Advantages Of Led Aquarium Lights

LED aquarium lights are very common today. When they emerged, people preferred them for nighttime illumination. Today, they seem to be their preference for the whole day aquarium lighting. There are many factors influencing their new taste and preference. First, all of you know that LED bulbs are energy saving. They consume a reasonable amount of power without compromising the quality of light they emit. In fact, they consume only thirty percent of energy; thus, they save about seventy percent.

What is more, these bulbs can last for several years if you handle them carefully. In other words, they can continue being the main source of illumination in your aquarium for up to five years. In addition, they do not have the common overheating problem that most ordinary bulbs have. They generate almost insignificant heat, and that is why they last longer. Despite that, you can make use of a fan to expel heat. If you do nothing, the water in the tank will absorb this temperature and this would tamper with the correct living conditions for fish.

Another detail that makes these corms admirable is their appearance in terms of color and shapes. According to most previous users, these items are also very customizable. Although they have several benefits to them, there are a few issues you need to know first. One of the things you should discover is how people choose their LED aquarium lights. There are special requirements for various types of aquatic tanks. For example, you could have freshwater fish that naturally live in rivers and lakes.

They are the famous tropical fish too, including the guppies and cichlids. There are freshwater plants as well. Saltwater animals and fish commonly available in the oceans are other examples. They include the sharks, sea stars and cucumbers and so on. If you want to keep and nurture them properly, then you would have to introduce saline water and suitable lighting source to the aquarium. Another type available includes the reef tanks, featuring not just the fish, but also living corals, sand and so on.

Finally, what you have at home could be brackish water fish that can survive in both fresh and saline water habitats. Usually, when choosing the best LED illumination for them, you would have to know what would be best lights for freshwater animals. Aquarium lighting is generally a complex subject, requiring you to read widely so that you can understand all the requirements. According to some experts in this field, you must focus on the watts per gallon of water that the tank holds.

Other factors include the PAR, lumens per watt, plant light requirements and so on. If you are looking to buy the right bulbs, try LED green styles. These are recyclable and they are made of a strong polycarbonate tube. This means that they have a low risk of breaking compared to glass bulbs. Moreover, this material is water-resistant when you place the light bulb beneath the water in the aquariums. Above all, led aquarium lights are very safe and they cannot put your pets or even you at any risk.

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Bollywood Movie Review and latest Moive Wallpapers-Ringtones

Bollywood Movie Review

Frankly speaking, there's zilch hype for TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO. Even though its principal stars, Ajay Devgn and Kajol, have gone out of their way to promote their new film, even though Eros has left no stone unturned to promote the film, for some strange, inexplicable reason, the film isn't on the 'must watch' list of die-hard movie addicts. Sure, there's awareness for the film, but not the type that would compel you to watch it first day, first show. But never judge a book by its cover and never judge a movie by its poster. TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO may not be the most satisfying and gratifying movie experience you've had, but the film at least makes an effort to go where Hindi films have been before. Twenty-two years ago, Robert Zemeckis gave moviegoers WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, which is talked about to this date. It was one of the initial motion pictures that depicted animated film characters interact with human beings. But it took years of development, preparation, research and homework for the makers of TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO to integrate animation with live action. Thankfully, the effort is worth it. Bollywood actor Aditya Kumar [Ajay Devgn] leads the perfect life: He has a doting wife in Priya [Kajol] and two adorable kids. But his children want him to be their hero not just on screen, but in real life as well. He can't do any of his own stunts, that's why gets stunt doubles, but he has to find a way which will make him look like a real-life hero in front of his children. Aditya finds an opportunity to become his kids' hero when he somehow lands in his kids' favorite cartoon show, Toonpur,where he must work with the Devtoons [good guys] to fight the Toonasurs [bad guys].

Bollywood News

It's the post-interval portions that do a complete turnaround. In fact, the film actually takes off in this hour and I must add, it has several moments that keep your attention arrested. For instance, the song with Rubdoot is appealing and so is the confrontation with the villain, Jugaro. The climax leaves you with mixed feelings. It holds your interest in bits and spurts, not in entirety. TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO could've been an invigorating experience from start to end if it was backed by a watertight screenplay. The writing just doesn't complement the animation, which, in my opinion, is path-breaking by Indian standards. The visual excellence aside, the film doesn't engage you in entirety and that's a shortcoming. The music [Anu Malik] is pleasant and easy on the ears. 'Jeetoge Tum' stays with you; it's a motivational track. However, the picturisation of the songs is better,with a good integration of live with animation Kajol doesn't really get scope, but she handles her part well. Veteran Tanuja appears in one sequence. Child artiste Amey does well. The animated characters, especially Bolly, Guppy and the villain's moll, are most noticeable. On the whole, TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO is a delightful and endearing kiddie movie. It has an engaging narrative [second half mainly], neat performances and adorable animated characters. The real stars are the technicians [who created the animated characters], the director [Kireet Khurana] and of course, its lead man [Ajay Devgn] who pulled off a technically remarkable achievement of having humans and animated film characters interact with each other. Revisit your childhood while watching this one!

Bollywood Wallpapers

Because of its rising popularity, the search for Bollywood wallpaper on the internet has also increased, and many websites now have an abundance of Bollywood wallpaper available for you to download.
Bollywood Volume is one of the top spots for the newest Bollywood wallpaper featuring the hottest Bollywood actors and actresses. You'll also find past selections of Bollywood wallpaper archived, and Bollywood wallpaper of movies and other Bollywood celebrities

Bollywood Ringtones

Free Bollywood ringtones are available from many Web sites and service providers. They are mainly targeted at Indians, Indians living abroad and of course those who simply enjoy Bollywood music. You need to register at these sites and select the Bollywood ringtone that you like. The portal will send you the ringtone via SMS text messaging, which you can then save as your personalized ringtone. You could also save songs from your computer's hard drive directly onto your phone and use it as a ringtone, as long as your phone is compatible with polyphonic tunes and real tone sounds.

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FAQ About UV Pond Filters

1. Is an ultraviolet light a filter? Yes, as far as the definition of filter goes. A filter is a device that removes unwanted material from liquid, gas, light or sound. Ultraviolet light removes harmful bacteria such a pathogens from the water. In the case of algae or planktonic spores, the UV light would act more like a transformer than a filter. The UV light transforms the live algae spores into dead algae spores; it does not filter them out.

2. Do I need an ultraviolet light in my pond? Some ponds need a UV light and some do not. If you have a small pond with a few guppies or mosquito fish, and it is 50% covered with hyacinth, water lettuce, or lilies, and it is being aerated by a fountain or waterfall, the answer is: No! If you have many fish, few plants, and a cheap bio-filter, yes, a UV light would help a great deal. Most large ponds of 20,000 gallons or more tend to be more stable biologically and nature's hydrogen cycle keeps everything in check.
3. Does the UV light kill beneficial bacteria? You probably ask that question because some liner pond guy told you, or you read it on his website, that it does. Well, it does not. Beneficial bacteria are not floating around with the algae spores and pathogens. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, nitrobacter, and other bacteria are busy working and doing what they do. They live on the surface of things in the pond and in the rotting debris on the bottom of the pond, breaking down nitrites into nitrates and nitrogen, and breaking down ammonium into ammonia gas. Ultraviolet light does, however, kill the microscopic animals such as the rotifers and daphnia which each planktonic algae ("pea soup" algae). However, the UV light is taking care of those too, anyway.
4. What size should I get? Ultraviolet lights are sized by watts and the number of watts you need is determined by the size pond you have. You should move the entire volume of the pond through the filter and UV light at least every three hours, and ideally every 1.5 hours. If you have a 1000-gallon pond, you need a 1,500 gallon per hour pump. So you would need to get a UV light that is rated to handle 1,500 gallons per hour passing through it.

5. Which is the best UV light to purchase? Do your homework. Do not just compare the prices of the unit. Compare warranties and replacement bulb prices. Find out the flow rates and the amount of time that water is exposed to the UV light. What is the lamp life rating? Is it U.L. listed? Is it made of UV resistant materials? Is the power supply easy to disconnect? Is the lamp easy to remove? Does it have a lamp lens wiper so it can be cleaned without taking the fixture apart? Is the transformer located on the cord and no t on the UV light body? Does it come with unions for easy disconnection from the system for maintenance? Buy a model that has the clear inspection cap so you can see at a glance if the lamp is working.

6. Where do I install the UV light in the system? The UV light should be installed after the bio-filter. This way, you are running filtered water through the fixture and it will stay clean longer.

7. How long should a bulb last? If you keep it clean (once a week), it should last for 18 months. This is all the more reason you should be willing to pay the extra $10 to $15 for the wiper model, because the labor would be too intensive if you had to take the fixture apart, remove the quartz lens, clean it, and then reinstall it every week. If you drop it or twist the cap on wrong and break it, it costs $60 to $80 for a new quartz lens. With the wiper model you simply pull a plunger several times and internal wiper acts as a squeegee to clean off the lens. If y ou do not clean the lens regularly, it will only last for a year, not 18 months. You can actually get two years out of your UV light if you turn it off during the winter months when the water is cold and the algae are dormant.

In conclusion I would like to suggest that you can never buy a UV light that is too big, but you can certainly purchase one that is too small!

Watch aHowTo video at YouTube.

