I am far from an expert on K-pop. When I like a song, I take note of the title and artist then add it to my playlist. The most memorable songs are the ones that are associated with a special event or experience. Nevermind the lyrics, these songs I play again and again to keep me upbeat and to remind me of good times.

Here are my favorite K-pop songs from the past 3 years of living in Korea:

1) Hey Mr. Big by Lee Hyori

Hey Mr. Big is the song that got me turned on to K-pop songs and more importantly, K-pop Youtube videos. It’s catchy and Lee Hyori (이효리) is so sexy, you wouldn’t want to take your eyes off the video. Perfect tan, great toned body, wonderful smile…just wow!

My husband understands my fascination with this beautiful woman. ㅋㅋㅋ

Image Source: Sodahead

When she offers you soju, it’s impossible to refuse! ;) (Images Source: We Want Kpop)

2) Oh! by Girls’ Generation

Not satisfied with just one pretty girl? Here’s nine!

Girls’ Generation (소녀시대) released the song Oh! in late January of 2010. This song introduced me to another meaning of Oppa (오빠), which is a respectful term used for men older than you. Though when said in a flirtatious intonation, it becomes an endearment that girls call older men they’re romantically involved with.

3) Run Devil Run by Girls’ Generation

While Girls’ Generation were cutesy in Oh!, they are badass in Run Devil Run. This song is so catchy, it got stuck in my head many times. Whenever I need to goad someone into running faster, this is the song that comes to mind.

4) Nobody by Wonder Girls

The word ‘nobody’ was never the same after I heard the song by the Wonder Girls (원더걸스). Every time I hear the word nobody, I immediately think of this song’s chorus and I almost always say ‘nobody, nobody but you’! The video is so funny with JYP running out of toilet paper. Who hasn’t been in that situation?!

5) Abracadabra by Brown Eyed Girls

Cross your arms and sway your hips! Abracadabra by the Brown Eyed Girls (브라운아이드걸스) reminds me of my friend Tonita, who would dance whenever she heard this song. It also reminds me of my friends dancing at the third bar (or was it fourth?) of my bachelorette party. Fun times.

6) Ring Ding Dong by Shinee

Now here’s how guys should shake their hips! Shinee (샤이니) has many popular K-pop songs but Ring Ding Dong is my favorite of theirs. Fantastic? Elastic? Forget the lyrics and just enjoy the beat and the pretty boys.

7) Sorry Sorry by Super Junior

Have you ever tried to apologize to a friend for a not-so-serious offense? It’s never easy to say sorry but doing it the way Super Junior (슈퍼주니어) does will make it seem like a breeze, sexy even: rub your hands together, move it from one side to the other, and say ‘sorry, sorry, sorry’ at the same time.

8) Roly Poly by T-ara

Roly Poly is the best K-pop song that you can line dance to. The video reminds me of Saturday Night Fever but instead of John Travolta, we get the pretty girls of T-ara (티아라).

9) I Go Crazy Because of You by T-ara

I Go Crazy Because of You is another song by T-ara that I like. Like Girls’ Generation, they shed their cutesiness and show their darker, badass side in this video.

10) Good Day by IU

Two years ago, I enrolled in a kickboxing class at a Taekwondo academy. I was the only student so unfortunately they had to cancel it after my 3-month session. Every kickboxing class started with running laps around the studio. They had a playlist of K-pop songs that they play every single time. Good Day (좋은 날) by IU (아이유) is the most memorable song of them all. It kept me pumped and has stayed on my exercise playlist until now. Lee Ji-eun (이지은), better known as IU, was 17 when this song was released. Such an amazing voice for such a young artist!

11) Black and White by G. Na

Black and White by G. Na (지나) is another song from my kickboxing days. I was lucky to have been taught by at least 2 instructors for kickboxing. One of them was a Taekwondo black belter visiting from Norway. She and I became fast friends and whenever we hear this song, we would mimic it as we run laps around the studio. I also remember timing our punches to the beats of this song.

12) Tonight by Big Bang

Tonight by Big Bang (빅뱅) is the only K-pop song on my list that has a distinct rap influence. The Las Vegas scenes in the video reminds me of countless weekends spent in Vegas with my sisters. I especially get nostalgic with the opening scene–it’s what I miss most about living in the United States: driving and mostly deserted roads in the desert.

