GOASIAPLUS April 2019
Taking the cover feature of our April issue is Mayflower's CTO, Cheah Kwan Cheong (KC) sharing his experience and insights on building aviation and travel start-up websites. For a different travelling scene, Taman Negara in Pahang might just be what you are seeking for, alongside the city of Gwangju in South Korea. The final touch to our April's table are the unmissable dessert places in Kuala Lumpur for a sweet finish.
Taking the cover feature of our April issue is Mayflower's CTO, Cheah Kwan Cheong (KC) sharing his experience and insights on building aviation and travel start-up websites. For a different travelling scene, Taman Negara in Pahang might just be what you are seeking for, alongside the city of Gwangju in South Korea.
The final touch to our April's table are the unmissable dessert places in Kuala Lumpur for a sweet finish.
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TRAVEL<br />
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED<br />
GWANGJU,<br />
SOUTH KOREA<br />
FREE YOUR SENSES AT THE SIXTH-<br />
LARGEST CITY IN SOUTH KOREA WITH<br />
HERITAGE VILLAGES, ANNUAL BIENNALE<br />
AND CULTURAL BELT THAT OVERLOOKS<br />
A BREATHTAKING UNESCO GEOPARK.<br />
Text JESSY WONG • Photos GWANGJU<br />
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU AND<br />
RAMADA PLAZA GWANGJU<br />
HOW TO GET THERE<br />
Gwangju is only accessible via domestic<br />
flights within South Korea. Flight from<br />
Seoul or Jeju Island is only 50 minutes long.<br />
Otherwise, Korea Train Express takes 1<br />
hour 30 minutes to reach from Seoul and<br />
there are also plenty of buses to Gwangju<br />
from Incheon, Busan and Seoul.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
Ramada Plaza Gwangju stands tall in<br />
Gwangju as the only 5-star hotel in the<br />
region. The hotel features a designerclass<br />
hot bath at 3Well Spa for relaxation<br />
and massages to rejuvenate. For cheaper<br />
alternatives, there are plenty of local hotels<br />
and cozy hostels to consider.<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
Gwangju is a food capital in Jeolla.<br />
Songjeong tteokgal-bi (minced beef ribs<br />
patties) is one of the signature food to<br />
try at their night market. Another local<br />
specialty is ori-tang, a special duck stew<br />
served with rice porridge. Taste specially<br />
made momil-guksu (buckwheat noodle<br />
soup) at Cheongwonmomil, a famous<br />
noodle place Gwangju.<br />
20 · WWW.<strong>GOASIAPLUS</strong>.COM<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
Sightseeing of nature at Mudeung Mountain,<br />
a UNESCO Geopark, is one of the relaxing<br />
activities to do. Other than mountaineering,<br />
one can take the chairlift or monorail at<br />
Mudeung Mountain to see the cityscape<br />
or stroll at Mudeung Mountain Art Gallery<br />
Street with various museums and cafes at the<br />
mountain entrance.<br />
To shop, Chungjang-ro Street is the place<br />
to go for the hippest trend to finding hanbok<br />
(Korean traditional costume). Every <strong>April</strong>,<br />
Sajik Park is a known spot to see cherry<br />
blossoms in full bloom at night time in the<br />
lights. The park also features a memorial for<br />
national heroes, shooting range and multiple<br />
pavilions overlooking downtown.<br />
GOOD<br />
to<br />
KNOW<br />
The word “Gwangju” literally<br />
means “light province” in Korean.<br />
U-Square is probably the largest<br />
and most modern bus terminal in<br />
the country with a movie theater,<br />
shopping outlets, restaurants and<br />
30 gates for buses.<br />
Gwangju Sajik Park used to be<br />
an area for Sajikdan, an altar<br />
for praying to the Gods for a<br />
good harvest during the<br />
Joseon dynasty.