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Iron sight

Theory
A sight picture with focus on the front sight; the out of focus gray dot represents the target
In the case of firearms, where the bullet follows a Newtonian trajectory, front and rear sights must be aligned with the line of sight of the shooter, calibrated to the distance of the target and the trajectory of the bullet, so that the bullet hits the target. Iron sights provide horizontal and vertical reference points that allow the shooter to train the weapon.
Rear sights are usually mounted in a dovetail on the barrel or receiver, closer to the eye of the shooter, allowing for easy visual pick-up of the notch. Front sights are mounted to the barrel by dovetailing, sweat soldering, screwing, or staking close to the muzzle, frequently on a ramp. Some front sight assemblies include a detachable hood intended to reduce glare.
With typical blade iron sights, the shooter should center the front post in the notch of the rear sight and the tops of both sights should be level. Since the eye is only capable of focusing on one plane, and the rear sight, front sight, and target are all in separate planes, only one of those three planes can be in focus. Which plane is in focus depends on the type of sight, and one of the challenges to a shooter is to keep the focus on the correct plane to allow for best sight alignment. For a more in-depth look at the relationship between sight alignment and where a bullet will hit, see here: Getting a Sight Picture
Even a tiny error in the angle of sight alignment results in a trajectory that diverges from the target on a trajectory directly relative to the distance from the target, causing the bullet to miss the target; for example with an Olympic 10 metre air rifle shooter trying to hit the 10 ring, which is merely a 0.5 mm diameter dot on the target at 10 meters and with a 4.5 mm diameter pellet, an error of only 0.2 mm in sight alignment can mean a complete miss (a 3 mm point of impact miss). At 1,000 meters, that same 0.2 mm misalignment would be magnified 100 times, giving an error of over 300 mm (1500 times the sight misalignment of 0.2 mm). (Calculations assume a 660 mm sight radius or sighting line) A long sighting line helps to reduce eventual angle errors and will, in case the sight has an incremental adjustment mechanism, adjust in smaller increments when compared to a further identical shorter sighting line.
Sights for shotguns used for shooting small, moving targets (wing shooting or clay shooting) work quite differently. The rear sight is completely discarded, and the rear reference point is provided by the correct and consistent positioning of the shooter's head. A brightly colored (generally brass or silver colored, white, or a fluorescent shade) round bead is placed at the end of the barrel. Often this bead will be placed along a raised, flat rib, which is usually ventilated to keep it cool and reduce mirage effects from a hot barrel. Rather than being aimed like a rifle or handgun, the shotgun is pointedhe focus is always on the target, and the unfocused image of the barrel and bead are placed below the target (the amount below depends on whether the target is rising or falling) and slightly ahead of the target if there is lateral movement. This method of aiming is not as precise as that of a front sight/rear sight combination, but it is much faster, and the wide spre ad of shot allows a hit even if there is some error in aim. Some shotguns also provide a mid-bead, which is a smaller bead located halfway down the rib, which allows more feedback on barrel alignment.
Fixed sights
The earliest and simplest iron sights are fixed and cannot be easily adjusted for variables such as target distance, the effect of wind, or variations between different cartridges. For instance, on many revolvers, the rear sight consists of a groove milled into the top of the gun's receiver. However, many supposedly "non-adjustable" sights can actually be adjusted, for example the rear sight can often be drifted to compensate for windage if it is mounted in a dovetail, or the rear sight or channel mentioned above can be filed on one side to alter its alignment with the front sight. In other cases the front sight can be very carefully bent to offset it to one side, filed down, or the blade can be replaced with one of a different height. Any of the aforementioned techniques will result in a successful change to the firearm's point of impact, however in taxing situations such as these the services of a professional gunsmith would be well advised.
Adjustable sights
A tangent sight on a CZ 452 rimfire rifle, with calibrated markings for ranges out to 300 meters
Many iron sights are designed to be adjustable, so that the sights can be adjusted for windage and elevation. In addition, adjustable sights allow compensation for varying cartridge bullet weights or propellant loadings, which alter the round's velocity and external ballistics and thus its trajectory and point of impact.
Sight adjustments are orthogonal, so the windage can be adjusted without impacting the elevation, and vice versa. If the firearm is held canted instead of level when fired, the adjustments are no longer orthogonal, so it is essential to keep the firearm level for best accuracy.
The most common is a rear sight that adjusts in both directions, though military rifles often have a tangent sight in the rear, which a slider on the rear sight has pre-calibrated elevation adjustments for different ranges. With tangent sights, the rear sight is often used to adjust the elevation, and the front the windage. The M16A2 later M16 series rifles have a dial adjustable range calibrated rear sight, and use an elevation adjustable front sight to "zero" the rifle at a given range. The rear sight is used for windage adjustment and to change the zero range.
Types of sights
A selection of open sights, and one aperture sight suitable for use with long eye relief: A) U-notch and post, B) Patridge, C) V-notch and post, D) express, E) U-notch and bead, F) V-notch and bead, G) trapezoid, H) ghost ring. The gray dot represents the target.
Iron sights are broken into two basic categories that include most types. Open sights use a notch of some sort as the rear sight, while aperture sights use a circular hole. Wing and clay-shooting shotgun sights are called shotgun beads, or simply beads.
Open sights
Open sights generally are used where the rear sight is at significant distance from the shooter's eye. They provide minimum occlusion of the shooter's view, but at the expense of precision. Open sights generally use either a square post or a bead on a post for a front sight. The post or bead is placed in the rear sight notch, and the target is placed above and centered on the aligned sights. From the shooter's point of view, there should be a noticeable space between each side of the front sight and the edges of the notch; the spaces are called light bars, and the brightness of the light bars provides the shooter feedback as to the alignment of the post in the notch. Vertical alignment is done by lining up the top of the front post with the top of the rear sight, or by placing the bead just above the bottom of the V or U-notch. If the post is not centered in the V or U notch, the shot will not be accurate. If the post extends over the V or U-notch it will result in a hi gh shot. If the post does not reach the top of the V or U-notch it will result in a low shot.
Patridge sights consisting of a square or rectangular post and a flat-bottomed square notch are the most common form of open sights and are preferred for target shooting, as the majority of shooters find the vertical alignment is more precise than other open sights. V-notch and U-notch sights are a variant of the patridge which substitute a 'V' or 'U' shaped rear notch.
Other common open sight types include the buckhorn, semi-buckhorn, and express. Buckhorn sights have extensions protruding from either side of the rear sight forming a large ring which almost meets directly above the 'V' of the notch. The semi-buckhorn is similar but has a wider gently curving notch with the more precise 'V' at its center and is standard on classic Winchester and Marlin lever-action rifles. Express sights are most often used on heavy caliber rifles intended for the hunting of dangerous big game, and are in the form of a wide and large 'V' with a heavy white contrast line marking its bottom and a big white or gold bead front sight. In cases where the range is close and speed far outweighs accuracy (e.g. the shooter is being charged by a Cape Buffalo), the front sight is used like a shotgun bead; the rear sight is ignored, and the bead is placed on the target. When more time is available, the bead is placed in the 'V' of the rear sight.
Advantages and disadvantages
Open sights have many advantages; they are very common, inexpensive to produce, uncomplicated to use, sturdy, lightweight, and resistant to severe environmental conditions. On the other hand, they are not as exact as other forms of sights, and are hard or unfeasible to adjust. Open sights also take much more time to usehe buckhorn type is the slowest, partridge, 'U' and 'V' type notch sights are only a bit quicker; only the express sight is relatively fast. In addition, open sights tend to block out the lower portion of the shooter's field of view by nature, and because of the depth of field limitations of the human eye, do not work as well for shooters with less than perfect vision.
Aperture sights
Rear, rotating diopter drum sight of a SIG SG 550 assault rifle. The viewing aperture above the "3" (denoting the 300 m setting) can be seen.
Pictures taken under identical conditions through large (left) and small (right) diameter aperture sights, with camera focused on front sight.
Aperture sights, also known as peep sights, range from the ghost ring sight, whose thin ring blurs to near invisibility (hence ghost), to target aperture sights that use large disks or other occluders with pinhole-sized apertures. In general, the thicker the ring, the more precise the sight, and the thinner the ring, the faster the sight. The image to the right shows a shooter's eye view of the sight picture taken through large and small diameter apertures. The large diameter aperture provides a much brighter image of the target, and the ghosting of the rear ring is evident. The smaller aperture, while providing a much darker image of the target, provides a much greater depth of field (see pinhole camera for an explanation of this effect), yielding a much sharper image of the target. The theory of operation behind the aperture sight is that the human eye will automatically center the front sight when looked through the rear aperture, thus ensuring accuracy. These sights are used on target rifles of several disciplines and on several military rifles such as the M1 Garand, the No. 4 series Enfields and the M-16 series of weapons along with several others. Peep sights are very effective in poor lighting, and have found favor with a few hunters who hunt in heavy cover.[citation needed]
Ghost rings
For many shooters, the ghost ring sight is the fastest type of aperture sight. It is fairly accurate, easy to use, and obscures the target less than nearly all other non-optical sights. Because of this, ghost ring sights are commonly installed on combat shotguns and sub-machine guns (and to a much lesser extent, rifles). The ghost ring is a fairly recent innovation, and differs from traditional aperture sights in the extreme thinness of the rear ring, and the slightly thicker front sight. The thin ring minimizes the occlusion of the target, while the thicker front post makes it easy to find quickly.
A ghost ring can also take form of a tube ranging from 36cm long, with the post mounted at the inside end of the tube. This type of ghost ring is used when there can be no front sight at the front end of the barrel. It is slightly slower to use, because the shooter's eye has to focus close on the post, then focus on the target. However, in situations when extremely fast sighting is required, the shooter can simply look through the tube, and it is simple to see if the view is straight down the tube.
Target aperture sights
Rear aperture of a BRNO target sight. Note large disk and small aperture.
Front globe of a BRNO target sight. Note knurled nut holding in the replaceable front sight insert
A 10 metre air rifle target diopter and globe aperture sight picture
Target aperture sights are designed for maximum precision. The rear sight element (often called diopter) is usually a large disk (up to 1 inch or 2.5 cm in diameter) with a small hole in the middle, and is placed close to the shooter's eye. High end target diopters normally accept accessories like adjustable diopter aperture and optical filter systems to ensure optimal sighting conditions for match shooters. Typical modern target shooting diopters offer windage and elevation corrections in 2mm (0.079in) to 4mm (0.157in) increments at 100m (109.4yd). Some ISSF (Olympic) shooting events require this precision level for sighting lines, since the score of the top competitors last 10 shots is expressed in 0.1s of scoring ring points.
The complementing front sight element may be a simple bead or post, but is more often a globe type sight, which consists of a cylinder with a threaded cap, which allows differently shaped removable front sight elements to be used. Most common are posts of varying widths and heights or rings of varying diameterhese can be chosen by the shooter for the best fit to the target being used. Tinted transparent plastic insert elements may also be used, with a hole in the middle; these work the same way as an opaque ring, but provide a less obstructed view of the target. High end target front sight tunnels normally also accept accessories like adjustable aperture and optical systems to ensure optimal sighting conditions for match shooters. Some high end target sight line manufacturers also offer front sights with integrated aperture mechanisms.
The use of round rear and front sighting elements for aiming at round targets, like used in ISSF match shooting, takes advantage of the natural ability of the eye and brain to easily align concentric circles (circles all having a common centre). Even for the maximum precision, there should still be a significant area of white visible around the bullseye and between the front and rear sight ring (if a front ring is being used). Since the best key to determining center is the amount of light passing through the apertures, a narrow, dim ring of light can actually be more difficult to work with than a larger, brighter ring. The precise sizes are quite subjective, and depend on both shooter preference and ambient lighting, which is why target rifles come with easily replaceable front sight inserts, and adjustable aperture mechanisms.
Rifles from the late 1800s often featured one of two types of aperture sight called a tang sight or a ladder sight. Since the black powder used in muzzleloaders and early cartridges was not capable of propelling a bullet at high velocity, these sights had very large ranges of vertical adjustments, often on the order of several degrees, allowing very long shots to be made accurately. The .45-70 cartridge, for example, was tested by the military for accuracy at ranges of up to 1500 yards, which required 3 1/3 degrees of elevation. Both ladder and tang sights folded down when not in use to reduce the chance of damage to the sights. Ladder sights were mounted on the barrel, and could be used as sights in both the folded and unfolded states. Tang sights were mounted behind the action of the rifle, and provided a very long sight radius, and had to be unfolded for use, though rifles with tang sights often had open sights as well for close range use. Tang sights often had verni er scales, allowing adjustment down to a single minute of arc over the full range of the sight.
