Hello everyone!
Today, I am going to introduce TOPIK (Test Of Proficiency In Korean).
What is TOPIK? How does it helps? What can I do with this?
TOPIK is an internationally recognized certificates by the Korean government given to foreigners in learning Korean. It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). With TOPIK certificate, you can apply for a job in Korea or enrol in Korea local universities for study programs.
Students are tested in 5 different components during the examination: MCQs, Short Answers, Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension and Essay. The test is divided into four parts: vocabulary & grammar, writing, listening, and reading. There is currently no oral section.
The Beginner examination consists of Level 1 & 2, Intermediate examination consists of Level 3 & 4, and Advance examination consists of Level 5 & 6.
E.g.For the Beginner examination, a pass of average 50% will award the student with a Level 1 pass. A pass of average 70% and above will award the student with a Level 2 pass.
In Singapore, TOPIK is held twice a year, in April and October. It is held at Singapore Korean International School. Exam fee is SGD$80.00.
You can check out the details at the link below.
http://klc.skis.kr/?mid=topic
My thoughts
Since many may have attended classes, spend a lot of money on books, why not just attempt this exam and get a qualified certificate. :)
I have been studying Korean for past 1 year through self-study and classes. I have spent so much time and money on this. So I will force myself to study hard for TOPIK Beginner level and get the certificate. At least I can put it in my resume. Hehehehe
Love,
Shasha
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
6D5N Solo Backpacking - D2 - Gyeongbokgung/ Gwanghwamun
In this post, I am sharing pictures of the places that I have went.
Since it was winter, the day was shorter. There wasn't much time T.T
1) National Museum of Korea
The largest museum in Korea and house precious Korean cultural assets. It also has artifacts from other countries like India and China. You can rent the audio at the service counter whereby it will explain more about the artifact when you visit the gallery.
Admission: FREE
2) Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) by its founder, King Taejo and is often considered to be the grandest of all 5 palaces. This palace is used for many Korean Drama shooting which includes Queen In Hyun's Man. It is really HUGE that you may take more than 1/2 day to really explore the palace.
Operating hours:
Mar - Oct: 0900 - 1830 (last admission at 1730)
Nov - Feb: 0900 - 1700 (last admission at 1600)
* close on Tuesdays
Admission: 3,000 won (adult), 1,500 won (children)
Free entrance: National Palace Museum of Korea & Folk Museum
Getting there: Gyeongbokgung Station (327), Line 3/ Orange Line, Exit 5
If you are from Gyeongbokgung Palace, another place you may consider going, which is a national icon of Korea, is Gwanghwamun Plaza, straight opposite the palace main gate.
3) Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문광장)
This is a 43m by 557m plaza opened in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. A huge statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin of Joseon Dynasty and King Sejong the Great of Joseon.
Getting there:
Gyeongbokgung Station (327), Line 3/ Orange Line, Exit 5
Gwanghwamun Station (533), Line 5/ Purple Line, Exit 9 - Haechi Madang, an underground walkway that connects the station to the plaza
Since it was winter, the day was shorter. There wasn't much time T.T
1) National Museum of Korea
The largest museum in Korea and house precious Korean cultural assets. It also has artifacts from other countries like India and China. You can rent the audio at the service counter whereby it will explain more about the artifact when you visit the gallery.
Admission: FREE
2) Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) by its founder, King Taejo and is often considered to be the grandest of all 5 palaces. This palace is used for many Korean Drama shooting which includes Queen In Hyun's Man. It is really HUGE that you may take more than 1/2 day to really explore the palace.
Operating hours:
Mar - Oct: 0900 - 1830 (last admission at 1730)
Nov - Feb: 0900 - 1700 (last admission at 1600)
* close on Tuesdays
Admission: 3,000 won (adult), 1,500 won (children)
Free entrance: National Palace Museum of Korea & Folk Museum
Getting there: Gyeongbokgung Station (327), Line 3/ Orange Line, Exit 5
Royal guards at the entrance of the palace
I was lucky to watch the change of guard ^^
If you are from Gyeongbokgung Palace, another place you may consider going, which is a national icon of Korea, is Gwanghwamun Plaza, straight opposite the palace main gate.
3) Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문광장)
This is a 43m by 557m plaza opened in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. A huge statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin of Joseon Dynasty and King Sejong the Great of Joseon.
Getting there:
Gyeongbokgung Station (327), Line 3/ Orange Line, Exit 5
Gwanghwamun Station (533), Line 5/ Purple Line, Exit 9 - Haechi Madang, an underground walkway that connects the station to the plaza
The underground walkway - Haechi Madang
King Sejong
Admiral Yi Sun-sin
I will cover Yeouido island in the next post.
