I just came back from Korea and did a Mangwon tour, and thought I should do a blog post to help everyone with searching for the special spots in Mangwon. (And I am really lazy to edit the images so pardon the colours). The nearest subway station to all these spots is Mangwon Station (Exit 2).

Here we go~~!

1. WM Entertainement

Every BANA would need to at least get to this place once. The building that was built with the albums and songs we bought, the boy's perspiration and hard work. 

Map/ 지도

2. Coffee Shop (커피집 숍)

The coffee shop that Sandeul frequent, that coffee shop that has his card pinned onto the wall. We didn't head in because our tummies were full of noodles and coffee at that time when we went passed.

Map/ 지도

3. Gwang Hap Seong Cafe (광합성 카페)

This cafe is one of the spot where Sandeul took his album pictures. The stairs with yellow line, as well as the interior can be easily recognised. Unfortunately, the spot Sandeul sat at was taken up. Sandeul also mentioned in one of that backstage videos that the sandwich here are really nice! (and no, we ended up with coffee only because we still had noodles swimming in our tummies)

Map/ 지도

4. Shanghai Spagetti and Ddasikki Galbi (상하이스파게티&따식이갈비)

We went to this place twice this trip, the owner was really nice to us. She told us that Gongchan & CNU likes eating spicy so they order the spicy galbi and Sandeul & Jinyoung couldn't eat spicy so they order the non-spicy galbi. We got the chance to try both at different times we went there, I have to say the non-spicy one really taste good! You could also see signatures of the boys and also signed album in the shop.

Map/ 지도

5. KINOKO CAFE (키노코 카페)

Tucked in a small alleyway of Mangwon, this cafe is pretty small and Sandeul did several shoots here. Unfortunately, on that day we went, the cafe was closed. We managed to take some photos of the interior thanks to the transparent doors.

Map/ 지도

6. Happy Burger (행벅식당)

This burger place is another place that Sandeul recommended. We didn't managed to eat it because it was their resting time when we reached there. T^T we ended up settling for another shop but that's besides the point.

Map/ 지도

7. Le glacier des etoiles, le clocher d'or (빙하의 별)

This ice cream shop is pretty prominent if you are walking on the other side of the streets. I'm not sure if the operating hours only applies to winter, or all year round, but when we got there, they have a sign saying they are only opened from 6pm onwards. There goes our ice cream T^T

Sandeul took his Stay as you are jacket here as well~ 

Map/ 지도

8. Colourful Wall in front of Cafe Tweed (카페트위드  앞에 벽)

This wall was featured in one of Sandeul's photocard and it was pretty hard to find since there was no exact location. Now that I have been there, I can easily say that this wall stands in front of Cafe Tweed, just right outside the underpass to get from Mangwon to Hangang River.

Map/ 지도

9. Hangang River Mangwon Section (한강시민공원 망원지구)

I think I didn't mention that it was a freezing and extremely windy day when we did this tour, and the river was my last straw. I couldn't even withstand 5 mins of phototaking. But the pictures turned out really pretty due to the pretty sky. This was also a spot that Sandeul took his album jacket.

Map/ 지도

Should anyone be in Seoul and wants to try something different, you could do this!! We started off with Mangwon Market at about 10am and left at about 4pm, our timing was just nice and on schedule but if it was a summer trip, it might be shorter because you would not end up wanting to hop into a cafe to hide from the freezing temperatures.

Also, a huge thank you to pink sugar chan's blog post which made searching for some of the places much easier! Check out her blog post of Mangwon here, it also included the churros shop that Jinyoung went to. ^^v

JINYOUNG:

Merry Christmas to all our banas~ Everyday with our banas are an anniversary~ Let's make happy memories this Christmas together~ I love you bana~

CNU:

Our banas, Christmas is here. I think all of the Christmas since we debuted has been special. It is because we are with banas. I am always thankful and more thankful. Days spent with banas are all like Christmas. I love you very much.

SANDEUL:

Bana~ Christmas is here~ How about doing something really heart fluttering this Christmas~? For example~ Date? A warm dinner? Joining a Christmas party? etc~!! I think if we do something heart fluttering, Christmas 2016 will be a unforgettable one!! However... If you are alone you won't feel heart fluttering right? You need a very good looking~ cool!! guy to be by your side. (B1A4.. us... or even me... would be fine too?) This Christmas will be the best christmas yet!! Merry Christmas!!

BARO:

Merry Christmas. I hope you will only have happy and fun things in your life. Christmas! Make many good memories with your loved ones!

