"The train will soon be arriving at Seoul Station. Passengers getting off at Seoul, thank you for riding with us today, and have a pleasant trip." Through this train announcement, my trip started.
The subway ticket from Seoul Station to Ungil-san Station was quite expensive. However, full of new hope, I started my trip to a new place. I transferred at Yong-san Station and approximately one hour later, I finally arrived at Ungil-san Station.
I was shocked when I got off the subway and saw the huge scale of Ungil-san Station. It is one of the biggest subway stations I have ever seen. I was surprised again because there was a mountain, paddy fields, and dry fields, despite it not being a rural area, but one of the metropolitan areas in Korea.
In front of Ungil-san Station, there was a tiny shuttle bus bound for KOFIC (Korea Film Council) Namyangju Studios. I took a bus and met a very kind bus driver, who was a typical elderly Korean man. He kindly welcomed me and asked where I was going, and he stopped close to the studio.
Actually, this was my second time to visit a film studio. When I was an elementary school student, I visited Universal Studios in the United States with my family. At that time, I was so surprised that there were so many background sets that I had only seen in the movies.
Near the entrance of the studio, there was a high hill. After climbing the hill for ten minutes, I saw a big signboard welcoming me. KOFIC Namyangju Studios is one of the only places in Asia where film-makers can shoot movies without having to wait for a long time. Ordinary people can make a film, and then post-production can be done in one session there. There are various outdoor sets, indoor studios, camera equipment, lighting systems, costumes, and props for movies.
The most famous movie made in this studio is Joint Security Area; the main characters of the movie are famous Korean movie stars, Lee Byung-hun, Song Gang-ho, and Lee Young-ae. It is a human drama and the story is about South and North Korean. Most of the scenes were shoot at the Joint Security Area of Panmunjeom. I could see the real set used for the movie, which was much like Panmunjeom, at the studio.
In addition, I saw many traditional Korean village sets from the Chosun Dynasty and Goryeo Dynasty. In addition, there are various kinds of movie museums such as a movie history museum and museums containing miniatures, accessories, and props.
I would summarize it as an unforgettable traveling place for you to spend your free time with your family or friends. If you are interested in movies, KOFIC Namyangju Studios has many attractive things to enjoy. I am sure that anyone who wants to find something new, like hidden treasures in your life, will like this place a lot. Go there and enjoy your time! Seeing is believing!
