Photo Credit: China Trekking.comhttp://www.chinatrekking.com/destinations/yunnan/luoping
2008 Official Site of Korea Tourism:
"The Jeju Glass Castle opened on October 22 in Jeju-si Hangyeong-myeon, presenting all types of glasses, the production process, and the history of the world’s glass arts. This glass art theme park is the first of its kind in Korea, as it offers a glass arts exhibition that has over 250 glass artworks from all around the world on display, along with a garden, a labyrinth, and walls that have been entirely made out of glass.
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The Glass Castle also provides a variety of experience programs at the exhibition hall and the experience hall of the main building, where you can make and take home your very own glass jewels, balloons, and bottles. However, rates for the experience programs are not included in the admission fees, so you will have to pay an additional fee for the program of your choice (5,000 won ~ 30,000 won) before participating."
November 21, 2008. Accessed November 21, 2009. http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?nCategoryID=1&SearchType=&keyword=&gotoPage=1&cid=655907&cCode=&nCategoryID=&searchType=&searchKeyword=
2008 Jim Saunders:
"Upon entering one of Jeju’s newest tourist attractions, the Glass Castle, the striking similarities with Loveland will soon become readily apparent. It’s as if the business model that sustains Loveland has been picked up and plonked down again somewhere else on the island. Only this time the sexually explicit sculptures have been exchanged for tasteful works of art made from glass.
The Glass Castle contains six themed areas with some 350 works on display, and a walking course around the attraction that follows a predetermined route. A mirror maze, tunnel of jewels and eternal ring are highlights, as is the glass heart - if only to see the endless rows of couples lining up to have their photograph taken alongside. Indoor exhibition halls explore the origins of the material and have exquisite Venetian items from Italy for viewing.
The upper floors of the large multi-colored, main building, are seen on the way out, providing a chance to buy some glass fashioned items. There are hands-on experience studios in which artists cover a wide range of glass making techniques. Visitors can craft their creations into items such as necklaces and earrings with prices starting at around 5,000 won (increasing to 40,000 won or more).
Despite the large number of visitors many chose not to join in the studio experience, which is a shame given how unique it is to the island. Many press their noses against a window to observe the work in progress, but none put down money to try it themselves. However, after considering a hefty 9,000 won tourist admission fee (6,500 won with alien card discount) and a further 10,000 won to make anything of worth it an expensive stop on a day’s itinerary. Factor in a whole family and prices spiral even higher.
The obligatory presence of Jeju’s Dolharubang in glass form then, leads to the conclusion that the attraction is almost exclusively for visiting Korean tourists from the mainland. This is further reinforced by a lack of English translation and busy car park full of rental cars and tour buses bearing the name of a mainland province.
The Glass Castle may not be as much fun as Loveland (and it is smaller). But it is worth at least one visit, day or night. Especially with the Spirited Garden, Peace Museum, and Ghengis Khan show all within a short drive to lengthen out a stay in the often under visited western interior of Jeju island."
Saunders, J. "New tourist attraction goes with a glass theme." Jeju Life blog. January 26, 2009. Accessed November 21, 2009. http://jejulife.net/2009/01/26/glass-castle-opens-for-hands-on-experience-jeju-south-korea/
Photos: http://chabhie14.multiply.com/photos/album/58/Jeju_Glass_Castle_South_Korea
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