By Honorary Reporter Salsabila Zagia Putri from Indonesia

Photos = Salsabila Zagia Putri

Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, has spread widely worldwide, especially to Indonesia. Korea Tourism Organization data say the number of Indonesians who visited Korea jumped from around 80,000 in 2008 to more than 230,000 in 2017.

Yet people in Indonesia can experience traditional and modern Korea at home. Jeju Park, built inside the tourism park Karangresik in Tasikmalaya, West Java, offers a traditional and modern Korean environment. Admission is just IDR 35,000 (USD 2.40) and allows activities like Hanbok rentals.

I found the park overall great and clean. It is located near a big river and the many trees there give it a refreshing feeling and provides beautiful scenery, especially in the morning or afternoon. The buildings and decorations are made as close to the real ones in Korea, thus Jeju Park is great for those unable to visit Korea because of COVID-19.

Most of the visitors I saw there took photos and videos. While walking near a corner with cardboard cutouts of BTS, I heard a group of people saying the members' names while pointing to the cutouts. I also saw couples were wearing Hanbok walking around and snapping pictures.

Thus I highly recommend this place for a visit on a holiday or a day off. It's the next best thing to visiting Korea (albeit in a smaller size).  

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.