Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018

Games Period: 9 - 25 February 2018 (17 days)
Venue Location: PyeongChang, Gangneung, Jeongseon

[Introduction]
The XXIII Olympic Winter Games will be held for 17 days from 9 to 25 February 2018 in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, the Republic of Korea. PyeongChang was selected as the host city of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games after receiving a majority vote at the 123rd IOC Session held on 6 July 2011 after three consecutive bids. The Olympic Winter Games will be held in Korea for the first time in 30 years after the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. PyeongChang will be the stage for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and most snow sports. Alpine speed events will take place in Jeongseon, and all ice sports will be competed in the coastal city of Gangneung.

[Vision]
The world’s best athletes will compete on Asia’s centre stage to launch New Horizons in winter sports and create a sustainable legacy for Gangwon Province and the Republic of Korea.

[Goals of PyeongChang 2018]

• The Olympic Games without language barriers will be realized through the world’s best automatic interpretation and translation technologies.
• We will reinforce cooperation so that we can promote the ICT and related convergence industries and tourism in Korea.

[Slogan]

Passion.Connected.

Passion.Connected refers to a world in which everyone is connected with shared passion for winter sports, a world open to any generation anywhere, anytime, to open new horizons in the continued growth of winter sports.

'Passion' means a very strong feeling, affection and something one is fond of. PyeongChang is a place of global festivals that inspires each other and symbolises a place where Koreans share their warm affection. It also expresses the Olympic spirit and the warm heartedness of Koreans.

'Connected' means to link, join, combine, bridge , and understand. PyeongChang is a place where all generations can participate and inspire each other anytime and anywhere through Korea’s innovative technology and cultural convergence, and it means opening a new horizon for a new beginning, a harmonized world and the Olympic Winter Games.

[Emblem]

The emblem symbolises a world open to everyone. It combines the image of ice and snow, winter sports stars (athletes), and people from all over the world, coming together in PyeongChang where heaven meets earth.

[Sports]

Athletes taking part in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 will compete in 102 events in 15 sport disciplines. The Games will be the first ever Olympic Winter Games with over 100 gold medals.

In particular, 6 new events such as Snowboard Big Air (men, women), Speed Skating Mass Start (men, women), Curling Mixed Doubles, Alpine Skiing Team Event will be added to the programme. PyeongChang 2018 will also be the stage for the greatest number of women’s and mixed events in the history of Olympic Winter Games.

[Mascot]

Soohorang, the mascot of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 took its motif from white tiger, which has been long considered Korea’s guardian animal. “Sooho”, meaning protection in Korean, symbolises protection offered to the athletes, spectators and other participants in the 2018 Games. “Rang” comes from the middle letter of “Ho-rang-i”, the Korean word for “Tiger”, and is also the last letter of “Jeong-seon A-ri-rang”, a cherished traditional folk song of Gangwon Province, where the Games will be held. Soohorang not only has a dauntless spirit and passion but also is a trustworthy friend who protects the athletes, spectators and all participants in the Olympic Games.

Korean Marts in Kuala Lumpur

Korean marts (한인마트) were blooming in the neighborhood where I stayed. In the neighborhood itself, from existing 4 Korean marts, it has grown up to 9 Korean marts till to-date. 4 in Desa Sri Hartamas and 4 in Mont' Kiara & Solaris Mont' Kiara. If add in the other 6 Korean Marts in Ampang, Total 15 Korean Marts in KL till today.

Overall, almost all those basic Korean food product that generally needed for Korean cooking and living can be found in all Korean Marts above. The only difference is each Korean Mart have their own preference range of products and brands which they are selling.

Desa Sri Hartamas 데사스리 하타마스

(1) Seoul Mart 서울 마트

One of the pioneer Korean Mart in Desa Sri Hartamas that has been operate for more than a decade. I frequent Seoul Mart as most of the items I am looking for can be obtain here - from veggie, meat, kimchi, instant food, snacks, frozen foods, beauty care, cosmetic to various household items. They also selling ready to go food such as kimbap or steam wang-mandu (dumplings), or tteok (sticky rice). Delivery service available for purchase above RM300 (Thanks Soo Hwei for the info). 

Address: 27, Jalan 23/70a, Plaza Crystal Ville Centre, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-6201 3060

(2) Lotte Mart 롯데 마트

Just two blocks away from Seoul Mart, located same row as Pelita Nasi Kandar, Lotte Mart is also another pioneer Korean Mart in town operate for many years in Desa Sri Hartamas. We would grab some sales items here sometimes especially ramyeon.  