Baker’s dozen or lucky 13, if you will:

13) Gangnam Style by Psy

Gangnam Style by Psy (싸이) is the most popular K-pop song in the world right now. Many people are tired of hearing this song but I still like it. It has a distinct rhythm and it always makes me want to do the horse dance! As of 2013, the music video is the most viewed Youtube video of all time. It’s funny and quirky but it also reminds me of many things in Korea. This video probably garnered more interest about the country than many tourism marketing campaigns. It’s simply brilliant!

What is your favorite K-pop song? Please share the video link in the comments below.

For your viewing pleasure, a fun dance number by robots created by DSME:

Chungseong Fountain Tower (충성분수대) honors patriots who died for freedom, peace, and prosperity of their country.

One of two tigers that guard the Memorial Gate (현충문), which symbolizes the people’s wish to protect the souls of the country’s patriot martyrs and war dead.

Memorial Tower (현충탑) honors the devotion and sacrifice of patriots and heroes buried in the cemetery.

To the left of the Tower is a statue of patriots fighting for their country, and on the right is a statue of heroes who defended the country.

연현승천상 (Yeonhyeunseungcheonsang), the statue of souls raised to the heaven. Enshrined below the statue are the ashes of 7,000 unknown soldiers of the Korean War. A man pays his respects to the memorial tablets, engraved on these are the names of 104,000 fallen soldiers of the Korean War whose remains were not found.

Some of the 54,000 burial plots for soldiers who died on the battlefield.

A magpie seemingly paying its respects to one of the fallen heroes.

People can learn more about the fallen soldiers at the Memorial Hall (현충관) which houses the photo and relics exhibition halls, as well as an education movie theater.

Presidents, generals, and a Lady were also interred at the national sanctuary.

Tombs of President Park Chung Hee (박정희) and his First Lady, Yuk Young Soo (육영수).

Tomb of President Kim Dae Jung (김대중)

Some of the graves of the 355 generals who have made significant contribution to the military since the liberation.

Tomb of Lady Changbin An (창빈안씨 묘역), a court lady who had offspring that ascended to the throne during the Joseon dynasty.

Seoul National Cemeterary has been designated as a park where visitors and bereaved families can rest and enjoy nature.

The cemetery also has a great view of Seoul and the Han River (한강). It is indeed a beautiful place to honor Korea’s heroes.

Here’s Steve‘s video of our time there:

Seoul National Cemetery is easily accessible by Subway Line #4 or #9, exit #8 of Dongjak Station (동작역). For more information, go to their official website or call the tourism hotline (02-1330).

My maternal grandmother passed away almost a week ago (May 29, 2013 PDT). This post is dedicated to her and all those who have sacrificed much and dedicated their lives for their families.

Do you have loved ones that you visit at a cemetery?

The festival features many activities for people to enjoy, such as bamboo rafting, face painting, bamboo basket making, bamboo archery, water biking, bamboo tea tasting, bamboo basket making, and bamboo ceramics making. While some of these can be found at other festivals throughout Korea, the bamboo based activities were unique to the bamboo festival.

If making things from bamboo is not your cup of tea, ready-made bamboo products can be bought at the Bamboo Products Market (대나무죽물시장) and Bamboo Fair Center (대나무박람회장).

One of the highlights of the festival was the traditional Korean dance performance, Gwang Gwang Sulrae (광광술래), held at Juknokwon. The women performing looked like they were having such a great time!

Many people enjoyed bamboo rafting and biking along the Gwanbang Stream (관방천).

While others, like Steve and I, enjoyed walking along the beautiful Gwanbangjerim Path (관방제림 산책로), through the Sculpture Park (담양조각공원), to the Metasequoia Street (매타세쿼이아 가로수길).

It was such a nice relaxing place that I envied this family for having a picnic under one of the magnificent trees.

We tried the popular Glutinous Rice Donuts (찹쌀도넛) and downed it with Korea Traditional Bamboo Leaf Wine (대잎술) outside a convenience store.

Here are some highlights of our trip:

If you’d like to learn more about the bamboo festival and when exactly the next one will be held, go to the festival’s official website. For information on how to get there, click here or call the tourism hotline (02-1330).

What bamboo products do you use or would you buy?

The Bamboo Park or Juknokwon (죽녹원) in Damyang (담양) certainly has pandas but not the playful and cuddly kind, although these children might disagree.

