What Inspires Me About Korea: Touch by Touch EVERYBODY TOUCH!

"안녕하세요"

안녕하세요 is the most common and important phrase in the Korean community. It is pronounced as annyeong-haseyo, which basically means "Hi or Hello" in English. It also carry other meanings such as good morning, good afternoon or good day. It does not just have such limited meanings, it actually has a wider meaning and is a form of greeting that people use when they meet each other. This phrase is one of the first words that you will learn if you are into the Korean culture.

What will you think of when you hear the word Kimchi? Which country will you think of when you see the word "Winter Sonata"? What gets into your mind when you hear the word "K-Pop" or "Hallyu"? The answer is none other than "Korea". Korea is not just a country. It is a place filled with love, warmth, culture, beautiful scenery, beautiful people and a lot of interesting places. What really attracts me is the beauty in the culture regardless the traditional or the modern society. To me it's a country with a really splendid and rich custom that makes me super curious to delve into the culture and find out more.

Talking about food and taste, Korea is the country that is famous for its mouthwatering delicacies and its traditional dishes that captured a million taste buds and hearts all over the globe. The uniqueness of the ingredients use and the varieties of tastes make one yearn for more at every bite. " 아주 맛있습니다 " which is pronounced as "Aju mas-issseubnida" is a common phrase used to describe how one feel after a scrumptious dinner which literally means very delicious. The wow factor of the Korean cuisine is that it provides us different textures in one meal as it always include rice, a stew or soup, meat and a variety of side dishes or panchan (반찬). Most of the side dishes includes kimchi as one of them. Kimchi (김치) in other words means fermented vegetable and is one of the mandatory traditional dish in a Korean meal that has been passed down from generation to generation in Korean families. It is like one of the symbol of the Korean cuisine. I would like to learn the ways and steps that Korean families use to make Kimchi and if I can try it out personally it will be a very good experience.

Kimchi (김치)

Here are some local delicacies that I would like to try if I happen to visit Korea as they are highly recommended dishes as seen on television, newspapers and magazine.

Bulgogi (불고기)
Barbecued meat

Samgyetang (삼계탕)
chicken soup with ginseng


Bibimbap (비빔밥)
Mixed rice with vegetable on hot stone


Dalkgalbi (닭갈비)
Mixture of chicken, vegetable, rice cakes and more.

I would also like to try the appetizers and snacks that are famous in Korea like ddeokbokki (Rice cakes with gochujang), kimchi pancake, gimbap (Korean style sushi roll), japchae (mixture of vegetable and noodles) and many more. Food in Korea definitely plays a big role in promoting the specialty of Korea.


Ddeobeokki (떡볶이)
Rice cake

There are a lot of interesting and beautiful places to visit in Korea for example the N Seoul Tower or more commonly referred to as the Namsam Tower because it is located at Mount Namsan in which one can enjoy the breathtaking and panaromic view of Seoul from a bird's eye view. There is a special place on the top of this tower for couples to lock padlocks on the fences and I personally feel it's a very unique thing to do. Another interesting place in Korea is the Han River, especially during the night time where the lights in the city glow in the dark and to be able to have the experience on how Koreans enjoy their lives overlooking such a magnificent view would be a great one. I would also like to visit Gyeongbukgong, which is a palace in Seoul because from pictures the monument looks very spectacular and has very majestic architectures which portray the glorious Dynasties in Korea's history that dated centuries back. I would also like to experience how it feels to walk in the streets of Korea that are full with beautiful trees and buildings, how does it feel to actually be there in Korea and experience every single thing all by myself. That will really be a memorable and unforgettable moment in my life. Well talking about islands in Korea, it is almost impossible to leave out Jeju Island which is a well-known place for honeymoon. Nami Island is another lovely and attractive place to visit in Korea which became famous prior to the very popular Korean drama "Winter Sonata" that had touched many hearts.



Jeju Island

A street in Korea during early autumn

Not to forget the thing that all female including me would like to do is shopping and shopping in Korea is like shopping in heaven as there are different fashions and shopping centers to choose from. Most of them are at the Dongdaemun area. Famous shopping centers like COEX or around Myeondong area are usually packed with both locals and tourists. According to my Korean friends these are places that they usually hang out with friends. Dongdaemun is an area in which there are many wholesale malls and they provide various sorts of fashion to choose from and as many already know that Koreans have really good taste in fashion and this have influenced many people across Asia. I heard that they even sell "Hanbok" which is the traditional Korean dress for females. It would be great if I have a chance to attempt wearing Hanbok because it looks so pretty due to the fine embroideries and the ever-changing patterns on it. I would also like to visit Insadong, a place full with antique and artistic pieces from many of the inspiring artists in Korea. It would be nice to be able to look at these amazing artworks and to experience how does it feel like to be in a country that is so rich in history and art.

