Korean calm

As the South Korean capital encountered its heaviest November blizzard in half-a-century, turning the streets into a sea of white, we headed south to Jeollanamdo Province where we were able to relish the warmer weather and stunning coastlines of the Land of the Morning Calm.

Recognised as the breadbasket of the country, this region is home to the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, serene beaches, verdant mountain ranges, extensive green tea plantations and seaweed manufacturers. As a result, it's becoming an intriguing destination for both leisurely travellers and visitors from the convention and exhibition industry to soak up its rich culture and scenic beauty.

A 2 hour and 30 minute drive from Busan, we made our way to the ancient town of Yeosu, which was transformed into an open port in 1949 to connect with Mokpo and Jeju island. On the first snow in Seoul, we felt the full force of winter while exploring the Media Art Sculpture Park in the Yeosu Art Land Culture & Resort.

A wide collection of white statues of Greek gods and mythical animals take visitors to the magical realm, as an adjacent playground entices adventurers to take on the thrill of the Extreme Swing and Ocean Walk amidst the astonishing ocean settings. Designed to resemble Mida's hand, a vantage point provides the panoramic views of Somisan Mountain and three islands -- Naechido, Oechido and Hyeoldo.

At the AR 3D Trick Art Museum, visitors can pretend to be treasure seekers and explore the underwater world, the illuminated Kinglor Forest in Avatar, and the pharaoh's hidden Egyptian tomb. You can imagine yourself parachuting from the top of the Alps, or you might relive your childhood with an exhilarating moment where Elliot and ET soared across the moon.

We continued our imaginative discovery at Arte Museum Yeosu, which features 15 interactive media artworks with an "Ocean" theme. Launched in the 2021 Yeosu Expo International Pavilion, this is the second permanent immersive media art exhibition from the world-renowned digital design company d'strict, which integrates intense visuals, seductive sound and exquisite aroma to create a fully immersive experience.

Situated on the 2nd floor, the 1,400m² Yeosu Expo International Exhibition Hall A is converted into a fantasy paradise where people of all ages can let their imaginations run wild. After walking through the entrance, I found myself lost in a maze of the enigmatic camellia garden, which is surrounded by mirrors from ceiling to floor giving the illusion of endless space.

Gazing around, visitors may come to understand the cycle of life as chickadees are attracted to the camellias whose petals change colour and bloom in the cool air. In a timelapse sequence, the camellia in full bloom falls as is once they reach their peak flowering stage. Once more, camellias break through the frost with unending vigour. Just as in real life, everybody has their own moments and beauty.

Visitors might imagine themselves soaking in the dramatic waves as they emerge onto a boundless stretch of a dreamlike beach, with ever-changing, bright clouds spreading out over the horizon. In the next room, visitors can ride enormous flamingo-like tubes and explore the underwater world. There, they can sketch a variety of aquatic animals and bring them to life on the huge screens.

A collection of lonesome, 4m glowing rabbit-shaped sculptures greet travellers to the moon as they return to the land and gaze up at the night sky. The sea of Shooting Stars on the opposite side are gleaming on mirrors, creating the impression of a meteor shower in the tradition of paper cut art.

The main attraction is an eight-chapter, ultra-large-scale media artwork created in collaboration between the Arte Museum and Musée D'Orsay. The Start of Journey chapter opens with a classic scene in a train station that transports visitors back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when realism, which depicted reality as it is, and Naturalism, which portrayed natural human types and landscapes, were at their height.

Nature and rural life in the central French region of Barbizon served as major sources of inspiration for naturalist painters. In their works, the wheat fields stand for the importance of agriculture. The Wounded Man by Gustave Courbet and The Gleaners by Jean Francois Millet are notable examples.

A Day In Paris episode captures the impressionist movement of the late 19th century when renowned artists like Edouard Manet, Gustave Caillebotte and Auguste Renoir used a harmonious colour combination to depict landscapes, figures and still lives.

Art enthusiasts may immerse themselves in the Monet's Garden chapter, where famous French artist Claude Monet employed a distinctive colour scheme to depict the ever-changing contours of nature in various lighting conditions. His work illustrates the play of light reflected on water and intricate natural landscapes.

The following morning, we set off from downtown Yeosu to the Gatgoeul Center for a kimchi class. Established 84 years ago, it is well-known for its mouthwatering kimchi made with Korean wasabi, and its family recipes have been handed down through generations to make unique kimchi sauce with local ingredients.