GONGCHAN:

My Banas~! This is already the 6th time we are spending Christmas together!! This winter isn't as cold. Reason being, we are spending it with banas!! It is a very blissful winter and it is good to always see your faces! You guys are the best because you guys gives me the greatest strength. You have worked hard in 2016! It was a very happy year!! Let's also spend a very happy 2017 next year too! You are world's best!! God-bana! I always love you!!

#BARO

1. What is "A Lie" killing point? The part that needs to be paid attention to the most.

When we use sign language to express "everything I said was a lie"

2. The song you like most (other than title song) in the album? Why?

Nightmare. It is the first time trying this genre, I have an affection for this song and the whole song itself is nice.

3. If you can form a unit and promote, which artist would you like to work with? (What kind of concept and why?)

Our members. There isn't a unit yet but we got to have one.

4. What is the new hobby you have gotten after ending dorm life and staying on your own? Also, are there any changes?

I stay with my mother and little sister, I am happy that the house always remains clean.

5. Is there any member's personality, appearance etc that you want to have? Which member, what and why?

Gongchan's looks! I want to live at least once with Gongchan's face.

6. Is there any song that you are stuck on recently that you want to recommend? What is the reason?

The weekend "I feel it coming". When I listen to this song I feel uplifted.

7. What is the happiest moment in 2016 as you look back?

When we released our full length album! It is something that we have been working on for really long so I am happy.

8. A goal that you have to achieve in 2017?

I want to do a unit or a personal work!

#GONGCHAN

1. What is "A Lie" killing point? The part that needs to be paid attention to the most.

"Looks like our love is shallow"/ "You always bite your lips and stay alone" (T/N: These are gongchan's parts)

2. The song you like most (other than title song) in the album? Why?

Together. Banas' voice are the most beautiful in the world.

3. If you can form a unit and promote, which artist would you like to work with? (What kind of concept and why?)

Acourve. They have songs that I like. Acourve's emotions has won my heart. I will listen to their songs everyday without fail. I think it would be super good to do a collab with them.

4. What is the new hobby you have gotten after ending dorm life and staying on your own? Also, are there any changes?

Communicating with fans on SNS, while staying alone, I thought about how to talk to the fans more and I ended up being active on SNS.

5. Is there any member's personality, appearance etc that you want to have? Which member, what and why?

Sandeul's powerful singing abilities. Its really cool and I am envious. I really like hyung's vocals.

6. Is there any song that you are stuck on recently that you want to recommend? What is the reason?

Pygmalion's Us at night (늦은밤, 우리). When you listen to it as you sleep, you sleep very well, its good.

7. What is the happiest moment in 2016 as you look back?

When we sang Together with fans together at our first showcase.

8. A goal that you have to achieve in 2017?

I hope to be able to do the things I do well!!

#CNU

1. What is "A Lie" killing point? The part that needs to be paid attention to the most.

Shabbily (T/N: CNU's part)

2. The song you like most (other than title song) in the album? Why?

Nightmare. I change everyday but today is Nightmare. In my opinion, it is B1A4's best song today.

3. If you can form a unit and promote, which artist would you like to work with? (What kind of concept and why?)

Baro. Hip Hop. We match well during trainee days. I want to do it once.

4. What is the new hobby you have gotten after ending dorm life and staying on your own? Also, are there any changes?

Watching a movie and eating at night. It's not good to eat at night but I got addicted to it.

5. Is there any member's personality, appearance etc that you want to have? Which member, what and why?

Baro's thighs. Im really envious...

6. Is there any song that you are stuck on recently that you want to recommend? What is the reason?

Deceased Yoo Jaeha's "Sad letter". It's a song that I want to listen to even when I am not sad.

7. What is the happiest moment in 2016 as you look back?

Comeback stage. Because it is a stage that we finally stood on after so long. It was a good time for us and our fans.

8. A goal that you have to achieve in 2017?

I want to go higher. There are still a lot of things to show you so I want to show you more.

#SANDEUL

1. What is "A Lie" killing point? The part that needs to be paid attention to the most.

I personally think that it would be good if you pay attention to the high notes...!!

2. The song you like most (other than title song) in the album? Why?

I will find you. Right from the start to the end it leads you to something dreamy so I like it.

3. If you can form a unit and promote, which artist would you like to work with? (What kind of concept and why?)

I want to try Senior Haha and Skull reggae music. I normally like reggae music and I also curious about it...

4. What is the new hobby you have gotten after ending dorm life and staying on your own? Also, are there any changes?

It has become a hobby to watch a movie at the end of the day! 

5. Is there any member's personality, appearance etc that you want to have? Which member, what and why?

Jinyoung when he is obsess and immersed when working. I think I need this a lot now.

6. Is there any song that you are stuck on recently that you want to recommend? What is the reason?

Chris Brown "Sometimes"

7. What is the happiest moment in 2016 as you look back?

Right now. The moment when I can stand on the stage, be with banas and be with the members, its the happiest.

