I tried solving fortune-telling at Yongpu Street in Tainan… Unique Taiwan travel [오! 여기]｜Dong-A Ilbo

Taoyuan & Tainan, where you can feel the traditional sensibility of the Greater China region.
A fun sandbar experience on Yongpu Street, Tainan
Hotel in Kaohsiung, ‘Taiwan’s second city’, with a beautiful harbor view
Taiwanese karaoke experience and foot massage in Kaohsiung

Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple is one of the tourist attractions near Yongpu Street in Tainan. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] Taiwan’s Taoyuan and Tainan offer a variety of experiences that allow you to experience regional characteristics. Taoyuan not only has beautiful mountain and water scenery, but also has rich tourism resources. It is a city where many Hakka people, a branch of the Han Chinese, live and have their own culture.

Tainan, the former capital of Taiwan, is located in the southwestern part of Taiwan. It was the center of politics, culture, and art for 220 years before the capital was changed to Taipei, and is where Taiwan’s history began. Cultural heritage sites with a long history are scattered throughout the area, so there are many things to see that give a sense of traditional sensibility.

Experience Taiwan’s traditional tea culture in Taoyuan

A look inside the Taoyuan International Conference and Exhibition Center. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] October and November in Taiwan are the most appropriate times to enjoy traditional tea culture as winter tea is harvested. I visited the Taoyuan International Conference and Exhibition Center to experience traditional Taiwanese teas such as black tea and oolong tea.

Taiwan Excellence mascot bear. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] I participated in the ‘2024 Feng Cha Bong Congress’ and experienced the concept of ‘Feng Cha Bong Bu’, which combines Taiwanese tea culture and health supplements. There were various items on display here, including products that combined traditional tea and medicinal foods.

Taiwan’s representative desserts, fengglisu and oolong tea. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] After viewing the exhibition, we sampled traditional Taiwanese desserts and famous teas. Feng Lisu, Taiwan’s representative dessert, goes well with warm oolong tea. In Taiwan, oolong tea grown in high mountain areas is famous. It has a unique strong aroma and rich taste, and it warms your stomach when you take a sip.

Taiwan, which has many mountainous areas throughout the country, has an appropriate climate and geographical characteristics for producing tea leaves. Because of this, Taiwanese people naturally began to enjoy drinking tea. In particular, tea grown in high areas above 1000m above sea level is called alpine tea, and the higher the altitude, the sweeter the taste.

Fish porridge with duck-shaped glutinous rice cake, egg roll, and black tea. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] In addition, we experienced a variety of Taiwanese foods by eating desserts such as fish porridge with duck-shaped glutinous rice cake and taro bread. It is said that during the Idong period, Taiwanese people enjoy this type of health food to protect their bodies.

Products from companies that received the Taiwan Excellence award are on display. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] 15 companies participated in the exhibition. These are companies that have received the Taiwan Excellence Award in Taiwan for their excellence in marketing, quality, R&D, and design. There were various experiences and tasting corners at each booth, so there was no time to get bored.

A unique fortune-telling experience at Yongpu Street in Tainan.

Sidienwu Temple, a temple dedicated to Guan Yu, located on Yongpu Street in Tainan. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

If you want to experience fortune telling in Tainan’s fortune telling alley, visit Yongpu Street. Based on your date of birth and time of birth, you can receive fortune telling on various topics such as health, employment, and love. The alley of the fortune-telling restaurant, full of Tainan’s old sensibility, was narrow but had a quiet atmosphere. In front of the three famous fortune-telling houses, there were a lot of people waiting to receive fortune telling.

Yongfu Street in Tainan. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

Taking pictures is not possible once you enter the fortune telling house. Instead, you can put the solved fortune telling paper in an envelope and take it with you. On this day, the fortuneteller spoke in detail about personality, health, wealth, etc.

Yongfu Street in Tainan is famous for its fortune telling alley. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] The fortune teller who saw the reporter’s fortune telling said, “I was born with the strong energy of earth. Because they are assertive and stubborn, it is good to have deep communication with the people around them. “It’s good to meet someone who has the energy of wood,” he explained. Regarding wealth, “It is better to continue to have a stable job rather than start a business or start a business. “Never lend money to others,” and health-wise, he advised, “You need to be careful of your stomach.” I felt like 70% of what he said was correct. Even if everything the fortune teller says is not true, let’s consider it as light advice.

