#12: WITH KTX “AIRPLANE ON THE RAILWAY” ― TRAVEL FURTHER, FASTER AND SMARTER IN 2018

Hello guys! December came so fast and we are about to welcome 2018! This post is going to be the last post for my Wow! Pyeongchang Supporters [Malaysia] program. I would like to take this chance to thank KTO for this awesome program so that Malaysian and even all people around the world know more about Winter Olympics that about to happen very very soon next year. And also YOU who are reading my posts and giving some support on Winter Olympics, much appreciated! 

Let's countdown to the day of Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018 and give your support to all participants. Wish them all the best!

So for my post today, I'm going to introduce the very famous train service in Korea which is KTX! 

Story 1 What is KTX?

Korea Train eXpress (KTX) is South Korea's high speed rail system, operated by Korail. KTX operated from Incheon International Aiport with stops at Seoul Station and Yongsan Station towards to Busan and Gwangju. A new terminal in Seoul's Gangnam District is under construction at Suseo Station which is scheduled to open in 2016 with intermediate stations in New Dongtan City and Seoul Subway Line 1's Jije Station in Pyeongtaek. A new line from Wonju to Gangneung is to be operated officially from December 2017 to serve the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. 

Reference

• Gyeonggangseon Wonju-Gangneung line is 120.7km and construction took 1 year and 7 months.
• 34 tunnels and 53 bridges were newly constructed. One of the tunnel, Daegwallyeong tunnel in PyeongChang is the ongest tunnel in Korea with length of 21.7km.
• The maximum speed of KTX is 250km/h so travelling time between ICN-Gangneung (275km) will be 5 hours reduced compared to Mugunghwaho train service.
• KORAIL has run the testing operation from July and official service will be starting from mid December 2017. 

(Special Promotion) Pyeongchang Korail Pass with Korail and Korea Tourism Organization

You may click on this link to know more about the special promotion on PYEONGCHANG KORAIL PASS.

Story 2 Factsheet on KTX service and transportation plan during Olympic season

Introduction on new KTX stations in Olympic sites

1. Dunnae Station

Dunnae Station is located at Japogok-ri, Dunnae-myeon, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do. It is near to Welli Hill Resort as well as Pheonix Park and Hanu (Korean Beef) BBQ town.

2. Jinbu (Odaesan) Station

Jinbu (Odaesan) Station is located at Songjeong-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gnagwon-do. Passengers will take off at Jinbu station to move to Alpensia ski resort during 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. 

3. PyeongChang Station

PyeongChang Station is located at Jaesan-ri, Yongpyeong-myeon, PyeongChang-gun, Gangwon-do. It is about 10km away from Bongpyong-myeon in which buckwheat flower field and Lee Hyo Seok Cultural Hall located. 

4. Gangneung Station

Gangneung Station is located at 176, Yongji-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. Passengers are to take shuttle bus to move to Gangneung Olympic Park during 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. 

Introduction on shuttle bus service in Olympic cities

1. PyeongChang

2. Gangneung

Story 3 Suggested KTX trip to Olympic cities in 2018

Pyeongchang Trout Festival (22 Dec 2017 - 25 Feb 2018)

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival takes place during winter in the town of Jinbu-Myeon in Pyeongchang-gun district. Visitors to the festival can enjoy a varity of programs including ice and lure fishing for trout, snow programs, ice programs, folk programs and more. There will also be traditional folk games including sledding and top spinning and visitors can try out sports such as riding 4-wheel ATVs, snow rafting, sleigh trains. Any trout caught from ice fishing and lure fishing can be prepared right away at a nearby restaurant.

Trout farming first started in Pyeongchang due to its cold, clear water. Trout offer plenty of nutrition and their natural taste makes them delicious when eaten raw.

Location: 3562, Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Main programs: Trout-fishing, Bare-handed fishing, Sledding, Bobsleigh-riding, Ice skating, Winter game experience

Daegwallyeong Snow Festival (7 Feb - 22 Feb *subject to change)

The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival is held in Hoenggye-ri area, which is located in Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. The festival starts with a fireworks display, followed by various programs such as a singing contest, an international naked marathon contest, a singing contest for multicultural families, a climbing competition, snow art contests, a snow literature event and more. 

Location: Pyeongchang Hoenggye-ri area
Main program: Snow sculpture contest, Sledding, Bobsleigh-riding

Finally, that's all for my post and I officially done my Winter Olympics Malaysia Supporters program. Throughout the year, I have learned and gained knowledge about Korea and Winter Olympics' cities, for sure you too! Now let's countdown to Winter Olympics and don't stop giving your support for all the athlete that participating. Thank you KTO Malaysia for this amazing chance and opportunity for me to be a part of Winter Olympics Supporters! Thanks to you too who keep on reading and supporting my blog posts throughout the year! 

