Enjoy A Feast Of Spring Festivals In Korea

Spring in Korea

Spring in Korea brings with it a feast of festival events all over the country.  With the cherry blossoms come many festivals celebrating the return of Spring.  All over Korea from April – May there are many flower, food and cultural festivals. The cherry blossom festival is at its peak right now until late April and there are many areas around Korea to enjoy this beautiful sight.  Along with the blossoms come many cultural festivals which are of great interest to visitors to the country. 

Other Festivals
After months of cold winter weather, Seoul’s many springtime festivals are the perfect opportunity to explore the country, enjoy the outdoors, and learn new things about Korea. Here are some other spring festivals to enjoy.

Yeoncheon Jeongok-ri Paleolithic Festival
Dates: May 4 - May 8, 2012

Venue: Gyeonggi-do Yeoncheon-gun Jeongok-ri Paleolithic Site area

Description: This traditional festival is held in Yeoncheon’s Jeongok Village, where relics from the Paleolithic era still remain. There are many interesting programs for children, such as making huts while dressed as cavemen, cutting meat with an ax and grilling it with fire, and exploring a cave. Children can also take part in various games and learn about archaeology or attend a paleolithic performance. The festival is especially popular among family groups.

Yangyeongsi Herb Medicine Festival

Daegu Yangyeongsi Herb Medicine Festival
Dates: May 2 - May 6, 2012

Venue: Daegu-si Jung-gu Namseong-ro Yangyeongsi (Herbal Medicine Alley)

Description: The festival is held at the Yangyeongsi herbal medicine market in Daegu. During the festival, visitors can enjoy the vibrant market, while taking part in herb cutting, wrapping of medicine, and pounding of rice cake dough. At the venue's marketplace, visitors can purchase rare medicinal herbs at affordable prices.

Yi Sun-Sin Festival

Asan Great Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Festival

Dates: April 27 - April 29, 2012

Venue: Chungcheongnam-do Asan-si Onyangoncheon Station Square

Description: Admiral Yi Sun-Sin led the Korean military to victory in a famous naval battle against the Japanese in the late 16th century. For this reason, he is revered as a great hero. Held in memory of Admiral Yi, the Asan Great Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Festival opens with a splendid fireworks display followed by musicals, performances, and a parade honoring Great Admiral Yi Sun-Sin.

Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival

Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival

Dates: April 18 - April 22, 2012

Venue: Gyeongsangbuk-do Cheongdo-gun Sossaum (Bullfighting) Stadium (opposite side of Youngam Hotspring district)

Description: The Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival celebrates one of Korea’s traditional folk games of bullfighting. The nation’s most powerful cows (top eight cows) compete for the trophy. There are also various performances by the participating cows. Also organized are a fine arts exhibition highlighting cows, and other cultural events.

Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival

Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival
Dates: April 7 – April 9, 2012

Venue: Jeollanam-do Jindo-gun Hoedong-ri, Uisin-myeon Modo Island area

Description: A phenomenon close to Moses’ Miracle occurs every year in Jindo, Jeollanam-do Province. Due to an extreme low tide, the sea floor is revealed and a 2.8 kilometer-long and 40 to 60 meters wide pathway appears between mainland Hoedong-ri and Modo Island. The festival held during the sea parting phenomenon is well known both in and outside of Korea, drawing throngs of visitors who come to see this miraculous sight.

Seoul International Marathon

Seoul International Marathon

Dates: March 18, 2012

Venue: Seoul-si Sejong-ro Sageori (4-way intersection) to Jamsil Main Stadium

Description: The Seoul International Marathon attracts over 30,000 participants each year. The 42.2 km course crosses through the heart of the city and brings traffic to a halt. The race starts from the Sejong-ro area near City Hall, passes by Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Hangang River, and finishes at Olympic Stadium in Jamsil.

 This is just a small taste of Springtime festival fun in Korea, to enjoy more of what Korea offers visitors during the Spring festivals go to the official travel website for Korea: www.visitkorea.or.kr and search ‘Spring Festivals’.