Aperture sights on military rifles use a larger aperture with a thinner ring, and generally a simple post front sight. The extreme case of this is the ghost ring sight, a relatively recent innovation that may be the fastest type of iron sight to use, while still providing a degree of precision comparable to or better than most open sights. Ghost ring sights are commonly found on riot and combat shotguns and customized handguns, and they are also gaining ground as a backup sighting system on rifles.
Shotgun beads
Since shotgun beads are only used by the peripheral vision, generally a larger, brighter bead works best. Fiber optic sights are becoming popular for shotguns, as they greatly increase the brightness of the bead by collecting light and directing it to the shooter's eye. Since the "rear sight" in the case of a shotgun is the shooter's eye position, adjusting the "sights" on a shotgun consists primarily of adjusting the stock to fit the shooter as well as possible.
Bead sights are inferior in practical accuracy compared to rifle and ghost-ring sights, as they provide no rear sight to verify correct alignment with the front sight. While bead sights may be acceptable on sporting shotguns, they are best avoided for use on combat shotguns.
The primary advantage of bead sights is that they do not interfere with the shooter's field of vision, allowing extremely rapid target acquisition, this is essential for fast moving targets such as clays and game. They are less expensive than rifle and ghost-ring sights.
Enhancements
While iron sights are basically very simple, that simplicity also leads to a staggering variety of different implementations. In addition to the purely geometric considerations of the front blade and rear notch, there are some factors that need to be considered when choosing a set of iron sights for a particular purpose.
Glare reduction
Glare, particularly from the front sight, can be a significant problem with iron sights. The glare from the front sight can increase the apparent brightness of the light bar on one side of the sight, causing windage errors in aiming, or lower the apparent height of the front sight, causing elevation errors in aiming. Since the direction of the ambient light is rarely constant for a shooter, the resulting changing glare can significantly affect the point of aim.
The most common solution to the problem of glare is a matte finish on the sights. Serrating or bead blasting the sight is a common solution for brightly finished sights, such as blued steel or stainless steel. Matte finishes such as parkerizing or matte black paint can also help. "Smoking" a sight by holding a match or cigarette lighter under the sight to deposit a fine layer of soot is a common technique used by many shooters, and in fact special soot producing cigarette type lighters are sold for use by competition shooters. Even a thin layer of mud or dirt applied to the sight will help kill the glare, as long as the coating is thin and consistent enough not to change the shape of the sights.
Many target sights are designed with vertical or even undercut front sight blades, which reduces the angles at which light will produce glare off the sight--the downside of these sights is that they tend to snag on clothing, branches, and other materials, so they are only common on target guns. Sight hoods reduce the chances of snagging an undercut sight and are common on some types of rifles, particularly lever action rifles, but they are prohibited in some shooting disciplines such as some classes of handgun metallic silhouette shooting.
Fixed vs. adjustable sights
The downside to adjustable sights is the inherent fragility of the moving parts. A fixed sight is a solid piece of metal, usually steel, and if firmly attached to the gun, little is going to be able to damage it beyond usefulness. Adjustable sights, on the other hand, are bulkier, and have parts that must move relative to the gun. solid impact on an adjustable sight will usually knock it out of adjustment, if not knock it right off the gun. Because of this, guns for self defense or military use either have fixed sights, or sights with "wings" on the sides for protection (such as those on the M4 carbine copy shown above).
Iron sights used for hunting guns tend to be a compromise. They will be adjustable, but only with tools--generally either a small screwdriver or an allen wrench. They will be compact and heavily built, and designed to lock securely into position. Target sights, on the other hand, are much bulkier and easier to adjust. They generally have large knobs to control horizontal and vertical movement without tools, and often they are designed to be quickly and easily detachable from the gun so they can be stored separately in their own protective case.
Contrast enhancements
Various methods of open sight contrast enhancement. Left to right: Three dot, white outline, Straight-eight, red insert, dot and bar, gold bead.
While target shooters generally prefer a matte black finish to their sights, to reduce the chance of glare and increase the contrast between the sights and the light bars, black sights don't offer good visibility with dark targets or in low light conditions, such as those often encountered in hunting, military, or self defense situations. A variety of different contrast enhancements to the basic Patridge type sight and others have been developed to address this deficiency.
Three-dot: On semi-automatic handguns, the most common type of enhancement is a bright white dot painted on the front sight near the top of the blade, and a dot on each side of the rear sight notch. In low lighting conditions the front sight dot is centered horizontally between the rear sight dots, with the target placed above the middle (front) dot. Some sight vendors offer differently colored dots for the front and rear sights.
White outline rear: A contrast variation which uses a dot front sight with a thick and bright white outline around the rear sight notch.
Straight Eight: Heinie Specialty Products produces a variant of high visibility sights in which a single dot front sight and a rear notch with a dot below can be lined up vertically to form a figure "eight".
Sight inserts: Popular on revolvers, this enhancement consists of a colored plastic insert in the front sight blade, usually red or orange in color.
Bar/Dot or Express sight: Similar to the Straight Eight type, this type of sight is traditional on express rifles and is also found on some handguns. The open, V-shaped rear allows for faster acquisition and wider field of view, though less accurate for longer range precision type shooting. The dot on the front sight is aligned or set directly above the vertical bar on the rear sight, commonly referred to as "dotting the 'I'".
Gold bead: Preferred by many competitors in IPSC and IDPA shooting.
Night sights:
Tritium-illuminated handgun night sights
On Tactical firearms, the contrast enhancements can consist of trasers containing tritium gas and fluorescent material, which emit a dim light due to the radioactive decay of the tritium. Tritium sights provide vital visibility in extremely low light situations where normal sights would be degraded or even useless.
Fiber optic: A growing trend, started on air rifles and muzzleloaders, is the use of short pieces of optical fiber for the dots, made in such a way that ambient light falling on the length of the fiber is concentrated at the tip, making the dots slightly brighter than the surroundings.This method is most commonly used in front sights, but many makers offer sights that use fiber optics on front and rear sights. Fiber optic sights can now be found on handguns, rifles, and shotguns, both as aftermarket accessories and a growing number of factory guns.
Concealed carry
Specific to handguns is the issue of concealed carry. While police and military personnel generally carry their handguns in open holsters that provide easy and unobstructed access, civilians in areas where concealed carry is allowed, and who choose to carry concealed, are usually required to carry their firearms concealed under clothing or some other form of cover, such as a fanny pack or purse. The high contrast, sharp edges that are popular with target shooters can be dangerous on a concealed firearmot only can they tear skin and clothing when drawn, but if they become tangled during the draw, entanglement can have lethal consequences for the shooter.
The challenge for a designer of sights for a concealable handgun is to pick the right compromise between high visibility and minimum hindrance. Rather than the vertical or even undercut front sights found on target handguns, the front sights of a concealed carry gun will be sloped. The rear sight will not be a vertical plate, but will have depth to provide a gentle slope, and the sight will fit the gun more closely, with no gaps or overlaps to snag, or to collect dirt and sweat which can cause corrosion.
Design criteria for sights for use on a concealed handgun also have to consider the potential conditions in which they will be usedrobably low light, close range, and with the operator under significant stress due to an imminent threat. Some unusual solutions have been devised, such as the trapezoidal sights used by Steyr (shown as G in Types of Iron Sights), or the "gutter sight" used by the highly modified ASP S&W model 39.
Optical sights
For precision applications such as hunting or sniping the iron sights are usually replaced by a telescopic sight, and for target shooting and combat operations low-power magnified or unmagnified optical sights such as red-dot or reflex sights are increasingly common.
Adjusting for accuracy
This section contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. The purpose of Wikipedia is to present facts, not to train. Please help improve this article either by rewriting the how-to content or by moving it to Wikiversity or Wikibooks. (November 2009)
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If the sights are not aligned correctly, then the sights should be adjusted to bring the line of sight to meet the point of impact. Theoretically, this can be done with a single shot--clamp the firearm into a vise, fire one shot, then adjust the sights so they are pointing at the hole in the target. In reality, it generally takes a number of shots to establish a group, then the sights are adjusted to move the line of sight closer to the group, and the process is repeated iteratively until the sights are correctly aligned.
The general rule is the rear sight is moved in the SAME direction you wish to move the point of impact. In the illustration at right, the point of impact was LEFT and BELOW the target. To move the point of impact to the center, move the rear sight RIGHT and UP. The front sight moves the opposite direction, so it would move LEFT and DOWN.
Detailed instructions for adjusting the sights:
To move the line of sight DOWN (the shot hit BELOW the point of aim) the REAR sight is RAISED or the FRONT sight is LOWERED.
To move the line of sight UP (the shot hit ABOVE the point of aim) the REAR sight is LOWERED or the FRONT sight is RAISED. (Example below)
To move the line of sight LEFT (the shot hit LEFT of the point of aim) the REAR sight is moved RIGHT, or the FRONT sight is moved LEFT.
To move the line of sight RIGHT (the shot hit RIGHT of the point of aim) the REAR sight is moved LEFT, or the FRONT sight is moved RIGHT.
Many target sights have click adjustments, where a detent in the adjustment screws allows the sight to move the line of sight a certain angular distance with each click. This distance is usually specified in minutes of arc, which translate to approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. On a firearm with 1 minute clicks, then, it would take 1 click to move 1 inch at 100 yards, 2 clicks to move 1 inch at 50 yards, 4 clicks to move 1 inch at 25 yards. If click adjustments are not available, or the click interval is not known, then the distance to lengthen or shorten the sight for a given point of aim adjustment is:
D1 / R1 = D2 / R2
For rear sight adjustments:
D1 is the distance between point of aim and point of impact.
R1 is range from front sight to target.
D2 is the length the rear sight must change by.
R2 is the distance between front and rear sights.
For front sight adjustments:
D1 is the distance between point of aim and point of impact.
R1 is range from rear sight to target.
D2 is the length the front sight must change by.
R2 is the sight radius distance between front and rear sights.
This formula calculates the MAGNITUDE ONLY of the sight height change; refer to the instructions above to find the correct direction for the adjustment (front or rear sight, longer or shorter). Likewise, all distances must be in the same units. That is, if a change in inches to the sight height is desired, and one is shooting on a 100-yard range, then R1 (100 yd) must be converted to inches (100 x 36 = 3600 inches) before using this distance in the equation.
An example: Consider a rifle with a distance between front and rear sights of 26.25 inches, firing on a 50-yard (1800in) range, with point of impact 5.3 inches too high on the target, having a front sight blade that is 0.505 inches high mounted in a dovetail. How much must the front sight blade height be changed by to fix this problem? (It will be assumed that the muzzle of the rifle intrudes into the range space for following typical gun range safety protocols, and the rear sight is hence 50 yards from the target.)
D2 = R2(D1/R1) = 26.25(5.3/1800) = 0.077" (magnitude of change to front sight height)
Since the gun is hitting too high, the front sight must be lengthened by this much per the instructions cited previously; hence, the front sight must be replaced with a blade that is 0.505" + 0.077" = 0.582" high. With this correction, the rifle will hit the desired point of impact, all other factors being equal.
See also
List of telescope parts and construction
Telescopic sight
Reflex sight
Laser sight
References
Notes
^ a b c d e f g h i j k Hawks, Chuck. "Choosing the Right Sight", Chuck Hawks Web site. Retrieved July 24, 2008.
^ Ayoob, Massad. "Fixed vs. adjustable sights - Handguns", Guns Magazine article, BNet Business network Web site. Retrieved July 28, 2008.
^ a b c "Description Of Sights" Novak Sights Web site. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
^ "Sight Accessories - .126 White Outline Rear Sight Blade Kit" Smith and Wesson Web site. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
^ "Heinie Straight Eight Sights" Heinie Specialty products Web site. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
^ "Handgun Sights" Kimber of America Web site. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
^ Hawks, Chuck. "AmeriGlo Independent Light Tritium Night Sights", Chuck Hawks Web site. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
^ "Novak Fiber Optic Sights" Novak Sights Web site. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
Sources
Nygord's Notes on iron sights for pistol shooting
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Iron sights
Additional BRNO target sight images 12 3
Categories: Firearm components | Firearm sights | Artillery componentsHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from January 2010 | Articles needing cleanup from November 2009 | All pages needing cleanup | Articles containing how-to sections | Articles that may contain original research from November 2009 | All articles that may contain original research
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USA vs England Saxons Churchill Cup 2010 live streaming rugby match broadcast on 13-06-2010