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#11: [SPECIAL POST] TRAVEL WITH PYEONGCHANG KORAIL PASS

Hello guys! I'm back with another post in this month because of an exclusive request! For this post, I'm going to share some knowledge on how you can travel to Pyeongchang and what you can enjoy with Pyeongchang Korail Pass. Let's get started!

What is Pyeongchang Korail Pass?

It is a foreigner-only railway pass for trains run by Korail. The pass can be used for travelling throughout Korea including Pyeongchang, Gangneung from February 1, 2018 to March 25, 2018.

(Special Promotion) Pyeongchang Korail Pass with Korail and Korea Tourism Organization

The Pyeongchang Korail Pass is a foreigner-exclusive train pass to commemorate the winter sport events taking place February-March 2018. The pass is available for purchase until December 10, 2017. Passes can be purchased in a 5 days type or a 7 days type, valid for a consecutive number of days from February1, 2018 to March 25, 2018. Pass holders can use KTX and other Korail-operated trains for an unlimited number of times to travel Korea including Pyeongchang and Gangneung within their selected pass validity period. 

Adult (Ages 26 & older), Youth (Ages 13-25 or International Student Identity Card), Child (Ages 4-12), Saver (Groups 2-5 people)

How to purchase?

Pyeongchang Korail Pass can be purchased through the official website (www.letskorail.com/pyeongchang). Ticket sale will be open on December 10, 2017.

*Ticket sales period is subject to change without notice

What you can enjoy with Pyeongchang Korail Pass?

There are tourist attractions that are recommended to tourist to have a visit and also festivals will be held in Pyeongchang and Gangneung which tourists can have a new experience and have fun like a local! Of course you can't miss to try out the famous foods in Pyeongchang and Gangneung. If you need reference, you may refer to below provided link!

- Pyeongchang Tourist Attraction

- Gangneung Tourist Attraction

- Pyeongchang Hyo Seok Cultural Festival

- Gangneung Coffee Festival

Beside of mentioned festival, tourists also can enjoy Pyeongchang Trout Festival and Daegwallyeong Snow Festival. 

Pyeongchang Trout Festival (22 Dec 2017 - 25 Feb 2018)

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival takes place during winter in the town of Jinbu-Myeon in Pyeongchang-gun district. Visitors to the festival can enjoy a varity of programs including ice and lure fishing for trout, snow programs, ice programs, folk programs and more. There will also be traditional folk games including sledding and top spinning and visitors can try out sports such as riding 4-wheel ATVs, snow rafting, sleigh trains. Any trout caught from ice fishing and lure fishing can be prepared right away at a nearby restaurant.

Trout farming first started in Pyeongchang due to its cold, clear water. Trout offer plenty of nutrition and their natural taste makes them delicious when eaten raw.

Location: 3562, Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Main programs: Trout-fishing, Bare-handed fishing, Sledding, Bobsleigh-riding, Ice skating, Winter game experience

Daegwallyeong Snow Festival (7 Feb - 22 Feb *subject to change)

The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival is held in Hoenggye-ri area, which is located in Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. The festival starts with a fireworks display, followed by various programs such as a singing contest, an international naked marathon contest, a singing contest for multicultural families, a climbing competition, snow art contests, a snow literature event and more. 

Location: Pyeongchang Hoenggye-ri area
Main program: Snow sculpture contest, Sledding, Bobsleigh-riding

You may check out the direct link provided as below!

Visit Korea KORAIL Pass Link
KORAIL Pass Reservation Link

That's all for my post today! Hope you enjoy reading and thank you for dropping by!

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BEAUTY REVIEW: PERIPERA INK AIRY VELVET

Hello guys! I'm back with another product review and finally I'm blogging on it!
Today's featured product is Peripera Ink Airy Velvet 😍 I'm so excited to share 
it with you guys, let's start!

I have been using Peripera tint product for over a year now. My first product is Peri's Ink and I really love it! Peri's Ink is more moisturizing and gave a shiny result. Actually for me, I always choose to avoid matte lips products because it make me look weird and I don't like the texture as well.  But then Peripera launched their Airy series gained my attention. I went to their store and have a try on some of the colours. They are really stunning and kinda attractive but I didn't buy any of it because I scared I will not use it ahhahah

Then, I went to Korea and I did a big makeup haul (if you read my 2nd Korea haul's post). Yes, I purchased mine at Korea during my trip. I tried all the 10 colours and there are few colours that attracted me. So, I end up bought 3 colours from Airy series because I want to try something new for my lips!

Peripera launched Airy series 2 times which in February and also in August! Colours that launched in February are the original colours while the colours that launched in August are new colours for Fall/Winter 2017. I got 3 colours which are #1 - Heart Grapefruit from original colours, 

#9 - Legend Brown Red and #10 - Dry Rose Brown from new colours for Fall/Winter 2017.