Damyang’s Bamboo Park or Juknokwon (죽녹원) is also known as the Juknokwon Bamboo Garden and Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. Established in May 2003, this 16,000 square meter park features artificial waterfalls, pavilions, an ecological exhibition hall, and of course, bamboo trees.

The bamboo park is a great place to spend an afternoon. Countless bamboo trees throughout the park give people a beautiful backdrop for pictures with family and friends.

The bamboo trees also provide plenty of shade. And for those tired of walking, benches and pavilions can be found throughout the park.

Steve and I went there during the Damyang Bamboo Festival and we watched a traditional Korean dance, Gwang Gwang Sulrae (광광술래).

It was very hot when we were at the park so it was wonderful to cool down in the Bamboo Ecological Exhibition Hall (대나무 분재 밎 생태 전시관). The ground floor showcased various things made with bamboo that you can buy and the second floor is a snack bar with plenty of tables and chairs for you to enjoy your treats.

It was fascinating to see the bamboo trees in different stages of growth at the park. Bamboo is technically categorized somewhere between grasses and trees. Since their use is similar to tree trunks, it has been referred to as trees by the Korean Forest Service. From its fine roots to the vines that latch on the bamboo’s stem joints, the bamboo park gave me plenty of things to photograph and learn from.

Besides bamboo trees, there are flowers (both real and fake), water features, and Korean traditional structures for people to enjoy.

Since the park is so picturesque, a couple of popular Korean shows and a movie were filmed there.

Juknokwon is a great place to relax and to take pictures with friends and family, well worth the admission price of ₩2,000. For more information about the park, go to their official website. Damyang is easy to get to via Gwangju (광주) from Seoul. Click here for more information on how to get there or call the tourism hotline (02-1330).

For many centuries, South Korea’s forests have been cleared for firewood and building materials until intensive reforestation was undertaken in the 1970′s. Now, the countryside and even in Seoul, greenery is everywhere.

Canopy of leaves in a protected forest outside Bongamsa Temple.

View of Seoul from Gwanaksan (관악산).

Olympic Park, Seoul (올림픽공원)

Trees in big pots placed in the middle of Gangnam (강남) sidewalks.

Green is everywhere in the city I live in. Trees providing precious shade for walkways and benches, giving people a quick dose of relaxation.

It is the color of the footpath I walk on, which I wrestle share with delivery guys on speeding scooters.

It is the color of the bags I use for grocery shopping at supermarkets and warehouse clubs. And in the event that I forget to bring a bag, it’s the color of the 20L garbage bag for flammable things that I have to pay for to carry my purchases.

South Korea takes garbage disposal seriously. It has to for it to avoid having numerous gigantic landfills and to avoid adding to the Great Pacific garbage patch. In our building alone, we have to segregate our recyclables and non-biodegradables to 12 bins!

Our bag for recyclables after it’s been emptied.

Recycling green bottles artistically at Namiseom (남이섬).

Green plays a prominent role with my favorite Korean dishes. It is the gim (김) or seaweed that I sprinkle on my kimchi bokkeumbap (김치볶음밥). It is the zucchini and lettuce in my dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥). It is the spinach and julienned cucumber in my Jeonju bibimbap (전주 비빔밥).

It is the gim that wraps my chamchi kimbap (참치김밥).

The very nice lady I go to for kimbap. She still remembers that I don’t like ggaennip (깻잎) or sesame leaf in mine.

And, it is the ssam (쌈) that I use to wrap deliciously marinated meat and the banchan (반찬) or side dishes that goes with all Korean meals.

Ssam Bap (쌈밥) in Gyeongju (경주). A typical Korean table filled with soups, banchan, and ssam to go along with the meat and rice.

The most well-known green in Korea is perhaps the bottles of soju (소주). It reminds me of great nights at bars and nice afternoons outside convenience stores with Steve and our friends.

Another Korean beverage that’s packaged in green bottles is makgeolli (막걸리). Be it at restaurants or on mountain tops, it is a great beverage I enjoy with friends, especially when it’s paired with pajeon (파전).

대박 makgeolli. 대박 (daebak) means “super cool!” or “that’s amazing!”.

Green reminds me of good times with great friends playing screen golf (스크린 골프). Forget about baking under the sun, playing golf and having endless supply of beverages and good food in an air-conditioned room is just brilliant!