Address: 26G, Jalan 25/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2300 2400

(3) Lee Mart 이 마트

New Korean mart open around a years ago. The mart name was E-Mart when they first open. Later rename to Lee Mart probably due to copyright issue. Although there are already 3 Korean marts nearby (all are within few hundred meters distance). Lee Mart still have it's regular customers, each time I pass by they do have customer inside. Lee-Mart located same row as 99 speed mart, KFC or next to the Korean living products shop (see no.5).  

Address: Jalan 26a/70a, Plaza Prisma, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03 2859 9358

(4) Kedai Bekalan Hidup & Rumati 생활용품매장

The shop first caught my attention with the "odd" Malay words at the signboard "Kedai Bekalan Hidup & Rumati". Does anyone knows the meaning of Rumati? Anyway, this is a living and life supply shop. The shop is like a mini Namdaemun. You can find all sorts of living supply such as socks, beauty items, toiletries, quilts and mats, kitchen utensils, bowls pots plates, kpop items, even souvenirs here.

Address: 15, Jalan 26a/70a, Plaza Prisma, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel.: 03 6201 8900

Mont' Kiara & Solaris Mont' Kiara (몽키아라 & 솔라리스)

(5) NH Mart | 농협관 마트

Galaxy Korean Mart has converted into NH Mart in Nov'16, where you can find imported agriculture and halal products in NH Mart. One of the large scale Korean Mart located inside Plaza Mont' Kiara. Block E, Lower ground. NH Mart (previously Galaxy Mart) can be access from carpark at Level B1 as well. They have 3 reserved parking lots for their customers (30 minutes limit time) which I like the most as sometimes it is hard to find parking at plaza MK. One of the great deal I would grab here is they are selling big bulk of spring onion at RM3 only. More photos about NH Mart - Click HERE. 

*Delivery service available if purchase above RM100 (Mont' Kiara Area) or above RM1000 (outside Mont' Kiara Area) - Thanks Soo Hwei for the info!

Address: EOG-01 & EOG-04, Plaza Mont' Kiara, Jalan Kiara, Mont' Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel.: 03-6201 4989 / 03-6201 3690

(6) Kim's Mart 킴스마트

Kim's Mart used to be the one and only Korean Mart available at Tanjung Tokong, Penang (Year 2008 on-wards). The mart later has sold to other Korean expats and the owner couple move to KL and open their first Kim's Mart Desa Sri Hartamas. Later they shifted to Solaris Mont' Kiara and the first Kim's Mart has become the current Top Mart. Kim's Mart is another large scale Korean mart in town. The mart has an attached Korean street food corner known as "I love Topokki".

We like to purchase pork meat for Korean BBQ use at the butchery section as the price is reasonable and a lot of variety. Kim't Mart give 2% cash rebate of total purchase (except pork meat) where you can accumulate the rebates and claim it later. 

Address: No. 11, Jalan Solaris 2, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur 

Tel.: +60 3-6203 7500

(7) K-Market 케이마캣

K Market is another new large scale Korean Mart open last year January. Most of the products brands that selling here are different from other Korean Marts. Some in-trend items that  I couldn't find in other Korean mart can be get here. K-market also provide 30 minutes reserved parking lots in front of the mart for customer's convenient. 

K-Market also give 2% of instant rebate of total purchase. For those who unable to visit K-Market, K-Market is available online too through HappyFresh & 11th Street. K-Market is located at the rear of Soho KL building. Just walk across from Kim's Mart towards entrance to basement carpark towards the rear of the building on your right, you will see K-Market standing signboard just few meters away. 

Address: J-G-10 & J-G-11, Ground Floor, Solaris Mont Kiara, Jalan Solaris, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel.: 03-6206 3352

Website: www.facebook.com/kmarketmalaysia/?fref=ts

(8) Shin Shun Mi Mart 신선미 마캣

Shin Shun Mi Market can be spot on your right when you enter to Solaris Mont Kiara, same row with CIMB, right below Daorae Plus. We normally will hop in and browse around after dine in at Daorae Plus to get some Korean ice-cream as our dessert after dinner. Shin Shun Mi Market is first open their store at Ampang - Korean Town and recently open their third branch in Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru.