La Festa Faces of Australia Great Success In The Riverina

 La Festa Faces of Australia

The Steggles La Festa Faces of Australia event has been the first completed project in the Riverina district in NSW Australia under the Regional Tourism Product Development Funding Program. This year’s La Festa was a great success, drawing visitors from all over NSW and Victoria.

It broke previous records with around 12,000 visitors to Griffith over the Easter weekend. The event was held as Griffith bounced back from recent flooding gathering people together for a colourful day of music, dance and celebration.

La Festa Faces of Australia

La Festa received funding from Destination NSW to expand the festival’s foodie theme and develop an exciting concept for a “Kitchen Alley” to cook up Griffith’s local produce.

The organisers used the funding to include more activities. The appearance of Celebrity Chef, Paul Mercurio and sister duo Sammy and Bella, winners of the first season of Channel Seven’s My Kitchen Rules, sealed La Festa’s strong reputation as a festival for foodies.

Even though the region is still recovering from the recent flooding, good progress is also being made with other tourism projects in the Riverina that received funding.

La Festa Faces of Australia

The development of walking and cycling trails in Narrandera is well under way with signage concepts, designs, track grading and maps progressing well. The first stage involving the design of routes around Lake Talbot, Murrumbidgee River, Wetlands and Koala Loop is on schedule for completion.

For more information on the $5 million Regional Tourism Product Development Funding Program go to Destination NSW’s Corporate website.

Fun and Entertainment at Tocal Field Days

Tocal Field Days

The Tocal Agricultural Centre will come alive for Tocal Field Days to be held this year from Friday May 4 to Sunday May 6. Every year, on the first weekend of May, the three day event plays host to a range of activities aimed at farmers, farming enthusiasts, and people looking for a great day out.

This year’s line up of activities and events include the best deals on farm machinery and equipment, an extensive array of entertainment and a comprehensive talks and lectures program.

Farmers have the opportunity to compare features, benefits and prices of a range of rural equipment. The 4WD track at Tocal will also be in use with demonstration drives on the specially designed track.

Tocal Field Days

Features for 2012 are ‘Honey’ including talks on its’ medicinal properties, ‘Healthy Soils’ for healthy crops and the ‘World Cup Heavy Horse Championships’.

Event Manager, Wendy Franklin said that the demonstrations and talks were an integral part of Tocal Field Days and had set it apart from other events. ‘There are always new innovations and development in agriculture. Sustainability and the increasing use of technology in farming are a strong focus in the industry. Tocal Field Days really is a one stop shop to hear about all the latest advancements from industry experts.

 The ‘Bake or Burn’ cooking competition is back with a new category for ages 12 – 16 years. In line with our 2012 features the key ingredient in all recipes will be honey. Coordinated by Hunter Valley Slow Food the competition gives visitors the opportunity to show off their cooking skills and also showcases the best local produce.

Tocal Field Days

 Ms Franklin said that farming and agriculture would always be the mainstay of the event, but by offering an extensive program that includes activities for kids, foodies, students and craft enthusiasts, Tocal Field Days has become so much more; “Tocal Field Days prides itself on offering patrons a variety of exhibitors and also caters to those who just want to enjoy a taste of country life. By offering a range of experiences including cooking competitions and demonstrations, gardening tips and country entertainers people from all walks of life will enjoy this great three day event.”

The 2012 Tocal Field Days offers the latest innovations for the rural sector as well as country hospitality and entertainment. Entry is $12 for seniors and $17 for adults. Following along from last year children under 16coming in with a paying adult can enter the event free of charge.

Jetstar Japan Launch Welcomed by Tourism Australia

J

Jetstar Japan Launch

Tourism Australia has welcomed the network launch by Jetstar Japan to future connect five domestic Japanese city markets seamlessly and more affordably with Jetstar international flight offerings on the Japan-Australia route, as a further positive step in reenergising the brand Australia presence in Japan.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said Jetstar, the largest Japan-Australia operator, would have its international services from gateway Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka Airports also supported by the Jetstar Japan network from the cities of Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa and beyond to Australia.