Coming the moment to watch here USA vs England Saxons live streaming exclusive Rugby Match. Watch USA vs England Saxons Live Streaming online video of Churchill Cup 2010 on Jun 13, 2010. This Rugby Match is presented by The Churchill Cup 2010. Watch USA vs England Saxons live Rugby Churchill Cup 2010 with HD video and all the live actions of this game in HD video & Pictures on online Rugby TV. Don't forget to watch this exacting Rugby match. Catch all the Live actions of This Match from your PC. Lets Enjoy USA vs England Saxons live Rugby Match on Live Streaming TV !!!

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Match schedule:
Date : 13 Jun 2010
Time: 15:00 until 17:00 EST
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Canada vs France A Churchill Cup 2010 live streaming rugby match broadcast on 13-06-2010

Coming the moment to watch here Canada vs France A live streaming exclusive Rugby Match. Watch Canada vs France A Live Streaming online video of Churchill Cup 2010 on Jun 13, 2010. This Rugby Match is presented by The Churchill Cup 2010. Watch Canada vs France A live Rugby Churchill Cup 2010 with HD video and all the live actions of this game in HD video & Pictures on online Rugby TV. Don't forget to watch this exacting Rugby match. Catch all the Live actions of This Match from your PC. Lets Enjoy Canada vs France A live Rugby Match on Live Streaming TV !!!

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Match schedule:
Date : 13 Jun 2010
Time: 17:30 until 19:30 EST
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3G iPhone Features Upto Date

With just over a year after Apple birthed the first iphone, the long-awaited, next-generation iPhone 3G has arrived bearing a mildly tweaked design and a load of new features. With access to a faster 3G wireless network, Microsoft Exchange server e-mail, and support for a staggering array of third-party software from the iPhone App Store, the new handset is the iPhone we've been waiting for. It still lacks some basic features but when compared with what the original model was year ago, this device sets a new benchmark for the cell phone world.

The 3G technology gives iPhone fast access to the Internet and email over cellular networks around the world. iPhone 3G also makes it possible to do more in more places: Surf the web, download email, get directions, and watch video even while you are on a call. With fast 3G wireless technology, GPS mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more features at your fingertips. Plus we all know that iPhone combines three products in one - a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and a desktop-class web browser.

The 3G iPhone Home Screen has instant access to whatever you need. The Home screen takes you to iPhone applications and Web Clips with a single tap - even when you are on a call. And no two Home screens are alike. That is because you can customize yours with whatever applications and Web Clips you choose. Plus, you can customize you Home Screen, Add Web Clips and no matter where you are on iPhone, one click of the Home button takes you to the Home screen. And you can go back to what you were doing at any time.
Phone Calls - with 3G iPhone, making a call is as simple as tapping a name or number. All your contacts appear in a list you scroll through with a flick of your finger. And Visual Voicemail plays your messages in any order you want, just like email.

Email - on 3G iPhone looks and works just like email on your computer. With support for popular email servers and providers - including MobileMe, Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo! Mail, Google Gmail, and AOL - and most industry-standard IMAP or POP mail systems, iPhone puts email in your pocket.

Internet - 3G iPhone features Safari - the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device. And with 3G and Wi-Fi, you can browse the real Internet really fast. iPhone also syncs your bookmarks from your PC or Mac and has Google and Yahoo! search built in.

iPod - With its beautiful 3.5-inch widescreen display and Multi-Touch controls, iPhone is also one amazing iPod. Browse your music in Cover Flow and watch widescreen video with the touch of a finger.

SMS - With a chat-style view and an intelligent Multi-Touch keyboard that predicts and suggests words as you type, iPhone texts smarter than any smartphone.

Maps with GPS - Find your location, get directions, and see traffic all from your phone. Maps on iPhone 3G combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower location technology with the Multi-Touch interface to create the best mobile map application ever.

iTunes on 3G iPhone - Buy music over the air from the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store on iPhone. Find a Wi-Fi hot spot and tap the iTunes button. Then take your pick from more than 6 million songs.

App Store - The App Store is coming soon. And when it is here, you will find applications in every category, from games to business, education to entertainment, finance to health and fitness, productivity to social networking. These applications have been designed to take advantage of iPhone technologies such as Multi-Touch, the accelerometer, wireless, and GPS. And some are even free. You will download them wirelessly and be able to use them right away.