Yeouido is where you can find SBS/ MBC/ KBS and also the Hangang River Park :)
That's all for me now.
Annyeong!
Love,
Shasha
6D5N Solo Backpacking - D2 - Seoul City Tour Bus
Hello everyone! How are you doing?
I hope all of you are doing well.
I have been busy so I couldn't update this blog on time.
Nevertheless, here I am now. So I shall continue from where it was left.
As you know, Seoul is the capital of Korea.
The infrastructure in Seoul is very well built.
It is easy to travel from one place to another.
Whether it is by hailing a cab, riding a bus or taking the subway.
If you are shortage of time, if you want to visit places of interest without planning much on how to get there and you want to enjoy the whole day at Seoul downtown, do take the Seoul City Tour. An all day unlimited day pass cost you only 10,000 won. So why not just for around S$12, you get to visit many places of interest in Seoul. Just hop on and off the bus by simply showing the ticket.
There are 2 course available.
1) City Circulation Course - covers the downtown area including National Museum of Korea, Namsangol Hanok Village, Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, Insadong and the 5 places.
Operating hours: 0900 - 2100 (last bus departs at 7pm from Gwanghwamun)
Bus interval: departs every 30 minutes
Languages: English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese
Price: 10,000 won (Adult), 8,000 won (Children)
*does not operate on Mondays
2) Cheonggyecheon/ Palace Course - covers the royal palaces such as Deoksugung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace as well as Cheonggye Plaza.
Operating hours:
Peak Season (Dec-Feb, Apr-May, Jul-Aug, Oct): 0900 - 1700 (hourly interval)
Off season (Mar, Jun, Sep, Nov): 1000 - 1700 (hourly interval)
Price: 12,000 won (Adult), 8,000 won (Children)
*does not operate on Mondays
How to get to the FIRST stop & buy ticket
The first stop is at Gwanghwamun.
Travel to Gwanghwamun Station (533), Line 5/ Purple Line, Exit 6.
Walk around 100 metre straight ahead. The buses are park in front of Dongwha Duty Free.
Ticket can be purchase in the bus itself.
I hope all of you are doing well.
I have been busy so I couldn't update this blog on time.
Nevertheless, here I am now. So I shall continue from where it was left.
As you know, Seoul is the capital of Korea.
The infrastructure in Seoul is very well built.
It is easy to travel from one place to another.
Whether it is by hailing a cab, riding a bus or taking the subway.
If you are shortage of time, if you want to visit places of interest without planning much on how to get there and you want to enjoy the whole day at Seoul downtown, do take the Seoul City Tour. An all day unlimited day pass cost you only 10,000 won. So why not just for around S$12, you get to visit many places of interest in Seoul. Just hop on and off the bus by simply showing the ticket.
There are 2 course available.
1) City Circulation Course - covers the downtown area including National Museum of Korea, Namsangol Hanok Village, Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, Insadong and the 5 places.
Operating hours: 0900 - 2100 (last bus departs at 7pm from Gwanghwamun)
Bus interval: departs every 30 minutes
Languages: English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese
Price: 10,000 won (Adult), 8,000 won (Children)
*does not operate on Mondays
2) Cheonggyecheon/ Palace Course - covers the royal palaces such as Deoksugung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace as well as Cheonggye Plaza.
Operating hours:
Peak Season (Dec-Feb, Apr-May, Jul-Aug, Oct): 0900 - 1700 (hourly interval)
Off season (Mar, Jun, Sep, Nov): 1000 - 1700 (hourly interval)
Price: 12,000 won (Adult), 8,000 won (Children)
*does not operate on Mondays
How to get to the FIRST stop & buy ticket
The first stop is at Gwanghwamun.
Travel to Gwanghwamun Station (533), Line 5/ Purple Line, Exit 6.
Walk around 100 metre straight ahead. The buses are park in front of Dongwha Duty Free.
Ticket can be purchase in the bus itself.
