On the January 16th broadcast of T-Cast E Channel's 'From One to Ten', hosts Jang Sung-kyu and Lee Sang-yeob revealed a curated list of 10 overseas destinations perfect for a weekend getaway without taking leave. The show, airing during the Lunar New Year holiday, sparked interest by appealing to those with a travel itch and office workers yearning for a break from their routine. Despite its engaging content, the show has reportedly been struggling with a 0% viewership rating since November last year.
Topping the list is Japan's Miyakojima, known as the 'Hawaii of the East', which is just a 2-hour and 40-minute flight away. This destination is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and emerald waters, making it a top choice for travelers worldwide. The island is also famous for its 'natural aquarium', where visitors can encounter wild sea turtles and manta rays up close.
Miyakojima is also celebrated for its unique mango parfaits and the exhilarating drive across the 3,540-meter-long Irabu Bridge, which offers a breathtaking experience akin to flying over the sea. Jang Sung-kyu expressed his strong desire to visit, saying, "Just watching the video makes me want to book a flight immediately."
In second place is Vietnam's Sapa, often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Asia'. Situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Sapa offers enchanting views that seem to touch the clouds, earning it the nickname 'City of Clouds'. The 3,143-meter-high Fansipan Mountain, known as the 'Roof of Indochina', provides a breathtaking sense of standing atop the world. The world's longest and highest cable car, supported by just two pillars, adds to the thrill of the journey.
The episode not only provided travel insights but also showcased the delightful chemistry between the two hosts. When introducing Vietnam's Dalat and its 'Bunjoka' (a trendy café), Lee Sang-yeob, unfamiliar with the term, expressed confusion, prompting Jang Sung-kyu to playfully tease him about the slang's popularity three years ago. Lee humorously responded, "They shorten everything. Soon they'll shorten my name to 'Yeob'." The duo's enthusiasm for the diverse destinations was evident as they repeatedly exclaimed, "The vibe is perfect..." and "The romance is just incredible."
Additionally, the show featured other enticing destinations such as Mongolia's Terelj National Park, Malaysia's Ipoh, Taiwan's Taitung, Vietnam's Dalat, Hong Kong's Tai O, Japan's Fujinomiya, and China's Qingdao, all of which can be explored over a short trip, further fueling viewers' wanderlust.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr