"Ask & You Shall Receive..."

Remember this nice map (scanned by Rosiebaba) that I posted a few days ago? You know, the one the pictures of which I wanted to know the scoop on? The one with the details I was oh-so-curious to find out more about? Yes, the one in a language totally foreign to me, as it invariably is...?

Most of the time, these passing wishes just quietly become forgotten. And it's quite alright...since deep down, we are already smothered and spoiled rotten by all the worker-bee-translator sisters who've done everything they can to fill in the gaps for us. So this language-challenged fan is infinitely appreciative enough...

But...this time is different! A kind-hearted sis actually went through the trouble of doing the translation for me. Even more endearing...she wants no credit for it whatsoever, so unfortunately no one will ever know this kind soul's name. Dear "lurker :) " sis, thank you again!

So, here's sharing the details.........for us English-0nly reading fans:

Like Experiencing a Grand Historical Picture Stroll

The main set, where the “kosa” was recently held in the Byosan Tourist Region, is 9,000 tsubo in size. Currently, construction is progressing on 1,172 tsubo used for the palace, castle town, and open sets with completion scheduled for July.
(Note: a Japanese tsubo is equal to 3.95 square yards or 3.31 square meters)

Looking at the completed conceptual plans, the construction of the sets appears to be highly classified information. According to the production staff, “the sets have been built based on data verified by historical scholars, and the palace will be very close to its original form. After filming, the sets will, of course, be open to the general public and, there are plans for the sites to be used as historical learning centers for middle and high school students. With 130 billion won (about 17 million yen) being spent on this massive drama, the amount spent on sets alone is impressive.
When asked why this area was selected as the set location, “the original plan was to film in Mongolia but it was determined that the strong winds would make filming impossible. The weather in Jeju is pleasant and, as you can see, the Byosan Tourist Region has an extensive view of the plains along with an expansive sky and beautiful lines of a mountain ridge. This picturesque scenery fit this drama perfectly.”
Currently, there are many fans traveling from Japan wanting to catch a glimpse of these sets under construction, and the Byosan Tourist Region on Jeju Island has become a new tourist site.

Photos:
bottom middle – One of the few canyons on Jeju with running water. Perhaps we’ll see Yong-sama in a bathing scene? ([

[m: Oh no, is it time for our hair to sprout a few quick inches again??!! haha]

fast, t

Bottom right – mysterious Dong Ne Ko Canyon

Above horse drawing – Yong-sama’s first location set we’re curious about. The second most important set used for the battle scenes (the ex-communist gymnasium)