The Moon that Embraces the Sun - Themed Travel- Filming Location :)

When it talks about this drama series, I am so sure that Kim Soo Hyun would be the 1st in your mind,right? Well, so do I. Our next themed travel is The Moon that Embraces the Sun filming location... Before we starts our tour, let me tells you a short synopsis about this blockbuster Korean drama. Based on the novel of the same title, The Moon That Embraces the Sun (also known as "The Sun and the Moon") reached almost 20% in viewership from its first episode. The acting and the visual appeal of the young actors have stolen the hearts of young female viewers, and the show’s ratings only improve with each new episode. 

The Moon That Embraces the Sun is a historical drama depicting the first love of a fictional king, set in the royal court of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It is a sad but beautiful love story of innocent young people, with the story developing around the conflicts and conspiracy of political powers vying for the throne against the king’s efforts for good politics. 

The drama is a quality fusion historical drama enhanced by the strong acting of the main and supporting actors, its visual appeal, and the engaging dialogue that draws from the humor on the Internet.

Heo Yeon-u, the daughter of a high-ranking official, visits the royal court with her mother to see her brother attend a ceremony congratulating his first place in the state examination. By chance, she comes across crown prince Lee Hwon, and the two feel attracted by each other. Yeon-u’s brother, a person of high scholarship with a great personality, is ordered by the king to become the mentor of the crown prince. After learning that his mentor is Yeon-u’s brother, the crown prince uses him as a messenger of love. 

Inside the palace, there is a conspiracy to have Yoon Bo-gyeong, the daughter of a family clan that is in opposition to the king, selected as the crown princess. Lee Hwon manages to have Yeon-u selected as the crown princess, but his great-grandmother Yoon asks shaman Nok-yeong to cast a spell on Yeon-u so that she becomes stricken with an unknown sickness. Yeon-u is taken to her home in her last remaining days of life, and passes away. Nok-yeong secretly visits Yeon-u’s father and tells him how to break the spells. Upon being resurrected from her grave, Yeon-u lives her life as a shaman by the name Wol, without any recollection of her past. Meanwhile, after Yeon-u’s believed death, Yoon Bo-gyeong becomes the crown princess and expands her political power in the court. Amid difficult political circumstances, Lee Hwon grows to be a cold and aloof king. As time passes, his yearning for Yeon-u only grows. One day, he sets out on an excursion to a hot spring. Seeing him in the royal procession from afar, Yeon-u (Wol) becomes confused as Hwon comes back vaguely in her memory.

Choichampandaek (Residence of Choi Champan) 1

Choichampandaek (Residence of Choi Champan) 2

So, Let's start with the first location. The residence of Choi Champan is the background of Korea’s noted historical novel Toji (The Land) and a famous filming location. In The Moon That Embraces the Sun, it appears as the house where Yeon-woo spent her childhood. The residence is housed in a hanok building and has on exhibit various items showing the lifestyle and culture of the later part of the Joseon Dynasty. It boasts a splendid natural landscape with an expansive neighboring field and the Seomjingang River. In the spring, the area is bright with cherry flower blossoms along the river, and in the fall, the area turns into the venue for the Toji Literature Festival.

Yongin MBC Dramia 1

Yongin MBC Dramia 2

Yongin MBC Dramia 3

Yongin MBC Dramia 4

Second,Yongin MBC Dramia is the filming set where Korean historical dramas like Jumong, Queen Seondeok, and Dong Yi were filmed. The facility features buildings from the Three Kingdoms era (the era of the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla Kingdoms, between the 4th and mid-7th century) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In The Moon That Embraces the Sun, royal palace scenes were mostly filmed here. With the popularity of Korean drama series, Yongin MBC Dramia is becoming a major tourist destination for both local and international tourists.

Korean Folk Village 1

Korean Folk Village 2

Korean Folk Village 3

Last but not least, The Korean Folk Village features the lifestyle and private houses of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It has on exhibit various items from the era, including household tools, farming tools, and crafts. Various events are held by season, such as farmers’ music performances, tightrope dancing, and traditional wedding reenactments. The market inside the village sells various traditional foods like injeolmi (rice cake), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), pajeon (spring onion pancake), and Korean liquors. In The Sun and the Moon, the local markets, the private residences of the commoners, and the night scenes were filmed here.