"Tourism Australia believes the arrival of Jetstar Japan will bring positive benefits and be a catalyst for further renewal of the Japan-Australia route as the Jetstar pan Asian airline model is proving successful in capturing strong travel demand in the high-growth Asian market through its low fares and large, increasingly integrated flight network," Mr McEvoy said.

"The Japanese market remains engaged on Australia and this now can be embraced by new news by Jetstar Japan and greater ease of access and fare affordability to visit Australia.

"We now look forward to future commercial developments by Jetstar in Japan, including with its partner JAL,  as well as Jetstar's own  parent company, Qantas, to flex the full scope of the Jetstar Japan network and links to partner airlines serving the Japan-Australia route.

Jetstar Japan

"Tourism Australia supports a balanced portfolio of international markets where we conduct our activity under the now established and successful There's nothing like Australia campaign. In Japan we are however adopting a new approach in this market, and working more directly with airline partners like Jetstar, that are both growing and best meeting the needs of the changing Japanese traveller."

Mr McEvoy said the national tourism organisation was seeing a positive turnaround in the Japan inbound market to Australia since the tragic tsunami and earthquake events of March 2011.

"Australia's fifth largest source market for international tourists, Japanese visitor arrivals have grown 4.4 per cent over the first two months of 2012, and we foresee more positive forward growth from these recent green shoots," Mr McEvoy said.

Jetstar Japan

"Tourism Australia looks positively towards a more sustainable Japanese international market under the whole of government and industry Tourism 2020 strategy. This market has potential to grow by year 2020 to between A$2.7 and $3.3 billion in total visitor expenditure."

Late last year Tourism Australia and Jetstar signed a A$10 million marketing deal aimed at boosting both Japanese inbound tourism and best leveraging Jetstar's expanding Asia Pacific network within Asia to promote Australia's compelling tourism offering. The parties now contribute to a range of joint marketing, digital and social media activities, kickstarted in the Japan market.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Great Britain in 2012

Queen Elizabeth II

We have just past the 100 days mark to go before the beginning of the London Olumpic Games. Many people will attend the London Olympics from countries around the world There are more than 100 great anniversary reasons to visit Great Britain this year. Here a 10 of them.:

1. Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years on the throne -

2. Bond is 50 - That's right,  Britain's handsome secret agent has been around for 50 years this coming October in Skyfall.

3. Charles Dickens is 200 and the museum of London recreates Victorian London to celebrate.

4. William Shakespeare is 400 - double the age of Dickens. Britain is going Bard crazy with the World. Shakespeare Festival with over 60 theatre companies performing 37 plays in 37 days in 37 languages.

5. The humble Sandwich is 250 - it was invented in Britain.

Cotswold Olympick

6. The Titanic sank 100 years ago. Belfast's new museum is attracting record numbers of visitors, who are coming to see the interactive displays and a breathtaking recreation of the ship's dining room.

7. The Beatles released their first single 50 years ago.  . .

8 The craziest take on the Olympics, the Cotswold Olympicks began the same year that Shakespeare was born in 1612. Madcap sports events make it one of Britains quirkiest attractions.

Belfast Titanic Museum

9. The Science Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alan Turing, a pioneering computer scientist.

10. 40 years ago the musical Grease opened on Broadway - whats that got to do with Britain you ask? Leed's castle, a majestic attraction will screen the hit film as part of its Jubilee festivities.

China Camp State Park

Official China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park in the U.S.A.offers a wealth of sights to see, trails to hike and bike, history to learn, and places to relax with the whole family. The park encompasses 1,640 acres with a variety of habitats, including oak woodlands, meadows, and tidal salt marshes. China Camp Village represents the last vestige of the more than two dozen Chinese shrimp fishing camps that once lined the shores of the San Francisco Bay estuary. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979, recognizing its significance in the areas of exploration/settlement, architecture, commerce, and social history.

