K-Drama “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”(사이코지만 괜찮아) at Okjeong Lake Park(옥정 호수 공원)
Nestled in the heart of South Korea, Okjeong Lake Park is a serene destination that offers a perfect escape from the bustling city life. This picturesque park, with its tranquil waters and lush greenery, has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists. But did you know that it has also been a backdrop for some of the most beloved K-dramas? Let’s dive into the details of this beautiful location and explore its connection to the world of Korean dramas.
A Drama Connection: ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
These days, there’s a drama where actor Kim Soo-hyun‘s charm is shining, called ‘Queen of Tears.‘ Before this drama, there was another charming drama starring Kim Soo-hyun called ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.’ This drama is enhanced with a fairy tale-like fantasy, making the visuals beautiful, and Kim Soo-hyun’s acting is outstanding.
The story of this drama started with the writer’s own love story. In an interview, the writer said, “This drama is like a reflection on my inability to accept and embrace.” Therefore, the writer depicted the main character, Kang Tae, as a strong figure to show the acceptance and embrace that they themselves couldn’t do, and to apologize.
The drama conveys its message through five fairy tale books, which have actually been published:
- “The Boy Who Grew Up Eating Nightmares”
- “The Zombie Kid”
- “The Cheerful Dog”
- “Hand, The Monstrous Claw”
- “Finding the Real Face”
Kang Tae works as a caregiver in a psychiatric ward while taking care of his brother who has an autism spectrum disorder. Every spring, they move because his brother intensely dislikes butterflies. On the other hand, popular fairy tale writer Ko Moon-young has antisocial personality disorder and doesn’t care about others’ emotions.
She meets Kang Tae for the first time when she attends a reading session at the children’s ward of the hospital where Kang Tae works. Kang Tae couldn’t receive his mother’s love because of his brother when he was young, and he once wished his brother would disappear. There was a child who watched Kang Tae as he hesitated when his brother fell into the river, and that child was Ko Moon-young. Moon-young tries to push away Kang Tae’s obsession with her, but she gradually finds it impossible to do so.
Moon-young’s mother, Do Hee-jae, was also a famous fairy tale writer but had psychopathic tendencies and raised Moon-young as her possession, turning her into a psychopath. Kang Tae and Sang Tae’s mother was killed by Do Hee-jae, and Sang Tae witnessed this, making him intensely dislike butterflies. Moon-young’s mother altered her face and was watching them while working as the head nurse at the hospital. Kang Tae wanted to kill Do Hee-jae but couldn’t because of Moon-young. The hospital director tells Kang Tae that Moon-young is his safety pin.
Kang Tae falls in love with Moon-young and sincerely reconciles with his brother. Kang Tae stands on his own by drawing illustrations for fairy tales and decides to become a family with Moon-young. They embrace each other’s wounds and heal together. This drama is highly recommended as it beautifully encapsulates visual aesthetics, the actors’ performances, an immersive story, touching moments, and meaningful messages!
Exploring Themes of Trauma and Healing
At the heart of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” lies a poignant exploration of trauma, pain, and the healing power of love. Through the journeys of its characters, the drama delves deep into the complexities of mental illness, offering viewers a nuanced perspective on the struggles faced by those grappling with inner demons.
Reflecting on the Human Experience Amidst Nature’s Splendor
As visitors wander through Okjeong Lake Park Lake, they can’t help but be inspired by the resilience of the human spirit depicted in the drama. Against the backdrop of the park’s tranquil surroundings, viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and to embrace empathy and understanding towards those facing mental health challenges.
Embracing the Transformative Power of Self-Acceptance
Ultimately, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and destigmatization when it comes to mental health. By showcasing the struggles and triumphs of its characters, the drama encourages viewers to confront their own preconceptions and to embrace the beauty of imperfection.
Glimpses of Tranquility: Exploring the Charms of Okjeong Lake Park
Excellent Place for Family Jaunts and Romantic Dates
The demesne, officially opened in May 2017, features colorful lodestones similar as Mugunghwa Hill(무궁화 언덕), Gimsatgat Square(김삿갓 광장), Community Terrace, Musical Fountain(음악 분수), and a performance venue within the forecourt. Every time, different carnivals and performances take place then, and during summer nights, busking musicians delight visitors’ cognizance with pleasurable music at colorful spots throughout the demesne. Still, you will find retired gems scattered throughout the demesne, making it an excellent place for family jaunts and romantic dates, If you explore around.