8. A goal that you have to achieve in 2017?

I want to do a lot of concert and include songs of my own colour into B1A4's album.

#JINYOUNG

1. What is "A Lie" killing point? The part that needs to be paid attention to the most.

Gongchan's part has a "biting your lips" lyrics, at that part Gongchan wipes his finger over his lips, I think that is really cool.

2. The song you like most (other than title song) in the album? Why?

Together. It is a meaningful song that we recorded with 50 fans.

3. If you can form a unit and promote, which artist would you like to work with? (What kind of concept and why?)

Black Eye Peas Will.I.Am. He is my role model, he is really cool.

4. What is the new hobby you have gotten after ending dorm life and staying on your own? Also, are there any changes?

I started cleaning very diligently. When I was staying in the dorm, the members became the victims when I don't clean up.

5. Is there any member's personality, appearance etc that you want to have? Which member, what and why?

Gongchan's appearance. I am always envious. He is like a statue.

6. Is there any song that you are stuck on recently that you want to recommend? What is the reason?

Chancellor "Surrender". The voice is really good and the entire song is deafening it good.

7. What is the happiest moment in 2016 as you look back?

During our 3rd Fanmeeting, when we met fans after a long time and played games, it was the happiest.

8. A goal that you have to achieve in 2017?

I want to do a concert tour in the whole country. I want to meet fans who are staying in the countryside.

PLEASE TAKE OUT TRANSLATIONS WITH FULL CREDITS.

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Q: What will you be doing this upcoming Christmas?
CNU: We have a schedule. We have a fansign and Vapp broadcast.

Q: If you don't have schedule, what would you like to do on Christmas?

Jinyoung: Nothing much, I just want to walk on the streets of Myeongdong while it is snowing.

Sandeul: I want to go diving. (laughs) Going to a place where there is nothing and me being alone doesn't seems too bad. I watch the drama "Entourage" and Seo Kang Jun will go diving whenever he don't feel good. It seems cool...

CNU: The best drama recently is Goblin isn't it. Even though I don't really watch drama but I saw a few episodes. It is very interesting. Coincidentally, I saw an episode and ended up continuing it. I even subscribed to watch it again on the internet.

Q: When there's no schedule on Christmas, you like to watch drama?

CNU: Nope. Actually, I like to go for a drive so I want to go for one. But it seems like a hard thing to do.

Jinyoung: It seems like every year Christmas we have schedules.

Sandeul: Think of that as a good thing.

Jinyoung: Even though its a good thing, I thought its a pity.

CNU: Still, its been a while since we are in Korea this year. Last year and the year before we spent it in Japan.

Sandeul: Since its been a while we spent Christmas in Korea, I think we can spend it with a different feeling.

Q: B1A4 members did various activities this year. Looking back at 2016, how was it?

Jinyoung: It was eventful. We experienced a lot of things. A year where the members all did various things and grow their capabilities. 2016 was a year where we look forward to 2017.

Q: What would 2017 be like for B1A4?

Jinyoung: Safe. No mishap, I hope it can be a happy year. "Happy" would include everything. Being healthy, being successful in our work too. With that, I hope that B1A4 will have a happy year.

Q: Is there anything that you do to be happy when things don't go very well?

Jinyoung: There are times when I watch movie, I also sometimes sing upbeat songs. My style is to forget the bad things.

CNU: For me, I do nothing. I am those kind who don't think and shouldn't think in order not to get stressed. I try my best to just be still.

Sandeul: Recently I met up with my Busan friends. We thought back about our past together. It felt really good to laugh and play when we were young and have nothing. Thinking about my past made me released my stress. I prefer moving around when I get stressed out.

Q: If there is something that you want to tell your fans this year end, what would it be?

Jinyoung: I recommend that you spend your year end with your family this year. Most people would think of spending time with friends. However, this year on the last year, how about making some precious memories with your family? I thought it would be good to be spending it with your family this time.

Q: It seems hard for you to spend time with your family for year end.

Jinyoung: The year end is always the busiest. It has been a while since we always spend crossing over to the next year in MBC.

CNU: I think its been 7-8 years since we have been counting down on MBC.

Sandeul: Its a little regretful that we can't be with the family for the new year. Its been a while the last memory. So I kept thinking about it. I remembered going to Busan Yongdusan together with family.

Q: It's a little early but what is your new year resolution?

Sandeul: Firstly, I hope to be able to go through the year healthily. And I want to work hard and practice so that my songs can be in the next album. I will start with being a small producer and then overtake Jinyoung and CNU hyung. (laugh) I will lead the team in the future.

