5 Fantastic Beaches of Jeju and Where to Find Them

I don’t know about you, but for me, when we talk about Jeju, the first thing that would always come to my mind is the beach. I’ve never been to Jeju before, but everytime I see photos of this island, most of them are pictures of beaches with white sand. For somebody who loves the beach, the thought of going to Jeju Island always excites me. Yes, I am a beach bummer, but I think I am the only beach lover in the world who doesn’t know how to swim. I’m jealous of the people who can swim their heart out into the sea and are not afraid of drowning. I just settled it for myself that beach bummer is not just about swimming, it’s all about having a good time in the beach without necessarily going down deep into the sea.

Speaking of having a good time in the beach, I had a lot of happy memories in the beaches of Jeju Island. Yes, it’s beaches because there are not only one or two but a lot of beaches in Jeju Island. I have been to several beaches in South Korea. I have visited Heaundae, Muchangpo, Daecheon, and Naksan, but I guess my favorite one is the Jeongdongjin in Gangwondo. So I was searching for even more beautiful beaches in South Korea and I was able to visit some of them at Jeju Island. This list is all about the beaches I’ve visited in Jeju and does not necessarily mean the best ones, but if these have been part of itinerary, then probably these are the must visit beaches in Jeju.

1. Hamdeok Beach(Hamdeok Seoubong Beach) (함덕 서우봉해변-함덕해수욕장)

Hamdeok Beach in Jeju

Let’s start first with something close to my heart. This one is I think was the beach where I spent most of my time in Jeju because this is where we lived during our 4 day stay there. I had a fond memory of Hamdeok because I owned this beach for about 30 minutes. It was our last day in Jeju and I decided to go swimming alone on that rainy Saturday morning. Whilst everybody was in the mode of drinking coffee at the cafes by the sea and some opted to stay in the room and slept, I went swimming at the nearby Hamdeok beach. There were 4 other people swimming that time, but they left as soon as I arrived, so I have the pleasure of owning the beach all for myself. It was raining but the water was warm and I enjoyed that me-time moment.

What I like most of swimming in this beach is that the water was quite calm. There was a typhoon that time when I went swimming but despite the wind and the rain, the water remained calm and that was just the way I like it. The beach has also shallow water, which is perfect for non-swimmers like me. This could be the reason why families prefer to go to this beach because kids love ‘em shallow waters, don’t they? We can’t also discount the great scenery, so even if you go there for a walk, you would probably enjoy what you could see in the place. There’s an arched bridge, red lighthouse and of course, the black basalt that you could see everywhere in the beach. The only thing I don’t like about Hamdeok beach is that, there are seaweeds floating everywhere. When I got out of the water, I thought I was Hulk because I was covered with green seaweeds.

How to go there?

From Jeju International Airport, Take Bus No. 38 to Hamdeok Beach.
Or you can take bus bound for Jeju-si Jungang Rotary and get off at Jungang Rotary Bus Stop. Cross the road to get to the opposite site bus stop to transfer to Bus No. 10 and get off at Hamdeok Beach.

2. The Hwanguji Coast ( Natural Rock Pool)

The Oedolgae Natural Rock Pool

Our common idea when we say beach is that it has white sands, emerald water with big waves and a good big tent in the seashore. But how about we make another definition of a beach? Let’s just take for example the hidden treasure of the Olle Coast Trail, we call it by the name “Natural Pool”. It is still part of the sea, but apparently, Mother Nature has decided to pile up some rocks and put some cliffs and allowed some water from the sea to break in and out of the circular area that makes it look like a natural infinity pool. Going to this spot was quite a challenge for me because we had to descend down the path and steps. It was not an easy staircase because it’s too steep for me, and when we arrived at the spot, we had to battle with the rocky steps just to get a good look at the pool.