Enjoying the Magical Water Fountain at Okjeong Lake Park
This witching water fountain, positioned amidst the lush verdure of Okjeong Central Lake Park, is further than just an ornamental point. It’s a spectacle of light, sound, and movement that mesmerizes callers of all periods. As the water balls gracefully to the meter of the music, it creates a symphony of colors and shapes, casting a spell of wonder and delight on all who witness its beauty.
The Performance Venue
At the heart of Okjeong Central Park stands an ultramodern performance venue where callers can immerse themselves in a different array of artistic performances and events. From traditional Korean music musicales to contemporary cotillion performances, the venue showcases the rich shade of Korean culture. Whether you are a addict of theater, music, or cotillion, the performance venue offers a wonderful experience for all.
Community Sundeck
Perched atop a gentle pitch overlooking the demesne, the Community Terrace offers panoramic views of the girding verdure and scenic beauty. This tranquil retreat serves as a gathering place for locals and callers likewise, furnishing a serene setting for relaxation and contemplation. Whether you are enjoying a mug of coffee at daylight or watching the evening paint the sky in tinges of orange and pink, the Community Terrace offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of megacity life.
Artistic Events and Carnivals
Throughout the time, Okjeong Lake Park comes alive with a vibrant timetable of artistic events and carnivals. From traditional music performances to art exhibitions and food carnivals, there is always commodity instigative passing in the demesne. Callers can immerse themselves in the original culture, sample succulent Korean cookery, and witness the warmth and hospitality of the community. A Journey Through Okjeong Lake Park and Its Hidden Gem, the Library Okjeong Lake Park is located in Okjeong- dong, Yangju City, which is a new megacity area girdled by large apartment complexes, shops, and cafes centered around the lake.
A Great Place for Food Suckers to Explore
Offering a variety of transnational dishes, and with lots of coffee shops, it’s a great place for food suckers to explore. Right in front of the lake, there’s a complex structure connected to a sports center with a library and a swimming pool. The first bottom of the library is designed like a café where you can enjoy peaceful music while reading, and on Saturdays, small musicales are held inside the library, making it a comprehensive mending and educational space.
When you visit the lake demesne, do not just adore the demesne itself; be sure to explore the library as well. It offers a wide selection of books in Korean as well as English originals. But make sure only the library is closed every Monday.
Hotels Nearby
Yangju JS Hotel
Features:
With a stay at Yangju JS Hotel in Yangju, you’ll be within a 10-minute drive of Yangjoo Saenghwal Geongang and Uncheon Bowling Center. This motel is 6.7 mi (10.7 km) from Gasan SBS Bowling Center and 7 mi (11.2 km) from Immanuel Gidokgyobaekhwajeom.This motel offers designated smoking areas.
Make yourself at home in one of the 42 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators. Computers are provided along with complimentary wireless internet access. Private bathrooms have jetted bathtubs and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Hotel No.25 in Yangju
Features:
Located in Yangju, Hotel No.25 in Yangju is a 2-minute drive from Bukhansan National Park and 7 minutes from Kisan Reservoir. This hotel is 13.3 mi (21.5 km) from Gyeongbokgung Palace and 14.3 mi (22.9 km) from Myeongdong Street.
Featured amenities include express check-in and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 32 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include electric kettles and complimentary bottled water, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Yangju Gallery Hotel
Located in Yangju, Yangju Gallery Hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Majang Reservoir and Majang Reservoir Shaking Bridge. This motel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Kisan Reservoir and 3.8 mi (6 km) from Youeal Leisure Park.
This motel offers designated smoking areas.
Free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 32 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have bathtubs or showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Nearby Attractions
Han River Sky Bridge : “Crash Landing On You” Bridge
Kim Soo-hyun’s Secret to Maintaining his Abs
How South Korea’s Top Celebrities like Kim Soo-hyun Stay Fit, Healthy, and Radiant”
Other K-dramas Starring Kim Soo-hyun
Hyundai Department Stores : The Main Background of the Queens, Queen of Tears
Sayuwon : The Hunting scene, Queen of Tears
Stone Age Art Museum : The mansion of the Queens Group conglomerate, Queen of Tears
Pearblossom Field In Asan : The helicopter scene, Queen of Tears
Sojeon Museum : The chairman of Queens Group’s Exhibition Room, Queen of Tears
Locations in Germany :Queen of Tears
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