Last but not least, the thing that everyone would relate to when they hear the word Korea is K-pop or Hallyu. This has caused a "Korean fever" all over the globe that influenced mostly teenagers and youngsters. The K-pop industry is mostly led by young idols regardless bands, solo female or male artists that focuses a lot on one of a kind dance steps, unique and different music genres, bizarre and special outfits that captures a lot of attention which is imitated by many youngsters all over the world. The very thing of K-pop is the manners and healthy images of the idols when they meet people. For example, bending their bodies over when they meet people that are elder than them. These idols are also very well-trained and well-behaved as all of them have to go through many practices and classes before they debut and become superstars. The days during their trainee period might be very tough and tiring but because of their perseverance and the hungers for success, they managed to overcome all these difficulties. The sweat they had, the tears they shed and the joy they shared during those days are irreplaceable. This is what makes K-pop idols special and different in their own way.

Of course I would be delighted to meet two of the famous Korea bands 2PM and Miss A who are also the ambassadors for the Korea Tourism Board and to have a chance to go on a Korea tour with them is just a one in a million chance. I am personally a 2PM and miss A fan and it would be a great time of my life if i get to meet them in Korea itself, the origin of these bands and where they debuted and become superstars like we see today. I've been to 2PM's concert when they were here in Malaysia; their stages and performances are superb and their vocals are just over-the-top! They are 6 charismatic figures on stage and their dances are just extra ordinary. From their well-known acrobatic moves in the song "10 Points Out of 10" to their very catchy melodies like in their hit song "Hands Up" to ballad songs like "I Can't" and "Thank You" i can feel the diversification in their performances. I never thought one could be so good in both dancing and vocal.

2PM

I've never seen miss A in real life before and I would really love to. From experiences of those who have been to one say that miss A has great dancing skills, exceptionally good vocals and are very pretty in real life. I've noticed them since their debut song "Bad Girl Good Girl" which is a really good song with a very lively and powerful performance to "Breathe" to "Goodbye Baby" to their recent one "Touch". "Touch" is a totally new concept and genre that sounds really fresh but mysterious in a good way to me. The good thing is their song title matches the motto of this blog contest which is "Touch Korea".

mis A

As i have mentioned earlier, Korea is a place that is very rich in culture and thus it would be great to dive into it and to experience it myself. I would be more than thankful to be able to participate in this awesome journey to explore Korea, to taste the origins of good and tasty food, good music and to learn more about a different culture, community and society. Now if you ask me again what inspires me about Korea? My answer is EVERYTHING! From the culture to food to the interesting places, fashions, arts and music. This is why I think I have to partake in this event to "Touch" Korea. All thanks to the Korea Tourism Organization, now I am one step closer to "Touch" my dream, my goal and my aim. Korea is deinitely a place where dreams and ambitions are realised!

The clip below is surely a clip that will lead me to "Touch" my dreams! To "Touch" everything that i have been dreaming about since i fell in love with the Korean culture.



Clip courtesy of Touch Korea youtube channel

Now let's TOUCH and ENJOY KOREA TOGETHER with our 최고 (best & awesome) ambassadors!

"Touch by Touch, EVERYBODY TOUCH!"

clip courtesy of ibuzzkorea

Let's trace the roots of K-Pop together with me!
I didn't know that both our ambassadors for Touch Korea Tour were such figures back 600 years ago!

Clip courtesy of ibuzzkorea

離れていても

ふと君を想うよ あの澄んで光る瞳を

宙に浮かんだ 三日月に重ねてる

できるのなら 眠りに落ちる

その部屋の窓から 夢にまぎれて そっと 恋しさを届けたい

そう こんなにも 君を想い続けてるのに

こみあげるほどの気持ちに たぶんまだ君は気づいてない

離れても 君の影はぼくが いとしさで描いていると 忘れないで

ぼくはいつでもそばにいるよ

あ・い・た・い、というせ・つ・な・い、言葉を いまそよ風が運んでくれた気がするよ

もう 懐かしい 君のあの香りの記憶を 少しずつ 少しずつ いま この胸に深く吸い込んでく

気がつけば 世界中が君で 埋め尽くされているんだよ あふれるこの想いを 止められないんだ

もう暗闇を怖がらないで

瞳を閉じたなら

輝く月のように 必ずぼくが見つめているから

そう 離れても

その心の空で 照らし続けてるから

忘れないで

ぼくはいつでもそばにいるよ

That very song and video that boosted my interest towards Seoul, Korea.
I would like to be like the girls and boys in the video, having 2PM bringing me and experiencing Seoul all by myself :(
Everything look so beautiful and attractive in this video!!