I have to confess that I was very jealous of the people who went swimming into the pool. Some of them even dived in from the cliff above and I saw how fun it was. The view though is a must-see for everybody who will take the trail. The water is quite deep but it’s clear. I think the best part of this pool is the surrounding rocks. It looks as if some mighty and powerful being intentionally arranged those rocks to make such an awesome place to swim or just to hang out.

3. Jungmun Beach(중문해수욕장)

Jungmun Beach

Jungmun Beach is the most popular beach in Jeju because of its big waves, I would just like to quote our trip leader for this though. For those who are into water sports such as windsurfing, this is a good spot for you.

When we went to Jungmun beach, there was a warning sign that people are not allowed to swim anymore. I am not sure if it was just a temporary signage or permanent, but people did swim anyways. I didn’t see anything special in the beach though. I just like the combination of the colors of black basalt and the white sand. There’s a small trail nearby, I don’t know where it goes but there’s a staircase going up to the mountain. There’s also a cave at the entrance of Jungmun beach, but I don’t know why they intentionally put up some fence on it.

4. Hyeopjae Beach (협재해변)

The Hyeopjae Beach

We had a short stop over at Hyeopjae Beach. We were supposed to swim because we went there late afternoon which is perfect time for swimming and at the same time watch the sun sets. However, there was a heavy downpour of rain and we can’t even go walk at the seashore. It was a bad timing though, but there’s also black basalt in this beach. It has also white sands and I love the great scenery surrounding Hyeopjae Beach. It looks like a beach in the middle of an evergreen forest. There’s also a small island just off the beach, it’s called Biyangdo Island. In an ideal world, a late afternoon swim while watching the sun sets over a lush green forest in the nearby area would definitely make Hyeopjae beach a perfect place for vacation.

5. Hagosudong Beach (하고수동해변)

The Hagosudong Beach

Now let’s go to the beach located in Udo which can be reached via a 20 minute ferry ride from Seongsan Harbor. We biked along the coastal road of Udo and there were definitely beaches everywhere. However, I was not able to finish the 13 km trail because 1) I only used an ordinary bike and 2) I stopped once in a while for every interesting spot I saw. The problem is, everything is interesting for me. So I think I finished only 30 percent of the trail and I was glad I’ve reached up to the Hagosudong Beach. It has white sands too, it has basalt too but there are interesting statues built upon the rocks and sands of this beach. The statue of a mermaid and the lady divers made Hagosudong Beach an interesting place to visit in Udo. These statues and the unique formation of rocks and cliffs are the reasons why this beach stands out among any other beaches in Jeju.

I am sure there are still other distinct, unique and awesome beaches in Jeju Island. If you want to find them, go book your flight to Jeju and make a list of the beaches you should visit in the island. Whether you go there to swim, to visit or just to relax, I promise you will appreciate the beauty of the beaches of Jeju.

Exploring A Sex Theme Park in Jeju Island called LOVELAND Museum

Entrance to Jeju Loveland Museum

DISCLAIMER: Photos and words used in this article are NSFW. For adults only! No pun intended.

Jeju Island is famous for its beaches and scenic landscape, but if you want to visit something unique and quirky place in Jeju, no doubt that I would suggest this theme park called LOVELAND. At first, I have the slightest idea about Loveland, I know it’s a sculpture theme park where it displays some sculptures which suggests sensuality and eroticism. However, when our tour guide explained a little bit about Jeju Loveland while on our way to the park, it aroused me…… I mean, my interest as a tourist.

The Urinals at the entrance of Loveland Museum

Apparently, this theme park was built way back 2004 by the graduates of Hongik University. The reason why they created this park was to help educate newly married couples. Since Jeju Island is a primary destination for honeymooners, the genius students of Hongik University created a total of 140 sculptures to help the couple warm up a little bit and learn something out of the sculptures displayed in the park. Supposedly, the theme park should expose the visitors into the world of sex. This will help couples, especially those marriages who were arranged by parents, to become comfortable with each other when it comes to sex.