Calender - iPhone makes it easy to make plans. The built-in Calendar goes with you anywhere, works with a tap, and syncs seamlessly to the calendar on your computer.

YouTube - iPhone keeps you entertained with a YouTube application that opens right from the Home screen, so you can watch YouTube wherever you are. Videos load fast over 3G or Wi-Fi. Find a video you like? Bookmark it or share it with a friend.

Camera - With a built-in camera and an advanced photo application, iPhone is the most photo-friendly phone ever. It takes snapshots, automatically syncs photos with your PC or Mac, displays albums with the flick of a finger, and posts pictures directly to a MobileMe Gallery.

Stocks, Weather and Notes - Get stock quotes and weather reports with a tap. Use Notes to jot down information you want to keep with you, remember for later, or share via email.

And last but not the least a calculator on 3G iPhone combines the simplicity of a pocket calculator with the power of a full-featured scientific calculator.

Overall, though, a lot is improved and a price cut that significant really is incredible.

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Useful Tips You Can Use Now To Remove Mold

Mold is not something that you want hanging around your home or family. It is more than a pest. It is a dangerous and, sometimes, toxic substance. If you find it in time it should be something that you can deal with on your own. (Unless it is black mold-then you need a professional to come in and remove it). The good news is that handling mold does not have to be hard. There are a lot of methods that you can utilize to remove mold from your home. The following a few tips for removing mold that you should start using right now to hinder mold from growing in your home.

Do not ever paint over mold as a way of solving the problem. Some will say that the best way to deal with mold is simply to paint over it and pretend that it isn't there. In fact this is the worst thing you can do since the bacteria that causes mold feeds on the paint encouraging more mold growth not to mention paint only masks the problem. Do not even believe the hype behind the paints that are brande d as "mold killing". No paint can kill mold. It can only feed it and make your problem worse. A dehumidifier can be an useful tool in preventing mold growth. This is a device that you can get almost anywhere that helps remove moisture in your home. Moisture is the breeding ground for mold. If you live in a humid environment a dehumidifier can help you keep mold at bay.

Sunlight is great for killing mold too since mildew and mold thrive on moist dark paces. Mold cannot continue growing when the sun is drying it out. If you notice mold on furniture, take it outside! Use a safe mold killer on the pieces (like vinegar or rubbing alcohol or even bleach if the thing can take it) and then let it sit out in the sun for a day or so (make sure to bring it in at night). The mold will be all gone!

There are all types of things that can be done to stop mold from taking hold, but not much once it has taken hold. This is why these removal tips for mold are extremely vital. Use them to stop a mold issue from settling into your home and doing serious damage.

Hopefully, you will be able to control the mold in your home very fast.
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Free mold inspection - Tips for removing the dangerous black molds

Free mold inspection : Black mold is one of the type and are more dangerous. They can make beautiful surfaces and tiles into dirty and disgusting. Black molds are dangerous for health as they can cause allergies & various health problems. Some black molds can cause damage to the materials including wood, carpet and cement. Black molds also tend to have fungus which is poisonous & harmful to your health. Some of the tips to come out of the dangerous black mold.

i) Use Mold & Mildew Resistant Paint :

There are many companies advertises premium paints that contains anti-microbial properties to resist mildew & mold from developing on your walls.They provides a mold resistant coating for making your home safer.This paint can be bought in a combination of 1500 colors, so you can choose the best color you like, knowing it will be mold-free!

i)Use Air Purifiers in your Home to remove Mold from the Air:
Airborne mold spores creates real health problems when they land on moist or wet surfaces as they reproduce & spread very fast. A good air purifier is the Germ Fighting, Allergen Reducer Air Purifier with Permanent HEPA Filter that can remove at least 3-micron size particulates of mold spores. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) & HEPA air purifiers stop mold spores, bacteria & viruses from growing rapidly thus minimizing black mold in your home. HEPA Allergen Remover air purifier removes at least 99.97% of common household particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through the filter including tobacco smoke, mold spores, dust, pollen & pet dander.

iii) Install Exhaust fans in your home: Exhaust fans remove odor, smoke and moisture from the rooms and thus making an important parts of heating, ventilation and cooling systems. It controls the humidity in a particular area ensuring that it doesn't get too wet or damp by pulling excess moisture on the surfaces.It eliminates the excess humidity by maintaining a healthy air volume thus preventing the molds from building up. It is also energy efficient since it is auto-shut off .

iv) Clean Air Ducts Once every 6 Months:

Dirty air duct systems contribute to unhealthy indoor environment and could create health problems in the future. Cleaning air ducts is needed everytime when you buy a new home because the previous owners do not do it. Dirt such as pet dander, skin cells & molds collect in air ducts so cleaning them is vital to a healthy environment. Also anyone in your home who has Asthma will be relieved as it will help them breathe fresher air & not be aggravated by all the dirt in your air ducts.

For more details about House mold inspection

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Paris Apartments- Tips to Find Cheap and Luxury Apartments in Paris

Paris is known as city of light and it's the ideal vacation destination if you want to experience breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique cuisines. Spring is the best time to see the Paris. There is several reason to visit Paris in spring. In the spring season you can enjoy with pleasant weathers along with breathtaking landscapes. Opposite it there are also some disadvantages of travelling Paris in spring. You will have to pay a huge amount of money if you wait to till the last minute because most hotels and travel options are booked way in advance. Paris Apartments always be a better option compared to hotels for vacation purpose. Apartments accommodation gives you much of your money's worth without having to sacrifice luxuries, cheap apartments Paris. You can find best budget Paris apartments with full of luxury accommodation within the best location around the city. Apartotels Gives you the right type of accommodation can produce a realm of impact on your holiday and business vacation.
Most valuable attraction in Paris:

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is 300 meters tall the tallest structure in the world. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889. Paris is known as city of light and one could not imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower.

Versailles Palace

The Versailles Palace situated about 20 kilometers outside of Paris. The garden of the Versailles Palace is Europe's largest palace garden around 100 hectare (about 250 acre).

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world this museum is gives you many thing if you have interest in Art. it is located in the 1st arrondissement ,known as heart of Paris.

Or say Museum

Or say Museum is located in a grand railway station built in 1900. Due to large collection of sculptures and impressionist paintings makes it one of the best museums in Paris. The museum contained around 2300 paintings 150 0 sculptures and 1000 other objects most of these comes from other museum.

Or say Museum is located in a grand railway station built in 1900. Due to large collection of sculptures and impressionist paintings makes it one of the best museums in Paris. The museum contained around 2300 paintings 1500 sculptures and 1000 other objects most of these comes from other museum.

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11 Day Winning Tour of Korea's Major Cities

Day 1: Seoul, A Metropolitan City where Traditional and Modernity Coexist

The itinerary for a one-day tour was created based on places approved by many tourists over the years. But there is still much more to see and enjoy in Seoul. So, this is the day that you can't afford to miss!

The National Folk Museum of Korea

Located inside the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the largest Joseon Dynasty palaces, is a museum, which helps foreigners to understand Korean culture and Korean lifestyle. You will discover the characteristics unique to Korea compared to those of neighboring East Asian countries such as China and Japan.

Changdeokgung Palace, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Built in 1405, Changdeokgung Palace is best known for its informal design in the architectural history of East Asian palaces. Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the palace consists of buildings ideally located so as to be in harmony with the surrounding environment. Huwon, the serene Secret Garden located toward the rear of the palace, represents the very essence of Asian style landscapes.

Insa-dong, Mecca of Korean Traditional Culture

Located less than a 10-minute walk from Changdeokgung Palace, Insa-dong is famous for streets filled with the flavors of tradition and is universally well-loved by tourists. Here, foreigners can purchase traditional souvenirs at low prices and taste authentic dishes by stepping into a Korean restaurant found on every street corner.

N Seoul Tower

A panoramic view of the entire city unfolds before you here. As a dating spot where you can enjoy dinner while appreciating the view of the Han River and the city's colorful night lights, it is popular not only among those visiting Korea but also with young Koreans.

Day 2: Sokcho, Gateway to Beautiful Beaches and Mountains

Popular among tourists, Sokcho takes pride in its clean beaches and its beautiful Mt. Seoraksan. Fishing is a major industry, which means fresh seafood is abundant. Visitors can also taste local dishes including soft tofu and squid sausage, made with the famous squid caught in the East Sea. Many hotels and short-leased condos are located near Mt. Seoraksan, and reasonably-priced lodging with ocean views can be found along the shorefront.

Sokcho Beach

Sokcho Beach is well-known for its clean waters, fine sands and pine trees framing it all in the background. The tall pines surrounding the beach emit a pleasant aroma, making the beach ideal for tanning with an "aromatic forest" scent. Since the water is not deep and slopes down gently, the beach attracts many visitors during the summer.

Also,Abai Village,which is only a 15-minute walk from the beach, is famous as the site where the dramaA Autumn in My Heart,was filmed. You can visit the store owned by Eun-seo's (played by Song Hye-gyo) mother, ride the skiffs that actors were filmed in, and stroll along Cheonghodong's White Sand Beach, one of the drama's backdrops. The village is about a 5 minute drive from Sokcho Beach. (Though a short distance, it's not easy to reach by foot; therefore, a taxi is recommended. Taxi fare costs about 3,000 won).

Mt. Seoraksan's Cable Car

If your time is limited but you still want to experience just how magnificent Mount Seoraksan is, it is highly recommended to take a cable car. As the cable car climbs its way up the mountain, you can view the grand Buddha statue at Sinheungsa Temple and the rocky cliff of Gwongeumseong. In autumn, the brilliant mountain foliage is sure to leave you breathless.

