'Dae Jang Geum Week' Draws Diehard Fans
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Now it's no Universal Studios but it is drawing the crowds!
It's the set of a television drama that won over fans in Asia with the story of a woman who rises in the ranks through dedication and hard work.
The drama was "Dae Jang Geum" also known as "Jewel in the Palace".
Our Lee Jeewon went along on the tour.
"Dae Jang Geum" or "Jewel in the Palace" is a Korean TV drama series broadcast in 2003.
Based loosely on a historical figure, the drama depicts the life of the first female royal doctor of the Joseon Dynasty.
The series took Korea by storm, and it continues to power the Korean Wave of pop culture in many Asian countries.
Now, Korean broadcaster MBC has turned the original studio set on the outskirts of Seoul into the Dae Jang Geum Theme Park.
"In the theme park, visitors get to rub shoulders with their favorite stars, albeit virtually. During Dae Jang Geum Week, however, fans of the historical soap drama opera can meet the actors in person".
The Korea Tourism Organization, a state-run body, created the special program now taking place at the park to cater to Japanese fans of the drama.
Around 300 visitors have come, and are expected to visit each day until Thursday.
"I became a fan of Kyeon Mi-ri through the soaps. After finding out that she'll be here, I took a few days off from school to come to Korea".
The highlight of Dae Jang Geum Week is a two-hour meeting with the show's cast, a different star for every day.
While both actor and tourist seem to be having a good time, a bit of tweaking here and there might not hurt.
Korean
"Since there are more visitors, the calmness of the place has disappeared. On the other hand, the fact that it's open to a lot of people means that it's well-loved. So that balances the untidiness seen in recent years".
Dae Jang Geum has served to nourish interest in Korean-made TV productions.
Though there are spin-offs such as a musical by the same name, and a kids' animation called Janggeum's Dream, the theme park is the only place so far to see it all in the flesh.
Lee Jeewon, Arirang News.
Video by following the link below
It's the set of a television drama that won over fans in Asia with the story of a woman who rises in the ranks through dedication and hard work.
The drama was "Dae Jang Geum" also known as "Jewel in the Palace".
Our Lee Jeewon went along on the tour.
"Dae Jang Geum" or "Jewel in the Palace" is a Korean TV drama series broadcast in 2003.
Based loosely on a historical figure, the drama depicts the life of the first female royal doctor of the Joseon Dynasty.
The series took Korea by storm, and it continues to power the Korean Wave of pop culture in many Asian countries.
Now, Korean broadcaster MBC has turned the original studio set on the outskirts of Seoul into the Dae Jang Geum Theme Park.
"In the theme park, visitors get to rub shoulders with their favorite stars, albeit virtually. During Dae Jang Geum Week, however, fans of the historical soap drama opera can meet the actors in person".
The Korea Tourism Organization, a state-run body, created the special program now taking place at the park to cater to Japanese fans of the drama.
Around 300 visitors have come, and are expected to visit each day until Thursday.
"I became a fan of Kyeon Mi-ri through the soaps. After finding out that she'll be here, I took a few days off from school to come to Korea".
The highlight of Dae Jang Geum Week is a two-hour meeting with the show's cast, a different star for every day.
While both actor and tourist seem to be having a good time, a bit of tweaking here and there might not hurt.
Korean
"Since there are more visitors, the calmness of the place has disappeared. On the other hand, the fact that it's open to a lot of people means that it's well-loved. So that balances the untidiness seen in recent years".
Dae Jang Geum has served to nourish interest in Korean-made TV productions.
Though there are spin-offs such as a musical by the same name, and a kids' animation called Janggeum's Dream, the theme park is the only place so far to see it all in the flesh.
Lee Jeewon, Arirang News.
Video by following the link below
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