Airy series is more to moisturizing matte compared to Velvet series. The lighter and softer texture gave a soft airy lips on the final. With Airy series, you can have a gorgeous gradient lips 

in only one swipe but I prefer to use it for full lips!

The special applicator for airy series

                                          Legend Brown Red                                           Heart Grapefruit

MY REVIEW

The colour on hand will be brighter compare to the colour on lips. The applicator is easy to control and if you accidentally put too much, just swipe with your finger for natural lips look. I really love the texture because it's really smooth and quite moisturizing that my lips won't feel dry after apply. The tint also have a nice scent which is acceptable for me. Overall, it's a recommendable product! You really need to buy it and test on yourself 😉

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p/s: not sponsored post

#10 : DREAM PROGRAM: EXPLORE FRONTIER OF WINTER SPORTS

Story 1 What is Dream Program

The Dream Programme is initiated to introduce winter sorts to young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience winter weather and winter sports. The Dream Programme was launched by PyeongChang in 2004 as part its bid for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Since then, 1,574 youths (105 with disablities) coming from 75 countries have participated in this programme, which is usually organized for 10 days betwen January and February.

The Dream Programme provides youths aged 11 to 15 with the opportunity to train in skiing and ice sports. In particular, youths who have limited access to winter weather or winter sports, or those who have potential to excel in winter sports, are invited to PyeongChang. The programme has also helped foster closer ties among nations and enriched the participants through cultural exchange. Key stakeholders such as IOC, winter International Federations such as FIS and ISU, the foreign media and NOCs have lauded the Dream Programme as an excellent initiative that has contributed to the Olympic Movement. It has helped to expand winter sports, promote friendship among youths and contributed to peace around the world. Since 2011, the second phase of the Dream Programme, called 'New Dream Programme', has been in operation. 

Under the New Dream Programme, there will be an increase in opportunities for the youths, including those with disabilities, to experience winter sports in PyeongChang. In 2012, the Dream Programme was also expanded to serve as an academy for winter sports.

An application is distributed and received by Korean Embassy through the process of consultation with the Nation Olympic Committee (NOC) of the country concerned.

Each NOC recommends articipants among promising players of 11-15 years old in it's country. After reviewing of the application, participants are finally confirmed by Gangwon Province. 

Goal

Training professionals of a winter sports conducting: Winter Sports Academy

• Exchanging theory & pratical training and guidance method about sports on snow [Skiing and Snowboarding and sports on ice (Figure skating and Short track speed skating)]
• Participated coaches will help for promising players of their own countries through guidance methods and practical training method.
• Player will understand better about winter sports and improve their skills.

Contributing to friendship and international sports exchange among nations of the world

• Tour of Gangwon Provinve Culture, Seoul Tour
• Experience Korea, Recreation (Dream lounge, Social party, Water play)
• Tour of PyeongChang Winter Olympic sports facilities and experience winter sports

Participation Process

An application is distributed and received by Korean Embassy through the process of consultation with the Nation Olympic Committee (NOC) of the country concerned.

Each NOC recommends articipants among promising players of 11-15 years old in it's country. After reviewing of the application, participants are finally confirmed by Gangwon Province.

Story 2 Dreams come true

Julian Yee Zhi Jie (茹自杰) Figure Skate | Malaysia

*photo credit to Julian Yee Instagram Account @julianyeeee

Julian Yee Zhi-Jie (Chinese: 茹自杰; born 26 May 1997) is a Malaysian figure skater. He is a five-time Malaysian senior national champion (2013-2017) and has completed in the final segment at seven ISU Championships, including two World Championships. Yee began learning to skate at age four at the Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink in Malaysia. He and his brothers were introduced to skating by their monther, Irene. In 2011, he became the youngest skater to win the Junior Men's category, at age 13 years 10months, thereby breaking the previous record held by his brother, Ryan Yee Zhi-Jwen.

In 2014, Yee became the first Malaysia to reach the free skate at a Four Continents Championships. One of the youngest skaters at the event, held on Taipei City from 20-25 January 2014, he qualified for free skate and finished 23rd overall. At the 2014 Malaysian Open National Championship, Yee held the lead after the short program and defended his title to become only the second Malaysian skater to win the Senior Men's title in consecutive years.

Yee finished 15th overall at the 2017 Four Continents Championships in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and then went directly to Sopporo, Japan to complete at his first Asian Winter Games; he placed 8th with a new personal best of 222.69 points.

In August 2017, Yee won gold at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. During the Nebelhorn Trophy, which was the qualifying event, the 2017 SEA Games gold medallist garnered a score of 71.93 points in his short programme. His free skate routine, where he was places third, ace him the points needed (148.74) to place in the top seven to qualify for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. 