Have you enjoying your trip with me? Will be sharing next filming location with you guys tomorrow... Let me give you guys some preview... Check it out the picture below! :)

CITY HUNTER

City Hunter will be our next themed travel filming location. Stay with tomorrow... See ya.

Till then, take care... Sarangheyo <3 font="">

XoXo,

Nurul Dean

15:10pm 30.05.2013

My Sassy Girl- Themed Travel- Filming Location

Have you ever heard "I Believe" sang by Shin Seung Hun. Until now, the song always play in my mind whenever I need calm mood. It was an OST song for a blockbuster Korean movie entitled My Sassy Girl. My Sassy Girl (Korean: 엽기적인 그녀; literally, That Bizarre Girl) is a 2001 South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Kwak Jae-yong. It tells the story of a man's chance meeting with a drunk girl on the train which changes his life. It is ostensibly based on a true story posted on the internet in a series of blog posts written by Kim Ho-sik, which was later adapted into a novel.

The film was extremely successful in South Korea and was the highest grossing Korean comedy of all time.When My Sassy Girl was released throughout East Asia, it became a mega blockbuster hit in the entire region, from Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, as well as Southeast Asia, to the point where it was drawing comparisons to Titanic.

An American remake, starring Jesse Bradford and Elisha Cuthbert, and directed by Yann Samuell was released in 2008. A Japanese drama adaptation with Tsuyoshi Kusanagiand actress Rena Tanaka as the leads started broadcasting in April 2008.

As usual... Let's us travel and see the best attractive locations captured in this movie. This movie is one of my favourite movie ever ^-^ Let's check it out....!!!

Baekun Nongjang Farm 1

Baekun Nongjang Farm 2- My Sassy Girl scene

The 1st scene captured in one of my dream place to go in South Korea which is Baekun Nongjang Farm. Remember where the two lovers in My Sassy Girl promised to meet after two years as they buried a time capsule. It is up a small hill with a lone pine tree in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. This little hill overlooks Baekun Nongjang Farm, which has a grand cabbage patch and other vegetable gardens. Many lovers visit this hill because the most moving scene of the movie occurred here. The best time to visit is in the summer when the hill is carpeted with lively and intense green. It is an excellent place to take memorable walks with your loved-ones.

2 Days 1 Night TV program

More over... For those who are 2 Days 1 Night fans, you must be remember that their 1st episode shooting locations was at the Sassy Girl Lone Pine tree at Baekun Nongjang Farm... The specialties right there is not only on the Lone Pine tree but right there... As you can see in the picture above, there are lots of square thing on the floor. Well, that is a time capsule which you can rent according your time period. There is a payment rate according how long will you keep your time capsule right there ^_^

Misari Regatta Course 1

Misari Regatta Course 2

The second scene is at Misari Regatta Course. In this scene the sassy girl takes her boyfriend to the Misari Regatta Course. During this time, she is curious as to how deep the lake is, so to find out, she pushes Gyeongu (her boyfriend) into the freezing cold lake... What an odd girl she is.

The Misari Regatta Course is also famous for the live music cafes. It has become a must-visit place for lovers because it is easily accessible by car. You can also enjoy a little picnic for two on the green grass or a leisurely walk around the regatta course. You can also rent a swan boat or a double bicycle. In the evening, savor the moment with a cup of tea and live music at a cafe.

Gwacheon Seoul Land 1

Gwacheon Seoul Land 2

Last attractive scene captured in My Sassy Girl film is Gwacheon Seoul Land. To celebrate the birthday of the sassy girl, the two lovers head for Gwacheon Seoul Land. Unfortunately, a runaway soldier jeopardizes Gyeonu's special plans for a surprise birthday party at the amusement park. However, in this scene the sassy girl says her most memorable line in this movie: "If you really love somebody, then you have to be able to let the person go."Gwacheon Seoul Land is a theme park with various fun facilities and rides located near Seoul. Because of the convenient access by Seoul Subway, it is a popular destination for dates. Nearby attractions include the Botanical Gardens of Seoul Grand Park and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Furthermore, Seoul Land offers many seasonal festivals like the Tulip Festival in April, the Mum Festival in the fall, Santa Fantasy in December and the Snow Festival during winter. Both young and old are especially fond of snow sledding from December to February.

