Palace of Wonder and Garden of Dreams

The Changdeokgung Palace is a step back in time. From the imperial gate to the secret garden, it has been the movie set for many historical Korean dramas. The picturesque view and the artistic atmosphere draws in tourist after tourist. But for me, it's more than that. Once I arrived, it was like walking in a Korean fairytale. I could see the crown prince running along the game field. I saw the servants walking through the gate quickly with laundry to the great well next to the public garden. And of course, the minute I walked over the Geumcheongyo (stone bridge) I could see the crown princess with her ladies in waiting, and the procession that followed. 

This palace also has a forbidden garden, that we were lucky enough to grab tickets for, right before it sold out. (I reccomend geting them as soon as possible- they sell out fast) The great pavillion was a private resort for the royal family and a few selected noblility. The garden itself was a quiet retreat for tea, and it even has it's own area for the rice only eaten by the royal family. 

The area was beautiful, and reminded me of many Korean myths and legends. 

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find books about Korean folklore, but their history begins with a myth, and slowly turns into facts. The Kingdom of the Four Winds begins Korea's tale, and from then on, the history unfolds. But actually walking around the regal and beautiful buildings gives you a taste of what life was like whne men feared Gumihos, women were chosen to be the crown princess, and the great school of Sungkyunkwan was the most promising school in the country. 

This area of Korea, preserved in the Joseon period is inspirational and its own work of art. 

Some of the Korean Dramas filmed here include The Moon that Embraces the Sun, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Gu Family Book, Goong, Goong S and of course Queen Inhyeon's Man. 

Kdrama month prompt 25: Your First Kdrama

Goong, Palace, Princess Hours

This is the show that introduced me to Korean Drama. It started with the Manwha and then my friend introduced me to the show. After that, I watched until it was over. This was another form of therapy from College. I loved the idea of a modern prince and a down to earth girl as the crown princess. The royal life is fascinating, and High School has always been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Putting these together made an interesting story with lots of comedy and history. I also loved the music which was a mixture of classical and historical Joseon era  music. The teddy bears were also cute and cleverly put to retell moments in the show.

Writing Prompt 37: 10 Favorite pieces of music

Prompt: My 10 favorite pieces of music

I have so many favorite soundtracks and inspirational tracks for my writing playlist. These tracks come from all over: video games, movies, TV shows and random recommendations. Here are my top ten.

1. Eternity Memory of Lightwaves - Noriko Matsueda and Takahito Eguchi

I love this theme the most. It reminds me of myself for some reason. It's a calming tune and a relaxing melody.

2. Dearly Beloved- Yoko Shimomura


Another relaxing theme, and my favorite track in the Kingdom Hearts series.

3. Forbidden Friendship- John Powel

I love writing to this song. It has a little bit of everything.

4. The Riders of Rohan-  Howard Shore
Everything about this piece puts me back to the moment in the movie. I love the violins!


5. Becoming A Geisha- John Williams
This piece showed the transformation of Chio to Sayuri in one smooth melody.


6. Belle's Story- Mark Isham

This is another piece I enjoy writing to. It is simple and soft.

7. He's a Pirate- Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer

Such an exciting and memorable melody, this piece became one of my favorites very quickly.

8. The Guardian's Song- Ralph Schuckett

This track still astounds me.

9. Define Dancing- Thomas Newman

This track is just amazing :)

10. 꽃잎이 내린다 - 두 번째 달- Goong Soundtrack

I love this piece. It's so beautiful.

There are so many more amazing instrumentals out there, but these are my favorites. What instrumentals do you love listening to?

What I learned from Korean Drama (so far)

1. Teddy Bears can make worries go away
2. When you're frustrated or stressed, all you have to do is say "aja, aja fighting!" and then you feel better.
3. If one of your high heeled shoes breaks, all you have to do is break the other one, and tada flats!
4. Pancakes make everything better
5. When you're going to the battle field, you will need weapons. For the rich and famous, the weapons are new shoes and dresses.
6. If you don't want to see someone at a suitcase shop, hide in a suitcase.
7. Collecting snow globes is a romantic hobby.
8. When you're in love with someone, close your eyes and count to five. If you see that person when your eyes open, you are meant to be!
9. When you are sad, all you need is food and friends.
10. Playing hide and seek with Venetian masks is a great way to forget your troubles.
11. Never put a note to your mother in her bible. The note could be read as a prayer request in front of the entire church!
12. The more you run from the past, the more your past will haunt you.
13. Royalty have a different way of eating with chopsticks.
14. Love can begin with a business card.
15. Some things cannot be repaired once they are broken.
16. When you want to run, don't go far, go up to the highest place you can think of.
17. Ramen can be eaten dry, just sprinkle the seasoning up top and take a bite.
18. Cherry tomatoes can make you feel better.
19. All couples are required to have a spat about driving a car.
20. When you receive a love letter, it is not a good idea to correct the person's grammar or give them a grade -_-
21. When you're angry, play racquetball.
22. Stepping on the white lines on a cross walk can bring you good luck.
23. A good method of revenge on someone is to give them an embarrassing ringtone.
24. The best way to eat a lettuce wrap is to shove the entire thing in your mouth.
25. Pandas don't wear pants.
26. Even the smallest trinket can be an important gift from a loved one, tied by memory.
27. Love doesn't come with a specific age group. It can happen any time during your life.
28. Making pastries requires lots of concentration and doodles.
29. Magic is what you make it.
30. Never give up on your dream.
31. Yogurt is the best thing to have when you are feeling down.
32. A full life is never what you think it is.
33. Sometimes things happen for a reason.
34. Making a stuffed animal is a process including, sanitation, surgery and meaning.

The meaning of a teddy bear

A teddy bear can have many different meanings in stories. In Cardcaptor Sakura, rumor has if you make a teddy bear for someone you love and give the bear your name, that person will love you in return. In Goong S the worry bear is a gift to someone under a lot of stress or as a reminder to not worry so much. I found both of these stories intriguing and I will probably use these ideas in a story one day. I will make a bear for the future and I will purchase my own worry bear to keep from worrying so much. This is a cute form of therapy.

With a gentle smile
Or friendly face
Real life can seem better on
Rainy days
Yesterday's quarrels

Become very small
Each time
A friend helps you
Recover from a fall

Lolipop?

I had to do this he he. Palace is an awesome show and these two (Shin-goon and Chae) are adorable ^_^