Best Guide for Maximizing Everland Experience -- Seoul, Korea

 Everland, Seoul, Korea

Because it's South Korea's biggest theme park, Everland can easily overwhelm you with its mind-blowing vastness. There are indoor and outdoor rides and a zoo as well.

In addition, since it's located in Yongin, traveling to Everland is an adventure for the journey there requires using public transportation that could take up to 2 hours, if leaving from Seoul city.

Like everyone else, we searched for practical solutions to make our holiday trip to Everland not only easier but also affordable. So, we have put together the guide below. A major part of the battle is already won after arming yourself with a most comprehensive guide of Everland.

New Covid-19 Steps

Masks must be worn at all times, and you're advised to practice social distance as much as possible. Up to groups of 8 are permitted in Everland, of which no less than 4 people must be already vaccinated. Know that operation of narrow indoor sites and even parades have been temporarily suspended. 

Pre-trip Planning

1) Pre-order your tickets online 

Though you can still buy tickets at Everland itself, today nobody lines up for ticket purchases. Save precious time by attaining your entry tickets before going there.

Tickets generally cost around $56 to $67 for adults, depending on when you are visiting. But you may buy them at a discount online. 

2) How to get to Everland from Seoul City

There are many ways to travel from Seoul to Everland; I have listed a number of options:

(1) By Subway/Metro (Yongin Ever Line)

-- Seoul Station to Suwon Station

-- Transfer to Bundang Line: Suwon Station to Giheung Station

-- Transfer to Everline Line: Giheung Station to Jeondae Everland Station

From Jondae Station, board the free shuttle bus to Everland.

Approximate time:  122 minutes

(2) By Public Bus

-- Bus No. 5002 from Gangnam Stn. Exit 5

Approximate time: 40 to 50 minutes

(3) By Shuttle Bus

An Everland bus departs from main places within Seoul like Gangnam, Hongdae, Myeongdong, directly to Everland. You could buy the ticket while boarding the bus.

Approximate time:  50 to 70 minutes

3) Avoid peak periods & Korean Holidays

Besides the busy weekends, avoid summer vacation and holidays such as Korean Thanksgiving Day (15th day of the 8th lunar month), Christmas, and New Year.

Everland Arrival

4) Everland's Themed Zones

Everland is divided into five different themed zones, beginning from the central entrance in an anti-clockwise direction: Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zootopia.

You'll find paper maps available as you enter. Grab one to orientate and plan your trip there. It may be a good idea to circle those rides you must try before leaving. T-Express is one of the world's most popular thrilling wooden roller coasters.

5) Must-see Programs & Shows

-- Parade:  2:30 PM and 8:30 PM (location: Carnival Square)

-- Fireworks:  9:30 PM (location: Four Seasons Garden)

Tip #1:  Program timings flash on the TV screens at the entrance; just take a picture with your phone for easy reference.

Tip #2:  Go early for the fireworks show and parades to secure a decent viewing spot.

6)  Perfect path for thrill seekers

Here's a highly recommended path for all adrenaline fanatics.

(1)  European Adventure (T-Express, Rotating House)

(2)  Magic Land (Thunder Falls)

(3)  American Adventure (Robot VR, Hurricane, Double Rock Spin, Rolling X-Train, Let's Twist)

(4)  Global Fair (Kpop hologram, Grand Emporium to buy)

(5)  Zootopia (Lost Valley, Amazon Express, Safari World)

Although this is probably the most rational path for thrill-seekers, do not restrict yourself while you are there. Try other rides not mentioned here. Be flexible and expand your horizons to maximize your experience.

7) Other recommended routes

Intended for families with children or older members

Everland is wildly popular among people of all ages on account of the fact that there are several various zones catering to guests of varying age groups.

If you are visiting with young children or elderly folks, you may wish to spend time in Magic Land, Zootopia, and Global Fair. In Global Fair, you'll find a few retail stores.

Magic Land

Here there are semi-adventurous rides, perfect for the little ones such as Bumper Car, Helicycle, the Magic Swing. 

Next, go over to Zootopia to come close to animals like giraffes, tigers, and lions.

Finally, catch the fireworks show and night parade before leaving.

Must-dos when time is limited

If planning half a day at Everland, it's now possible to conquer the best of Everland in only 4 hours! Entirely skip Magic Land and concentrate on European and American Adventures.

Tip:  Request from theme park staff for the quickest routes and shortcuts to your locations.

8)  Eating in Everland

Everland's different themed zones are filled with several food stalls. If you want a broad selection of options, go to Holland Village which is home to 12 European-style eateries with 1,000 outdoor seats.

Tip:  Outside food could be taken to Everland to cut down on eating expenses, for food in theme parks tend to be expensive. But do not hold any food items while entering rides, for they'll be confiscated.

9)  Shopping in Everland

Since the Grand Emporium in Global Fair is the biggest retail store in Everland, plan to make this your last stop for final purchases, for it's situated near the central entrance/exit.

Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in South Korea

7 Top Must-Know Facts About Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

What's special about some Balinese rice fields, or Jatiluwih Rice Terraces? Let's find out about their importance with the 7 top facts I have listed below.

1.  Rice is Bali's staple food and has very strong ties to the Balinese culture itself. 

For example, the rice's growth cycle largely sets the tone for a great deal of traditional Balinese life. The Balinese community sees rice as a present from God as well as a symbol of life. 

2.  For thousands of years, the Balinese people have been very active in both growing and cultivating the lovely rice terraces of Bali, and where three types of rice are grown, including white rice, red rice, and black rice. But white rice is by far the most common one and the red variety is much rarer and costs more.