Well... That's all for now... Will continue the other attraction filming location tomorrow. Till then, take care... Sarangheyo ^-^

XoXo,

Nurul Dean

14:22pm 29.05.2013

Jo In-Sung Interview & Fan Meeting In Malaysia

Did you know this hottest guy? Of course... 100% true. He is Jo In-Sung. A Korean Top Actor who had just came to our beloved country, Malaysia to promote his new Korean Drama Series, "That Winter, the Wind Blows". Well, as a matter of facts, I could not attended the fan meeting due to my workloads recently and could not apply for a holiday :'( So, I repost this from one of our Malaysian blogger-kpoptimelotus.

Jo In-Sung sat down for an interview at the Hilton Hotel to promote the drama "That Winter, The Wind Blows" in Malaysia ONE HD (Astro B.yond HD Ch 393). That actor is as tall as seen on tv and very dashing. The interview session went smoothly with many interesting questions asked. The actor was playful answering the questions but still charming.

You came back to the small screen after 8 years, what made you choose That Winter, The Wind Blows as a comeback drama, what draws you to the script?
Jo In Sung : There was no specific reason why I took the drama. Well, it was a well written script and there were such great people that I could work with. There’s no reason why I should’ve reject this drama.

 Can you tell us what are your preparations for the character Oh Soo are?

Jo In Sung : Well, I got ready to swindler. We had a lot of meetings with director and script writers to plan how to take this character further throughout this drama. A lot of small and big meetings about characters. Oh Soo was a person that was between the truths and false and it was very exciting.

How is the acting experience with Song Hye-Kyo is, is she easy to work with?
Jo In Sung : It’s fantastic.

In the drama, you wore various types of long coats, which type is your favorite?

Jo In Sung : Thanks to my parents giving me this height in this life, any type of long coast is my style and I personally love to wear long coats as well

Are there any similarities between you in real life and the character you played in the drama?
Jo In Sung : Well I think I’m pretty similar to the character Oh Soo because I was showing the real me through this character in this drama so yes, I do see some similarities in the character Oh Soo. 

You seem quite playful but you acted in several melancholy dramas, are you planning to take on a romantic comedy?

Jo In Sung : I wouldn’t choose romantic comedy because it is “romantic comedy”. I want to look at the role first if I can show myself through this role that is more important for me when it comes to choosing the project. I wouldn’t go with romantic comedy just to look funny and stuff. 

Do you consider yourself as a romantic guy?

Jo In Sung : As you can see, I am a romantic guy.

With whom would you like to act with in the near future?

Jo In Sung : My basic desire is to work with good actors and it has always been like that. My next project will be the big screen, movie. I was very honoured and happy to be involved in the drama alongside with Song Hye-Kyo and it was a great time. 

 There’s a scene where you read and write Braille. How was it to learn and read Braille?
Jo In Sung : I cannot read it and its very difficult. 

What do you think about the “cotton candy” scene in the drama?

Jo In Sung : When I was shooting it, I feel quite embarrassed and didn’t expected the scene to came out beautifully and it was fortunate. 

Which is your most memorable scene from the drama and which scene is the most difficult to portray?

Jo In Sung : The most memorable scene from the drama was when Oh Soo healed by Oh Young in the mansion. The most difficult scene was when I drag Oh Young on the hill and I drove her there.

What kind of research have you done to take the role?

Jo In Sung : There was not much research done to take this role but there were a lot of discussions and meetings with the first creator of the Japanese original drama and the scriptwriter.

Out of the four seasons, is winter your favorite season?

Jo In Sung : I like summer, and I like spending winter with warm hearts.

This drama was a great success, did you anticipate this when you took on the role?