Chuan Mei Theater (全美戲院/Chuan Mei Theater) built in 1950. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

After experiencing the unique Saju Puri, you can visit historical attractions nearby. There is Chikan Tower, one of Tainan’s symbolic historic sites, and Sidianwu Temple, a nationally designated cultural property of Taiwan. You can also visit artistic attractions such as Snail Alley and Tsunmei Theater.

Sidianwu Temple (Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple), a temple dedicated to Guan Yu. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

The Chammei Theater has hand-drawn movie poster signs. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

Hayashi Department Store, Taiwan’s oldest department store

Hayashi Department Store. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

Just a 10-minute drive from Yongpu Street, you will find Hayashi Department Store, the largest old building in Tainan. The gorgeous exterior that can be seen at night gives off a modern feel that makes it hard to believe that it was built in 1932 during the Japanese colonial period.

An elevator inside Hayashi Department Store. The floor number indicator is an old-fashioned dial type. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] But it’s different when you go inside. There are many places with an old-fashioned feel, and one of them is the elevator. The floor number indicator is an old-fashioned dial type. As it is the first elevator in Tainan, traces of its old days can be seen. The maximum capacity is 5 people.

On the floor of Hayashi Department Store, there are traces of shells and bullets from American bombings during World War II. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] Also, stains remain here and there on the floor. It is said to be traces of bullets and shells left by American bombing raids during the Japanese colonial period. Taiwan’s five-story department store was abandoned for a long time, but was restored and resumed operation in 2013.

Hayashi Department Store sells unique products such as household goods, fashion accessories, and souvenirs. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

From the 1st to 4th floors, unique and cute products such as local specialties, souvenirs, household goods, and fashion accessories are sold. From the 6th floor rooftop, you can see the night view of Tainan at a glance.

Tainan coin purse. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

Near Hayashi Department Store, there is a RON& COMPANY restaurant where you can feel Taiwan’s retro sensibility.

The view of the ‘RON & COMPANY’ restaurant and the nearby alley. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

This restaurant alley, built in a renovated old house, had a very quiet and retro atmosphere. On the other hand, the interior of the restaurant attracts attention with its modern interior. While creating a warm atmosphere in various places, the atmosphere of a sophisticated bar was created through soothing music.

Lettuce salad with ricotta cheese and fries platter. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

First, I tried the lettuce salad with ricotta cheese. It was paired with a fried platter consisting of salty and crispy French fries and chicken nuggets. The ‘Tiger Shrimp Risotto’ ordered as the main menu has a spicy yet soft texture. If you eat it with a spicy grape vinegar drink, it will not bite and goes well with it.

‘Tiger Shrimp Risotto’. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

Beautiful harbor view & Taiwanese karaoke experience at InterContinental Kaohsiung Hotel

InterContinental Kaohsiung Hotel&Hotel lobby. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan and is also called Taiwan’s Busan. Because it is a port city located at the southern end, it has a variety of foods, including seafood, and a beautiful port.

A look inside the InterContinental Kaohsiung Hotel room. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] InterContinental Kaohsiung Hotel was designed with inspiration from the port cityscape. When you enter the lobby, you can enjoy the light and colors reminiscent of the coastal area. The swimming pool also offers beautiful views of the port and city. Additionally, the rooms are equipped with the latest facilities and offer a panoramic view of the city.

SEEDS Restaurant located on the first floor of the InterContinental Kaohsiung Hotel. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

I ordered a business lunch menu at SEEDS restaurant on the first floor of the hotel.

Organic salad bar at SEEDS restaurant at InterContinental Kaohsiung Hotel. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

First, at the organic salad bar, you can make your own combination of seasonal organic vegetables and dressings. Freshly made bread and tomato sauce are served before the main dish is served. It’s delicious served with warm soup and moist rye bread.

Aperitif bread and pumpkin soup from the business lunch menu. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

Zucchini Frittata (Frittata di pasta). Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] For the main dish, I ordered Zucchini Frittata (Frittata di pasta). Frittata is an omelet made by mixing various ingredients such as eggs and vegetables and frying them in an oven or pan. You can feel the softness of the egg and the chewy texture of the pasta.

Taiwanese traditional tea and vanilla gelato. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] Lastly, vanilla gelato was served along with warm tea. In most Taiwanese restaurants, tea is included as standard. You can feel the deep aroma and taste that can only be felt in Taiwan.

Exterior view of YES KTV Kaohsiung branch. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] Afterwards, we experienced karaoke. In Taiwan, karaoke bars are usually called KTV. Hyatt YES KTV Kaohsiung branch is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. It is very similar to a Korean karaoke bar, and you can also order alcohol and food inside. The lighting is bright and the facilities are cleanly maintained, making it perfect for holding a party. There is a wide variety of menu items you can order, including beef noodles, dim sum, pizza, fried foods, stews, and fruit.