Seorak Waterpia

Seorak Waterpia at Hanhwa Resort is a hot springs theme park that utilizes the natural mineral waters from the local area. Visitors can soak in a hot-spring bath and also enjoy exciting water rides. In particular, the "rafting slider," in which you descend down a slide on a mat from a height of 20 meters, and the "body slider," which allows riders to slide down without equipment using your body, are both popular and lines are relatively short.

Day 3: Andong, a Journey into the Past

Traces of distinguished scholars of the past can be felt in Andong, a town of nobility. Cultural heritage is preserved in many forms such as the seowon (memorial hall), old-style homes, and traditional performances such as the Hahoe mask dance drama. The area acquired a measure of fame after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1999. Visitors can also enjoy authentic local cuisine including heotjesabab (a memorial service meal) or gangodeungeo (marinated mackerel) as well as try the local liquor, Andong soju.
There are a number of accommodations including hotels and motels that can be found near the Andong train station. However, for a taste of traditional living you may wish to spend the night in a countryside home.

Andong Hahoe Village

Hahoe Village makes a fine place to delve into the traditional culture of Korea because the old courtyard homes from the Joseon era and the Hahoe mask dance drama are both well-preserved. In the village, you will find Namchon-daek and Bukchon-daek, which represent the homes of the gentry. It's also interesting to visit the Samshin-dang area, home to a 600-year-old zelkova tree. There is a local belief that mistreating this tree can bring misfortune. Visitors can write a wish on a paper and hang it from one of the strings that surround the tree for good luck.
From March to November, the mask dance performance known as "Hahoe byeolsingut talchum" is held at the village's folklore preservation center (schedule varies by season), and from summer until winter one can take part in the harvest by picking melons and other produce.

Byeongsan Seowon (Confucian School)

As its name describes, Byeongsan seowon is a beautiful seowon, or memorial hall, lined up against a mountain that spreads out like a folding screen. From the top of the Mandaeru Pavilion, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings, while from Ibgyodang a scene of the memorial hall exquisitely set across the backdrop of nature can be appreciated.
It is especially lovely in the fall when the colorful autumn foliage is at its peak, and in winter when the rocky cliffs become more prominent. However, many visitors come to see Byeonsan Seowon in summer to relax and enjoy the refreshing cool breeze by the river. Visitors can also stroll down the sandy path along the stream flowing in front of the memorial hall.

Day 4: Gyeongju, Roofless Museum - World Heritage

Often referred to as a "museum without a roof," Gyeongju is the ancient capital of the thousand year-long Silla Dynasty, and the history and remains from that period can still be seen. With cultural heritage spread throughout the city, Gyeongju possesses a subtle yet awesome combination of modern structures and ancient relics. It's also a great place for a bike tour. (Bike rental shops can be found near Gyeongju Bus Terminal, the train station and Daeneungwon. A one-day rental costs about 18,000 won.)
A range of lodgings including hotels, are located in and around the Bomun tourist district, and visitors can also enjoy authentic local cuisine including soft bean paste-filled hwangnamppang; gyodong beopju, a liquor with a unique aroma; and Gyeongju ssambab, a rice dish made with seasonal ingredients.

Cheonmachong Tomb (Daeneungwon)

One of the 23 tombs that belong to Daeneungwon, the largest group of ancient mounds found in Gyeongju, Cheonmachong is the only tomb where visitors are allowed inside. Among the many other attractions in Daeneungwon are: Michu Wangneung, used as a ritual hall in times of national crisis, and Hwangnam Daechong, referred to as the twin tombs. Daeneungwon is especially beautiful at twilight with the sun setting in the background.

Anapji (Imhaejeongji)

Anapji, the largest man-made pond dating back to the Silla era, was built with a curved shape, so it's difficult to view the entire pond from any single location. This makes the pond seem infinitely long and wide, but what's more interesting is that its shape appears to change depending on where one is standing. So it's intriguing to circle the pond entirely; a stroll which takes about 30 minutes. Also, because the pavilion and the pond look mysterious under the twilight, many people prefer to visit here in the evening. In summer, the full lotus blossoms create quite a spectacle.

Bulguksa Temple

Situated on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan, Bulguksa Temple is famous as a structure embodying Buddhist beliefs. For instance, the two stone pagodas that stand before Daeungjeon, the simple yet graceful Seokgatap and the highly ornate Dabotop, represent the yin and yang, respectively. Dabotop pagoda is engraved on Korea's 10-won coin.

Seokguram Grotto

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site together with Bulguksa in 1995, the Seokguram grotto temple is shaped by hundreds of granite stones with soil plastered on the outer layer to make it resemble a natural cave. The man-made grotto contains mysteries that modern science has yet to solve including humidity control and control of the angle of light falling into the main chamber where the Buddha is located. If you visit before dawn you can appreciate a surprisingly beautiful sunrise.

Day 5: Temple Stay at Haeinsa

Hapcheon is a town where Mt. Gayasan and Haeinsa Temple blend together in harmony. This temple is where Palman Daejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana) is kept. Visitors can enjoy sanchae jeongsik, a local vegetable dish, and a traditional temple meal at Haeinsa as well as famous regional cuisine made from Korean-grown beef and pork. Although lodging can be found near Gayasan National Park, if you are interested in experiencing Buddhist temple life, it is recommended to stay at Haeinsa.

Haeinsa Temple (Temple Stay)

A Temple Stay at Haeinsa presents a variety of activities; making lotus lamps is especially popular. If you are interested in a Temple Stay, you may want to check the dates of the Palman Daejanggyeong Festival (this festival was held during October in 2006.) in advance. Held in connection with the Haeinsa Temple Stay, the festival provides a great opportunity to experience Korea's traditional printing methods firsthand. During the festival, visitors can enjoy such events as a re-enactment of the exchange of the Tripitaka Koreana from Ganghwa-do Island to Haeinsa Temple during the early Joseon period.

Day 6: Geoje-do, an Island Where Nature Prevails

In addition to Geoje-do, Korea's second largest island after Jeju-do, Geoje city consists of 10 inhabited and 52 uninhabited isles. It is the islands that draw tourists: Each is unique in a different way with splendid natural scenery. The local tastes include gorosoe yaksu (a type of mineral water), maengjong juksun duruchigi (bamboo shoot stir-fry) and gulgukbab (oyster soup with rice).

Oe-do Island Paradise

Surrounded by rocky cliffs, this island entered the public eye after a couple transformed the entire island into a beautiful garden. The Venus Garden, where a statue of Venus is located, is a famous attraction on Oedo Island Paradise. Lee's House, where the final film shoot for the popular drama "Winter Sonata" took place, is famous as a photo spot.

Since boats do not operate in inclement weather you may want to check the schedule of boats traveling to the island during rainy or stormy periods. Visitors are allowed to tour the island for 90 minutes.

Day 7: Busan, a City with Diverse Festivals and Attractions

The country's second largest city and largest port, Busan offers many attractions as well as festivals. Its beaches are especially popular in summer because of their size and good water quality. Besides seafood, Haeundae galbi (beef ribs) is another famous local dish. A good choice of lodging is found along the beachfront.

Jagalchi Market

Korea's biggest seafood market, Jagalchi Market is always noisy, filled with Busan's local accent haggling over prices. At the same time, it's where visitors can witness the peculiar "jeong" of Korea from merchants who give customers extra or accept less money for their products. Around October each year, the market hosts the Busan Jagalchi Festival filled with all kinds of seafood to see, taste and buy.

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach gets crowded in summer, for the water is shallow and there is hardly any tidal change. The beach's white sands don't stick to your body, and the beach has earned a measure of fame for the sunrise over the horizon and the moonrise view from Haewoljeong Pavilion.

Day 8: Damyang, a Town Offering Aromatic 'Forest Bathing' amid the Bamboo

Set in a region long regarded as famous for its bamboo groves, Damyang has many attractions and offers many kinds of souvenirs made from bamboo. Especially in summer, visitors can find abundant groves of green bamboo and also enjoy a healthy "forest bath" beneath the towering bamboo stalks. Authentic local cuisine includes tteokgalbi (seasoned rib steak), juksunhoe (bamboo shoots and squid seasoned with condiments) and daetongbab (rice cooked in bamboo).

Soswaewon

Soswaewon is a private garden from the Joseon period where nature and art coexist in harmony. Upon entering the garden, one passes along a walkway through thick bamboo groves, eventually reaching Daebongdae Pavilion. From the deck of the pavilion, you will be able to see a full view of Soswaewon entirely. The garden is uniquely arranged in that the water flowing down from the north passes beneath the fence. Also, the view of the garden from Gwangpunggak Pavilion is a worthwhile visit.

Jungnogwon

At Jungnogwon one can enjoy an aromatic "forest bath" while listening to the crisp sound of bamboo leaves falling. The park consists of eight paths, each with a different theme and a unique atmosphere. Pavilions and benches are located along the paths, encouraging visitors to relax and enjoy the forest tranquility. While it's wonderful in spring with bamboo sprouts appearing everywhere, summer is definitely the most gorgeous season with bamboo at their greenest. Other attractions near Jungnogwon include Gwanbangjerim, a special man-made forest cultivated to improve the water quality of Damyangcheon Stream.

Day 9: Cultural Tour of Suncheon Aboard a Bus

With many well-maintained cultural sites nearby, Suncheon makes an ideal place to explore and learn about Korean culture. Near to Boseong, famous for its green tea plantation, and Beolgyo, a town well-known for its kkomak, cockle-shelled mollusk, Suncheon offers many special types of Korean cuisine as well as related events such as the Namdo Culinary Festival. As for lodging, hotels and motels are found around Suncheon Station while private homestays are available at the Naganeupseong Folk Village.

