Are you one of those die-hard Korean love story a.k.a. Koreanovela fans? If you are, then I suggest you take a little over 6 minutes of your time to watch this! The Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) released a mini-Koreanovela video last year entitled Miss Flower Spring and they released it once again in time for their spring and our summer in the Philippines (March to June). I instantly fell in love with South Korea all over again (see my posts on my Seoul and Busan trips) when I saw this last week. This time I longed to return again for my 5th trip on a different level and theme - seeing the flowers in full bloom and the charm of being there on spring! A Korean couple I met a few months ago (whom I fondly call Sajang-nim and Samo-nim hehe) recommended that I go back during the month of May and visit them, when the weather is just right (not too hot and not too cold) in Korea =) For now, let me take you on a tour to another set of interesting places in Korea through this video (watch the full video below in this post). There are a few highlighted destinations here but given the chance, I'd like to travel to Yeosu via Korean Air then take a train to Suncheon to see the Naganeupseong Folk Village first! I know that I have said over and over again that I'm game for another Korea trip, this time I'm super convinced to add a flower/springtime tour (choosing to travel on a certain month to catch everything bloom instead of a particular destination) into that long list =)
Image from the KTO FB Page
After seeing this video in HD, my head was populated with visions of me in the place of that girl! Haha. Um because she got to travel to a lot of cool places! How I wish I could bring Jeff to those places and fall in love there again and again. We did go together last time at the Taipei International Flora Expo and loved it! This time though, instead of just seeing the plants in display or moulded into designs, it would be very nice to go to the actual fields of plants, trees and flowers, to see them in their natural planted state, just get lost for a moment, see them before they get picked or die and get to know more about how to grow or take care of each one. I guess I just have a weak spot for flowers, natural scenery, piano music and romance. Hehe.
Image from the KTO FB Page
In just 6 minutes, you'll see the progression of love between the girl with music in her head and the cute photographer as well as the most beautiful sceneries in Korea that you'll want to go to (if we have the same taste in travel).
They will take you to the pinkish royal azalea fields of Hwangmaesan (mountain located at the southeastern part of Korea, near Busan) held every May annually.
I love that the place in the video. Girls would most likely feel so at home and photograph beautifully here.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
They will take you to the pinkish royal azalea fields of Hwangmaesan (mountain located at the southeastern part of Korea, near Busan) held every May annually.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
I love that the place in the video. Girls would most likely feel so at home and photograph beautifully here.
Image from the KTO FB Page
Next, you will be whisked away to the Naganeupseong Folk Village (located at the southwestern part of Korea) for persimmon (kam) trees.
The trees are probably still bare of fruit at this time (May to June) preparing for harvest time in autumn (October to early December) so you won't notice the trees much or differentiate the persimmon tree from other trees in the video.
Still, I think the Folk Village has its charm with all the Korean straw-roof houses, the people living there and well-preserved castle area.
It will be such a bonus if the surroundings are filled with ripe orange persimmon hanging from the trees.
If you'd like to see me eating "kam" during my Seoul trip, just click here haha. FYI, there are 2 types of persimmon in Korea: the fuyu persimmon or dan gam (crunchy like an apple when ripe) and the hachiya persimmon or tteolbeun gam (gooey soft and messy when ripe, the one I ate haha). Persimmons are used to make a traditional Korean drink called sujeonggwa =)
Image from the KTO Spring Video
The trees are probably still bare of fruit at this time (May to June) preparing for harvest time in autumn (October to early December) so you won't notice the trees much or differentiate the persimmon tree from other trees in the video.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
Still, I think the Folk Village has its charm with all the Korean straw-roof houses, the people living there and well-preserved castle area.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
It will be such a bonus if the surroundings are filled with ripe orange persimmon hanging from the trees.
Image from the KTO Site
If you'd like to see me eating "kam" during my Seoul trip, just click here haha. FYI, there are 2 types of persimmon in Korea: the fuyu persimmon or dan gam (crunchy like an apple when ripe) and the hachiya persimmon or tteolbeun gam (gooey soft and messy when ripe, the one I ate haha). Persimmons are used to make a traditional Korean drink called sujeonggwa =)
You will notice in the video a sudden appearance of white and pink trees like below.
This means that you've already traveled up from the southwest to the west of Korea onto the Gaesimsa Temple for the cherry blossom trees!