Official China Camp State Park

Official China Camp State Park Website

The California State Parks website has extensive information about visiting China Camp State Park. Here you will find general information about the park, hours of operation, how to reserve campsites and picnic areas, and trail overviews. Download the Turtle Back Trail Interpretive Audio Tour and use it to follow this easy and scenic nature trail. Information is also available about educational programs in the park, such as the Junior Ranger Program and Summer Campfire Programs.

Back Ranch Meadows Campground

Official China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park has one campground, available for walk-in tent camping. It is located near the entrance to the park, just off of North San Pedro Road. There are 30 campsites situated among groves of oaks, bay laurels, and madrones. Back Ranch Meadows is approximately three miles (4.8 kilometers) from China Camp Village and is close to a number of hiking trails, including the Shoreline Trail and the Turtle Back Hill Nature Trail. The campground has restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and fire rings. Check in time is after 2:00PM and check out time is Noon. Tents and equipment must be carried from the parking lot, approximately 50-300 yards. One Hike and Bike campsite is available. Eight campsites are accessible to the disabled, as are campground restrooms. Self-contained recreational vehicles are allowed to stay one night in the parking lot, although no electrical or water hook-ups are available.

The campground is currently only open for Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are accepted during the high season, which runs from April 1 through October 31. Self-registration is required the rest of the year. Reservations can be made through Reserve America by calling (800) 444-7275 or online at www.reserveamerica.com. Call the park Project Office at (415) 456-0766 for more information.

Heritage Day

Heritage Day

Each year in August, China Camp Village is host to Heritage Day, a celebration of Chinese-American culture that features folk music and lion dance performances, acrobats, tai-chi demonstrations, and ranger-led tours. The historic schooner Alma and the replica Chinese junk Grace Quan are on display in the Bay just offshore from the village. Activities and crafts for children take place, along with displays and presentations by the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Marin History Museum, and the State Park Archaeology Lab. Admission is free.

History of China Camp

Official China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park has a long history that takes in the diversity of California. The area that is now occupied by the park was first inhabited by Native Americans, then explored by the Spanish, developed into a cattle rancho by an Irish immigrant who obtained a Mexican land grant, then settled by Chinese fishermen who harvested shrimp from the Bay. In modern times, China Camp State Park was established to preserve this rich history for generations to come.

For More Information see: http://www.friendsofchinacamp.org/visit.html

WOMAD Cáceres – a World of Music, Arts and Dance!

WOMAD Cáceres

The WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival emerged as a project by the British singer Peter Gabriel to publicise musical rhythms from different parts of the world.

Music, dancing, food, company, parties, entertainment and so it goes on.

2012 is the 21st year of WOMAD Cáceres! - it has been held in Cáceres Spain since 1992, and is an intercultural event to which admission is free. In addition to musical performances by different bands and soloists, there are other activities such as workshops, street entertainmnt, craft fairs and the fusion of different cultures.

WOMAD Cáceres

This is really exciting for WOMAD as Spain can boast of few festivals who have come this far! But who can blame those festival goers for wanting to experience the magic of WOMAD Cáceres. Music from across the world floats out over the walls of the ancient citadel, a jigsaw of Roman, Italian Renaissance and Gothic architecture, where the infamous stalks make their homes.

Aside from the brilliant musical performances, what else can you expect? An intimate market offers international culinary delights and beautiful trinkets galore.

Adult and children's workshops are entertaining those little ones who like getting their hands dirty and the older troops who want to learn the moves and beats of the musicians.

WOMAD Cáceres

Finally, Sunday will see the children's parade bobbing through the streets. Be there to support those little budding artists show off their decorated models, completed over the weekend.