Yeosu is teeming with Korean wasabi plants, which are rich in antioxidants and can boost immunity and prevent cancer. They take around 40 days to grow, but once marinated in sauce, they can be served right away at a feast. To maintain the flavour, it must be consumed within three days.

After that, we travelled to the historical town of Mokpo and Yudalsan Mountain was our first stop for a sightseeing tour. Embraced by greenish hilly landscapes, a statue of Admiral Lee Sunsin serves as a safeguard to take visitors back to the Joseon period when he successfully defended the coastal town of Mokpo from the Japanese invasion.

Following a trekking trail to the peak, visitors will find an ancient cannon, which was constructed in the 10th year of King Hyeonjong of the Goryeo kingdom. When noon came, it had been used as a timepiece to alarm the troop. It was taken from Gwangju for last firing and was the first Joseon-style cannon. However, it was outdated and a Japanese-style cannon took its place. In 1986, it was named the 138th Local Cultural Property.

Constructed in 1932, the Yuseongak Pavilion provides stunning views of the city, coastlines and skyscrapers, allowing onlookers to relive the old days when Mokpo was a significant maritime trading hub and South Korea first opened its doors to outsiders in the late 19th century.

Just a short stroll away is the former Japanese Consulate, which was erected in 1900 and once functioned as the city hall before being turned into the Mokpo Modern History Museum in 2014. The exhibition is divided into eight zones to give insight into Mokpo's history that began during the reign of King Yeonsangun when a castle was built in 1502 here, leading to this town's important maritime defence in the southwestern sea of the Korean Peninsula.

Under King Kojong's royal command, Mokpo opened its own in 1897, setting itself apart from Busan, Gunsan and Incheon. Since then, it has developed into the region of Three White (rice, cotton and salt), one of the country's six greatest cities.

When the Japanese Consulate, Oriental Colonial Company, Mokpo Prison and Mokpo Police Station were established during the Japanese colonial era, Mokpo was subjected to oppression. Through the Shinganhoi Movement, the Youth Movement, the Independence Movement on April 8, and the March 1 Independence Movement, visitors may see how it rebelled against Japanese rule.

During the Pacific War, the Japanese government constructed an air-raid bunker to prevent aerial bombing and house kitchen and air purifying facilities, which visitors are welcome to explore inside.

Located on the seashore, Mokpo Skywalk is one of the best spots to take in the sunset views. With the concept "observatory over the sea", it offers a full panorama of Mokpo's sea and the Mokpodaegyo Bridge, which is located on the eastern side.

On the final day, we arrived in the laid-back town of Naju and visited the 3917 Majung cafe, a throwback to the traditional Hanok village. Constructed between 1915 and 1939, it features Mokseowon (school), a rice warehouse, a hilltop pavilion and poet Kim Sun's former residence. Visitors can relax in a lovely garden or inside a structure while enjoying hot tea that goes well with pear sweet jellies, pear pastries and pear scones to take in a nostalgic atmosphere.

A one-hour drive to Gwangju, the National Asian Culture Center (ACC) is promoting itself as Asia's cultural hub and community centre to inspire the next generations. Established in 2015, it stands on the historic site of the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Government Office, which was used as the last site of resistance during the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Designed around the concept "Forest Of Light", it is a masterpiece of architect Kyu Sung Woo who came up with brilliant ideas to maintain the building's original facade while constructing the main structure underneath. With a library offering more than 70,000 books, the cultural complex features ACC Creation, ACC ARchive & Research, ACC Theatre and ACC Children.

Until Feb 16, visitors can view the "ACC Future Prize 2024: Kim Young" exhibition that combines computer-generated graphics, game engines and generative AI to create a sci-fi video installation. Kim uses the traditional calendar and timekeeping systems to narrate the story of two protagonists who fell into a maze of time delays and navigation in the virtual world.

A stone's throw away is the Jeonil Building 245, which formerly housed the newspaper printing and broadcast radio station. Located on the 10th floor, the 19800518 memorial hall is designed to resemble a time machine to transport visitors back in 1980 when Gwangju was closed and the soldier troops used this building as a snipers' base.

A storm of gleaming bullets from all directions smash against the entrance of this striking mixed-media exhibition, leaving visitors to wonder what they should do to keep away from the trajectory. A small theatre stands in the middle of the hall and a melancholy animation series recounts what happened during the May 18 Democratisation Movement.

Not far from the ACC, Chungjang-ro Street is a popular shopping destination for both folks and tourists, thanks to a ribbon of shopping malls, fashion boutiques, skincare stores, chic cafes and dining options. This was the end of our journey.