A sculpture of a penis boat

I have images running on my mind while our tour guide explained about the Loveland, but I still believe that Korea is a conservative country where the topic of sex is a taboo, so I did not expect that much. However, when we entered the Loveland park, Lo and Behold!!!!  I was so speechless. Sculptures of male sex organs are standing everywhere, there’s a woman lying erotically in one part of the park and there’s a sculpture of female sex organ just waiting to be explored by anybody, it was indeed the most interesting tour I think I’ve ever did in South Korea.

Some random sculptures you can see inside the park

But that was just in the entrance part, as we go deeper into the colorful park, everything became a head turner. The park has different parts showcasing different activities and themes relating to sex. I sighed a little bit because for me, the name LOVELAND is an understatement, I guess it’s just a subtle way of calling it PORNLAND because believe me or not, it’s a porn park.

Greek Mythology goes erotic

I think what I like most is the part where it depicts different sexual culture. It shows the different types of lovemaking from different countries like Japan, Greece, etc. It’s not as visual as other sculptures in the park but I like it because it shows that sex is not just all about the carnal pleasure of human but it also involves feeling and romance. It also shows how lovemaking differs from each country and how the culture, beliefs and traditions played a vital role in this sacred activity.

Some of the many sculptures at LOVELAND

The whole area is quite big, so people can literally just walk in the park while enjoying (or not) the sculptures all over the area. There’s a part where it shows ahjussis having sex with young ladies in different positions and different manner. There’s also a part where ahjummas are slaving and forcing young skinny men to satisfy their sexual desires and I don’t like it, just imagine the horror of being forced by fat ahjummas to make love with them. Ugh.

One of the ugly sculptures in the park

Unfortunately, during the half part of our tour at Loveland, the rain poured, good thing they also have indoor museum inside the park. We went to check what’s inside the museum, there were collections of videos about sex education, different dioramas of sex activities at home, sculptures of different sizes and shapes of penis and whatnot. There are also sex toys and some things on sale to enhance sexual activity with your partner.

Sculpture of naked ladies at the roof of an indoor museum

I don’t want to discredit Loveland though because of this. Although for me, the visuals are too much, the purpose is clear, to introduce sex to the visitors. Did I learn something from it? Maybe YES. Although I was more on “Ugh” than “Aahhhh”, I can’t deny that I learned something from the tour. It was interesting and way more than I expected. The rain killed the excitement though. Just when my interest started to arouse, it pours so hard that we had to withdraw ourselves out of the park before we get too wet. It was a quickie visit but all in all, I was satisfied with what I saw. Despite the rain, we reached the climax of the tour. When you’re in Jeju Island, go visit Loveland Museum and I will assure you, your hands will get busy afterwards (clicking camera buttons for photos).

5 Prominent Things That Remind Me About Jeju Island

The Natural Pool of Jeju Island

So finally, ladies and gentlemen, I can scratch off Jeju Island on my bucket list now. At first I thought there’s no way I could go to Jeju seeing that working culture in Korea is quite a time demanding activity, but thanks to our 5 days Chuseok holiday, it made my trip to Jeju possible. I personally would like to thank WINK TRAVELS for organizing everything, from itinerary, to accommodation and transportation. I shared my Jeju trip with 89 other awesome people, most of them are from the English Speaking countries like the US, South Africa, Canada and Australia and most of them are here in Korea to teach English.

The Wink travelers in front of a temple near Seonimgyo bridge

The Jeju trip was I think one of the most interesting trips I made in South Korea because I was with interesting people and at interesting place. It was such a refreshing journey for me because Jeju Island is so unique. I’ve been to several places in South Korea, but nothing compares with Jeju Island. I don’t want to play an expert on this because it was my first and only visit to Jeju Island, so I would just like to bring this on a personal level based on what I saw and what I experienced. If you’ll ask me what to visit and what to do in Jeju island, I could not answer that, but what I can share though is about the things in Jeju that made a mark on me. What are the things that make Jeju Island unique? Here’s my personal list.