When: From May 18, 2012 to May 20, 2012

20th May 2012 is the Children's Procession

Location: Gran Teatro de Cáceres, Calle San Antón s/n, 10003 Cáceres (Cáceres)

Tel.: +34 927010884, Fax.: +34 927010887

Contact details http://womad.org

Tasmania's Natural Beauty Recognised in Australian Traveller's '100 Best Views in Australia' List

Cradle Mountain

Tasmania's spectacular scenery and breathtaking views have been recognised by Australian Traveller magazine in its '100 Best Views in Australia' special collectors edition. 15 of Tasmania's most scenic lookouts made the list, with the majestic Cradle Mountain (#7) making the top ten. Cape Huay (#17) on the Tasman Peninsula, the picturesque coastal town of Bicheno (#22) on Tasmania's East Coast, Lake Oberon (#28) in the Western Arthur Range, the striking orange-lichen covered rocks of the Bay of Fires (#29), the Overland Track (#32) on Cradle Mountain, the azure blue waters and white sands of Wineglass Bay (#49) and the stunning Russell Falls (#50) in Mount Field National Park made the Top 50.

Cape Huay

Other Tasmanian locations noted for their 'Best Views' were the rugged landscapes of Cape Grim (#52) on the North West Coast, the misty tannin-stained waters of Gordon River (#54), the view of Hobart from the riverside suburb of Tranmere (#56), the panoramic view from the peak of Hobart's Mt Wellington (#67), the raw beauty of Pieman Heads (#76) along the Arthur River, The Neck (#80) on Bruny Island, and The Nut (#99) in Stanley.

Bicheno

The '100 Best Views in Australia' were determined by a panel of nine respected Australian photographers, including Ken Duncan (Australia's most renowned landscape photographer), Chris Bray (an award-winning Australian Geographic photographer), Grenville Turner, Gordon Undy, Nick Rains, Mark Gray, Nicholas Watt, Tim Bauer, and Peter Lik. They ranked over 1000 entries of the best views across the country from magazine readers, tourism operators and local and international travellers to create the definitive list.

Lake Oberon

CEO of Tourism Tasmania, Tony Mayell said that to have 15 Tasmanian locations recognised by Australian Traveller magazine on the '100 Best Views in Australia' list is a great result for the state.

"It's pleasing to see Tasmania receiving this level of recognition by such distinguished Australian photographers, and to also receive so many nominations from our visitors. I encourage all Australians to include these 15 Tasmanian locations on their must-visit list," he said.

For more information on these locations, visit www.discovertasmania.com.

Get all Steamed Up at the Hunter Valley SteamFest

Steamfest 2012

A great time will; be had by all at the Maitland Toyota Hunter Valley Steamfest this weekend. Australia’s premier festival of steam takes place at the area around the Maitland Railway Station on the weekend of Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 April 2012. 

The area comes to life with the spirit of steam when more than 70,000 people gather for two full days of activities featuring all types of steam driven engines, from trains to tractors. There will be lots of markets stalls, family and kids activities and entertainment.

Steamfest 2012

There are many highlights of this magnificent steam filled weekend which will please children, youth and adults. Some of these activities will include: steam engine excursions; tin hare vintage rail motor journeys including rare and exclusive excursions on the 402 engine; specialty steam train experiences including the popular Great Train Race on Sunday morning, the Grand Parade on the Rally Ground covering the evolution of transport through time, and the Steamfest Bazaar and much more.

Hunter Valley Steamfest has something to offer everyone.

Great Train Race

The Race is between steam engines 3526 and 3265 running parallel together whilst racing two Tiger Moth aeroplanes. This will be held on Sunday morning. Who will win this year?

Kids Adventureland

Whilst the parents are having the time of their lives, children can also enjoy an action packed Steamfest by visiting the Kids Adventureland; with face painting, jumping castle, coal shovelling competitions, puppet shows, plaster mould painting, and train inspired craft to take home. The Kids Adventureland is located within the Rally Grounds.

Steamfest Rally Ground

Steamfest Rally Ground

The Steamfest Rally Ground features displays of traction and portable engines, road steam equipment, vintage machinery, mini train rides, steam related talks, and Powerhouse Museum display, and interpretive tours. Entry fee to the Rally Ground: Adults $2.00, Children (under 16) Free.

Train Excursions

Train excursions will run to various places such as Newcastle, Branxton, Paterson, Dungog, Maitland including a Kids Party Train excursion and the City Rail Hunter Parallel Runs.

Steamfest Bazaar

Steamfest Bazaar

This blocked off street has over 100 market & food stalls.

