YG Investment, the investment arm under the YG group - South Korea’s leading music label and entertainment agency - has invested strategically in Gushcloud International, an influencer marketing and entertainment company, to build YG’s first Southeast Asian Headquarters based in Singapore.

“Southeast Asia has a population of more than 640 million people, with a fast-growing mobile and digital consumer penetration. Based on our data, Southeast Asia is a huge consumer of Korean pop culture. With this new investment into Gushcloud, we want to leverage upon the company’s physical presence in the 9 offices they have, to export more of YG’s entertainment assets and acts into Southeast Asia. Brands can now connect directly with YG in Southeast Asia should they want to engage with our artists. YG hopes to create more digital cross-collaborations and partnerships with influencers, social media talents, entertainment companies and agencies, between Korea and Southeast Asia,” said Mr Charlie Cho, Head of YG Plus SEA (Singapore) Branch.

With this strategic investment, into Gushcloud, YG will set up it's Southeast Asian Headquarters (HQ) within the same premises of Gushcloud Headquarter office based in Singapore. This move will see YG working even closer with Gushcloud to establish a footprint in the growing Southeast Asian market, through their talents and artists, products and services.

“With YG’s investment into Gushcloud, we want to support YG’s larger footprint and deeper penetration into Southeast Asia. We see many synergies and partnerships that we can do together. And we are excited to execute these projects together,” Ms Althea Lim, CEO of Gushcloud Entertainment adds.

If you're into culture and history, Gyeongju, the capital of Shilla Kingdom will be the best destination for you. The historical buildings in Gyeongju are well maintained and most of the attractions are within walking distance which made it easier and more convenient for visitors to travel.

Recommend Places to Visit in Gyeongju

Daereungwon Royal Tomb

There are lots of tombs in Gyeongju but the must-visit tomb is Daereungwon which holds the large tombs of kings and nobles of the Shilla Kingdom. Not only a collection tombs during the Silla period can be seen, the beautiful park in that area definitely worth a pose for pictures. Cheonmachong tomb , the only tomb that is open for public was closed down at the moment for maintenance so we were not able to view the burial goods that is recovered from the tomb. (ps: we were really curious about the tomb pattern ㅠㅠ)

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Not only locals swarm to this place but foreigners as well, Cheomseongdae Observatory is well-known as the "oldest astronomical observatory in Asia". You can check out a hall right next to the entrance which offers video information on how the observatory was built. (ps: English subtitle is available & No entrance fee is needed here)

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (Anapji)

Our top recommendation for night view, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. (ps: Wolji Pond also known as Anapji Pond) We were pretty shocked by the number of people queuing to buy the tickets at 9PM (ps: 1 hour before it closed) but what's worth the wait was the amazing night view. (ps: Entrance fees per adult - 2,000won (around RM7.40)) Wolji Pond was served as the garden for the Silla kings and queens to spent their leisure moments. Do visit during the night, as it gives a different view compared to the day visit.

Bulguksa Temple: Entrance fees per adult - 5,000won (around RM19) 1 hr 16mins bus ride from Hwangnamguan Hanok Village (No.10,11,700 bus from seo-ra-beol-ne street 서라벌네거리)

You can drink the water here - a place in Bulguksa Temple

Bicycle rental service in Hwangnamguan Hanok Village - 1 day for 5,000won (RM19)

Attractions source: Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) 

Have you wondered what top K-pop star Tiffany Hwang’s wardrobe looks like? Are you curious to take a tour of f(x) member Amber Liu’s secret closet? Ever wanted to learn some styling tips and tricks from fashion icon K-pop star Hyomin too? Well guess what, now you can!

Hosted by Super Junior’s Leeteuk, comedian Lee Hwi Jae and Hwang Kwanghee, TLC Southeast ASIA’s latest program Reform will be premiering on 29 October 2017 (Sunday) @ 9pm on Astro Channel 707. 

Revival of old garments! Top class designers and celebrity sewing masters will reform star's old garments. TV Shows have exposed celebrities' fridge, living room and dressing table! Now is the time for their closets. Instead of stage costumes, the Reform Show will reveal what celebrities usually wear in their ordinary life and reform their old garments. It is the dynamic transformation drama of old garments!

Last weekend, we went on an exciting 2 Days 1 Night Gyeongju trip and stayed at Hwangnamguan Hanok Village.

Unlike the normal hotel or guesthouse, Hwangnamguan Hanok Village provides services such as bicycle rental, free Hanbok experience and a corner set up for Korea traditional games.

Korea traditional games corner is located right beside the Hanbok Experience Center

You may wear the Hanbok for FREE by writing down your name at the front desk. Varieties of hanbok are available at the Hanbok Experience Centre which located at the center of Hwangnamguan Hanok Village. The hanok stay is a perfect place for OOTD. (ps: there's a time frame for the free hanbok service - the morning and the evening session, do check with the front desk upon check-in)

Yukgaejang (육개장) - also known as spicy beef soup for breakfast

What excited was the Hanjung-sik breakfast that was provided. If you preferred a heavy breakfast, do try this delicious breakfast at 10,000won (around RM35) at Cattle & Bee cafe which located at Hwangnamguan Hanok Village's back door. 

Back door of Hwangnamguan Hanok Village - after 12am the main door and back door will be closed and so kindly use the side doors

As we travelled during Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival), Hwangnamguan Hanok Village has become the top choice for family and solo traveller. The popularity itself isn't so surprising as travellers are increasingly choosing hanok for their short trip or actual accommodation. (ps: do make your reservation earlier, if you visit the hanok during the public holiday or Korea festival). Hwangnamguan Hanok Village has an indescribable charm which is more than a simple beauty. The mixture of contemporary and traditional design perfectly in tune with this historical city, Gyeongju.