1. The Hallasan (한라산)

Behind us is the view of the tallest mountain in Korea called Hallasan. This is from the perspective of Seonimgyo bridge

Probably the most interesting fact about Jeju Island is that it is a home to the tallest mountain in all of South Korea, the Hallasan. It stands 1950 meters and it is almost at the center of the island, which is why you could see this mountain at almost all places in Jeju. This mountain is very important to the locals because for them, this represents Jeju. They believe that Gods and Spirits live on this mountain. This is actually a shield volcano and there are national parks designated around the area of the mountain. People can actually trek Hallasan, but they said it’s not an easy thing to do. But for people who are on a not so physical fit side like me, I can just look at the mountain from any point and I’m happy with it.

2. The “Dol Hareubang” (돌 하르방)

Two dol hareubangs guarding the entrance of this bridge in jeju

When in Jeju, do not be surprised if you see stone statues everywhere with bulging eyes and without pupils. The statues usually have grinning expressions and they have long and broad noses. Their hands are usually on their bellies and they have hats that look like a mushroom. These statues are called "Dol hareubang" which literally means “stone grandfather”. They used to be the Gods of ancient people in Jeju because they believe that these dol hareubang can make demons go away. They usually put these statues in the entrances or gates. If you go around Jeju Island, it is impossible you would not notice these statues because they are everywhere. In fact, they made smaller versions of these statues so people can buy and give them away as souvenirs.

3. The Jeju  Black Pig (제주흑돼지)

The best way to end our first day at the beautiful island of Jeju is to eat Jeju's pride, the black pig meat. There's still a beach party, but that means overflowing soju and beer, but I should skip it. Thanks but no thanks. #chuseok #chuseokHoliday #jejuIsland

A photo posted by Shirgie Scf (@malditongserjz) on Sep 14, 2016 at 4:29am PDT

Now let’s go to a unique Jeju cuisine called black pig. If there’s one food that Jeju would like to share to the world, it is their so called Jeju  Heukdwaeji or Jeju Black Pig. Sure there are a lot of restaurants offering black pig meat in the mainland Korea, but the authentic ones are found and can only be tasted at the island of Jeju. We had it during our first dinner in the restaurant right in front of Hamdeok Beach where we stayed for three nights. We had a samgyeopsal that night, but instead of regular pork, they served us the black pig meat. Well, I am not a foodie type of person so I can’t describe it much, but for me, it’s tastier than the regular pork we buy in the market. It is also chewier and the taste is so distinct you can easily identify it’s not a regular pork meat. I just hope that the black pig meat we ate was not a dottongsi (돗통시) or pig toilets, these are the breed of black pigs that were fed through a pig toilet where they consume the feces of the users of the toilet (that sounds a little bit gross though).


4. The basalt rocks

We have been to several beaches in Jeju Island. We’ve been to Hamdeok Beach, to Jeongmun Beach, Hyeobji Beach and we even went to see Lonely Rocks and Jusangjeolli rock column formations. I only noticed one thing though, that everywhere you go in Jeju Island, you will see rocks and stones everywhere. The locals could have probably ignored the presence of these rocks and stones because they are so common in the place, but observant visitors like me could not help but notice how these rocks and stones play a vital role in the culture of people living in this island. After all, these are not just ordinary rocks because these are actually basalt, a gentle reminder that these were created through volcanic activity. These rocks are usually dark in color, fine-grained and commonly form as extrusive rocks.  When you’re in Jeju, unless you stay in the middle of the city, it is impossible that you can’t see, feel and experience these basalt rocks.