There are lots of places to see cherry blossoms in Korea but according to the Seosan government website, you can also see royal azalea blossoms here.
It must be a very serene place to contemplate, especially if that high up the mountain and you're surrounded by that full white/pink bloom (see my failed attempt to look for sakuras in my last Japan adventure haha).
I'll share with you my friend's recommendation for a cherry blossom spot in Busan soon=)
Image from the KTO FB Page
This means that you've already traveled up from the southwest to the west of Korea onto the Gaesimsa Temple for the cherry blossom trees!
Image from the KTO Spring Video
There are lots of places to see cherry blossoms in Korea but according to the Seosan government website, you can also see royal azalea blossoms here.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
It must be a very serene place to contemplate, especially if that high up the mountain and you're surrounded by that full white/pink bloom (see my failed attempt to look for sakuras in my last Japan adventure haha).
Image from the KTO Spring Video
I'll share with you my friend's recommendation for a cherry blossom spot in Busan soon=)
Image from the KTO Spring Video
After scenes of super flowers, the location of romance will dramatically change back to the southwest of South Korea to feature the rolling green hills of Boseong for the Green Tea Festival (held every May).
Image from the KTO Spring Video
What a perfect sight, right?! Here's one more!
Image from the KTO FB Page
Although tea is harvested several times a year, I heard there is a best time of the year which will produce a better-tasting yield. What more fun it is to discover for ourselves when than to head directly to a tea plantation, right?
Image from the KTO Spring Video
Although awkward at first like these two lovers in the video, I'm sure the love for these kinds of greenery and the added towering trees can be cultivated with the right timing and experience. I think the trees below are sequoia like the ones in Nami Island.. I myself would love to discover if I would get tire of seeing nature at its best in Korea.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
If you're looking for a happy place in Korea, then I guess you'll love the "all yellow" cole flower scene in this video.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
You'll be reminded to keep it light and will naturally gravitate towards doing this (above) with all the yellow haha. I have a picture of me with cole or rapeseed or canola flowers all around in Jeju (will post it soon hehe).
Image from the KTO FB Page
The next scene actually caught me by surprise. I immediately thought that I don't have to go all the way to the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands to see tulips!
This was my first attempt at the Taiwan Flora Expo. Hello faker haha.
The one in KTO Miss Flower Spring video (April to May) looked way cooler! Hahaha.
I guess I would just have to visit the tulip fields in Taean-gun now for a closer look! If you know the language of flowers, the love story of the two people in the video deepens here as you will realize that the girl is now a bit more eager to get the guy's attention - that's love realized =)
Image from the KTO Spring Video
This was my first attempt at the Taiwan Flora Expo. Hello faker haha.
The one in KTO Miss Flower Spring video (April to May) looked way cooler! Hahaha.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
I guess I would just have to visit the tulip fields in Taean-gun now for a closer look! If you know the language of flowers, the love story of the two people in the video deepens here as you will realize that the girl is now a bit more eager to get the guy's attention - that's love realized =)
Image from the KTO Spring Video
The last scene becomes the most controversial scene of them all haha. The video takes us to the Gochang Hakwon Tourism Farm (April) for the green barley field.
I've never seen unprocessed barley before so it was interesting for me to see it up close on the screen.
From a distance, I'll probably just see mid-sized grass hehehe.
My favorite scene is when the music stopped and she finally spoke the only word in the entire video in Korean. I'm dying to find out what she said means (coz I can't find it nor spell it right on Google..) although it might be in the likes of "carry me" haha.
For me, the iconic "man carrying the woman on the back" is the ultimate moment that tells me that this is definitely made in Korea and can only be done in Korea without question haha. You can also hear the sound of nature like very light chirping of the birds in the background. Just imagine doing that in Korea - a silent morning in the fields then letting your loved one carry you.. It's the ultimate kilig moment hahahaha.
What a very nice way to end an awesome trip... hehehe. I wonder if there's a Miss Flower Spring Part 2..
