicken Curry Pie (Regular and Mini)<br />
- Chicken + Mushroom (Regular and Mini)<br />
- Chicken + Peppercorn (Regular and Mini)<br />
- Chunky Steak (Regular and Mini)<br />
- Creamy Vegetable (Mini)<br />
- Steak + Peppercorn (Mini)<br />
- Chilli Chicken + Corn (Mini)<br />
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My personal favourites are the Tandoori Vegetable (filled with delicious chopped carrots, capsicum and mixed beans) and Thai Chicken Curry (filled with carrots, onion, garlic, coconut milk and chicken) pies. Like my friend ever commented, I seem to prefer "exotic" food, which I interpret to mean food with stronger or spicy flavour.<br />
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Different playful expressions are featured on the pastry crusts, making the pies fun to look at even before eating it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0GB0c-gVb0Q/VI2mqNWeS8I/AAAAAAAAM0s/X5U0li2f_Ck/s1600/06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0GB0c-gVb0Q/VI2mqNWeS8I/AAAAAAAAM0s/X5U0li2f_Ck/s1600/06.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sad faces, happy faces....Are you able to guess what type of pie each facial expression stands for?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4G_xG-4lXE/VI2mqtD0N0I/AAAAAAAAM08/3LhYJiHwa0M/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4G_xG-4lXE/VI2mqtD0N0I/AAAAAAAAM08/3LhYJiHwa0M/s1600/07.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The reason for success for Pie Face is probably the delicious puff pastry. It is said that the dough of the traditional French puff pastry takes 3 days to prepare. The kitchen team is required to fold the special blend of butter to create 48 layers!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqqV45qEtWU/VI2mrNlJ9qI/AAAAAAAAM1E/H7qHCnX-h_k/s1600/08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqqV45qEtWU/VI2mrNlJ9qI/AAAAAAAAM1E/H7qHCnX-h_k/s1600/08.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Encased within the flaky crust are fresh and chunky ingredients. Pie Face serves the pies in 2 ways:<br />
1. Either by itself in a cardboard sleeve; and<br />
2. Top the pie with mash potato and gravy.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOJHQDl_ZFw/VI2yaHk2aBI/AAAAAAAAM2I/IDCMoS9nh5Y/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOJHQDl_ZFw/VI2yaHk2aBI/AAAAAAAAM2I/IDCMoS9nh5Y/s1600/14.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Besides the savoury pies selection, you get to enjoy sweet treats under the same roof. The café serves 8 sweet pies, crumbly cookies and moist cakes too! The cheese sticks (suitable for cheese lovers) and almond sticks are worth trying!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yM41Ng4_CE0/VI2msyq60qI/AAAAAAAAM1Q/bTXg0XeYYcM/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yM41Ng4_CE0/VI2msyq60qI/AAAAAAAAM1Q/bTXg0XeYYcM/s1600/10.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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And if you are a sausage person, try the Chicken + Cheese Sausage roll (with some tomato ketchup)!<br />
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The sweet pies are really pretty. Available in pecan, butterscotch, lemon, chocolate, raspberry, apple crumble, green tea + red bean and coffee! I'm sure there's one flavour that whets your taste bud. <br />
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Finally, the banana bread (aka banana cake) is one of my favourites!<br />
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Need some coffee to end a good meal? Pie Face serves freshly brews such as cappuccino, café latte, long black, mocha and macchiato ($4 onwards).<br />
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<strong>Pie Face Outlets</strong><br />
313 Orchard Road #B3-10 (313 Somerset)<br />
Singapore 238895<br />
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm<br />
Getting there: Directly connected to Somerset MRT station<br />
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249 Victoria Street (Bugis Village)<br />
Singapore 188034<br />
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm<br />
Getting there: Alight at Bugis MRT Station. Turn right at the entrance and head towards BHG department store. Take the escalator to Level 1 of BHG. Exit BHG using the exit facing Victoria Street (near bags section) and cross the traffic light. You should be able to see Pie Face while at the traffic light.<br />
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URL: <a href="http://pieface.com.sg/">http://pieface.com.sg</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/piefacesingapore">https://www.facebook.com/piefacesingapore</a><br />
Instagram: @pieface_sg<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34945408.post-55099592153710121342014-12-16T06:50:00.000+08:002014-12-16T06:50:00.121+08:00Handy Bread-Making Machine by Panasonic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I am not quite into kitchen gadgets since I have always prefer to eat than to cook. Cooking is time-consuming and there is no guarantee that the final product will turn out the way you expect it to be. But this cooking demonstration got me curious as to how a home bread-maker can bake delicious bread. Some friends have got their own bread-making machines at home and it gave them the flexibility to bake bread of their choice.</div>
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So, here I was at the Panasonic cooking demonstration, organised by omySG. 4 recipes were shared and we were really impressed with the soft texture of the bread loaf, focaccia (flat bread), bun and even muah chee which was the biggest surprise to me. I would have never thought that a bread-maker machine can be used for making muah chee!</div>
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Panasonic Bread Maker SD-P104 is an automatic bread-maker that has 13 menu (for bread, dough and dessert), 13-hour digital timer and has separate dispensers for raisins/nuts and yeast. Using the dough cycle, we can even use this machine to make dumpling skin and pizza dough.</div>
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The metal container is where the ingredients will be placed in and where the kneading process will take place inside the bread-maker.<br />
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The control panel looks simple enough and instructions on the display panel looks rather straight forward too. Our cooking instructor, Theresa, shared that when the cover is cover is shut, the panel will indicated the current preparation stage so that user need not open up the cover to check.<br />
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One of the recipes shared during the session was the <strong>Fragrant Mixed Wheat Bread</strong>. The good thing about making your own bread is that, you know the actual ingredients used and the freshness of the bread.<br />
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<strong>Ingredients</strong> for the bread include:<br />
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75g Whole Wheat Flour<br />
175g Bread Flour<br />
10g Butter<br />
1 tsp Salt<br />
2 tbsp Castor Sugar<br />
1 tbsp Milk Powder<br />
200ml Cold Water (ensure that the water is chilled)<br />
1 tsp Instant Yeast<br />
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Mix together:<br />
30g Sunflower Seeds<br />
10g Melon Seeds<br />
30g Raisin<br />
10g Black Sesame Seeds<br />
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<strong>Method:</strong><br />
1. Place the above ingredients (except the mixed nuts and yeast) into the bread pan.<br />
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2. Place yeast into the yeast dispenser and mixed nuts into the nuts dispenser.<br />
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3. Select Menu no. 2 for "Rapid" mode, and select "Raisin" mode, next press start. [The reason for selecting "Raisin" mode is so that the bread-maker will automatically dispense the mixed nuts at the later stage of the 2-hour process.]<br />
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4. Once ready, remove bread from the pan.<br />
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5. Leave to cool before cutting! Enjoy the super-soft wheat bread!<br />
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The good thing which I really like about the bread-maker is that cleaning seems quite easy too. None of the dough got stuck to the bread pan and so washing can be quite fast too. For those who are into bread-making and would like to improvise with new bread recipe, I think it is worth to get this machine which is retailing at $329 at Isetan, Takashimaya, Tangs and selected Best Denki, Courts and Harvey Norman outlets.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0