Tag Archives: Korea

It may be best known as the host city of one of Asia’s most important film festivals and a key transfer port, but the South Korean coastal metropolis of Busan is the ideal destination for those seeking an adventurous getaway or a cultural escape.

From the famed Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square – where the world-famous festival is held each October – to historical temples, quaint villages, seafood markets, and stylish retail districts, jetsetters have more than one reason to make a stop here.

1. Beauty and the Beach

The city’s sprawling beaches make Busan a popular destination for sun lovers. Laid back, yet still bustling, Haeundae Beach is one of Korea’s most beautiful beaches featuring natural untouched wonders. For foodies, Haeundae also offers a variety of local delicacies, from restaurants specialising in king crab and cold noodles, to street vendors peddling fish sticks and steamed dumplings.

With sweeping views of the ocean, Shilla Stay Haeundae is located just a two-minute walk away from the picturesque Haeundae Beach. The property features a relaxed, residential-style design with clean lines and soft hues that showcase the surrounding coastal region. Six room types are available, including the Ondol Suite which recreates an authentic Korean underfloor heating system for guests looking to experience a traditional Korean home.

2. Cuisine Scene

Given its location, Busan offers an abundance of fresh seafood. For the best finds, locals direct visitors to the Jagalchi Market, often likened to Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market, where varieties of live and dried seafood are prepared in different ways. For a distinctive dining experience, Shilla Stay Haeundae’s Café serves a wide selection of fresh seafood as part of its daily buffet available throughout the day. Guests can also lounge and soak up the sun in the hotel’s rooftop pool, which overlooks the panoramic beachfront, while enjoying refreshing drinks and snacks from the poolside bar.

3. Village People

The second most populous city after Seoul, Busan has its share of cultural attractions that capture the old-world charm of Korea’s rich heritage. Gamcheon Cultural Village consists of hundreds of tiny, colourful houses, shops and buildings dotted throughout a maze of small, winding streets. Built on surrounding hills with views overlooking the sea, the Village rises above the city and is known as the “Santorini of Korea”. The Village’s hand-drawn murals and sculptures create a living art installation and a picture-perfect hotspot for visitors.

4. Culture Trip

Another scenic landmark, the Haedong Yonggung Temple is a breathtaking temple perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the East Sea. Dating back to the 13^th century and built by a legendary Buddhist teacher, the temple is nestled between the sea and mountains and boasts a beautiful three-storey pagoda that represents tranquil harmony. For panoramic views of the city, Busan’s newest attraction, the Busan Air Cruise, offers a magnificent 1.6 kilometer journey above the sea in glass-enclosed cable cars.

5. Bargain and Barter

Korea is renowned for its shopping – endless malls selling clothes, makeup, and accessories – and Busan is no exception. The lavish Shinsegae Centum City is listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest department store, housing countless brands as well as entertainment options, including an indoor golf range and spa.

A vibrant and energetic city, Busan offers a unique insight into Korean culture. Visitors will embrace the convivial atmosphere, lively beach scene, and variety of little-known attractions waiting to be discovered.

For a seamless getaway, a “Welcome to Korea” package is available at Shilla Stay Haeundae, which includes a Busan City Tour Bus Ticket (one-day pass), complimentary breakfast*, and exclusive Shilla Stay teddy bear gift. Room rates start at KRW 114,000** per night, based on two persons sharing a room. More information is available at http://www.shillastay.com/haeundae/index.do.

*Terms and conditions apply. 

**Excludes taxes and service charge.

K-Pop fever has taken the world by storm and become a mainstream phenomenon in Malaysia. Riding the Hallyu Wave, Sunsilk teams up with Korean superstars, MBLAQ, to give girls a chance to dance their way to Seoul. Three lucky girls will win a trip to Korea this June, where they will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with members of MBLAQ.

Themed the Sunsilk Sweet Trip, Sunsilk hopes to provide girls with the freedom to indulge in fun-filled activities without worrying about the state of their hair and appearances. This goes hand in hand with Sunsilk’s mission to inspire confidence in girls so that they live life to the fullest. Infused with Keratin Yoghurt Nutri Complex™ and the power of five natural oils, Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable helps to transform hair from unruly to manageable and minimise friction between individual hairs for ultimate smoothness.

“Sunsilk is a young, fun and exciting brand always looking to shake things up and surprise our girls with initiatives that encourage them to pursue unique opportunities. Inspired by the K-pop culture that exuberates fun and upbeat energy, the Sunsilk Sweet Trip is about giving girls a chance to achieve more with hair that stays in shape all day. In keeping with this, we decided to collaborate with K-pop stars, MBLAQ, to give girls an experience they will never forget,” said Ashlee Ng, Brand Director for Personal Care, Unilever (Malaysia) Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

“MBLAQ is excited to be part of this collaboration with Sunsilk Sweet Trip. This will be the first experience for MBLAQ to meet with their Malaysian fans in their own hometown, Seoul. It is such a great honour for and we are looking forward to spending time with these lucky winners.” said Dongwon Cho, CEO of MBLAQ’s management.

To join the contest, girls need to upload a video of themselves dancing along to Sunsilk’s Pretty Like Me song. The video has to be submitted online to Sunsilk’s portal, complete with proof of purchase of at least RM30 of Sunsilk products and one leave-on cream. Three lucky participants will be selected to go on the Sweet Trip – a three-day, two-night trip to Seoul, Korea, where these girls have the chance to meet members of K-pop boyband, MBLAQ. These winners can also each bring along one companion to experience this exciting opportunity.

The winners with the best dance videos will be hand-picked by both Sunsilk and MBLAQ representatives, ensuring that the videos encompass the free spirit of a Sunsilk girl and the dance moves of a K-Pop enthusiast. Announcement of the winners will be done on (website link).

The Sweet Trip campaign will run from (date) to (date). For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/SunsilkMalaysia.

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