Jo In Sung : I’m not a fortune teller so I didn’t expect it to be this big. I had a good feeling about this drama. With such wonderful script and story, I had a feeling I can really be hardworking and maybe in a way expect people to love this drama too.

Later, you will have a public meeting with the fans, what do you expect to see?

Jo In Sung : I really don’t know how many people out there know who I am so maybe I hope to see at least 30 people out there. 

Is this your first time in Malaysia?

Jo In Sung : This the very first official visit but I’ve visited Malaysia before for a commercial shooting for 2 day and 1 night.

Running man did a parody of That Winter, The Wind Blows. Will you join Running man if you have a chance?

Jo In Sung : I don’t think I will be physically ready to run because I have to run left and right. Short breath and Kwang Soo did an outstanding job.

How do you find Malaysia?

Jo In Sung : I’ll be given a chance to explore Malaysia after this interview is done and I’m very excited. Maybe after that I can really tell you how I feel about Malaysia but from the hotel room, I can feel the hot sunshine. It’s scientifically proven that if you get good sunlight, that you are very optimistic and healthy. I wish I could play catch ball. 

Have you tried any Malaysia food?
Jo In Sung : No actually but I’ll try durian.

What are your targets and dreams in your acting career?

Jo In Sung : I don’t have a big desire. I’m already lucky and happy enough being in this position here. I just want to be sincerely participating in upcoming projects. I heard this from someone, "If you don't worry about your future too much, you can focus more on the present".

What advice would you give if someone wants to be be an actor similar to you?

Jo In Sung : Am I already that big? I'm just very tall. (laughs) There's no size for actors. Size doesn't matter as long as you're sincere what you're doing. Keep it up and continue what are you doing.

Is there any type of character you would want to challenge in the future?
Jo In Sung : I don't really choose the character first,

In the drama, there's a various types of OST, which is your favorite?
Jo In Sung : Winter Love (겨울사랑) by The One

Later, a huge crowd flooded (5,000 people) Paradigm Mall to catch a glimpse of Jo In Sung on 21 May 2013 at 7.30pm. Natalie (Hitz.fm) was the MC and everyone cheered when the actor came out. There was an mini Q and A session and 3 lucky fans was selected to reenact the "Cotton Candy" scene from the drama and the winner gets to take a photo with Jo In Sung. He then thanked everyone who came out today and he tried making eye-contact with everyone. The event ended and everyone had a smile on their face. Before he leave the stage, he sign the poster and thanked the fans one more time.
Huge thanks to Astro - ONE for giving us an opportunity to cover this event.

There it is... How unlucky I am for missed this special fan meeting but what can I do? But at least, we know that Jo In -Sung is too happy for been in Malaysia. Kamsahmanida Jo In-Sung for coming to Malaysia and giving a chance to your fans to see you up close. Thank you once again to our friend kpoptimelotus sources. 

Till then, take care and Sarangheyo... ^^

XoXo,

Nurul Dean

16:04pm 28.05.2013

LOVE RAIN - SARANG BI - THEMED TRAVEL - FILMING LOCATION

Love Rain (Hangul: 사랑비; RR: Sarangbii) is a 2012 South Korean television series directed by Yoon Seok-ho. It aired on KBS2 from March 26 to May 29, 2012 on Mondays and Tuesday at 21:55 for 20 episodes. Set in the seventies and the present day, it tells a heartrending love story over two generations, with Jang Keun-suk and Im Yoona playingdual roles.

Well, as you guys can see that both of our main actors are Korean Top star especially Im Yoona who is one of Girls Generation members. It's love at first sight when Seo In-ha (Jang Keun-suk) and Kim Yoon-hee (Im Yoona) meet as shy university students in the seventies. It takes time for the hesitant pair to finally voice their feelings, but circumstances beyond their control send them down different paths. In 2012, In-ha (Jung Jin-young) is now unhappily married to Baek Hye-jung, one of Yoon-hee's former best friends. He has never gotten over his first love, and when he runs into Yoon-hee (Lee Mi-sook) after so many years, the two reconcile and look forward to making up for lost time.