Seonamsa

A beautiful temple located on the slopes of Mt. Jogyesan, Seonamsa has produced a number of distinguished Buddhist monks, and even nowadays, many monks meditate in the temple's Gangwon and Seonwon. In and around the temple, visitors can find chestnut, maple and camellia trees that are over a hundred years old, which together create impressive autumn colors. In spring, green sprouts and colorful seasonal flowers offer a splendid sight. Oddly enough, another must-see temple site is its restroom. This traditional restroom is uniquely structured to accommodate three people at a time.

Naganeupseong Folk Village

What makes Naganeupseong Folk Village special is not the well-preserved thatch-roofed houses, but the fact that families continue to live in them. On weekends and holidays, a changing-of-the-guard ceremony (dating back to the old days when they protected the fortress) can be seen, and traditional folk games are offered for visitors to experience. From the highest point of Naganeupseong's fortress walls, you can obtain a panoramic view of the town, and there's also Mt. Geumjeonsan ("golden money") in front, which is said to make a person rich when they stare at it. The mountain is especially beautiful at twilight because of how the sunlight strikes the rocky western part of the peak. If you are interested in experiencing the local village lifestyle, you may stay at one of the private homes offering overnight accommodation.

Suncheonman Bay

Famous for its coastal plains and fields of reeds, Suncheonman Bay is a place to take a look at rare bird species from around the world. There are interesting attractions year-around; thick fog in spring, jjangttungeo (a rare type of goby fish) and the coastal plains in summer, reeds in autumn and some 200 kinds of migrating birds including the hooded crane in winter. But, the bay is especially beautiful in fall when the Reed Festival is held and in winter when groups of dancing birds can be seen. The S-shaped waterway in the bay is famous for creating a splendid glow at sunset.
If you want an up-close experience of the natural environment around the bay, a tour by boat or bicycle is recommended. A boat tour can bring you to just about any corner of the bay, and while onboard you can also enjoy a hot drink as well as ocean fishing. Fishing equipment can be rented at no extra charge.

Day 10: Jeju, the Country's Hottest Vacation Destination - Home to Natural Wonders and a Distinct Culture

The country's leading tourist destination, Jeju Island is the ideal vacation region where natural wonders and unique cultural traditions can be experienced all at once. With a mild year-round climate, the island offers an exotic natural environment as well as diverse attractions, making it an ideal place to tour and relax. Among the local specialty dishes are okdom (sea bream), heukdwaeji samgyeopsal (a kind of grilled bacon) and hallabong, a type of tangerine. Many luxury hotels including Hotel Shilla Jeju, the Hyatt Regency Jeju and Hotel Lotte Jeju, are located in and around Jungmun Resort where affordable lodging can also be found.

Jungmun Resort

As the largest tourist complex in the country, Jungmun Resort attracts visitors during all four seasons, thanks to the region's mild year-round climate as well as the many hotels and the diversity of amusements and facilities found here. They include Pacific Land, which offers a dolphin show and a chimpanzee show; the Teddy Bear Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, and the popular Yeomiji Botanical Garden, which has the world's largest glass greenhouse and a wide selection of rare plants.

Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Located along Daepo Beach at Jungmun, Jusangjeolli consists of multifaceted stone pillars in the shapes of various sized cubes or hexagons, that were formed when cooling lava from Mt. Hallasan flowed into the sea. From rough-surfaced columns resembling raw ore to stylish and exquisite pillars that seem to have been sculpted by an artist, the Jusangjeolli cliffs feature layered columns that some say resemble a black-and-white painting created by a god. When the tide is high, waves can soar tens of meters high as they crash against the columns, creating a magnificent spectacle.

Day 11: Jeju, Korea's Ideal Getaway

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise Peak, was named after its shape - with rocks surrounding this ancient volcanic crater formed by an underwater volcanic eruption, it looks like a castle ("seong") from a distance. If you climb up into the crater, about a 20 to 30 minute hike from the ticket office, you can enjoy superb views of Mt. Hallasan, which changes colors by season. The beautiful coastline and small villages form into pockets along the coast. But most of all, don't miss the sunrise from the peak, which is so magnificent it's been ranked best of the "10 sights of Yeongju" (the old name of Jeju). Bear in mind that fog and clouds sometimes block the view, so be sure to check the weather forecast in advance.

Seongeup Folk Village

Because it is rich in cultural heritage such as Jeju folk music, dol hareubang ("old grandfather" stone statues believed to protect people against demons) and yeonjamae (horse-driven stone mills), along with traditional homes, the entire village of Seongeup-ri has been designated as an Important Folk Heritage. Another must-see attraction is tongsi, a traditional Jeju outhouse with a built-in pig pen for human waste disposal. Though it doesn't remain in actual use today, it's fun to visit the exhibit since it shows how they were used in the old days.

For pictures and more detailed information visit http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=531164#s

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Thrills and Romance Abounds in Top Three Theme Parks

The three theme parks in closest vicinity of Seoul are also three of the most well known amusement parks in Korea. Lotte World, Everland and Seoul Land are all complete entertainment complexes that play off of a theme. The term 'amusement park' may bring to mind a small park with a smattering of rides and maybe a few games, but these three parks have added zoos, gardens, and performances to the usual mix of rides, all which pertain to the park's unique theme. The thrilling and romantic theme parks of Korea - let's take a closer look at Lotte World, Everland, and Seoul Land.

Lotte World

Lotte World is a world-class indoor theme park that stands alongside the Lotte Hotel and Lotte Department Store, creating a complete resort-type feel. This is the theme park most frequented by tourists visiting Korea. Lotte World is divided into two areas - 'Adventure,' which is the indoor area of the park, and 'Magic Island,' its outdoor counterpart. The outdoor Magic Island contains most of the park's thrill rides and coasters, as well as Lotte World's castle, which provides great photo opportunities. The indoor Adventure houses many of the other attractions, best of which is the World Carnival Parade that takes place daily from 14:00 to 14:30 and from 19:30 to 20:00. Lotte World is open late 365 days of the year, and is a great destination for tourists in search of fun nighttime activities The nighttime tickets are good from 17:00 to 23:00, and the prices are cheaper than the normal daytime tickets.

Lotte World Recommended Rides and Attractions

1. Gyro Drop
After a slow 70 meter climb to the top, you rotate slowly before being plunged down at a speed of 94km an hour for duration of 2.5 seconds. It's the best thrill ride the park has to offer.

2. Gyro Swing
A new addition to the park, it combines rotating and swinging movements. With a pole at its center, the ride rotates from left to right while swinging repeatedly from side to side up to 125 degrees. If you're wearing sandals, it's a good idea to take them off because they just might go flying!

3. Folk Museum
The Folk Museum is one of the most popular areas with foreign tourists. Different from a normal museum, it shows Korean history and culture through models and animations. A traditional restaurant is also located within the museum, so it's perfect for a lunchtime visit.

Recommended Course

Giant Loof - Flume Ride - The Conquistador (Spanish Pirate Ship) - The Adventure of Sindbad - Magic Island (lunch) - Waikiki Wave (Wave Riding)- Gyro Drop - Gyro Swing - Jungle Adventure - French Revolution - Folk Museum (dinner at Jeoja Street inside the museum) - World Carnival Parade

Nearby Attractions

1. Shooting Range
The shooting range is located in the B3 floor of Lotte World. You can shoot real guns that are often shown in movies. 10 Rounds are 40,000won, regardless of the gun type.

2. Ice Rink
The Lotte World Ice Rink is located inside the Lotte World Adventure (indoor portion of the park), on the B3 floor. Surrounding the ice rink is a variety of family restaurants and ethnic culinary offerings. You can receive a 2,000won discount with a park admission ticket.

Everland

The largest theme park in Korea, Everland was selected one of the world's top five theme parks in 2002 by the U.S. 'Amusement Business.' Because Everland encompasses so much land and includes so many things to do, for visitors planning a trip to Everland, it's a good idea to do research, plan carefully, and leave early in the morning. Everland has dozens of rides along with a truly vast garden, which holds a floral festival each season. Its zoo is among Korea's best, and nearby is the Caribbean Bay water park and Hoam Art Museum for continuous explorations. Everland is also in the hospitality business - the Homebridge Hillside Hostel on the grounds (designed specifically for 4-member families) is the only one of its kind in Korea, and the Homebridge Cabins easily houses groups of 20 or more.

Everland Recommended Rides and Attractions

1. Eagle Fortress
A suspended coaster gives an airborne feel to the ride, with feet dangling over a forest of trees as you fly through the air. The coaster swings as much as 80 degrees to either side, adding to the thrill.

2. Safari World
Want to see a dancing bear? Then the Safari World is the attraction to visit. Visitors hop aboard a bus and travel through a Jurassic Park-like gate into a complex full of bears, tigers, and lions. Also available is the 'Safari Special Tour,' in which small groups can take a tour through the safari in a jeep with a Safari World guide.

3. Amazon Express
You may as well resign yourself to getting wet on this ride. Navigate the waters of the Amazon in a round-shaped raft. It's a good amount of fun and excitement.

Recommended Course

Global Fair (Photos/Souvenirs) - Break Dance - Eagle Fortress - Columbus Expedition - Flume Ride - Lunch - Bumper Cars - Rose Garden and Four Seasons Garden (Photos) - Safari World - Amazon Express

Nearby Attractions

1. Caribbean Bay

An indoor wave pool emulates the ocean's waves year-round in the Caribbean Bay water park. Exciting water rides including the 10-story high Water Bobsled offer thrills, and an amazing variety of different pools and leisure facilities make it easy to enjoy the day away.

2. Hoam art Museum

A fantastic private art museumit houses about 1200 Korean art pieces within a traditional Korean structure. Also inside the museum is the 'Huiwon,' a traditional Korean garden.

