Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
The endemic era has arrived. With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, people can now go anywhere. The decisions become more profound as the options expand. Where would be a good place to go? How about setting off to Sumer, where the first civilization of humanity began, as seen in the recent show Expedition to Maya, or embarking on a journey across Mongolia, similar to the upcoming showExpress Delivery: Mongolia Edition, which will start airing on the 18th? Here, we’re introducing five travel variety shows that make you want to take off and explore.
Bros on Foot (2023)
Bros on Foot is a travel program where Ha Jung Woo, Ju Ji Hoon, Choi Minho, and Yeo Jin Goo walk their way through New Zealand. The four of them, initially excited to leisurely explore New Zealand’s South Island in a camper, face challenges right from the beginning. The production team leaves them with just four bicycles and takes off. Bros on Foot adopts the concept of “substitute hardship,” as the production team provides tickets for viewers based on the distance the three stars traveled. In other words, the one who travels the furthest wins the game. Featuring Ha Jung Woo, a walking enthusiast who even wrote an essay titled “Walking Person Ha Jung Woo,” as its centerpiece, the show follows passionate walkers, including gym enthusiast Minho, as they complete their journey to the destination. The dynamic between Ha Jung Woo and Ju Ji Hoon, who appeared together in movies like Along with the Gods and Ransomed, adds an engaging atmosphere to the show.
Bro&Marble in Dubai (2023)
Bro & Marble in Dubai portrays a real-life version of the Monopoly game, where the cast engages in money-making activities. Set against the dynamic backdrop of Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, and the filming location for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the show involves participants purchasing properties and paying tolls by rolling dice. Just like the classic Monopoly game featuring iconic landmarks worldwide, Bro & Marble in Dubai also highlights Dubai’s landmarks. From the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab to the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel, as well as deserts and deserted islands, a mix of contrasting landmarks adds a playful element to the show. Directed by producer Lee Hong Gi, known for his work on Running Man, the show features an ensemble of stars. Led by the game designer and banker Lee Seung Gi, along with Yoo Yeon Suk, Kyuhyun, Ji Suk Jin, Lee Dong Hwi, Jo Se Ho, SEVENTEEN’s Joshua and Hoshi, the cast strives to survive the intense mental challenges.
Europe Outside Your Tent (2022)
There are no comfortable beds or hot showers in Europe Outside Your Tent as the cast goes camping, not to hotels. When it comes to meals, they prefer local markets over Michelin-starred restaurants or popular eateries with long waiting lists. Yoo Hae Jin, Jin Seon Kyu, Park Ji Hwan and Yoon Kyun Sang headed to a Swiss campground in Season 1, while Choo Jin Woong, Choi Won Young, Park Myung Hoon, and Kwon Yul departed to Spain in Season 2. Then in Season 3, which concluded in July this year, Season 1 members reunited and showcased the true essence of winter camping in Norway to observe the aurora, every camper’s goal around the world. Their journey takes viewers on a thrilling ride as they transform into “Aurora Hunters” in freezing temperatures of minus 20 degrees.
No Math School Trip (2023)
There is a special school trip in South Korea that students can only join during their school years. “No Math School Trip” is a travel variety show where six members—Do Kyung Soo, Zico, Crush, Choi Jung Hoon, Lee Yong Jin and Yang Se Chan—embark on a new journey. The show attracted considerable attention for featuring different celebrities instead of EXO members, who are currently preparing for their comeback. The six members were spotted traveling to Hokkaido, Japan, and Gangwon Province, emphasizing that who you travel with matters more than where you are going. Despite not visiting famous attractions and having a limited budget, the cast had a blast together. The cast going on the special school trip will bring you an inexplicable sense of joy and relaxation.
Trans-Siberian Pathfinders (2019)
The main mode of transportation in Trans-Siberian Pathfinders is the Trans-Siberian Railway, which stretches 9,288km and passes through a total of 87 cities. The members who will go on the train journey from Vladivostok to Moscow are close friends Lee Sung Kyun, Kim Nam Gil, Lee Sang Yeob, Go Kyu Pil, and Kim Min Sik. The concept of their journey together is “unplugged travel.” Unlike it is station stops, the train’s Wi-Fi connection is not consistent while the train is in motion. Similar to many people being unable to put down their smartphones and fully appreciate the surrounding scenery wherever they go, the cast also finds this style of travel a bit restrictive initially. However, they quickly adapt to the freedom that is only possible at that moment and begin to enjoy the trip.
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Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