CNU: I believe in Sandeul thoughts. Its a mature sensibility. Sandeul's solo album this time included his self written self composed song, I feel that it is feel of emotions and a good song to listen to no matter when. Even though Jinyoung is our team's main producer, I thought that as I write songs, the spectrum of B1A4's colour expanded. So I thought if we add in Sandeul's, wouldn't our colours expand even more.

Sandeul: Let's wait and see.

CNU: I think he will write songs that all age group will like, songs that even the older people will like.

Sandeul: There might even be a totally new genre. Something like EDM Trot. No matter what kind of songs, I should try composing it first. While I am writing for this album, I have a lot of emotions. Before we decided on the songs I listened to hyungs music. Jinyoung's songs are started like a tunnel but CNU's songs seems to changed the tunnel, the feeling is good. It feels so good that I want to join in too. I want to make a music like the tunnel's emergency exit.

Jinyoung: I think that it is good. Members are hungry in terms of music, and want to participate in the album.

Sandeul: Our hyungs are really cool.

CNU: I think it would be cool to include all of the members self composed songs in a mini album.

PLEASE TAKE OUT TRANSLATIONS WITH FULL CREDITS.

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Even though B1A4 seems quite, they are not quiet, it seems like they are showing us their images once in a while but they are a diligent group constantly having activities. Next year they are in their 7th year since debut and they are displaying good dynamics acknowledged by others.

Debuting from WM Entertainment in 2011, even though B1A4 isn't a rookie group who came like a comet, but they started and succeeded with a nick name "Elementary school president". They received rookie award and also got their first 1st place after 2 years of debut with hit song "What's happening".

The song "What's happening" which got 1st place what their 4th mini album, and B1A4 has been releasing 2 albums per year since debut. Also, they have their own reality and own concert into their 2nd year. After releasing their first full length album, they also debuted in Japan. Putting "hit the iron while its hot" into practical use.

After that, they ride on their rising popularity, they bounced higher and released their 2nd full length album, and started their world tour from Taiwan, USA, Japan, Australia, Southeast Asia etc.

As the team gets stabilized, the members also started their solo activities. Jinyoung was born again as an actor through Mnet Music drama "Perseverance Goo Haera, MBC Warm and Cozy, and recent KBS2 Love in the Moonlight. He also displayed his song writing skills as he participated in Produce 101's In the same place, IOI's Wait, When the cherry blossoms fade, Oh my girl's One step two step and so on.

Sandeul as expected went towards the public through music. He showed the public the singing skills that they did not know of on MBC King of Masked Singer, he also showed his individuality as a solo singer with his solo album "Stay this way".

CNU got casted as Chess' main actor. Baro acted in MBC Angry Mom, he also did varieties like SBS Laws of the jungle, tvN's Youth over flowers. Gongchan was the MC for KBS2 A song for you.

In such a short time, all 5 members were able to show their talents in the areas where they do good at. Of course, compared to the past, they took a longer period (for comeback), but unexpectedly, B1A4 grew as they did their activities together and separately. As much as they took a long time to make a come back, they also released a high quality album.

Since 2012, B1A4 has been promoting using songs their write on their own. In 2014, their 2 full length album Who am I consisted of 8 self written songs out of the 12 songs, the number increasing sharply. Their latest album Good Timing, they provided us with 13 out of 13 self written tracks.

CNU revealed during Good Timing showcase, "It has always been a dream to have a full length album with all self written and composed songs. I feel like we fulfilled that dream and grew a lot, and think that it is a step into somewhere where we can growing more." 

It is not a common thing to see idols releasing an album with all self written tracks. Towards the end of their 6th debut year, B1A4 continue to grow and is becoming a respectable idol.

What's even more surprising is that B1A4 has not had one scandal. The members promoted with a stain on their name and has firm teamwork. B1A4 also visit one another as the promote individually, cheering on each other sincerely.

Jinyoung said in the interview once that his heart still flutters when he sees the members occasionally, showing the affections he has for the members. On Good Timing showcase with regards to the 7 year jinx, he mentioned that "there are still a lot of things that we are curious about each other, there are also lots of things to talk about" CNU also said "We are fans of each other".

Like this, even if B1A4's proper and acknowledged activities doesn't gather great interest from the public, it is still possible that they will go a long way.

One person in the entertainment industry said "As idols promote longer, they tend to sway more to solo activities, B1A4 does well in acting, variety, song writing and so on, so we look forward to them".

He also added "When B1A4 first debuted, their concept was innocent and cheerful. It is similar to SHINee, as they show their mature image, they are also looking to develop. B1A4 is like SHINee, they maintained their charms and create their own growing up stories, so I thought the possibility of them becoming a long lasting group is high."

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