In-ha's son Seo Joon (Jang Keun-suk) is a photographer, and he bumps into Yoon-hee's daughter Jung Ha-na (Im Yoona) by chance. Unlike her mother, Ha-na is a cheerful and vivacious girl, and though they initially find each other troublesome, even as they argue, they can't help but be drawn to each other. Gradually their feelings develop, and Joon and Ha-na fall in love.

Unaware that that their children are dating each other, In-ha and Yoon-hee announce that they are getting married. As both couples deal with the shock, Joon and Ha-na struggle with sacrificing their love for their parents' long-aborted happiness. As for me this Korean Drama series its very worthy to watch as the directed is one of Korean famous director who had directed Blockbuster Korean Drama series "Autumn in My Heart" in year of 2002. This is one of biggest masterpiece made by Yoon Seok-Ho. You guys have to watch it. It's worth it. ^^

Through all the episodes in this drama, you can see  in the scene those beautiful places catch up in the scene. So, here is the attractions that you can find in Love Rain Korean Drama Series throughout those episodes. So, you can go to South Korea and catch a nice photo all over Love Rain's Korean Drama location :)

Keimyung University

First location is Keimyung University. Located in Daegu, Keimyung University appears as Hankook University. The setting of the first few episodes of the drama. The Daemyeong-dong campus of the university houses the School of Fine Arts and the School of Fashion. The campus boasts several old and exotic buildings adn have been featured in a number of Korean dramas and movies too. :) 

Yeongju Museum Village 1

Yeongju Museum Village 2

The Yeongju Museom Village is where In-ha of the 1970s and his friends go on a trip to prepare for one of their performances. Surrounded by a river on three sides, the village has been preserved as one of the nation’s top traditional villages and is beloved for its stunning riverside views (particularly at sunset). The single-log bridge, over which the main characters pass in the drama, served as the only gateway into the village for approximately 350 years. Today, the bridge has been restored to its original form. 

Sucheon Open Film Set 1

Sucheon Open Film Set 2

Sucheon Open Film Set 3

The Suncheon Open Film Set is where the house of Yun-Hui and the residential streets of 1970s were filmed. The film set consists of abiyt 200 buildings and streets recreating Korean life from 1960s,1970s and 1980s. It has been featured in numerous Korean Movies and Drama such as "Love and Ambitions" and "East of Eden". Located just 20 minutes away from the set is Suncheonman Bay, an ecological wetland famous worldwide.

Hongdae 1

Hongdae 2

Hongdae 3

Famous for being a street of the young, Hongik University Street appears in the episode where Ha-na looks for a room to rent and the episode in which she finds a flyer with her picture on it. Seo Jun’s photo studio, the coffee shop, and the hospital run by his friend are also located in this area. The Hongik University area, known as ‘Hongdae,’ is symbolic of youthful arts and fashion and the celebration of subcultures and freedom. With small galleries, unique coffee shops, trendy stores, live clubs, and restaurants, Hongdae is always bustling with people. 

Jade Garden 1

Jade Garden 2

Jade Garden 3

Jade Garden appears as the arboretum where Ha-na’s mother works in episodes 5 and 6 and again in the scene in which Ha-na and her university senior have a talk. Located in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province, the Jade Garden Arboretum opened in April 2011 under the concept of a ‘small Europe in the forest.’ Jade Garden features 24 unique gardens including an English garden, an Italian garden, Wildflower Hill, and Sky Garden.

Konjiam Resort Arboretum 1

Love scene between Jang Geun Suk and Im Yoona at Konjiam Resort Arboretum 

The Konjiam Resort Arboretum appears as the arboretum where Yun-hui works (7th episode through the last) and in the episode in which Seo In-ha comes to meet Yun-hui as well as the episode in which Seo Jun confesses his love to Ha-na. The arboretum is home to about 20 themed gardens, a monorail, and a visitors center and is part of the larger Konjiam Resort, a year-round resort complete with a ski resort, condominiums, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool.

So, guys? How was the review on Love Rain Filming location. You must excited      and event dream to be there. So do I ^^ That's all for now. Any comments, feel free to buzz me around. Kamsahamnida... Sarangheyo...

Take care...

XoXo,

Nurul Dean

15:43pm 28.05.2013