This is what you see when you exit from Gwanghwamun Station Exit 6. Turn to the right and walk straight ahead. Dongwha Duty Free is nearby and the City Tour bus is there
The city tour bus driver :)
My comment/review:
This city tour bus is relatively cheap and it really covers many area especially the City Circulation Course. It even goes to N Seoul Tower which is not easily accessible. If you do not want to spend so much time planning and thinking on how to get to the tourist attraction, do take this bus. It saves your time on planning. And it is easy! Just hop on and off! :)
Oh well, the only bad thing is that it is CROWDED. The bus is really really crowded. Not only with foreigners but with local Koreans. As we know, Korea is HUGE. So they may come from other province and exploring/holidaying in Seoul. :)
I will post up pictures on Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Museum of Korea and N Seoul Tower in the next post :)
Love,
Shasha
Thursday, August 15, 2013
2013 GIRLS’ GENERATION World Tour – Girls & Peace – in Singapore
Hello everyone.
This is entry gonna be a short post for KPOP especially SNSD fans!
SNSD is coming to Singapore as mentioned by Tiffany & Sunny during Asia Style Collection held in Jun'13.
Date has been confirmed by RITS to be on 12th October 2013.
Tickets sales will be opened to public on 24th August 2013, 10am.
I am not sure whether will there be 2 days of concert.
Please details of seating plan and prices below.
This is entry gonna be a short post for KPOP especially SNSD fans!
SNSD is coming to Singapore as mentioned by Tiffany & Sunny during Asia Style Collection held in Jun'13.
Date has been confirmed by RITS to be on 12th October 2013.
Tickets sales will be opened to public on 24th August 2013, 10am.
I am not sure whether will there be 2 days of concert.
Please details of seating plan and prices below.
FAQ found at the link below by RITS:
Hope to see SONE there!
Love,
Shasha
Friday, August 9, 2013
6D5N Solo Backpacking - D1 - KPOP
Since I am into KPOP so much these days, I made it a point to visit some KPOP places during my short trip to Seoul.
In this post, I will cover 2 places around Myeongdong (명동) which will be KTO TIC and SPAO/Everysing.
Myeongdong is a very famous place among tourists. As I have mentioned in my previous post(s), there are a lot of KPOP products which you can find here. May it be official merchandise or unofficial ones available at Myeongdong Underground Shopping Street.
In this post, i will post up pictures of KTO and SPAO/Everysing - Myeongdong.
1) KTO TIC (Korea Tourism Organisation Tourist Information Center)
TIC is located on the basement level of the KTO headquarters in Seoul, Myeongdong. At the TIC you can get maps, brochures and other promotional materials provided free and these are definitely useful for tourists in planning their way around Seoul/Korea.
There is also souvenir shops and Hallyu zone available here. You can take pictures with your favourite artists!
Direction
i) Euljiro 1-ga station (subway line 2, 202, green), Exit #2
ii) Jonggak Station (subway line 1, 131, navy blue), Exit #5
iii) Gwanghwamun Station (subway line 5, 533, purple), Exit #5
Detailed direction: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/GK/GK_EN_2_7_2_1.jsp
2) SPAO/Everysing
This is a MUST stop for SM fans! SPAO is SM Entertainment’s clothing store which you often see f(x), Super Junior promoting. Everysing is their souvenier store whereby you can find official merchandises released by the company.
Direction
200m from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station (명동역) Line 4, 424, Light Blue.
Turn left and go to the first intersection.
Look for Nature Republic on your left.
Turn left at this intersection.
Walk straight and you’ll see SPAO on the left side. Beside Hotel Skypark
Here is a list of Everysing outlets in Korea: Myeongdong, COEX, Apgujeong, Incheon and Gimpo.
Out of 5, I have only been to 4. Each outlet is different from each other. :)
In this post, I will cover 2 places around Myeongdong (명동) which will be KTO TIC and SPAO/Everysing.
Myeongdong is a very famous place among tourists. As I have mentioned in my previous post(s), there are a lot of KPOP products which you can find here. May it be official merchandise or unofficial ones available at Myeongdong Underground Shopping Street.
In this post, i will post up pictures of KTO and SPAO/Everysing - Myeongdong.
1) KTO TIC (Korea Tourism Organisation Tourist Information Center)
TIC is located on the basement level of the KTO headquarters in Seoul, Myeongdong. At the TIC you can get maps, brochures and other promotional materials provided free and these are definitely useful for tourists in planning their way around Seoul/Korea.
There is also souvenir shops and Hallyu zone available here. You can take pictures with your favourite artists!
My favourite! SNSD 소샤시대! 사랑해! ^^
The logo of KTO
Direction
i) Euljiro 1-ga station (subway line 2, 202, green), Exit #2
ii) Jonggak Station (subway line 1, 131, navy blue), Exit #5
iii) Gwanghwamun Station (subway line 5, 533, purple), Exit #5
Detailed direction: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/GK/GK_EN_2_7_2_1.jsp
2) SPAO/Everysing
This is a MUST stop for SM fans! SPAO is SM Entertainment’s clothing store which you often see f(x), Super Junior promoting. Everysing is their souvenier store whereby you can find official merchandises released by the company.