*photo credit to Julian Yee Instagram Account @julianyeeee

Yee stated, "I was selected by my National Ice Skating Association (Ice Skating Association Of Malaysia) to participate in the 2009 Korean Dream Program in PyeongChang. I was very inspired with the fact that PyeongChang may be an Olympic Venue in the future and that I had the opportunity to learn more about figure skating at the Korean Dream Program.

With this Dream Program, it had also made me realise that the Winter Olympics is a very important and prestigious event. Making me want to be there some day.

8 years later, it is truly and honoure and an achievement to be able to qualify and participate at the 2018 Winter Olympics PyeongChang, the very same venue as the Korea Dream Program."

Tsao Chih-I (曹志禕) Figure Skate | Taiwan

*photo credit to Tsao Chih-I Instagram Account @skating250

Tsao Chih-I (Chinese: 曹志禕; born October 6, 1997) is a Taiwanese figure skater. He is the 2016 National Champion. He had qualified to the final segement at fve World Junior Championships and four Four Continents Championships. His story was quoted by President Moon's speech in Metropolitan in New York.

Story 3 Peaceful Olympic through valuable challenge

*photo credit to 대한민국 청와대 Facebook Account @TheBlueHouseKR

On 21 Sep 2017, President Moon Jae In, an honorary ambassador of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games attended a promotional event for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and seek the international community's backing for a successful hosting of South Korea's first Winter Olympics.

"PyeongChang has give the chance of Winter sports to teenagers from warm countries for a long time. Thanks to the effort, 1,500 over teenagers from 75 countries have visited PyeongChang and made great friendships." For the part of his speech, President Moon talked about Dream Program.

"I would like to share the story of Tsao Chih-I from Taiwan. He experienced Winter in Pyeongchang for the first time in his life when he was 10 then he fell in love with figure skate. Now he is the new rising figure skater, ranked 13th in the world. Tsao Chih-I called his visit Pyeongchang as the turning point of his life. I believe this valuable program should stay as legacy of Pyeongchang and lead to the tradition of Winter Olympic, how do you think?"

On the special note to his speech, he added on his goal to make peaceful Olympic event with North Korea's participation. "We should like to take a big step to the difficult but valuable challenge. Tension between North Korea and South Korea is arising at the moment thus we need tomake more gestures of good will. Olympic will be the gratest chance to spread the message of peace and reconciliation to the world. We will try our best together with IOC to the last. Kindly give us your interest and support."

That's all for my post today! Hope you enjoy reading and thank you for dropping by!

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BEAUTY REVIEW: HALF MOON EYES NAIL.ME WATER DECAL NAIL STICKER

Hello guys! I'm going to introduce a good thing for you guys through this post so make sure you read till the end 😍 What I'm going to review is this Half Moon Eyes x MEMEBOX Nail.Me Water Decal Nail Sticker. Let's straight into the point~!


WHAT IS WATER DECAL NAIL STICKER?

WATER DECAL NAIL STICKER is nail sticker that adhere to nails easily with just water. They came with a variety of elaborate images. You can simply enjoy nail art even you are not really into it or you just a newbie! It's only paper-thin where will stick on your nails without you feeling it.

I got myself 2 designs which is no.3 #NailsOfInstagram #NailsArt #Moon #Universal and no.5 #Vivid #Smile #Heart #Cactus. Both of this have different style where I think this both really suit me! When I got it, I already hyped up to try on it. After trying it, I really amazed because you can really do nail art by only water!! Curious how it works? I will show my tutorial below. See and learn it, of course don't forget to drop your order!

HOW TO USE IT?

1. You will need to prepare your nail polish, a cup of water, a tweezer, water decal nail sticker and a scissor.

2. Cut your nail sticker into small pieces (if you want to do it later, it's up to you)

3. Apply a layer of base coat on your nail 

4. Then, apply your favourite colour nail polish

5. After your nail polish dry off, put nail sticker into water for 10 seconds

(advised to wait until your nail polish dry off first if not it will ruin your nail polish)

6. Using the tweezer to separate the sticker from the white paper and place it on your nail right away

7. Repeat the step 6 for the rest of the sticker

8. Apply clear top coat to make it long lasting and TADAAAAA

MY REVIEW

This product is just surprisingly awesome! You can effortlessly get your pretty nails done in no time! The price is affordable and you can choose the designs as you like. You will have difficulty to remove it but don't worry, just put the acetone slightly longer on your nails and rub it off 😊

WHERE YOU CAN GET THIS AMAZING PRODUCT?

You can get it from Althea Korea with RM9 only! You can press on the link below for direct purchase 😉

NAIL.ME WATER DECAL NAIL STICKER: http://my.althea.kr/nail-me-water-decal-sticker

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