It's "D'Light"-ful!

 Upon walking into the D’Light complex, the first thing you’ll see is the Mobile Plaza. A grass wall mixes the natural and digital together while the Capture Wall helps you interact with all of your personal images on 82 different LFD monitors! The floor also contains a “Mood Tube,” where you can dance to music-influenced color projections. From those first few steps, it’s obvious that the Samsung D’Light complex is all about how technology is changing and improving our lives! Through these exhibits, visitors can witness the marvels of modern digital development.

After reviewing the main floor, head downstairs to the basement level’s “Digital Lounge,” which features home and office interiors designed to represent the new digital lifestyle. Participants can learn about the convenience and fun of using the Internet, Samsung’s many digital photo and video devices and even an entertainment space where visitors can enjoy music, video games and films.

To wrap up our tour of the D’Light, we’ll head upstairs to the 2nd floor, which is primarily focused on profiling Samsung as a company. Two long walls – a “Water Wall” and a “Media Wall” span the entire level. While the Water Wall explains the Samsung’s corporate history, the Media Wall expresses their values. A third wall is dedicated to promoting semiconductor technology. The Samsung D’Light complex gives us a glimpse of how today’s cutting-edge technology is going to influence our future lives!

reference  http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004004002004&p=04&art_id=41620&lang=en

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Witnessing a Royal Ceremony

Of Seoul’s five royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Gyeongbokgung (Palace) is the largest. To help recreate what life was like during Korea’s royal era, visitors can experience a change of the royal guards at the entrance of Gwanghwamun (Gate) throughout the year.

Once the bell is rung, the ceremony begins! The bright colors, beautiful outfits, and the bold banners and flags combine to make the elaborate ceremony a favorite event among visitors to Seoul. When the reenactments started in 1996, the original records were reviewed to ensure that today’s ceremony honors the traditional one. In fact, there are actually two different ceremonies – one marks the opening and closing ceremony of the royal gate, while the other signifies the changing of the guards.

Note: The ceremony does not take place on Tuesdays, when Gyeongbokgung (Palace) is closed. Generally, the Opening/Closing ceremony occurs between 10:00~15:00 from March to June and September to November. The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs January to February, July, August and December between 10:00~16:00. More information: http://www.chf.or.kr/chf/eng/

reference  http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004004002004&p=04&art_id=41620&lang=en

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Korea's Traditional Paper

Historically, Korean paper was celebrated throughout Asia as some of the best available anywhere. Said to have been invented in China, paper making made its way to Korea before the art was transferred to Japan. The paper created from the Korean mulberry tree is known as hanji, and it was said that it could last 1,000 years! You’ll see why when you experience the strength and beauty of hanji!


One of the best places to learn about Korean traditional paper and to make various objects with it is Hanji & People, a workshop located in the popular Insa-dong neighborhood. With craft classes conducted in Chinese, English and Japanese, participants can choose from more than one dozen different easy-to-make projects that take anywhere between one to three hours to complete. For example, you can make a beautiful hand mirror or a picture frame. The more ambitious art student can even endeavor to create a traditional doll!

Note: To ensure your class is available, it is advisable to call or email ahead of time. Tel: 02-725-9979; Email: boomi9804@hanmail.net

reference  http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004004002004&p=04&art_id=41620&lang=en

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The Beautiful Tea Museum

Tucked a couple of blocks down one of Insa-dong’s alleys is a traditional hanok style house that was renovated and converted into a museum. The Beautiful Tea Museum sells some 130 different types of teas of every color – green, black, brown and blue – not to mention several herbal and flower varieties.

Although the museum’s tea collection is its primary draw, there’s also an impressive number of earthenware teacups, saucers and teapots on display that were manufactured by young ceramists. Since the inner courtyard was covered in glass, the central area has been turned into an attractive patio that’s perfect for enjoying tea. The natural sunlight that fills the area makes for a peaceful and joyful setting.

The Beautiful Tea Museum’s staff is highly trained in the art of preparing, serving and enjoying tea. Think of them as… tea sommeliers! When you place your order, don’t be shy about asking them questions to better understand the proper way to enjoy Korean tea. This is one of the most important parts of experiential touring… learning new information that you can share with your family and friends back home!

reference  http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004004002004&p=04&art_id=41620&lang=en

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Making Korea's Staple Food

Without a doubt, Korea’s number one signature food must be kimchi! Kimchi is made from fermented vegetables with varied seasonings. Although the most common type of kimchi is made with Napa cabbage, there are hundreds of different varieties made from several other kinds of vegetables, such as radish and cucumber (to name only two!).

Inside Myeong-dong’s Experience Kimchi, which is located on the 5th floor of the M Plaza Building, you can experience Korean culture and history through this vital Korean food. Put on that apron and get ready to make your own kimchi with the guidance and supervision of a professional instructor. Not only will you get to make your own special serving of pickled cabbage, but you can also taste it and pack it up for easy transport overseas! The Experience Kimchi's kimchi making program takes about 30 minutes. When you’re done (and if there’s still time) feel free to try on a traditional Korean hanbok outfit. If you like the way you look, why not take a free Polaroid photo of you and your companion wearing them?The Experience Kimchi offers several workshops daily, so be sure to plan your trip with the appropriate language offering.

reference  http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004004002004&p=04&art_id=41620&lang=en

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Around Aotearoa

A chance to mix with the locals. Everyone drinks 10 different beers and cocktails from around NZ at the completion of each round (10 beers and two cocktails) every participant who has completed will receive a T.Shirt with the wording "I've just completed Around Aotearoa, Ngongotaha Rugby, New Zealand 2011". Your fee includes beer, cocktails and nibbles.

Come and enjoy the evening while watching the Quarter Finals Winner from Pool D v Runner Up from Pool C and Winner from Pool A vs Runner Up from Pool B on the large screen.

reference  http://www.rotoruanz.com/events/2011/oct/9/around-aotearoa

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Rugby World Cup Official Rotorua Fan Zone

The perfect family outing. Come along and enjoy a two hour showcase of great local entertainment, activities, displays and food before watching the Quarter Finals on our awesome big screen.

The theme is to be advised. There will be prizes drawn on the night including the best dressed team or family of four. We will also have a "Kiddie Zone" to keep the active ones entertained.

reference  http://www.rotoruanz.com/events/2011/oct/8/rugby-world-cup-official-rotorua-fan-zone

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