Seoul Land

Seoul Land, when compared to Everland or Lotte World, is a more family oriented theme park. There are many rides designed for children, and various themes throughout the park make for a diverse assortment of attractions. Nearby are the Seoul Grand Park and National Museum of Contemporary Art, which makes Seoul Land a perfect stop on a day's outing. New rides including the Sky-X and Shot-X Drop have been getting enthusiastic reactions from park visitors.

Seoul Land Recommended Rides and Attractions

1. Sky-X
The Sky-X is the most popular ride in Seoul Land. Groups of 2 to 3 people are bound together and raised 50m over the ground, then dropped from the sky. Reservations are necessary, and additional charges apply. Prices are as follows: 15,000won for one person, 20,000won for two people, and 25,000won for three people. To make reservations, call +82-2-504-0011 (Korean/English/Japanese/Chinese)

2. Shot-X Drop
With a repetition of speedy ascents and speedy descents, it rapidly transports riders straight up and down a 52m pole. The ride may only last for about a minute, but it takes much longer to recover from the effects.

3. Dokkaebi Wind
Seoul Land's Dokkaebi Wind ride features 360 degree rotations. It rotates rapidly for seven rounds, drawing a large circle like a tornado. Crowds gather just to watch the ride from the outside.

Recommended Course

King Viking - White Water Raft - Black Hole 2000 - Lunch on the Rose Hill - Sky-X - Shot-X Drop - Dokkaebi Wind - Dinner in the Marketplace - Band Performance in the World Plaza Fountain

Nearby Attractions

1. Seoul Grand Park

Seoul Grand Park is Korea's largest botanical garden and zoo. Seoul Grand Park is only one bus stop away from Seoul Land, making it within perfect walking distance. Spread out over an area of 196,000, it raises and keeps 3,200 animals of 360 different animals, and the botanical garden contains 1300 different plants.

2. National Museum of Contemporary Art

Visitors with an interest in Korea's Contemporary Art must make a stop here. The park includes a beautiful outdoor garden and sculpture garden.

Precautions When Visiting Theme Parks

1. Remember to take the guide map! Most parks make guide maps available near the entrance. The guide map will offer event and performance schedules as well as a map of the park grounds.

2. Plan a careful route along the guide map. Keep in mind the performance and parade times, and with careful planning, you'll be able to get the most out of your visit.

3. Watch out for loose change in your pockets and loose shoes. They might go flying on a particularly violent ride. Also, skirts and dresses are a bad choice of clothing for theme parks.

4. Keep track of your admission ticket! You'll have to show it every time you get on a ride, so it's essential that you keep it throughout the whole day.

5. If planning a trip for the weekend, it's vital that you plan to go early. When busy, you can end up waiting for 1-2 hours to ride a single ride. So beat the crowds to the popular rides and devote the busy part of the day to performances, ga mes, character shops, and arcades to avoid a headache.

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Shopping in Seoul, Korea

Surrounded by mountains, Seoul is a vibrant and fascinating city with a population of about 10 million. With more than a million registered motor vehicles and dominated by skyscrapers and multi-lane highways, it still manages to maintain a hidden history of ancient temples, palaces, pagodas and peaceful gardens. This ancient city has been the capital of Korea since the 14th century.

Weather

Seouls has a distinct four seasons:

Spring - nice weather. Temperatures range from 16C (62F) to 24C (75F).

Summer - hot weather and heavy monsoons (as well as typhoons). Temperatures range from 24C (75F) to 35C (95F).

Autumn - blue skies, sunshine and spectacular foliage fall. Little rain. Temperatures range from 12C (55F) to 20C (70F).

Winter - cold and dry. A good time to visit if you like skiing. Very few tourists and freezing weather. Temperatures between -6C (20F) to 10C (53F) with January bringing the most snow.

Shopping

Seoul is a heaven for shoppers with numerous mega-shopping centers. You can really shop till you drop. Seoul is famous for high quality goods coupled with excellent and reasonable prices.Only one caution: be prepared for large and massive crowds. Usually people including most tourists are polite, but there can be some pushing and shoving at times in and around the major shopping areas.

Namdaemun (The Great South Gate) Market

The downtown Namdaemun Market, the biggest traditional market in Korea (covers about 10 acres), offers everything from ginseng to kimchi to military uniforms. Among the popular items for tourists are clothes, shoes, fabrics, tableware, flowers, ginseng products, toys, and watches. It is a world-famous shopping paradise and an attraction that tourists should not miss. Most shops have their own factories and make the products themselves offering both wholesale and retail at an extremely low prices. Prices are generally 10% to 20% lower than prices at other markets. Hours vary by store, so it's advisable to plan out in advance according with a shopping list before you start the actual shopping. Wholesalers operate from midnight to 6:00 a.m., and retailers are open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Although most retailers close their stores on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, many street vendors operate stalls in the alleys. Near the main street to the north of the market there is also an extensive underground arcade. Visitors can get travel information and interpretation guide service in English and Japanese for free.
Yongsan Electronics Market

Yongsan Electronics Market was formed by a host of small electronic dealers and has since developed into the greatest electronic shopping town in the East. It covers a whopping 78,650 square meters in size. It has more than 7,000 shops in 24 shopping centers which includes Electronics Land, Najin, Seonin, Wonhyo and a computer wholesale center. Visitors to this shopping town can enjoy shopping for almost all kinds of the latest electronic products and components, including computers, games and lighting equipment. The prices are about 10 to 30% cheaper for Korean made products, while imported items can go as low as 50% lower than elsewhere. Also, it is possible to receive larger discounts at the beginning of the year, at the beginning of the school year or during holidays. Most major stores are open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Shinch'on

One of the most famous shopping streets in Seoul, Shinch'on is located within walking distance of 4 universities. The are restaurants, cafes, cinemas and night clubs filled with youths wearing the latest fashions. It was a wild place to be on eve of public holidays.

Insa-dong

If you're shopping for antiques, Insa-dong is the place. It's a narrow street lined with antique stores, art galleries and secondhand bookstores. Dubbed "Mary's Alley" by foreigner to Seoul, Insa-dong is the best place to purchase antiques, reproductions, calligraphy, paintings, and a wide variety of implements and articles from Korea's past. Traditional teahouses and art galleries are also concentrated in this area.

Itaewon

Itaewon is famous for bargain hunting. If you like to dig through piles of junk to find hidden treasures, this is the place to go. Here you can find branded goods which were rejected for export at very attractive prices. These items are not bad in quality, they just are of irregular or odd sizes.

Apkujong

Apkujong-South of the river (Kangnam) is a place of fashion. It`s the land of upscale Department Stores, funky cool boutiques and luxury branded shops. This is the happening place for the latest in fashion. If you have the money, they have the goods!

Techno Mart

Techno Mart, a large shopping center, is occupied by more than 2,000 electronic shops located from the 1st to 8th floor. You can purchase electronic products, computers, sound systems, communication equipment, CDs and much more. Prices here tend to be 10% to 20% lower than other places.

Offering a variety of goods from the antiques to the latest in fashion and pricing ranging from bargain prices to top end exclusive prices, Seoul is truly a heaven for shoppers.

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The City of Seoul - South Korean Capital

Over 20 million Koreans live in and around Seoul, yet it is one of few a cities that has successfully preserved its buildings from the past and integrated them into the skyline of a growing global city.

Seoul is loud and bustling, as befits one of the most densely populated metropolises on Earth. Lines of cars and throngs of people press their way through the cavernous streets. Oversized illuminated advertising marks the way, selling products in a foreign script. The subway system is Seoul's new and perfectly organized underworld. In the midst of all this chaos, visitors may suddenly come upon an oasis of stillness in one of the country's numerous temples, parks and pavilions.

City on the river.

Seoul was founded in 1394, following the demise of the Koryo Kingdom (1392). Its progress was long associated with the rise and success of the Choson dynasty (1392-1910). After searching for a suitable location for his city, King Taejo, better known as Yi Seonggye, decided on the north bank of the Han River. A small village named Hanyang was the only settlement in the area at that time. The name of the renowned Hanyang University, one of over 300 institutions of higher learning in Seoul, recalls that small village.
A modern sports city.

Contemporary Seoul came into existence during the first half of the twentieth century, and largely through the influence of the Japanese. The old city wall gave way to modern buildings, with only the ancient city gates preserved. After the catastrophic Korean War (1950-1953), nearly all of Seoul had to be rebuilt.

From that point onward, Seoul grew at a very rapid pace. The city underwent massive changes, at times with little planning and consideration of their long-term impact. Trams ran until 1968, only to disappear almost overnight. They were quickly replaced by an underground subway system. The economic upswing of 1988 that followed in the wake of the Seoul Summer Olympic Games was a boon to the cultural, financial and sporting life of the city, and the sports world again turned its eyes to Seoul in 2002, when the FIFA World Cup football championship was held here.

Kings' palaces with curious names.

But Seoul is much more than a showcase for sporting events. it is the cultural heart of South Korea, where universities, theatres, museums and more abound.

When Seoul was founded in 1394, the Gyeongbokgung (Palace of Shining Happiness) was the first royal residence built. Happiness did not, unfortunately, shine on the palace and its inhabitants forever.

Serfs burned the palace to the ground in 1592, and the death of Queen Min in 1895 led to the relocation of the royal family to Deoksugung (Palace of Virtuous Longevity). In 1997, the Changdeokgung (Palace of Prospering Virtue) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It was built as an addition to Gyeongbokgung, and was the only structure destroyed in the 1592 uprising that was immediately rebuilt. Until 1872 and again from 1907 to 1910, it served as the seat of government of the Korean kings. The Secret Garden of Biwon is also especially worth seeing. The imp ressive burial cairns of King Sejo and his wife Yun Chon-hi are located there, just 30 km north of the city.

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