Fly to Seoul 나와 Let's dance dance (wanna get)

Boom Boom Boom 함께 즐겨 신나게 밤새도록

Fly to Seoul 나와 Let's dance dance (wanna get)

Boom Boom Boom 함께 즐겨 신나게 밤새도록

두근 두근 두근 두근 두근 대는 낮

반짝 반짝 반짝 반짝 반짝 이는 밤

너만 너만 너만 너만 너만 줄게 날

Welcome to Seoul again & again

FLY ME TO SEOUL!

The powerlines went out and she's all alone. But she don't really care at all.

She is not answering her phone, all the games he played , the promises he made, couldn't finish what he started and so darkness still remains.

She lost sight, she couldn't see when it was the both them. Blow the candles out , looks like a solo tonight she's beginning to see the light. blow the candles out ,looks like a solo tonight but she thinks she'll be alright.

She'd been black and blue before, there's no need to explain. She is not the jaded kind, playback's such a waste. He's invisible, invisible to her, her wish is coming true and she's erasing the memory of his face.

One day,he will wake up with nothing but "his sorrys ". And someday he will get back everything he gave her!

She, who believed in you.

-It all happened too quickly, she didn't have the time to cope with it,

Now tell her it's not real, tell her everything is just a dream.-

Remember weeks ago, when all the things were so nice they were so perfectly aligned? Just weeks ago, he was still so close with her. They'd contact each other 24/7 and never miss a day not talking to each other. This proceeded for months from the day they met and stopped for a while, months later they continued being even in love with each other. They were so loving and so attached to each other like nothing can ever separate them. The girl was even naive enough to believe that he is the right one. She was so happy and felt really blissful as finally after years there's someone who actually appreciates her and treats her like a princess, like his most precious one.

To her he is the near-to-perfect guy, the guy that she'd been searching up and down for quite some time. He is a very caring, loving, sensitive, down-to-earth, tolerant, sweet, nice, gentleman guy and someone that takes care of her from time to time. He protected her and kept her close to him when they're out, not giving anyone the chance to even touch her. But, what happened to that intimate moment? What happened to all those love and affections? What happened to them? Well, that's a question that'll never be answered.

She used to be that individual who didn't quite believe in love anymore because she'd been through a lot, seen a lot of heartbroken moments and she even wondered if she'd ever love again. She doesn't believe that there'll be any guy who will really love a girl till death do them apart. To her, all these are merely stories written by authors and scriptwriters to trick their audiences that there's this thing call forever love. LOVE, to her, is simply a word with 4 alphabets that men use to get women in bed, a word that boys use to satisfy their lusts and a word that people misuse in order to fulfill their satisfactions and desires.

But, you couldn't stop it when your time and fate is here. About a year ago, she met him during his trip to her motherland and there the spark was triggered. Since then, they started to talk to each other every night and sometimes till morning, they got closer and closer and eventually some feelings started to come in. From there, their love story began but she was reluctant for the both of them to become an item because she didn't know him well enough. She wants to make sure that he is the one who'll not hurt her again, who will not dump her, who will love her for who she is and who will take great care of her. He, is the one who made her believe in love once again. He, is the one who is there for her whenever she needs him. He, is the one that she couldn't afford to lose.

Just few weeks ago, she was away for a trip. Without knowing that she'd come back to face this ugly truth, if they could go through this nothing is gonna tear them apart. BUT, he actually turned his back against her without even saying goodbye. He decided not to contact her anymore, not to reply her messages and not to talk to her ever again. Maybe he is not aware that it actually struck her really hard, it was a really big blow to her. And yes it was devastating to her, she figured days and nights what was the problem but still she couldn't come up with a proper answer.

During the trip, she just couldn't help but wonder what is the boy up to lately till he has no time for her? Is he really that busy? Did he forget her already? Or did he move on with another girl? What did she do that made him go away? These questions kept running through her mind everyday and every night. She tried to run away from all these but she failed, over and over again. Even when she's overseas, she tried her best to look for internet connections available in order to stay in contact with the boy.

This foolish little girl finally return from her trip happily because finally she can contact the guy and go back to her normal life but not knowing he'd actually decided to stay away from her. Just few hours ago in the airplane when she was missing him like crazy, she reread the messages that they used to send. She was reminiscing their good old days where they could tell each other everything that happened in their daily life, well at least she told him hers. She was overjoyed and can't wait to tell him everything that happened during the trip. But what happened at last? Before she even have the chance to say hi, they totally lost contact with each other. Its like the boy disappeared in the air and is no where to be found.

Of course, like every vulnerable girl would do, she shed her tears for him in the middle of the night, on the very night she touch down. As she reckon, this isn't the first time that she'd been through such situation. She was hurt before but she stood up and continued to believe in him, believing that he'll bring more joy and happiness to her life because he was the one who brought sparks to her life again. It sucks having to go through her everyday life all by herself again, it sucks not having someone that she could confess her feelings to, it sucks to lose someone that was so dear to her.