SPAO promotion! Super Junior Siwon & Kyuhyun!
My favourite of all, SNSD Kim Taeyeon!!!
And with SNSD Choi Sooyoung!!!
200m from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station (명동역) Line 4, 424, Light Blue.
Turn left and go to the first intersection.
Look for Nature Republic on your left.
Turn left at this intersection.
Walk straight and you’ll see SPAO on the left side. Beside Hotel Skypark
Here is a list of Everysing outlets in Korea: Myeongdong, COEX, Apgujeong, Incheon and Gimpo.
Out of 5, I have only been to 4. Each outlet is different from each other. :)
Taken during my lastest Korea trip in May 2013 promoting IGAB^^
Love,
Shasha
6D5N Solo Backpacking - D1 Getting Started - From Incheon Airport to Seoul
Hello there!
How are you? I hope you are doing fine wherever you are!
I have always wanted to backpack overseas alone! And I did it! I did it in Korea! It was my FIRST backpacking solo trip. Furthermore, it was my FIRST winter trip!!!!
In this post I shall share how you can get to Seoul from Incheon International Airport.
Flight from Singapore will land at Incheon Airport when you are going to Seoul. Incheon is around 45 - 60 mins train ride via AREX and maybe around 1.5 - 2 hours by bus/taxi.
There are 3 ways to get to Seoul downtown: AREX (Airport Railroad Express Train), Bus or Taxi.
I chose to take AREX to Seoul downtown. :)
I will continue my post on places in the next entry. ^^
Love,
Shasha
How are you? I hope you are doing fine wherever you are!
I have always wanted to backpack overseas alone! And I did it! I did it in Korea! It was my FIRST backpacking solo trip. Furthermore, it was my FIRST winter trip!!!!
In this post I shall share how you can get to Seoul from Incheon International Airport.
Flight from Singapore will land at Incheon Airport when you are going to Seoul. Incheon is around 45 - 60 mins train ride via AREX and maybe around 1.5 - 2 hours by bus/taxi.
I chose to take AREX to Seoul downtown. :)
Snapshot of the area at arrival hall
The AREX is located at B1 (take the escalator down when you arrived at the arrival hall) and follow the sign to AREX platform
Platform of AREX
There are 2 types of service: Express train (direct from Incheon to Seoul Station non-stop; 43 mins; 8,000KRW) and commuter trains (stops at 9 stations between Incheon Airport to Seoul Station; 53 minutes; fare varies). The 2 service are opposite of each other.
Please note that you cannot use T-Money to go in the gantry for Express Train. You have to buy the ticket off the counter.
If you prefer to take bus, tickets are to be purchased at the Transportation Information Counter near Exits No 2,4,9,13 on Arrival Floor (1st Floor). Please confirm the bus stop number and location at the counter as there are many bus routes to and from the airport.
걱정 하지마세요. Don't worry if it is your first time to Korea. The sign directions are mostly written in English. :)
Here are some links which you may want to refer to aid in your travel.
Love,
Shasha
Welcome to Korea! Part 2 - Yongpyong & Seoul
여러분! 안녕하세요!
Hello everyone!
I shall continue on my post for my first trip to Korea.
In this post, i shall share the experiences and pictures of Yongpyong, Mt Sorak and Seoul :)
1. Yongpyong (Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do)
Yongpyong Ski Resort is a ski resort located in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do of South Korea. As well as skiing facilities, the resort offers golf in the summer months. It is the largest ski and snowboard resort in Korea.
Yongpyong will host technical alpine skiing events for the 2018 Winter Olympics (slalom and giant) and 2018 Winter Paralympics.
Many korean dramas have been filmed here such as Autumn in My Heart, Full House, Stairway to Heaven and of course the ever famous Winter Sonata.
Take the cable car up and you will can ski down. I am sure it is a very nice experience. I have not tried that since i went during spring. T.T
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3. Seoul (서울)
Seoul! The capital of South Korea, the most populated city. You can find various KPOP products here and who knows, you might even be able to spot some artists here.
Personally, i really love Seoul a lot! Since it was my first time to Korea and I was on tour group, I have not been able to discover many places. Nevertheless, we had 1 day of free & easy and managed to visit some places.
