Korea – truly sparkling
Min Siang:
Korea, this was the land we’ve fell in love with since our first visit to the country 2 years ago. Back then, we were reluctant to go back home to Singapore and promised each other that we’ll come back again someday. True enough, 2 years later, we touched down at the Incheon International Airport on the 21st May 2011.
Like 2 years back, we opted for a free-and-easy trip, preferring to be unbounded by the many limitations of joining tour. In particular, I had planned this to be a shopping trip for my beloved lady Valencia. Truth is, I had since long planned a proposal to my then-girlfriend, now someone whom I can proudly address as my fiancée.
We stayed at one of the best shopping areas in Seoul, Myeongdong. The shops available sell almost everything that we can think of, from the most fashionable clothes to the vast array of skincare products for men and women alike. To top it off, there’re lots of heavenly food around, such as the infamous Myeongdong Gyoza. Believe us - we’ve been to this place for our meals at least 3 times during our stay. Yes it’s that good.
Although we know we could satisfy most of our shopping desires in Myeongdong alone, I know this trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting other areas in town. We went on to other shopping havens such as Dongdaemun, where we can literally shop till we drop since it’s open till 4am in the morning, Ewha University area where fashion goods are sold at reasonable prices, and Hongik University shopping area as well, where we visited the renowned Coffee Prince Café. To take a break from the non-stop shopping endeavours we had, we visited Samcheongdong – this place is simply marvellous. Despite the upslope walk sometimes, we found it totally enjoyable. We were amazed at how well they’ve maintained residential estates of traditional Korean houses and the peace and serenity of this place.
Soon, the big day arrived, 28th May 2011 – the day which I planned my proposal for my then-girlfriend with the help of Director Shin from Lotte World. Prior to this trip, we’ve been communicating via emails and calls to finalize details, and to make sure all preparation is complete. This is also the first time we’ve visited Lotte World and I must say, they’ve indeed raised the benchmark for my definition of an awesome themepark. It was none like what I’ve seen, having an indoor and outdoor section to cater to what different visitors seek – be it thrill for young teenagers to joy for families looking to spend a day out together. I swear I nearly wanted to jump on the rides immediately because they’re so attractive and looks promising of much fun and laughter, but I knew I had a more important mission to accomplish before all these – the proposal. I’ll leave the recollection of the magical day to my fiancée, Valencia, who till this day, still smiles sweetly looking through our photos, and at her ring.
Valencia:
"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" - quote from Romeo & Juliet, Act 2 Scene 2.
This was the exact feelings I had - except that instead of standing on a balcony, I was sitting on a beautifully designed swan float. Nervously, I kept turning my head in all directions in search of my beau. As the float moved forward through the weekend crowd, I was trying to mask my embarrassment by waving slightly to the audience. Being in a foreign land without understanding Korean, I felt warmly welcomed with the camera flashes and the smiles on their faces.
"Fighting" said the host to me with her fists clenched and smiling widely at me. I smiled back and felt relieved that the float has stopped in the middle of the audience seats. With the support from the sweet host, I felt boosted with courage to stand up on the float and looking around for my boyfriend, anxiously.
The dancers stepped down from the float and started dancing to the music on the ground. I was swaying to the music along with the host till a surprising slideshow was screened.
There it was the photo of us - my partner and me. Tears of joy burst out uncontrollably as I listened attentively to the speech delivered by Minsiang. Even though, the wordings were in Korean, the screams of happiness from the crowd was exhilarating. The host was looking at me intensely and said to me - "ah... Our future lady..." sending excitement to me.
When the slideshow is over, he walks out with fresh pink roses and the proposal ring. My heart was in a flutter and tears refused to stop flowing out. The cheering from the crowd made me feel like a blushing bride. Mr Shin and his crew were busy snapping photos of us as Minsiang came forth to me.
"will you marry me?"
How could any girl resist such a pleasant surprise proposal? Almost immediately, I saw the smiles on everyone face and knew that they share the same feeling as me. I nodded and blushed. He came onboard and joined me. Many photos were taken for us to keep as fond memories. The videographer has been very professional in taking down the entire proposal.
The float brought us to a restaurant where we have a mini march in with the dancers lined up at both sides of the entrance Friendly and approachable Mr Shin was in great smiles when the proposal was successful. Guiding us to our table was Mr Shin and the crew, not forgetting Loli and Lola - the perfect couple mascots that have been so spontaneous in participating in the surprise planned by the management and my boyfriend.
28th May 2011 - a day we will never forget. A day where I have received many well wishes from the amicable locals. A day where I had my memorable proposal - that made me feel like a royal princess.
Thank you Lotte world, Mr Shin and the team, the crowd who witnessed the proposal for your warm greetings.
The following day came when we had to say goodbye to Korea, where we have had so much fun, laughter, joy and magical moments. We were once again reluctant to leave and really can’t wait till we visit again, for we know how much this place amazes us and more importantly, this is the place we’ll always remember for our perfect proposal.
Reason why I chose to propose in Korea
First of all, we love this place since our first visit to the place. Secondly, I know my fiancée has always loved sweet memories and would want to have a magical and memorable proposal. I, too, want to give her a very sweet and pleasant proposal. Most important of all, I want to make her feel like a princess on this very magical day. Having the proposal set in a theme park, to me, is a very magical event, and even more so, Lotte World is one of the best theme parks I’ve seen from all my research done online and I’m truly amazed and proved my point correct when I visited this place. So Lotte World is the perfect magical place in my mind for this proposal ceremony, and I believe to be hers as well.
Profile
Min Siang, Loy.(민샹)
22 July 1985, Singapore, Associate Consultant (Banking Industry)
Valencia, Lin(발렌시아)
29 August 1984, Singapore, Product Controller (Banking Industry)
We’ve been to Korea once last year and we totally fell in love with this place. Everything here, be it food, fashion, technology, entertainment, scenery, weather, climate, fits our taste perfectly. Also, over the years, we’ve grown to like Korea dramas and are always captivated by the music performed by modern singers, boy-bands and girl-bands. Therefore we told ourselves we would want to come back to Korea again definitely. And even more so after this trip, we’ll love to once again travel to Korea, and I’m sure we’ll definitely be back.
