ROYAL FAIRYTALE: Of love, politics and scandals.
I heard someone screamed "이신 Lee Shin!!!!", or "이율 Lee Yul!!!!". Yes, if you tell me you weren't impressed with "Goong", there's something wrong with you, I can list out 10 reasons why I (and most of us) love this K-series so much!
"Goong" has been one of a hit drama few years back and it made Teddy Alfred and friends went famous!
GOONG BEARS: A teddy affair?
In 2010 I've been to the Teddy museum at Namsan Tower, Seoul but the Teddy Bear Museum at Jeju Island is way better! The museum showcased important milestones in human history and those teddies seriously potrayed the story in such a cute manner! It just makes me so in awe how delicate these bears were made! Some big history which we are familiar with:
TEDDIES RULE: The day when man landed on the moon
TEDDIES FIGHT: World War 2
TEDDIES PLAY: The launching of Disneyland!
The museum was so huge and properly planned for its storyline so that visitors will have a great time there like how I did! After all these amazing human history flash back there came iconic bears people! Bet you definitely can recognize everyone of them below although they've been teddified!
When you walk further you could see teddy bears in traditional 한복 han-bok (Korean attire), working around the 한옥 han-ok (Korean House) as well. It depicted Korean village life in the olden days. Not forgetting, these teddy bears are moving as well! You'll be able to see them picking up bricks, moving around the house, or aimlessly pointing here and there. At some area you might be able to see baby bears running around. :)
KOREAN WEDDING: Even the Teddy Bride has pink cheeks!
TEDDY WITH KIMCHI: A typical Han Shik lunch among the Koreans
FATHER & SON: Preparing to go fishing?
Talking about Han-ok like these, I'll be blogging soon about the real Han-Ok, where Koreans are still living in such traditional houses, soon! You won't be able to believe it when you see it with your eyes. I thought places like that were for tourism purposes but there are still people living in it!
I like how the designers put every pieces into one so meticulously, so delicately, so detailed! Most importantly, everything is so similar and so alike! Mini slippers, baskets, spectacles, hats, hanbok, bowls etc! I think they are seriously gifted with super talented hands for things like these! My pics here may be big but note that the size of the bears are some times just as big as your palm, or even smaller! At some point of time you'll also be able to see some adorable designs like below!
Contrary to the Namsan Seoul Tower Teddy Bear Museum, this museum has a huge outdoor garden. And yes, there are teddy bears out there too! I had some fun fooling around with the big bears out there! When I say big, yes they are really big! 커 keo (big)!!! They are taller than me at least!
Teddies teddies teddies, how can I miss mentioning the most important character of all teddies? The one where Chae Gyung hugged so tightly in 'Goong'...
Yes it's this teddy who has it's own royal chair in its own royal cube!!!!!
:)
With the craze of such Teddies after every episode of the drama; last year's "Playful Kiss" K-drama also had their teddy scenes after every episode and I screamed over it again! Kim Hyun Joong is a bomb, Hyun Joong bear is cute too!
PLAYFUL KISS K-Drama
The teddy experience might not be such a satisfying one for my cousins but for me it was worthwhile, although a little pricey at 8,000 won (USD 8) per entrance. However, glad that we did something stupid though when we saw two big bears at a corner, with no one around! Please do not report me to the museum authorities!
GREAT ENTERTAINERS: Having one crazy time with the bears
So why did I say reliving "Goong"? Because every Teddy I saw it just made all "Goong" episodes flashing back in my head!
For more pictures please view my
Facebook Photos here.
TIPS FOR TOURISTWho Should Go?
If you are into "Goong" teddy bears and you like teddy bears or anything cute and miniature. If not, don't waste your time.
How to Go?
In Jeju, it's best if you have an international license so you can just scooter around. Or, take a cab. Public transportation like buses are hard to wait.
Address:
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Seogwipo-si Saekdal-dong 2889 (Jungmun Tourist Complex)
Entrance Fees:
Adult: 8,000 Won
Youth: 7,000 Won
Child: 6,000 Won
Opening Hours:
09:00 - 20:00 (High season July 18th to August 23rd 09:00 - 22:00
(Tickets are available for sale until 19:00)
Website:
http://www.teddybearmuseum.com/Etc/English.asp