Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, South Korea

When I was in my elementary days, my neighborhood friends and I used to scour our street jungle, about 5 streets in radius, for a large “creek”, “canal” (an exposed drainage and a sewer system which will eventually go to a river). At that time the show “Takeshi’s Castle” was very popular. So with our kakulitan and thirst for adventures, we traverse those creeks in an adventurous and fun manner imitating the show Takeshi’s Castle.

My two friends later died in severe diarrhea, one lost his legs in a bacterial infection and I have 10 different species of parasitic worms in my stomach. Joke only, biro lang I have 9, seriously, with all household wastes in our neighborhood flowing in one creek that we enjoyed traversing, lucky that we are still alive and healthy today.

I don’t know if there are still children doing those adventures (aside from making a video of Gwiyomi and snapping a vocal cord for Daniel Padilla).

I told this story because we went to a certain creek (this is my blog and I want to call it a creek hehe) here in Korea, called Cheonggyecheon Stream. It is not chongkeyon stream where chongke (marijuana enthusiasts) gathers, but it is a stream where cheap dates, relaxing music, fantastic shows, wonderful strolls, holding hands while walking, can happen.

Cheonggyecheon Stream - The Starting Point

There is no household waste; a few bacteria of course, only clean (but not drinkable) water, fountains, city scenery above, and few mini bridges, this stream is boring for a Takeshi’s Castle Adventure, but popular for a stress reliever.

If your ass is here in Korea, South of course because the North is still busy crafting nukes, you might want to visit this famous stream, because this stream is connected to other popular attractions like, Insadong, Deoksogung Palace, Seoul Plaza, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace. 

Some of the images you might see if you are planning to visit this site.

The Stream - tourists at the sidelines

Stepping stones to cross the stream from one side to another.

Getting their feet wet.

One of the fountains you will see.

Kids can easily cross, not a problem.

Lovers under the bridge - cheap way to date for the budget conscious couples.

Directions

Seoul Subway
Line 1: City Hall, Jonggak, Jongno 3-ga, Jongno 5-ga, Dongdaemun, Sinseol-dong
Line 2: City Hall, Euljiro 1-ga, Euljiro 3-ga, Euljiro 4-ga, Sindang, Sangwangsimni
Line 3: Jongno 3-ga
Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park
Line 5: Gwanghwamun

Acro Tower, Anyang, South Korea, Blue Hour

This building is the tallest building in Anyang, South Korea, with a height of 175 meters consisting of 37 floors. It was completed in April of 2007.

Since my wife requested to photograph this building where we live as a remembrance, I have been fascinated by its colors especially during the night.

I started to become interested in blue hour and night photography after a group of photographers from Daelim Engineering invited me to go to Garden of the Morning Calm South Korea, where when twilight becomes a sea of colorful lights.

Trick Eye Museum, Hongdae District, South Korea

We were tricked. An old building, with bad parking lot, old elevator, old Seoul outside, and small stores in the street, the Trick Eye Museum is a tricky bitch outside. But once you get inside, this amazing tourist attraction definitely brings out the kid in you.

My daughter says: My over reacting parents... sigh!

Located in busy young adult life environment of Hongdae (Trick Eye Museum is near the Hongik University so young adults and stores for young adults sprawls the vicinity), Trick Eye Museum attracts local tourists and foreigners because of its three dimensional trick art which were specially designed for photographs.

The museum has guides inside to help you with your camera, to be able to know the right angle, but it is up to you and your imagination and creativity if you want to fully enjoy the museum.

Here are the images I want to share during our visit, if you want to have an idea on what's gonna happen.

Ewww!

Smile... the costumer is always right!

Escaping criticism

I want that sushi

Pee wine

Wine and pee

Got yah

This is a very famous painting... makes me sleepy.

Spider wife

and her acrobatic sister

and her pervert husband 

Dinner

Head as a main dish

Ahermmm

Rawrrrrr!

She is small in real life.

Bully sistah

Midget girl

What are you looking at?

Something is wrong in this image... my horn is in my ear.

My daughter ... my angel.

She caught it for "Kilawin"

Helpppppp!

Sky angel

My Sister-in-Law ... a millionaire 

Breastfeeding in Venice

Afro girls

Easy one hander

Boating in Venice

Boating in Venice

Swettie noooo... no solids yet.

Rawrrrrr!

Spent my night in Korean Jail for the first time.

Beat the summer

Kung fu fountain

Volks.

Sometimes it is hard to be famous, rich and handsome like me. 

No more freaking Twilight please.

Bamboo climbing 

Panda sucks at climbing haha!

Directions:
Hongik University Station, Exit 9, Seoul Subway Line 2
then walk straight, cross the first stop light, and then turn left. Turn right after 2 blocks. 

International Horticulture Goyang, Korea 2013

Spring is definitely here and Goyang City in South Korea welcomed it by making our earth friends the star. A part of the beautiful Ilsan Lake Park has been transformed into a place where flowers can show its classic beauty.

The International Horticulture Goyang 2013 Gate 2

Here are some of the images I want to share, in case you are thinking on going there next year. I am sure it will be more extravagant since organizers are applying a lessons and learned or two.

Welcome scene going to Ilsan Park proper

Local tourists posing for the camera

The "W" of the word Welcome covered by flowers.

Part of the beautiful Ilsan Lake Park

Ilsan Ho, Ilsan Lake

Ilsan Lake  

Spring flowers helping to beautify the park

Bed of spring flowers.

One of the attractions

Bridge flower

A miniature palace and gate

It is tulips right?

More tulips 

A miniature pyramid of Egypt

Eiffel Tower

Windmill

Flower dragon

Easter Island heads covered with flowers

A miniature traditional village

I have a large equipment

Palace gate

Couple enjoying the flowers

When I saw this, Dog of Flanders came into my mind 

Palace

Instead of a water, flowers power this turbine

Dancers entertaining the crowd

We are not the only living thing in our mother Earth. We should be taking care of our fellow inhabitants.

Recommended for:

1. Dating couples

2. Flowers and Nature enthusiast.

3. Photographers

4. Stressed people

5. Families


What to bring:

1. Camera

2. Smiles

Location

Jeongbalsan Station Seoul Subway Line 3 Orange Line Exit 1

Entrance Fee: 5,000 Korean Won