Getting off from Gyeongju Bus Terminal, we walked for 30mins to Hwangnamguan Hanok Village. Of course, if you have heavy luggage, you may take a taxi or ride a bus to the hanok stay. The bus station is located right opposite the bus terminal.

As soon as we arrived, we were friendly greeted by the staff who wearing Hanbok at the front desk but what disappointed us was the luggage storage service. (ps: there's no FREE luggage storage service provided) As we arrived at noon which is earlier than the check-in time, 3PM, so we have no choice but to store our luggage at the lockers located behind the lobby. (ps: the lockers are not that spacious, traveller with big luggage kindly take note)

Agujjim (아구찜) - 28,000won (around RM105) for small

Right after, we went out to hunt for great lunch. Kakao Map became our best friend throughout our stay in Gyeongju. With the app, we can easily search the top restaurants or attractions nearby. But sadly, we did not manage to have lunch at any of the top rated restaurants as there were all FULLY BOOKED thanks to this hit season, Chuseok holiday. We have no choice and headed to a restaurant that able to fit two of us and had Agujjim (아구찜), also known as the spicy monkfish with soybean sprouts.

Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: 돼지세끼(Three Pigs)

Location: 10mins walk from Hwangnamguan Village

Price: ...........................5/5

Taste: ...........................3/5

Spicy Level: ................5/5

Worth Visit: .................2/5

The top restaurants that nearby Hwangnamguan Hanok Village:

(1st pic: Gyeodong Ssambap - famous for the wrapped rice), (2nd pic: Dosol Maeul - famous for authentic Korea food), (3rd pic: Gyori Gimbap) 

Breakfast coupon & Cattle & Bee Cafe 1,000won (around RM4) discount coupon + beverage 1 size upgrade

While guiding us to our room named Nam San Zai (literal translation from the traditional chinese words 南三寨), the staff also explained some of the rules that we need to follow during the stay. (ps: each hanok is separated into different rooms and is named with different traditional Chinese characters)

We stayed in Ondol 2 which is a room that able to fit 2 to 3 people

Room View: It is equipped with air conditioner and has a modern bathroom facility

First impression to the room: Just nice for 2 people

Suitable for which types of traveller: Family & Solo Traveller

(ps: the hanok is poor soundproofing and so after 10PM, you must lower down the TV volume so the room next to you will not be affected. If you prefer nightlife, partying in the room with your friends until midnight, this might not be right choice for you)

Thanks to Safe Stay Korea, we had a safe yet convenient stay at Hwangnamguan Hanok Village which surrounding by restaurants and attractions. As mentioned in our previous post, Safe Stay Korea provides a list of the safe guesthouse, hanok and hostel in Korea that is verified by Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO). You can now easily make the reservation by searching the listed stay at Safe Stay Korea blog and worry-free when travelling in Korea. 

Hwangnamguan Hanok Village Overall Review

Transportation: 22mins by No.600 bus from Gyeongju Bus Terminal (2 stops) 

Conveniency: ......................4/5

Service: ...............................4/5

Safety: .................................5/5

Value for Money: ................4/5

(*150,000won (around RM563) for 2 people per night - compare to the normal hotel, hostel or etc, the price is considered higher but the hanok stay experience definitely worth the price)

How to book Hwangnamguan Hanok Village?

Night view at Hwangnamguan Hanok Village

Simply search 'Hwangnamguan Hanok Village' in the search engine to make the reservation through booking.com and etc

If you could read in Korean, you may log into Hwangnamguan Hanok Village official website (the website is available in both English and Korean) and make the reservation there. You can also easily make the reservation via a phone call, we actually called them to check on the room availability and booked a room for 2 people.

We will be sharing our exciting Gyeongju trip in our next post! 

Previous post --> Choosing the Safe Accommodation in Gyeongju, South Korea

1. K-Wave 2 Music Festival is a mega K-pop music festival featuring a massive lineup of SEVEN acts and attractive deals that will make look forward to the new year!

2. Organised by MacpiePro, the highly anticipated K-Wave 2 Music Festival brought to you by Mcalls is set to make a comeback on 13 January 2018 (Saturday, 8pm) at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

3. Door opens from 3.30pm onwards. The event is split into 2 sessions with the first session from 3.30pn to 7.00pm for game activities. The concert then starts from 8.00pm onwards.

Yes, the festival will integrate fun and myriad interactive activities and games for festival-goers to participate with their purchased entry pacjages to enter the venue before the shows kick off.

4. The ticket package prices start at as low as RM34 to RM498, and it comes with a Mcalls Y33 Sim Package. What a deal!

*Malaysian aged 15-17 (Born in the year of 2000 to 2002) is entitled to ONE Youth Zone Alpha Package at RM34, consists of a Youth Zone tickets and Mcalls Y33 SIM Pack with processing fee.

5. Sale will start on 3rd November 2017. More details to be released soon. 

6.  There will be SEVEN performing acts in total. Current confirm artists: SUPER JUNIOR, NUEST W, TAEYEON, MAMAMOO, A.C.E , TAHITI and HALO! 

7. The other four line up will be announced *THIS* week (all has been announced as per 31st October 2017). ONE OF THEM IS A LEGEND; ANOTHER ONE IS A FEMALE SOLO ARTIST.

8. Hint: There are more boy groups than girl groups... hehehehe.