Green also reminds me of the first hanbok (한복) I wore. Hanbok is the traditional Korean dress which is often characterized by vibrant colors. Back in 2010, Steve and I were given hanboks to wear at the Institute of Traditional Korean Food. We did our best to keep our sleeves clean as we learned how to make kimchi (김치) and bulgogi (불고기) for the first time.

From the lattice window panels to the intricately designed eaves, it is a prominent color in most historical and traditional Korean buildings.

Eaves of the main halls at Gyeongbokgung (Geunjeongjeon Hall) and Changdeokgung (Injeongjeon Hall). This Korean traditional decorative coloring for wooden buildings and artifacts is called Dancheong (단청).

Eaves of the main hall at Bulguksa Temple (Daewungjeon Hall).

It is the color of tents at festivals all over Korea.

Damyang Bamboo Festival

And of makeshift tents to make the most of Korea’s long winters.

Ice fishing at the Pyeongchang Trout Festival.

It is the color of the bills that make my wallet bulge (I wish!). The ₩10,000 bill features the great King Sejong on the front and the great Korean invention Honcheonui (혼천의) or celestial globe on the back.

Honcheonui at Yeongneung (영릉) in Yeoju (여주), burial place of King Sejong.

It is the color of buses I ride to get around my city. Though I imagine, it is the only traffic light color that bus drivers see on the road.

It is the color that enhances historical sites and rocky terrains.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성), one of my favorite Korean destinations.

Trees growing on Bonghwangdae (봉황대) in Gyeongju, the largest single ancient tomb from the Silla period.

One of the granite peaks of Inwangsan (인왕산).

Above all, green represents the vibrancy and resiliency of the Korean people. Korea may be two-thirds rocky terrain, but plants and trees have found a way to grow and thrive. Amidst hardship from wars past, the country and its people have flourished like the trees growing on granite peaks and concrete jungles.

A street vendor at Namdaemun (남대문) market.

A farmer in Busan (부산).

This post is part of the Colors of Korea project by my friend Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching.

[Other Colors of Korea] Red by Jace Im of Lost in the ROK; Pink by Madeline Lamb of Head High Heart Strong; Yellow by Ken Lee of Seoul State of Mind; Blue by Brent Sheffield of Kimchibytes; Purple by Sarah Shaw of Mapping Words; White by Bora “June” Lee of 에반겔린 이야기; and Orange by Mimsie Ladner.

What color best represents the country you currently live in?

A banner in front of the main hall or Daeungbojeon (대웅보전) says, 부처님 오신 날 meaning “the day when the Buddha came”.

Unlike other temples in Korea, Bongamsa Temple is open to the public for only one day of the year–on Buddha’s Birthday. Founded in 879 during the Silla Dynasty, Bongamsa Temple is located at the base of Mt. Huiyang (희양산) in Northwest Gyeongsangbuk-do.

First view of Bongamsa Temple with Mt. Huiyang in the background.

Steve and I were fortunate to have visited the temple three years ago and I remember it vividly.

Beautiful Korean countryside.

Since it was a last minute trip, we figured we were better off driving there than taking public transportation. We encountered heavy traffic on the way there so we arrived after 3pm.

Cars were rerouted since the main road was already full of parked cars on both sides.

After finding a nice spot to park, we started the 20-minute walk to the temple.

Valley stream and our first view of Mt. Huiyang’s granite peaks.

Midway through our walk, a very nice woman in traditional garb offered us a ride to the temple.

She dropped us off near the entrance of the temple and we thanked her profusely. We walked along the path, guided by the colorful lanterns. As we neared the temple, all we heard was the stream’s flowing water and everywhere we looked was luscious greenery.

Bongamsa Temple is one of the “Nine Mountain Schools of Seon (or Zen)”. In 1982, Bongamsa Temple and its surrounding area were closed off to the public for a better meditation environment. The Iljumun or one pillar gate stands as the boundary between secular and spiritual worlds.

Iljumun

Walking around the temple grounds, I experienced a sense of peace and calm unlike any other place I’ve been to in Korea.

Flowers and trees all over the temple grounds.

One of the temple halls has a tall chimney (gulttuk) for its under-floor heating system (ondol).

People were able to sit and relax outside one of the temple halls.

Worshippers removing their shoes before entering the temple.

Kids enjoying the natural spring water.

My favorite place in the temple grounds was behind the Geungnakjeon Hall (Nirvana Hall) where I had a good shade and a somewhat good view of the paintings on the side of the main hall.

