The number of tourists going abroad for vacation has increased now that COVID-19 has let up. Pharos would like to introduce the top three winter vacation spots for Kyonggi University students who are thinking of traveling overseas. We also have some tips regarding the tourists attractions, foods, and annual events during winter, so pay attention! 

 Sapporo in Hokkaido 

 The first destination we want to introduce is Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. Sapporo is a representative heavy snowfall area in Japan and holds Winter Festival at about early February because of its climate. Many tourists visit this festival because there are so many attractions and entertaining features in this winter festival period. The representative spots in Sapporo are Odori Park, Moerenuma Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, and Ryokan. First, Odori Park is a boundary between south and north, and it has a unique shape that runs from east to west along the street. The Sapporo TV Tower is located just beside Odori Park, so this spot is good for taking pictures of the awesome wintry landscape. Next, Moerenuma Park is founded with the concept of being a giant sculpture, but originally this spot was a city refuse dump. There are two conical hills, and you can see the snow-covered city view and sea of Sapporo. Sapporo Beer Museum is a museum which focuses on the history of Sapporo Beer and the development of Hokkaido. Pharos recommends this spot especially to one who loves to drink because this place explains the history of Sapporo beer and also offers beverage samples. Finally, if you will travel to Japan, you can’t forget the hot springs. How about relaxing with a bath in a hot spring in Ryokan which has the traditional color of Japan. Consequently, if you like snow and want to really feel the beauty of winter, go to Sapporo on a winter trip.

 Hong Kong 

 The next travel spot is Hong Kong. Hong Kong has four seasons like Korea but the average temperature for the year doesn’t change too much. In summer, the humidity is high, but Hong Kong’s winter differs from Korea. Hong Kong doesn’t get colder than 10 degrees celsius, so winter is the best season for traveling here. Hong Kong is famous for its fancy and colorful night view. While walking through Hong Kong city at night, you have to experience the fantastic city of light. Hong Kong is convenient for traveling because of its transportation. Hong Kong has various attractions and enjoyable things. Mongkok Night Market lets you buy some souvenirs for a reasonable price. It is operated 24 hours, so you can visit there whenever you want. Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s main street, has so many large shopping centers and department stores. Furthermore, many fashion weeks are held at Causeway Bay. Not only native Hong Kongers but also tourists visit this place because they can see the latest fashion in Causeway Bay. Victoria Peak, well known for its nice night view, and Disney Land, a world of dreams and hopes, are representative places to visit as well. You can really enjoy your trip if you include these places. Hong Kong has been well known as an international city where you can experience both the East and the West. You must try Hong Kong’s food such as milk tea, egg tart, macaroni soup and Hong Kong’s French toast. At the end of the year, you can enjoy more beautiful lights of the city and big sales because of Christmas. In that season, the Symphony of Lights shows are colorful, so you will remember them forever. The temperature varies a lot, so you have to bring warm clothes. It is an important tip for traveling to Hong Kong.

 Cebu 

 The last travel spot that we want to introduce is Cebu in Philippines. It’s best to visit Cebu from November to February because it’s the dry season. People who want to travel to a warm country visit Cebu during this time. Cebu has so many tourist attractions like Oslop Tour and Badian Canyon. In Oslop Tour, you can swim with whale sharks in the emerald ocean. You can experience the ocean and mountain activities in Badian Canyon. In addition, you can feel the ocean while snorkeling at Pandanon Island, Hilludyan Island, San Vicente Island, and Nalu Suwan Island. Cebu is a healing place for people who are stressed out in daily life. Furthermore, you can enjoy Cebu’s delicious foods. Alimango (made of red crab), civet coffee, coconut, Philipino’s traditional drink made of sugar cane, and mango are representative foods. From seafood to tropical fruit and alcohol, you can try various foods at a cheap price. If you visit Cebu, Pharos would recommend trying all these foods. Cebu’s prices are cheaper than Korea’s. In SM mall, you can purchase souvenirs at a reasonable price. Cebu has so many tours. There are courses where you can enjoy activities and spa services. Travelers who are indecisive can reserve tour services before going to Cebu, and these will arrange pick up, tourist attractions, and meals.

 Pharos has introduced three spots which are perfect for Kyonggi University students to visit in winter: Sapporo, Hong Kong, and Cebu. First, if you want to travel for sightseeing and healing with a winter atmosphere, we recommend Sapporo. Otherwise, if you want to travel for food and a pleasant city night view, we recommend Hong Kong. Finally, if you want to warm up or enjoy bathing while having fun with various activities at an affordable price, we recommend Cebu. It’s already the end of the year and mid-term exams are over. Pharos hopes you relieve stress and have a leisurely time with a pleasant trip this winter vacation! 

79th Reporter • YUN SI O • ysbcindy1026@naver.com

80th Reporter • KIM YU JIN • yujinkim627@gmail.com