Image from the KTO Spring Video
I've never seen unprocessed barley before so it was interesting for me to see it up close on the screen.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
From a distance, I'll probably just see mid-sized grass hehehe.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
My favorite scene is when the music stopped and she finally spoke the only word in the entire video in Korean. I'm dying to find out what she said means (coz I can't find it nor spell it right on Google..) although it might be in the likes of "carry me" haha.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
For me, the iconic "man carrying the woman on the back" is the ultimate moment that tells me that this is definitely made in Korea and can only be done in Korea without question haha. You can also hear the sound of nature like very light chirping of the birds in the background. Just imagine doing that in Korea - a silent morning in the fields then letting your loved one carry you.. It's the ultimate kilig moment hahahaha.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
What a very nice way to end an awesome trip... hehehe. I wonder if there's a Miss Flower Spring Part 2..
Oh, don't forget to watch until the very end to get to know what the girl was really up to haha.
Image from the KTO Spring Video
Going to these places personally can definitely be included in my already extensive off the beaten track and things to do list in Korea!
Image from the KTO FB Page
Check out the full Miss Flower Spring video here or watch below (don't forget to click on the settings reel beside the YouTube icon below and select HD!!!):
If you want to know more about Korea or if you're preparing for a trip, I highly recommend going through the KTO website. I've been using that since 2009 for my trips to Korea =) We have a KTO office in Manila, you can find them easily through the KTO Manila Facebook page.
Check this out for the List of Spring Flower Festivals in Korea this year!
You can get to a lot of places in Korea via Korean Air =)
You can get to a lot of places in Korea via Korean Air =)
Feel free to tell me below:
What do you think of the Miss Flower Spring video and the efforts of the Korea Tourism after watching it? Did it tug your heart? Would you consider having a flower/nature-themed trip like above? =)
i'm not really a fan of koreanovela but i would love to visit south korea and see all the beautiful flowers. seeing the video makes me wanna go to south korea asap!hehehe.
ReplyDeleteme too ASAP as in this month!!! O_O hahaha
DeleteYes, I love this Miss Flower Spring video the Korea Tourism did a great job that's why a lot of visitor's/ tourist from around the world came & visit this magnificent place..you will love the nature more if you see this beauty.
ReplyDeleteyeps! i would love to see it in person! don't you?
DeleteThat's why people loves Seoul Korea as a travel spot because on it's awesome, beautiful places plus the nature as it's best!
ReplyDeleteI loved how the video encompasses the true beauty of nature. The video truly tugs my heartstrings, I wanna go there soon! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the scenery, so beautiful! I'd like to have a trip like this!
ReplyDeleteako rin! haha
Deletei love koreanovela since before, it would be increasing of tourism because of this said video.. and i want to visit south korea. :) kawaii Ms. Melody
ReplyDeletedefinitely! i believe kyupta is kawaii in korean ;)
DeleteI don't know what it is with Koreanovelas but the scenes always look so picture perfect! Not to mention the actors and actresses :p
ReplyDelete:) Erika
http://www.erikarodica.com
AGREE hahaha
DeleteNow, it really woke my dream up of going to Japan to get a glimpse of the cherry blossom season. But seeing this changed my mind, I think I'd prefer going to Korea now...thanks for sharing this to us.
ReplyDeletei heard a story that cherry blossoms in japan came from jeju halla mountain ;) although not verified =)
DeleteNice video, great tourism campaign indeed. Love the views/sceneries in Korea.
ReplyDeleteNice views ,like the flowers wish to see Korea.
ReplyDeletebest to see them in full bloom this spring (our summer in Manila)!
DeleteNice I really like the video. I will visit this for me to experience the scenery.The video really caught me.
ReplyDeleteSo romantic and amazing!
ReplyDeletemelts your heart! =)
Deletelove it
ReplyDeleteI am not fond of watching Koreanovelas but I really admire the actors and especially the actresses. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the video! The tourism of Korea made a good job on promotingl their country. Wish I could go ang visit Korea sometime.
ReplyDeleteI think Koreans are putting lot's of effort to boost their Tourism. After seeing the video, I just wish we have something like this here.
ReplyDeletemade me wonder if we have places like this in the philippines too..
DeleteHello! I have a friend who will be visiting Korea next week. However, because of the wars between South and North Korea, they might not push through. They have paid all the air fare and hotel bookings. I think because of these fights, Korea will lose tourism points.
ReplyDeleteyah i heard about that too. south korea has so much to offer. i bet north korea has their own gems too. i hope they find a way to peace soon.