Bongamsa Temple has 5 cultural treasures: Jeongjindaesa Wonotap 정진대사 원오탑 (Treasure No.171), Jijeungdaesa Jeokjotap 지증대사 적조탑 (Treasure No.137), Jeongjindaesa Wonotapbi 정진대사 원오탑비(Treasure No.172), Jijeungdaesa Jeokjotapbi 지증대사 적조탑비 (Treasure No.138), and a 3-story stone pagoda 삼층석탑 (Treasure No.169). The first two are stupas for preserving relics of Jeongjindaesa Geung Yang (878∼956), a famous Buddhist monk in the end of the Shilla and the early stage of Goryeo, and Jijeungdaesa Do Heon (824-882), the founder of the temple. The third and the fourth were monuments honoring these two extraordinary Buddhist monks. The last one is a pagoda that has a uniquely preserved top or finial which includes the sacred jewel, dragon jewel, and the flame.

3-story stone pagoda which signifies death and new eternal life.

Besides the banner outside the main hall, Bongamsa Temple was simply decorated with white lanterns only in its main courtyard. Visitors can write their wishes on paper which were placed on each lantern.

A woman reads one of the wishes on a lantern.

A father teaching his children how to pay tribute to Buddha.

As the sun started to set, few people were left and we experienced how it must be like for the monks 364 days of the year.

A serene place surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Here’s Steve’s video of our visit:

For more information about Bongamsa Temple and how to get there, go to their website or read Robert Koehler’s articles on his site and on the KTO’s website. You may also call the tourism hotline, 02-1330.

Bongamsa Temple address: 485 Wonbuk-ri, Gaeun-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 문경시 가은읍 원북리 485)

What is the most serene place you’ve been to?

Yongjusa Temple (용주사) means the dragon jewel temple. It was originally built in 854 AD under the name Garyangsa Temple. The temple was destroyed by fire during the second Manchurian invasion of Korea. In the late 18th century, King Jeongjo had it rebuilt in honor of his father, Prince Sado. Legend has it that on the night before construction was completed, King Jeongjo dreamt of a dragon soaring up into the sky and receiving the Pearl of Truth, the wish-fulfilling jewel. Hence the name Yongjusa.

龍珠寺 (Dragon Pearl Temple)

Before entering the temple, you go through the Varja Gate (Gumgangmun) and encounter the Four Heavenly Kings. They hold a sword, a dragon and a wish-fulfilling jewel, a trident and a stupa or pagoda, and a lute. They protect all beings and fight evil. People bow to them to gain protection from selfishness and any wrong-doing.

One of the things that makes Yongjusa Temple unique is that it has a Hongsalmun (홍살문), which is a gate that is commonly found in royal burial grounds or administrative offices.

Before entering the main courtyard of the temple, people bow to the stupa or stone pagoda in front of Cheonboru Pavilion and to the sacred bell to the left. The Cheonboru Pavilion (천보루) is actually a gate tower that was built in 1790 and is No. 36 of Gyeonggi-do’s cultural properties.

Ladies in traditional garb bowing to a sacred bell.

Offerings placed at the stone pagoda.

Buddha’s birthday is on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month. It is the most celebrated day of the year for Korean Buddhists. Temples throughout the country are decorated with countless colorful lanterns and special events are held. At Yongjusa Temple, the courtyard in front of the main Buddha hall, Daeungbojeon (대웅보전) was full of chairs for people to watch the bathing of the baby Buddha ceremony.

Offerings for the Buddha.

There are two other stone pagodas in the temple grounds where people pay their respects. One in front of Hoseongjeon (호성전) and another behind it.

Stone pagoda filled with writings of filial piety.

Stone pagoda dedicated to Ksitigarbha, the Bodhisattva who helps those in trouble.

Other items of note at Yongjusa Temple are the Beomjong (범종) and the Bumoeunjunggyeong (부모은중경). The Beomjong is a copper bell that was cast in the early 10th century. Beom (범) means the truth and every being in the universe. Hearing the sound of this bell enables one to escape evil passions through wisdom. The Bumoeunjunggyeong are books written by King Jeongjo on the subject of filial piety.

On Buddha’s birthday, various tents were set up to provide visitors with other things to see and do while at the temple. Visitors can write their wishes on roof tiles or write them on paper to be hung on the lanterns. Some tents sell souvenirs while others let visitors make them.