Maitland Show ‘n’ Shine

Visit the Auto Barn Maitland Show ‘n’ Shine with over 700 vintage and veteran bikes and cars on display in the parklands near the Swimming Poll complex, over the highway from The Railway Station on the Sunday. Entry is free.

Steamfest 2012

Maitland Railway Station Precinct Heritage Walks

The Maitland & District Historical Society will offer visitors a chance to learn more about the history of Maitland and the significance of the railway in the area on the Maitland Railway Station Precinct Heritage Walks. The walks are half an hour in duration and will be conducted between 10am – 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday of the Festival. Entry fee: $5 per person which will include a printed brochure on the key featured sites.

Steamfest 2012, Australia’s premier Festival of Steam, is celebrating its 27th anniversary and is set to thrill people of all ages as they come to experience this significant part of Hunter rail transport history.

The first Hunter Valley Steamfest was held in 1986 to commemorate the days of steam transport, three years after the last commercial steam freight service in Australia ended on the South Maitland Railway. Since then, Steamfest has been held every year attracting over 70,000 people annually

Steamfest 2012

Entry to the Steamfest 2012 precinct is FREE! Train rides do incur a cost and need to be booked.

  
For more information about Steamfest 2012 see the website http://www.steamfest.com.au/Home/

For more info on the train excursions, time-table and prices, go to this link: http://www.steamfest.com.au/Resources/Documents/Steam-v2.pdf

Italian Olympic Swimmers Making A Splash For Australian Tourism

Italian Olympic Swimmers

Five Italian national swimmers are the latest international identities to get involved in telling the world why there's nothing like Australia for a holiday.

The five members of the Italian swim team including Captain Filippo Magnini and Fabio Scozzoli, who have both qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games, along with Federico Bocchia, Stefano Ancarani, and Marco Fanti Rovetta, are on a nine-day visit to immerse themselves in some of the Australia's best travel experiences.

Joining the Italian swimmers for their travels to Melbourne, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Stephens and Sydney, is Italy's national broadcaster RAI and leading publishing house Condé Nast (Vanity Fair and Traveller) to share the swim stars' experiences in Australia with Italian audiences.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said the visit follows the launch of the  Unforgettable Swim promotion by Tourism Australia in partnership with Speedo in September  last year, featuring the famous Italian Olympic swimmer Filippo Magnini. The total value of the promotion to date is AUD$5 million.

"Advocacy is a big part of bringing to life our current campaign - There's nothing like Australia - and it tremendous to have Filippo Magnini and fellow Italian swimmers spreading the word about Australian holidays as they prepare for the 2012 London Olympic Games," Mr McEvoy said.

"Word-of-mouth advocacy is extremely powerful in motivating people to travel and we are delighted to have some of the biggest names in Italian swimming to endorse Australian holidays in Italy.

Italian Captain Filippo Magnini

"Last year we ran the two month Unforgettable Swim promotion with Speedo inviting Italians to win one of six trips for two people to Australia together with Filippo Magnini and other Olympic swimmers via Speedo swimsuits tags, an online electronic game and mobile applications.

"Now we are once again putting the spotlight on Australia as the travel stories of the swimmers and winners of the promotion are shared via the Italian media who are documenting the trip - with the aim to inspire many more Italians to visit our country," Mr McEvoy said

Mr McEvoy added that whilst the swimmers will keep to their training schedule, they will get to see more than the pool with a taste of city life in Melbourne and Sydney, enjoying the wonders of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, getting to know our koalas and kangaroos, as well as an unforgettable swim with the dolphins in Port Stephens.

Italian Fabio Scozzoli,

Tourism Australia is leading the Italian media visit in partnership with Tourism Queensland, Destination New South Wales and Tourism Victoria.

Australia continues to be a popular destination for Italian travellers, with 55,100 Italians visiting the country in 2011, contributing $201 million to the local economy. The Italian travel market is part of the strategic mix to help Australian tourism achieve its goal to grow overnight visitor expenditure to $140 billion by 2020.