DeleteI love the video. It brings out the best of tourism in Korea.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge Japan-Korean culture fan. Both show great love for nature. I wish we had spring time too :( I wish we had fields of flowers and colorful trees. :(
ReplyDeletei wish we have autumn too!!! ;)
DeleteHow beautiful Korea is! Now I have a list of go-to places once I set my foot on Korea!
ReplyDeleteyup! you can also check out my off the beaten track posts and fun to do things in seoul, busan and even parts of korea =) http://guiltlessgetaways.blogspot.com/2012/09/things-to-do-in-korea-off-the-beaten-track-fun-things-to-do-in-korea-seoul-busan.html
DeleteI was there a long time ago for a business trip and it was early winter so I know How the Korean keep warm during the winter month.
ReplyDeletenice!
Deleteactually not only in Korea as long a there are beautiful flower blooming you wanted to dream about them and smell each and everyone of it.
ReplyDeletethis is really breathtaking. I haven't been to Korea, I hope this will be preserved and not affected by the ongoing conflict with NOKOR.
ReplyDeleteagree!
DeleteMas lalo nakakaattract sa mga tourists yung ginagawa nila na ishoshowcase nila mga best spots sa Korea plus mga artista pa nila hehe
ReplyDeleteyes!!!
Deleteoh so cute! I would love to visit Korea soon if I have the chance! :) So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteme too!!! i want to book a ticket for this spring!
DeleteIt's always nice to see field of flower and it really make you relax and not be stress since they have calming effect.
ReplyDeleteThe video is very lovely, though for me its just an added bonus. Korea is really on my list as one of the country that I would like to visit. The Korean novelas that I loved watching was enough for me to figure out how beautiful and clean Korea is.
ReplyDeleteyep! this is only one way of touring korea. there are koreanovela tours too and you can visit the places where they filmed the series! ;)
DeleteSo beautiful..breathtaking!I wanna go there.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and not as hot as summer here, nice getaway place.
ReplyDeleteOh myyyyyy. What a beautiful scenery. Well, we will be visiting Japan and Korea this year! Cant really wait. I really do consider flower/nature-themed trip, it gives you that awesome relaxing feeling. Dont you think?
ReplyDeletetime will definitely be super slow when you're in a field of flowers! have a nice trip!!! check out my japan posts too =D
DeleteI would very much consider having a flower having a nature themed trip. . coz what better way to enjoy Gods gift to mankind than bask in his masterpiece that is nature. :)
ReplyDeleteahhh well said.
DeleteWhat do you think of the Miss Flower Spring video and the efforts of the Korea Tourism after watching it?
ReplyDeleteAnswer: Very Nice and beautiful!!! I like the video
Did it tug your heart?
Answer: Yes.
Would you consider having a flower/nature-themed trip like above? Yes
I loved the Miss summer spring video!It is so touching I almost would like to fly to Korea (If only I have the Money on hand .haahah!) If I would be given the chance, I would like to visit Korea and have a beautiful experience in those flower fields. *~*
ReplyDeleteyou can join contests too!! go google Girl Kuripot hehe.
DeleteWish to visit Korea now :-) those scenes on the video were beautiful. I love flowers and I want to make wacky pose with them :-) Good job, KTO.
ReplyDeleteI honestly find the video relaxing and nice since I am a nature lover type of person :) I hope someday I can visit the place and experience the peaceful scenery myself :) by the way, the video looks like a pre nup also. hahaha. KTO did more than just advertising the place, it gives the audience ideas for pre-nups. :D
ReplyDeleteyes pre-nup!!! it will be nice to go on a pre-nup spree for um 3 months to explore all! haha.
DeleteWhat do you think of the Miss Flower Spring video and the efforts of the Korea Tourism after watching it? Did it tug your heart? Would you consider having a flower/nature-themed trip like above? =)
ReplyDeleteI am a koreanovela fan. The miss flower spring video is amazing, beautiful and more. I always dream of visiting South Korea. Yes, i'll go for a trip like in the video =)
Wow! Breathtaking scenery,romantic and really melts my heart.After watching the video,there's an urge to go right away to South Korea with my Hubby for our second Honeymoon :)
ReplyDeleteI find this very fascinating, I never knew this would really exist! i love the scene.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. I envy that place. Hope to go there!
ReplyDeleteI love koreanovela but more than the story in this video, I just got in love with the place and makes me wanna go to Korea like as in right at this moment and experience this wonderful place. :)
ReplyDeleteIt attracts me :)
ReplyDelete