Also, lunch was provided for free for all visitors! We were each given a bowl of delicious bibimbap, a bowl of seaweed soup, and a bag of tteok (rice cake).

Here’s a video of Buddha’s birthday at Yongjusa Temple last year:

There are numerous temples in Korea and throughout the world. Whatever your religion or belief, I highly recommend visiting a temple on Buddha’s birthday.

If you’re interested in going to Yongjusa Temple by public transportation, the fastest way to get there is via Byeongjeom station on Subway Line 1. From the station, walk to the bus stop behind the station and ride green bus 34, 34-1, 44, 46, 47, or 50 to the temple (10-15 minutes). If you have more time, check out the royal tombs (Yungneung and Geolleung) nearby.

What are your plans on Buddha’s birthday?

During the day, it is the backdrop for fountain shows and cultural performances. Then it comes alive at night with its 360° water canons, flame generators, mist nozzles, lights, lasers, projectors, and the biggest and highest water curtain in the world (45m height).

Big-O complemented by the Theme Pavilion.

A girl entering the ocean world.

Flames from the Big-O.

Here’s a video of one of the morning fountain shows and some highlights of the evening’s Big-O Show:

If you’re going to the Yeosu Expo, the Big-O Show is something you cannot miss. For me, it was the highlight of the trip.

For more information, go to the Expo website or call the Expo hotline, 1577-2012. Here’s the list and schedule of Kpop performances scheduled before some of the Big-O Shows. If you want great views, make sure you’re at the venue at least an hour before any of the shows start.

What do you think of the Big-O?

"A story of marine robots as our partners."

This pavilion focuses on robots, from how they are made to what they can do now and in the future. It is divided into three zones: Zone 1 (Entrance and Robot Cargo), Zone 2 (Robot Soccer and Robot Lab), and Zone 3 (Deep Sea).

DSME Marine Robot Pavilion Layout (Source: http://eng.expo2012.kr/)

At the entrance, plastic model parts of a robot are displayed on the walls and ceiling. Then as you enter the Robot Cargo area, you’re greeted by a beautiful robot that is similar to what you would see as greeters outside establishments nowadays.

Meet EveR 4

EveR stands for “Eve” and “Robot”. Korea Institute of Industrial Technology started making EveR robots in 2005. The current model, EveR 4, has 30 motors (muscles) on its face that enables it to make expressions like humans.

The pavilion features robots that can dance to Michael Jackson songs, talk like humans, work underwater in the future, and many more.

The most memorable robots for me are the ones that can dance to Kpop songs.

Here’s a video of them dancing:

Which robot intrigued you?

Aqua Planet is divided into three parts: Coastal Life, Marine Life, and the Eco-Terrarium. In the Coastal Life zone, visitors can see rare ocean animals such as Beluga whales, Baikal seals, and sea dragons.

Watch Belugas playing.

Take pictures with Emperor penguins. This one makes me think of Happy Feet's Mumble.

In the Eco-Terrarium zone, visitors can see rare South American freshwater fishes such as pirarucus and piranhas. Also called Aqua Forest, this section is beautifully constructed to mimic the Amazon jungle.

A tank full of red-bellied piranhas.

Besides observing different fresh water species in their tanks, visitors can also have hands-on experience.

In this case, literally a hand-on experience: a Doctor Fish manicure.

A boy playing with an Archer fish gun.

For me, an aquarium is not complete without jellyfish and Aqua Planet boasts of having the biggest jellyfish tank in Korea. The tank was separated from the others in a dark room with only the color-changing lights illuminating and enhancing the beautiful jellyfish.

  

The Marine Life zone has a 6,000 ton tank that features the country’s first “dome aquarium”. This main tank can be viewed in many different ways including a 360-degree view of the underwater environment.

Capturing marine life through a round window.

The whole view of the main tank which features the 360-degree view dome room.

The glass tunnel leading out of the dome room.

Aqua Planet is said to have 280 species and about 30,000 marine animals. Though it is the biggest aquarium in terms of area, I find that it doesn’t have as much biodiversity as other aquariums I’ve been to in Korea.

Japanese Spider Crabs looking at each other.

Nevertheless, it is a must-see if you’re in the area. This facility will remain after the Yeosu Expo ends on August 12. During the Expo, entry to Aqua Planet is included in your day pass. For operating hours and other information, call the Expo hotline 1577-2012.

Do you like visiting aquariums? If so, what creatures do you like seeing?