Address: 7, Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur,

Tel.: 03 6206 5654

Website: shinsunmiko.cafe24.com/

Ampang 암팡

(9) Phil Market 필마트 

I still remember I bought our first Korean earth-ware and culinary sets here at Phil Mart during my first visit in year 2008. Phil Mart is one of the pioneer Korean mart in Ampang where husband and I would grab something whenever we are here at Ampang. Their item price are much lower price compare to all the Korean Marts I visit before. 

Address: 1, Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1, Taman Ampang Utama 68000 Ampang, Selangor

Tel.: 03-4257 8066

(10) Shin Shun Mi Mart, Ampang 신선미 마캣 (암팡)

Shin Shun Mi Market in Ampang is the largest Korean Mart in Ampang area. They are the first Korean Mart in Klang Valley which have a snack corner selling Korean street food before Kim's Marts in Solaris Mon't Kiara. We used satisfy our cravings of tteokbokki and kimbap here as it is not expensive and delicious. Shin Shun Mi Market later expanded to Solaris MK and Johor Bahru recently. 

Address: 14-L1, Ampang Putra Residensi, Jalan Ampang Putra 6, 68000 Ampang, Selangor

Tel.: 03-4256 8989

(11) Galaxy Korean Mart, Ampang | 갤럭시 코리안 마트 (암팡)

I haven't been to Galaxy Korean Mart in Ampang so far. From this interview by local newspaper TheStar, Galaxy Korean Mart has been open for business for a decade (since year 2005) before they open another branch in Plaza Mont' Kiara in 2013. 

Address: 64, Komplex Galaxy Ampang, Jalan Dagang 5, Taman Dagang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor

Tel.: 03-4278 4989

(12) Hanaro Mart 하나로 마트 (암팡)

Another new Korean Mart located just 2 shops away from Hanwoori. Previously the mart was named "Pasaraya Korean Mart" before refurbish and rename to Hanaro Mart.

Address: C-9, G/Floor, Jalan Utama 1/1, One Ampang Avenue, 68000 Ampang, Selangor

Tel.: 03-4256 5595

(13) Lotte Mart (One Ampang Avenue)

About 1 min walk from the street beside Phil Mart, you may find new Korean Mart located at the ground floor of the 4-storey shoplots. Same row with Nak-won Korean BBQ Restaurant.  

Address: A-15-1-1, Jalan Ampang Utama 2/2, One Ampang Avenue, 68000 Ampang

Tel.: 03-4257 7788

(14) Living and Life Sdn. Bhd. 생활용품매장

Similar to no.5, this is another Korean shop selling living and life products such as Korean fashion accessories, household items, Korean food and etc in Ampang. Located right next to San Nae Duel Korean Restaurant, Ampang.

Address: No. G-13, Jalan Dagang B/3A Taman Dagang, 68000, Ampang, Selangor

Tel.: 03-4270 2624

Best Korean Restaurants in KL

Few years ago, K-POP suddenly became such a trend that everyone wanted a piece of it. From K fashion to buying the cheesiest merchandise one can find; K-POP influenced most teenagers. Today fashion and music have gone a level below as many people are looking for the newest trend – Korean food. Adhering to the growing demand, many Korean restaurants have emerged with the hopes of bringing their authentic cuisine to Malaysia: however, not all have been successful. With that said, here is a list of the defending champions who have placed a firm foothold in the Korean food scene in Kuala Lumpur.

Namoo on the Park

Namoo Korean Dessert Café & Bistro takes pride in their ability in combining authentic Korean food with Western cuisine. Taking traditional elements like bulgogi beef and putting them into Western elements like tacos, is simply mind-blowing. One of their most well-known sections, ‘Just Rice Burgers’, is a great hit amongst young people. Though there are only a few ‘Just Rice Burgers’ available, they compensate by giving such diverse flavour. Assorted cakes and Korean-style sticky cakes sure know how to offer a delightful climax. Kudos to them for bringing their own take into Korean cuisine!

Daorae Garden Korean BBQ Restaurant

Being one of the largest chain restaurants for Korean food in Malaysia, you can be ensured that Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant has some form of quality and standard. The original founder of this chain restaurant is a Korean chef who had an aim to bring Korean culture into Malaysia. Over the years, this restaurant has gained recognition for its ability to maintain its ranking, while keeping true to its standards. Choices are plenty and for those who are on a budget, do check out their set meals. Also, the interior is spacious, beautiful and pleasantly lid to embrace that authentic Korean essence.