Myeongdong
My favorite shopping place! I personally really love this area! A lot of cosmetic shops available! Side by side! You can find accessories here. Uniqlo is also here. Some international brands can also be found here. There is Lotte Departmental Store and Lotte Young Plaza across the street, and further up, Shinsegae departmental store. There is a lot of food available, many many many shops for you to walk in. It is a shopping heaven!
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Namdaemun
Open-air wholesale market. The market's history traces back to the Joseon Dynasty and since then has become the most widely known market place of Korea. Namdaemun Market is the nation's wholesale center where almost anything and everything can be found.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream (청게천)
Originally a natural stream, Cheonggyecheon was covered with asphalt in 1958 to make a road. Following restoration work that began in July 2003 and lasted for 2 years and 3 months, it is again a cooling and refreshing stream of 5.84 km amid downtown.
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Since I was on tour group, transportation was arranged. So there's not much of self-travel except to a few places in Seoul.
Do keep up for my next post for my 6D5N backpacking trip to Seoul!
Love,
Shasha
Hello everyone!
I shall continue on my post for my first trip to Korea.
In this post, i shall share the experiences and pictures of Yongpyong, Mt Sorak and Seoul :)
1. Yongpyong (Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do)
Yongpyong Ski Resort is a ski resort located in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do of South Korea. As well as skiing facilities, the resort offers golf in the summer months. It is the largest ski and snowboard resort in Korea.
Yongpyong will host technical alpine skiing events for the 2018 Winter Olympics (slalom and giant) and 2018 Winter Paralympics.
Many korean dramas have been filmed here such as Autumn in My Heart, Full House, Stairway to Heaven and of course the ever famous Winter Sonata.
Take the cable car up and you will can ski down. I am sure it is a very nice experience. I have not tried that since i went during spring. T.T
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4 seasons view of Yongpyong ski resort!
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it was 8 degrees at night!!!
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Winter Sonata filming location!!!
2. Mt Sorak (설악산)
Mt Sorak National Park boasts numerous valleys and is well know for its picturesque scenery.
The best way to see Mt. Seoraksan if you only have a limited time, is by taking the Seorak Cable Car. However, it is so popular that you sometimes have to wait in line for approximately 2 to 3 hours during the peak seasons (summer vacation and fall foliage seasons) and during the weekends, but during off-seasons, the cable car can be boarded without having to wait in line. Riding up and down the cable car, visitors can view the fascinating rock formations of the Gwongeumseong region as well as the Sogongwon area, Jeohangnyeong, and Ulsanbawi Rock to the north. To the northeast, downtown Sokcho and the East Sea comes into view.
Personally, the view is magnificent! Although we had to hike up for a while, but it is worth the view!
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The view of the cable car journey.....
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The cable car which can fits around 25-30 people
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The mechanism of the cable car. Don't worry! it is safe! :)
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The top is open!!!
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Hooray! I am up here after taking the cable car and after the hike up
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Seoul! The capital of South Korea, the most populated city. You can find various KPOP products here and who knows, you might even be able to spot some artists here.
Personally, i really love Seoul a lot! Since it was my first time to Korea and I was on tour group, I have not been able to discover many places. Nevertheless, we had 1 day of free & easy and managed to visit some places.
Myeongdong
My favorite shopping place! I personally really love this area! A lot of cosmetic shops available! Side by side! You can find accessories here. Uniqlo is also here. Some international brands can also be found here. There is Lotte Departmental Store and Lotte Young Plaza across the street, and further up, Shinsegae departmental store. There is a lot of food available, many many many shops for you to walk in. It is a shopping heaven!
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The Seoul subway
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Vending machine located in the subway station. Something u won't see in Singapore! In Korea, you are able to munch in the subway. hehehe
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Facial brands side by side!!!!
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Namdaemun
Open-air wholesale market. The market's history traces back to the Joseon Dynasty and since then has become the most widely known market place of Korea. Namdaemun Market is the nation's wholesale center where almost anything and everything can be found.
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Walking tourist help who gives assistance to tourist who seek directions
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Happy shopping!
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Cheonggyecheon Stream (청게천)
Originally a natural stream, Cheonggyecheon was covered with asphalt in 1958 to make a road. Following restoration work that began in July 2003 and lasted for 2 years and 3 months, it is again a cooling and refreshing stream of 5.84 km amid downtown.
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Since I was on tour group, transportation was arranged. So there's not much of self-travel except to a few places in Seoul.
Do keep up for my next post for my 6D5N backpacking trip to Seoul!
Love,
Shasha
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