5. The culture

If you look at Jeju in an aesthetic perspective, it looks awesome and beautiful, no doubt on that and I couldn’t agree more. However, for me, Jeju is more of a cultural kind of island than a tourist spot. I am not really a culture vulture type of person when it comes to travel, but if you look at Jeju in a different perspective, you will appreciate the culture of the island than the things that are pleasing to the eye. I mean just think about the idea that this island is quite isolated to the mainland Korea. We traveled almost 12 hours from Seoul to Jeju. We took the bus and a ferry just to get to the island. My point here is that, because of its isolation, it developed its own language and its own culture. That is why from the beginning, I claimed that Jeju is unique. Its distinction made me appreciate the island more and I will always admire the beauty of this island not only in the aspect of tourism but also the cultural aspect.

I just think that my sojourn in South Korea will never be complete unless I go to Jeju, Island. I don’t know if I can still go back to that island, but if time and opportunity permit, I would definitely go back and visit the places that I missed during my 4 day stay in the island. Looking at all those rock formations and walking in the white sands of the beaches were all so surreal. Indeed, Jeju Island is a must go to place in South Korea.

OWWA Baking Class Graduates Attended Business Planning For Home Bakery And Agricultural Investment Seminar in Seoul

Ms. Mila Nuval Pena introducing the OWWA programs and benefits to OFWs

A total of 35 Filipino migrants have attended The Agricultural Production and Business Planning Seminar which was held at FWRC building in Seoul, South Korea last September 18, 2016. The said seminar was organized by OWWA in cooperation with Bucheon Filipino Migrant Community (BFMC).

The first speaker of the seminar was Agriculture Analyst Maria Alilia G. Maghirang. She talked about investment opportunities in the field of Agriculture particularly about high value crops. She presented agricultural products that can be produced per region. It was such an informative talk because we got to know the ideal crops that we can produce in our respective places. She also discussed how the government can help us if we decided to venture into Agribusiness when we return home someday.

Landbank representative to South Korea Mr. Leover Loyola presented the different loan programs that OFWs can avail if they want to start an agriculture business in the Philippines. There are various programs that have been created to assist OFWs in the financing of the Agribusiness based on the crops or production.

Our Speaker Prof. Torres discussing about Business planning

The highlight of the seminar was the Business Planning for Home Bakery. The Speaker for this topic was Professor Amelyn Manaluz-Torres. She talked about how to start a home bakery small and makes it grow big. She emphasized the importance of making a business plan and the things you need to consider to make it effective. Aside from that, she gave tips on how to grow the business. From that short period of time, we learned practical, technical and the non technical aspects of business planning.

Some of the graduates of OWWA baking class

On that same event, graduates of Baking class also received their certificate of accomplishments for completing the training on baking provided by OWWA. It was led by OWWA Officer to South Korea Ms. Mila Nuval Pena and BFMC President Mr. Rene Medrano. They awarded the certificate of completion to all the graduates of Baking class together with Console General Rodericko Atienza. He also gave a message to the participants of the said seminar to continue on growing and learn new skills. The BFMC President Mr. Rene Medrano also gave inspirational talk to all the graduates and shared his own experience in his journey to become a financial literate OFW.

Training and seminars like these are very helpful especially for OFWs in South Korea as this will prepare them for their return home someday. I hope that OWWA and all the government agencies involve for the welfare of OFWs will continue to organize events like these because these training and seminars can provide valuable information that we can use for our lives after Korea.

What’s in Your Bowl: Ingredients to a Successful Business Venture for OFWs while Working in Korea

Filipinos in South Korea

Professionals and nonprofessionals from the Philippines are ubiquitous to international enterprise, with eight million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) employed abroad. Not a shock, to be sure, when the local capitalism is yet to transform itself into what its people consider satisfyingly sustainable. In fact, 10 percent of the entire population is either living or working in other countries in search of financial stability.

One of the destinations OFWs prefer to work in is South Korea.  Since August 2004, the Employment Permit System has been pulling in foreign workers to address its labor shortage. Chaebol Korean companies in particular are considered the most preferable employers. Sharlene Ramos Ceniza, an OFW working as a Seoul International School teacher, said that “The Korean conglomerates pay higher salaries than the government itself, and provide additional benefits that Filipino companies can only imagine to afford.” For Sharlene, these include generous salary, a chance to travel to nearby cities, medical coverage, and job security.

