#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! 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

# PYEONGCHANG2018's Posts

♡

FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY UPDATES! 

Instagram: soniasim28

#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!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

# PYEONGCHANG2018's Posts

♡

FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY UPDATES! 

Instagram: soniasim28

#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!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

# PYEONGCHANG2018's Posts

♡

FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY UPDATES! 

Instagram: soniasim28

#9: SKI RESORTS AND SKI FESTIVALS IN GANGWON

Hello guys! Time really past so fast I can say. I have been blogging every month with different topics for Pyeongchang Olympics 2018. So is here the topic for the month of October. Hope you enjoy reading!

Story 1 Why Gangwon is the top winter destination in Korea

Gangwon is the snowiest province in Korea. For about 66 days from November to March, Gangwon has an average of 250cm of snow. The average temperature is about -4.8℃ throughout the winter, which maintains optimal ski conditions so that skiers can demonstrate their full capacities. Gangwon's eight large-scale recreation resorts are most popular among Korean people in winter. Each resort has great slopes for skiing and snowboarding, unique events and a variety of accommodation for everyone's comfort and convenience.

Alpensia Ski Resort is an entertainment destination centre located at the highland which stands 700m above sea level, the optimum height for the human health and biorhythm. It has been designed by Cuningham Group which participated in the development of the world's famous theme parks such as Warner Bros. Movie World and Universal Studios. Alpensia features many fascination facilities including main stadium, ecological golf courses and world-class ski slopes and ski jump slopes to host the Winter Olympic Games perfectly.

Elysian Gangchon It only takes 40 minutes by train to get to Elysian Gangchon from Seoul. Gangchon guarantees exciting and comfortable skiing with 1,000m for the beginners, intermediate skiers and experts. Enjoy stable and comfortable skiing on valley slope and exciting and refreshing skiing on ridgeline slopes. Night skiing operates until 2:00a.m. A theme park made of 10 themes is another unique attraction of Gangchon and Gangchon Channel Park is an extreme park that takes anybody, from beginners to pro skiers, to the world of fantastic extremes.

Hansol Oak Valley includes nine variously themed slopes, express, lifts, and world-class half pipe courses. Oak Valley Snow Park is a fusion project that combines a ski resort, golf course and condominiums. As it's name says, skiers ski down slopes along snow-covered oak forests. The slopes were designed by world-renowned Snow Engineering from the U.S. and the gold course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Enjoy skiing at a European Mediterranean-style resort.

Welli Hilli Park's sopes were designed by Paul Matthews of Canada's ECOSIGN, one of the worlds'smost well-known designers who specializes in ski slopes, and has been recognized by the International Ski Federation for its size and safety. As th host of the 2009 Snowboard World Championships. It will be widely introduced as a mecca for snowboarding. Korea's greatest fun park (Terrain Park) is an eye-catching area that allows both experts and beginners to perform 'techniques'. All sloes are opened to snowboarders; the Half Pipe Park, exclusive for snowboarding is most popular among snowboarders.

Daemyung Vivaldi Park is a leisure complex having water themed park, golf club and horse riding club as well. Along with a good accessibility from Seoul area, many visitors continuously find Daemyung Vival Park. Daemyung Vivaldi Park starts with very new program as Viva K-Food festival from Winter season of 2015. Uniquely Viva K-Food festival is a combination of ski training and Korean food experience. In this festival, you can learn skiing as well as attend Korean food cooking class! And of course, you will have a chance to try the street food styled snack as Tteokbokki and others also.

Bokwang Phoenix Park proudly presents the natural valley slope of 1,050m-tall Mt. Taegi with outstanding snow conditions. It's the best ski resort in Korea with 12 world-class lopes, 8 ski chairlifts, 6 sun-kid lifts and a modern gondola made by Dopplemire. Each of the 21 courses has unique designs, looking out to the 500m-wide panoramic ski base, and guarantees dynamic and exciting speed. Various attractions in the Terrain Park include the Extreme Park for beginners and a mini half pipe and jumping deck for snowboarders. Night skiing ends at 5:00AM.