3.  What makes the Balinese rice terraces quite unique is the Subak irrigation system. 

In fact, this system has even earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Moreover, the Subak system is a fine and worthy manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy which is an integral part of the Balinese culture. This philosophy comprises three principals: harmony among people, harmony with nature, and harmony with God.

4.  The members of the Subak handle the water supply in order to ensure that there is more than plenty of water for rice and other important crops, which in turn contributes to the community's welfare. Actually, it's a highly efficient method for managing rice crops.

5.  The Subak system comprises weirs and canals by which water from springs flows through some of Bali's Water Temples, eventually reaching the rice fields. Because of the social and democratic factors of the Subak system, between 50 to 400 individuals represent different Balinese communities to jointly facilitate that the water indeed flows in Bali.

6.  The ancient system has largely helped shape Bali's landscape for 1000s of years. And that's why anywhere you go, you'll observe very healthy rice crops. 

7.  Today, the majority of the agricultural lands continue to be farmed in a sustainable manner by local communities, of course, with the support of the Subak system.

Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

5 Best-Rated Must-See Attractions on the Lofoten Islands

 Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands are an archipelago, a fine collection of mountainous islands, strung together via bridges and pathways, and home to majestic scenery, white sandy beaches, fishing villages, and windy hiking trails. Surrounded by endless rocky islets, the islands are serrated by many inlets and fjords with soaring rock walls.

Tourism contributes largely to its economy. During summer, hidden fishing harbors and isolated but gorgeous beaches lure campers, kayakers, and tourists. In winter, skiing and watching the remarkable northern lights are popular pastimes to do here.

To find out which are the top places to visit, review this list of 5 best-rated must-see attractions on the Lofoten Islands.

1) Lofotr Viking Museum.  It's located on the island of Vestvagoy. The main attraction is a genuine reproduction of the chieftain's house. At a length of 272 feet, it's the biggest Viking-era structure on record, once standing on the site about 500 AD.

This superb Viking tour includes a fine brief film that tells about the chieftain's life and his family and fact-filled tours of the home and the many artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs.

Then, take a stroll below to the nearby lake to look at the well reproduced Viking ships such as the stunning longship. If coming in August, consider joining the Lofotr Viking Festival; you'll love the re-enactments and the opportunity to observe these Viking ships at sea. You'll also find a museum shop and a cafe situated close by.

2) Kabelvag.  Located on Austvagoy, the small fishing village is a fine site to learn why fishing in Lofoten is so vital. Begin at the Lofoten Museum and enjoy its exhibits of life during the 1800s such as the history of fishing on these islands, original fisherman's cabins, and a collection of boats.

Drop by the Lofoten Aquarium. It's a popular attraction that offers an opportunity to learn about the marine life in the area as well as fish and bigger sea animals from Lofoten.

Also, visit Vagan Church, the biggest wooden church situated north of Trondheim.

3) Rost Island.  Only accessible via a boat trip, the beautiful island, situated around 61 miles from the mainland, houses a big colony of seabirds and around 3 million puffins. On account of its distance and isolation, Rost Island's tall crags are ideal homes for several rare species like the lesser and greater storm fulmars and petrels.

All said, a whopping quarter of Norway's precious seabird population resides on the island, which is a fact to justify a visit here.

Be certain to stop by the Skomvaer Lighthouse. Constructed in 1887, it's regarded as Lofoten's last Atlantic outpost.

4) The Lofoten War Museum.  The museum displays the biggest collection of rare artifacts and uniforms from WWll. You'll notice unique historic photographs, proof of all 5 years that the war raged.

The entire sequence of snapshots narrate the war's story in an almost magnetic fashion, engaging its audience instantly and making them all feel like they are personally experiencing it. War veterans consider it to be one of the world's best war museums.

5) Reine.  It's a lovely fishing village situated on Moskenesoya. The village is a real favorite among most visitors, particularly those who love climbing mountains. The high elevations allow one to enjoy the incredible vista of the Moskenesstraumen, which is one of the world's strongest whirlpools.

Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Norway

How Muckross House Led to Killarney National Park's Creation

 Muckross House

Situated 4 miles south of Killarney, in Kerry County, Muckross House together with its whole property turned into the first national park in Ireland, by 1932.

Even though the Killarney National Park's size has since then grown by 15,000 acres, the Muckross House, its gardens and farms are still great places where to start a park tour. In fact, the park's visitor center is conveniently situated at Muckross House.

It's quite easy to drive by automobile to Muckross House from Killarney, by taking N71, the chief Kenmare road. Or you could get there other ways, including a horse cart, bike, and walking trails.

History of Muckross House

Constructed in 1843, the 19th-century Victorian house has been transformed into a museum.

Henry Arthur Herbert, the first owner, sold the home and its 4,450 hectares to Lord Ardilaun in the year 1899. As a member belonging to the Arthur Guinness brewing family, he rented Muckross to rich fishermen and hunters.

In 1911, Ardilaun decided to sell the entire property to William Bowers Bourn, who in turn gave it to his daughter as a wedding gift after marrying Arthur Vincent.

But in 1929, the daughter, Maud, died suddenly from pneumonia. Three years later, the surviving husband and parents chose to donate Muckross House and its estate to the Irish government, as a memorial to Maud. It inevitably turned into Killarney National Park.

Muckross House Tour

Constructed from Portland stone, which was imported from England, the home's exterior is adorned with flower-laden pots. Hunting trophies and antlers decorate the entrance hall.

In addition to antlers from 3 red deer stags and 2 little sika deer, imported from Japan, you'll also see huge ten-foot-long Irish deer antlers. 

Most Famous Must-See Attractions in Ireland