With talks of a 7.1% minimum wage increase next year, close to 50,000 Filipino workers in Korea can hope to have enough savings to start their own business while away from home. By setting aside a percentage of their pay each month and with OFW loan assistance, they will be on their way to calling themselves local entrepreneurs and giving the following business ventures a try:

Korean restaurant

Korean food is steadily paving its way for being the dine-out Asian cuisine choice among restaurant guests. Staples such as kimchi, bulgogi, sannakji and japchae appeal both to Korean and non-Korean diners. Use the money you get from your OFW loan assistance for strategic marketing strategies. Quality food and excellent customer service are the keys to increasing visibility and to keeping loyal patrons.

Floral shop

Flower arrangement in Korea has thrived as an indoor art of its own, utilizing elegant tree branches, twigs, and freshly picked flowers to brighten up spaces. The first step to tackle when planning to open a floristry business is to get a license to operate. It does not hurt to enroll in Wha-Kong Hoe School, Jeonju Tea Ceremony School, or other Pyong Yang educational establishments to earn professional certifications on arranging bouquets. One very important business tip trick is to know the peak flowering period of different species of flowers. Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon (Korea’s national flower), for example, blooms best from June to August.

Online fashion store

With fans dressing up like their favourite celebrities, enthusiasts downloading franchise apps and games, and the undeniable success of Girls’ Generation and Big Bang, clearly the Kpop juggernaut is taking the world by storm. The profitability of online store specializing in Korean fashion accessories and apparel, therefore, is underrated. Shipping internationally is no longer as expensive as it used to be, and being online means reaching a wider audience. Talk to suppliers who can provide you quality selections at affordable prices.

What used to be an OFW’s hopeless ambition of operating a small scale business can now be a possibility. Korean products and services is earning quite a reputation in the global market, and what better time to ride than with momentum. Strike while the iron is hot they say, but at the rate Korea is going, it seems like the iron is bound to remain hot and get hotter still.

“Train to Busan” Reminds Me of the Ugly Reality of Korean Society

I was ecstatic to watch this movie because since the trailer of the movie Train To Busan was released, it was already making a buzz not only in Korea but around the world. When I watched Train To Busan trailer Online, I knew that the movie was promising, and true indeed, it became an instant blockbuster especially in Korea. In fact, the movie made a record as the highest single-day gross of US$9.64 million in Korea. It also topped the box office of Singapore and other neighboring South East Asian countries. So what kind of sorcery do you think has this movie brought to the audience? Why it has officially became a blockbuster hit?

To start with, it’s a zombie movie. Yes, another zombie movie with a not so complicated story line. At first I thought I will never be thrilled about this anymore because I’ve had enough of walkers in The Walking Dead TV series. Not to mention several movies with the same theme. The only thing that’s new in this movie is, they have zombies V.2.0. They leveled up their monsters by making them run faster, think a little and maybe more ugly and scary. I admit they got me in that aspect. Now, put that zombies in a bullet speed train and trap them along with greedy, coward and oblivious passengers. The result: A thrilling ride and a very entertaining show. I guess that’s the perfect formula!

However, as I look deeper into the movie, it somehow reminds me of the kind of society Korea has nowadays. The zombies, the riot, and the adrenaline-rush scenes are just metaphors of the reality about Korea. Let me specify my points one by one.

1. It reminds me of how chivalry has evolved in Korea

I supposed to say Chivalry is Dead, but it would be unfair for the Koreans if we are going to judge them like that in the context of a movie. As much as I would like to agree as per my four years stay in Korea is concerned, I would rather call it an evolution than totally dead. Koreans are respectful at some point but there are some aspects where being a gentleman is no longer a trend in this country. In Korea, it is a man’s prerogative whether to offer his seat to a standing old lady in the subway or in the bus. You can totally ignore the vulnerable ones and go on with your business without being judged. You can see this in the movie in a lot of instances, but I think the most literal one is when the kid offered the seat to an ahjumma and the father reminded her that she may not do that as she doesn’t need to be good to other people all the time.