Even though her heart broke, she couldn't put the blame on the boy. Maybe it's because she did something wrong that pissed the boy off? Maybe he got bored of her? Maybe she did something that the boy couldn't forgive her for? That she doesn't know. All she ever wanted was just a simple and valid explanation from the boy, but even that, he isn't able to give her. She doesn't mind if he just type a few words in reply to her. Well, at least it's some simple manner. She wonders, is all this too much to ask for? Never forget, she was the one who went through your hard times with you, she was the one who supported you from time to time even when you failed to achieve what you wanted and she was the one who supported you in everything that you do. Are you really that mean to leave her all by herself, in the dark, all alone?

She struggled, she yelled, she screamed, she kicked, she boxed, she jumped, she's hurt, she's heartbroken but there's nothing that she can do to get him back into her life. She admits that she actually hated him at the very beginning but as days go by, she doesn't have the energy to be angry at him anymore. She paused and think again, there aren't anything that she can complain or rant anymore. There are just too many obstacles and obstructions blocking them to be together. They're both at the end of the world, each at a side. They can only meet each other for once or twice a year. Each meeting is a short one, for a bout two to three days? nothing much to say about right? So it's actually quite normal for one side to part away from the other when you have all these problems. She understands that it takes a lot for two persons to be together; time especially. You might be with the right one but when it isn't at the right time, nothing is going to work.

Being her stubborn and stupid self again, she still protect his image from others. She didn't want to deteriorate or ruin his image in front of anybody else. No point talking bad about someone when that person left you for good. Without any doubts, she actually believed that he will eventually return one day in the future. Well, she doesn't really know what else she can do for time being. All she can do is to sit there and wait till the day he turn back and realize that she's always there for him whenever he needs her. She just want him to know how much she misses those days and how much she misses them.

This is a story of a girl who is super silly in believing in a love that she'll never be able to hold on to anymore. She has to realize that this is irreversible and time doesn't wait for her. She has to get over it and life still goes on. It doesn't mean that he's the only guy that's left in the world, there's still plenty of guys out there for her. All she had to do is to explore the outside world and never look back but all these take time. It takes time to heal.

Because I Still Like You.

Guys,

don't try to cheat on a girl when they are away.

Guys,

never leave a girl alone without her knowledge on what is actually happening.

Guys,

never leave a girl alone in the dark, she might be feeling totally insecure.

Guys,

never promise your girl anything if you already know that you wouldn't be able to accomplish it.

Guys,

never let a girl's heart break, she'll be stupid enough to let you break her heart all over again.

Guys,

treasure your girl before it's too late, she might be the one who gave up the whole world just to be with you.

Guys,

don't let a girl shed her tears for you in the middle of the night thinking that she's lost you.

Guys,

hold your girl tight because there might be someone who's gonna hold her up the next second.

Guys,

stay in contact with your girl as she'll begin to think this and that believing that it's all true.

Guys,

be careful with your words because girls are sensitive, they believe in every shit that you say.

Guys,

when you say you'll love your girl forever and always(even though there's no forever) try to at least do half of it and KEEP YOUR WORDS.

To 19

It was the best buddy Vicky's birthday last saturday. We kind of threw her a surprise party @ Michelangelo's, Pavilion. It wasn't some grand & huge party but it's an intimate celebration with the close and love ones. The ones that we're friends with since forever.

did some shopping @ Bangsar, Pavilion, Sg Wang and Times Square with the buddy before heading over for dinner. Shopping that day wasn't that productive though but i managed to grab some shirts & pants. Oh wells it was basically because i got bored of all these shopping centres. If only we have more varieties to choose from.

# some random stairs @ Bangsar

# some random take

# my drink, italian soda(raspberry)

# main dish, aglio olio

# pictures can be deceiving

# pizza, forgotten the name.

# cupcakes

# that's the birthday girl and her lovely boyfriend (guy in white la not red) HAHA

# us with the birthday girl

# happy

# birthday

# the super sweet couple

# it's the four of us again(:

#strangers on the street

#birthday girl and the boys

After dinner, we went over to Zhen Lok's new house and chilled. Loving the surrounding of his new house, peaceful and quiet. The guys had their drinking session while we girls watched the Golden Globe Award/Family Guy/Football Match

My overall rating will be that the food wasn't that good, portion was alright, price wasn't that reasonable. The prawns were not fresh and my aglio olio was too oily.

On the bright side, their service is good. Thumbs up for that, worth every penny spent for service charge.

Last but not least, dear girl even though we've undergo all the bad & harsh times I'm glad that we made it through and we're back here again. I hope we can forget about the past and look forward to what the future will bring. Always remember, I'll be there for you whenever you need me. Forever and always. Love you always.