A look inside the Kaohsiung branch of YES KTV, a Taiwanese karaoke bar. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] The lighting inside the karaoke room is decorated more colorfully, and unusually, there is a toilet inside the karaoke room. It is large and can accommodate multiple people.

Left and right leg foot massage shop… I’m feeling tired

Exterior view of the left and right leg foot massage shop. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

One thing that cannot be missed in your Taiwan travel itinerary is a foot massage. At the entrance to the Left Leg Right Foot Massage Shop in Kaohsiung, a palm tree and a sculpture of the sole of the foot were placed cutely.

Inside the left and right leg foot massage shop. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] First, start with a foot bath with warm water. Let’s sit in a cozy chair and soak our feet in the foot bath for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, when it is your turn, you will receive a foot massage in the massage room. You can also use the remote control to turn the chair into a bed and lie down on it. Enjoy a cup of hot tea and relax while receiving a foot massage. Every time I press the acupuncture points on the soles of my feet, I feel the fatigue of my entire body being relieved. If acupressure hurts, you can ask the masseuse to adjust the intensity.

After the foot bath, a foot massage is performed for about an hour. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] When you wrap your feet with a hot towel during a massage, physical and mental stress is relieved. After receiving a massage focused on the feet for about an hour, it ends with a calf massage.

An inside view of the left and right leg foot massage shop. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected] An authentic Taiwanese foot massage that completely washes away the fatigue of travel. It is said that foot massage is being developed not only as a simple way to relieve fatigue, but also as a treatment for various diseases. The feet are called the second heart and are connected to every part of the body. When you receive a massage, you can feel that the pain is different in each area. If you want to experience true healing, a foot massage shop is a must on your last stop in Kaohsiung.

Inside the left and right leg foot massage shop. Photo = Reporter Kim Ye-seul [email protected]

* **How ​does⁣ the​ author’s description of the foot massage experience blur ⁣the lines between leisure activity and healthcare, and what are the potential implications of this blurring?**

⁣ ## Open-ended Questions for Discussion Based on the Article:

This⁣ article provides⁢ an insight into a traveler’s ⁤experience in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.⁤ Here are some open-ended questions to spark discussion and debate about‌ the key topics:

**Culinary Experiences:**

* The article⁢ mentions the gelato and tea served at the restaurant. How does this reflect ⁣the fusion of cultural influences ⁢in Taiwanese cuisine?

* Taiwanese tea is ​highlighted as a ​standard offering.⁣ What role does ‌tea play in Taiwanese culture and social ‍customs?

**Entertainment and Leisure:**

* How does the description of the YES KTV⁣ karaoke bar compare to karaoke experiences‌ in other countries?

* What do the unique features of the karaoke rooms (e.g., ​colorful lighting, toilet inside) suggest about Taiwanese entertainment‌ preferences?

* The article mentions the author feeling tired and seeking out a foot ​massage. How important are relaxation and self-care practices in ‍travel?

**Foot Massage as⁢ a Cultural Practice:**

* The article positions foot ‍massage as more than just ‌relaxation, suggesting it⁣ has healing ‌properties. ‍How do cultural beliefs about the body and health influence practices like⁢ foot massage?

* The ⁢article states “foot massage is being ⁢developed not only as a simple way to​ relieve fatigue, but also‍ as a treatment for various diseases”. ⁢ What are the potential risks and benefits of promoting⁣ foot massage as a medical ⁢treatment?

**Overall Travel Experience:**

* The author recommends a foot massage shop as a “must” for their last stop in Kaohsiung. What does this suggest about ‌the author’s priorities ‍and what they‍ value in a travel experience?

**Thematic Sections for Discussion:**

1. **Taste of Taiwan:** Explore the​ descriptions of food and ⁤drink,‌ discussing the influence of Taiwanese culture on‌ cuisine.

2. **Nightlife and Entertainment:** Analyze the karaoke ⁢experience, comparing ​it to other cultures and delving ​into the‍ social significance of karaoke.

3. **Wellness and Healing:** Discuss the foot massage experience, questioning its role as a cultural practice and exploring the ‍complex relationship between alternative practices ​and mainstream ⁤medicine.

4.‌ **Creating Travel Memories: ** Focus on the author’s recommendations and choices, prompting reflection on what makes a meaningful travel experience.

These open-ended questions and thematic​ divisions encourage a deeper⁣ understanding of ⁣the article’s content ⁤while fostering critical thinking⁢ and discussion.