The ideology of the father is what I called the evolution of chivalry. He, at some point may still think about the welfare of the ahjummas, but these women don’t want to project that they are weak, that they are vulnerable, that they are least than the guys. Notice how they adamantly refused to take the seat. Notice also how the pregnant woman bullied her husband and yet remain cute. The writer of the movie shows the effort of women in this country to prove their worth and their strength.
Chivalry still exists, but it comes in a different form. You will only notice that if you expose yourself into Korean society. That means, you have to live with them, ride with them in the subway and talk to them.

2. It reminds me of “Me First” attitude of Koreans

In struggling to survive from the hungry zombies, some of them are willing to let other people die just to stay alive. I guess part of this movie is a reference to what happened during the Sewol Ferry Tragedy.  Let’s recall what happened during the Sewol Tragedy. Instead of saving the clueless students on board the ferry, those who were in charged to disseminate information and rescue operation saved themselves first. Who helped the troubled passengers? The fellow students who risked their lives just to save their classmates from the drowning ferry.

As a working Filipino in Korea, you cannot escape some Koreans who are being to nosy about your finances. They would like to find out where our earnings go. When they found out that Filipinos are sending money to support families in the Philippines, and by families I meant not only parents, children and partner but also sisters, brothers, aunts, nephews, nieces, etc., they be like “whaaaattt?”. Just like chivalry, helping family members financially is not mandatory for them, it’s a prerogative. What you earn from your work is completely yours. That money is yours to spend. For them, whatever money you earn, you must spend it for yourself first. I don’t want to call it greediness, but I guess the “Me First” attitude is a part of their culture. As much as we Filipinos despise that, in Korea, you can always think for your own welfare first without being judged.


3. It reminds me of the fact that Koreans define somebody with his job

If you will just listen to the society, you will really feel tired. For Koreans, your job defines who you are, that is why for them, finding a job is a pressure. Notice how one character in the movie judged a Fund Manager. Without him knowing the person personally, he automatically judged the person as somebody who will leave the weak and the useless just because he is a fund manager.

In Korea, in order to secure that their kids would land in good high paying jobs, they usually enroll them in different kinds of trainings. So for kids, after school doesn’t mean free time, it means time to learn another skill, language and whatnot. It is essential for them because they want to develop the skills and abilities of their kids so they could land a good job in the future. What you are doing defines who you are. That’s at least how they generalize people in Korea.

4. It reminds me that Korean Government  has everything in control

That portion when a spokesperson speaks on TV reminding everyone to be calm because the good Government is doing their best to stop the problem and that there’s no really problem reminds me of what happened during the MERS breakout in the country. It looks like the government is in control of the media.  During the MERS breakout, news outlets released information that there are only few cases of MERS in the country and that there are only few people died from the virus. But, there are rumors that a lot of people have been infected and a lot of people had died too. They just don’t want to reveal the true numbers because the Government doesn’t want people to panic. I am not sure if it’s just a conspiracy theory or not, but people kept talking about how the government manipulated the data of the numbers of victims just not to cause panic.

5. It reminds me that Koreans’ last resort is to commit suicide

One of the ugly things about Koreans is that, some of them, or most of them, they take their own lives if worse comes to worst. This can’t be denied because you can read it in the news every now and then. If they think there’s no more solution, they commit suicide and end everything once and for all.

Nevertheless, regardless of how this movie revealed the ugly reality of Korean society, the ugly faces of the zombies are so shout-worthy. So I am going to rate this movie 9.5/10. Train to Busan or 부산행(Busanhaeng) in Korean is directed by Yeon Sang Ho and starring Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi and Ma Dong-seo.