Yongpyong Resort is Asia's second ski resort ro be certified by the International Ski Federation. It successfully held the World Cup Ski Competition in 1998 and 2000 and the 1999 Winter Asian Games and has been very popular among skiers from Europe and other parts of Asia. Twenty-seven slopes, including the Rainbow Slopes, and an average of 250cm of snow every Winter makes Yongpyong the best ski resort in the world. Yongpyon resort with Korea's first Terrain Park and Korea's widest slope at 180m is the pride of the region. It is planning to develop up to 48 slopes and 24 lifts to become and even larger ski resort.

High 1 Resort with a short history but with amazing facilities is one of the major ski resorts in Korea. High 1 resort is a big complex of accommodation, golf, themed park, ski and casino. Go! Go! ski program by High 1 Resort consist of 4 days. First and second day, you can have a basic ski lesson and Gala dinner. On third day, you can have a competition with others to win the prize in the ceremony.

Story 2 Ski Festivals in Gangwon

Take skiing and snowboarding lessons offered in varios languages and enjoy exciting performances and cultural experiences! In Korea, visitors can discover a whole new world of skiing through the Fun Ski Festival, the Go! Go! Ski Festival, and the snow Tube Race Festival.

VIVA Ski Festival @ Daemyung VIVALDI PARK

Daemyung VIVALDI PARK is a four seasons leisure complex having water themed park, golf club and horse riding club as well. Along wih a good accessibility from Seoul area, many visitors continuously find Daemyung VIVALDI PARK. Since its launch in 2015, VIVALDI PARK collaborated Ski with K-Food and the following year Ski wth K-culture. The package includes All-Day-Pass with depth basic ski lessons. For Muslim Travellers, Prayer room can be provided and also halal certified restaurants can be found inside VIVALDI PARK.

Other than ski, participants can choose to go to Jimjilbang (Korean Sauna), indoor waterpark, outdoor hotspring or even horse riding! So no need to worry in case you got afraid of skiing after trying once.

On top of it, carefully selected Korea food will be served for ultimate Korea-experience. You will have chance to enjoy various Korea street &  traditional food! The master chef of VIVALDI PARK-Jung Jun Seop, who has been nominated as 'Master of Korean fermented food' by World Food Culture Centre will be in charge of all dished. And also the master chefs will teach you how to make real-Korean food. The menu changes every year according to participants' preferences!

 

Fun Ski & Snow Tube Festival @ Yongpyong Resort

This ski festival is held from mid-Decemberto early March at Yongpyong Resort, Korea's first ski and a well-known host of international competitions. It offers a fun and exciting winter experience with skiing and snowboarding lessons taught by expert instructors, skiing competitions and award ceremonies, and a wide range of hands-on programs and performances.

Go! Go! Ski @ High 1 Resort

This ski festival is held from the peak of winter mid-December to early March at High1 Resort, which is equipped with top-notch facilities. It offers a memorable experience particularly to tourists from Southeat Asian and other snowless regions. Visitors can take part in expert taught skiing lessons of varying difficulty as well as performances and events to experience the beauty and charm of Korean culture. 

KISC (Korea International Ski Camp) @Alpensia Ski Resort & High 1 Resort

As customized days and night ski package exclusively offers to individual tourists, KISC can be customize within accommodations, meals, ski lessons (with level tests), fun activities and a competition. Shorter programs are also available for those with less time. 

Recommended KISC Package offers 5 different schedules of ski lesson programs. Each program is planned by your own ski skills.

1. KISC divides customers into 3 groups by age as Young Kids (aged 4-8), Kids (aged 9-15) and Teen & Adults and provide the different group lessons. For family group, they can specially organize the family private lesson as well.

2. 5 packages named Blue, Red, Yellow, Green and Black are made up with ski lesson and activities that skiers like to take the most.

3. KISC pacakges consist of ski lesson together with transportation, accommodation and ski wear/equipments. On the special note, there will be promotional camp program as KISC Event Camp (10-12 Dec 2017) and KISC Christmas Camp (14-26 Dec 2017).

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

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

# PYEONGCHANG2018's Posts

♡

FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY UPDATES! 

Instagram: soniasim28