 

Paniya Korean Teppan BBQ

Like many other Korean restaurants, Paniya Korean Teppan BBQ offers the standard Korean BBQ, but with an added value of teppanyaki as well. This will allow the customers to enjoy the best of both worlds, without the need to visit two different places. However, what's more important would be the quality and taste of their BBQ, which quite fortunately, is pretty good. The teppanyaki part of this restaurant lies within the dakgalbi, which is one of their signature dishes as well. 

Uncle Jang

Back when Uncle Jang first came out, everyone was raving about it. After all, the term 'dakgalbi' has been quite a hit in Korean dramas, and has since incepted the minds of innocent Malaysian. Unlike most of the common Korean restaurant, Uncle Jang Dakgalbi or rather, the term 'dakgalbi' means stir-fry. Chicken thighs, vegetables, Korean rice cakes, rice and even instant noodles are some of the common ingredients found in dakgalbi, and those are what makes it really special. Patrons can bring over their friends and family, rejoice the sizzling meal while having a moment of togetherness. 

Palsaik Korean BBQ

For those who love a good Korean BBQ, here is the place for you to head to! Palsaik Korean BBQ has definitely elevated the standard of Korean BBQ in Malaysia. Using an eight colour system, this restaurant is well-known for their ‘Colour in Food Therapy’, which projects the 8 different flavours of pork belly. The best part is all colours offer distinctive flavours that are equally delicious too. So for all those pork lovers out there, you know where to head to! For a refreshing end to your meal, they also serve a range of lemon and citron teas. 

KyoChon

KyoChon is known as Korean’s KFC, except much healthier and fresher. Supported by a K-Pop group, Super Junior, KyoChon has definitely attracted fans of all ages; however, it’s not just the music that has caught public attention. KyoChon prides themselves for staying true to their original stand of using Soy Garlic glaze to cook their chicken, and this has set them apart in the food industry. Promising to only use 100% natural ingredients, you can be sure that KyoChon fried chicken is a healthy and wise option. For a more fulfilling meal, check out their range of fried rice. 

Pyongyang Koryo Restaurant

This establishment is said to be the only North Korean restaurant in the entire region of KL. For those who want to know how North Korean lifestyle would be like, this is definitely a place to check out. Pyongyang Koryo also offers performances every night to bring in their culture into our country. With a night of entertainment and exposure to a different culture as well as gastronomic goodness, head over to this restaurant with your entire entourage. Also, do check out their cold dishes and authentic beverages that are also considered as medicine.



Aka Raka

If you’re looking for a new place to hang out, then Aka Raka is the spot for you, especially for Korean food buffs. Headed by an experienced chef, Aka Raka ensures that no matter what, customers will get fresh and delicious food. The real deal here is the sheer spread of meats, seafood and vegetables that are meticulously marinated before hitting the grill. Another scoring point is the complementing sides as well as Korean beers. If you're coming in with a voracious appetite, their affordable lunch buffet is tailor-made for you.



Jung Won Korean BBQ Restaurant

Jung Won Korean BBQ Restaurant is one of the most well-hidden restaurants in KL. But the best part is it never fails to draw over a decent crowd. The restaurant resembles to the setting of a small village, with their koy pond and small garden. The theme of the place brings you back to the early ages of traditional South Korea, rather a respite from the hectic urban jungle. The venue is perfect for those looking to spread the love of traditional Korean cuisine, as the food is on par with the background.



San Nae Deul

San Nae Deul has been awhile for quite some time and they're pretty much everywhere. It's also one of the most standard Korean place to be, where they serve a wide range of Korean dishes as well as BBQ buffet. Apart from the constant promotion that you'll get from them, their BBQ option on its own are pretty solid as well. From spicy marinated pork belly to seafood pancake, as well as a series of imported Korean drinks and soju, there's just so much to try!



688 Korean Restaurant

688 Korean Restaurant is a great place to be if you're in the mood for some authentic Korean food or BBQ. Located in Ampang, the only downside to this place would be the horrendous parking. Aside from that, almost everything that is served in 688 Korean Restaurant are absolutely delicious. They also offer quite an array of cuts for their BBQ section, while their ala-carte meals are pretty on point too. For those who are feeling generous, why not have a bottle of soju to compliment? Certainly the best match under the Korean food scene.