"Living Report" has released a wealth of unique information about overseas living in a romantic and emotional camper van.
In the episode aired on the 9th, the couple Jeon Jin and Ryu Yi-seo appeared as "clients" seeking a customized guide to realize their dream of living abroad.
Jay Soon and Lee Ji-hye recommended Turkey and New Zealand respectively, and with the help of the "experienced guides," they introduced the charms and useful information about both countries, leading the couple to ultimately choose New Zealand, giving Lee Ji-hye her first victory.
During the opening, Kim Sung-joo stated, "The 5060 'Macher Generation' is the last generation to support their parents and the first generation unable to be supported by their children, and interest in living abroad is rapidly increasing," adding, "I also have to think about retirement soon, so it doesn't feel like someone else's business." Lee Ji-hye then asked, "When do you plan to retire?" to which Kim Sung-joo replied, "If there's no work, I might retire tomorrow. But if work comes in, I'll keep going~," causing everyone to burst into laughter.
In a cheerful atmosphere, the couple Jeon Jin and Ryu Yi-seo, who are in their sixth year of marriage, appeared in the studio. Jeon Jin mentioned, "Due to COVID-19, we couldn't go abroad for our honeymoon and had a short trip in a camper van domestically," expressing his desire to experience "living abroad in a camper van" for about a month. He specifically stated, "I would like a place where I can have various experiences, including activities, and where even random photos turn out to be great shots. I'm thinking of a budget of about 3.5 million won excluding the camper van rental fee." In response, Jay Soon and Lee Ji-hye each recommended Turkey and New Zealand, entering into a fiery competition to win the couple's hearts.
First, Jay Soon introduced Turkey, the "cultural crossroads" that spans both Europe and Asia, stating, "Camping and traveling across continents is possible." The Korean-Turkish couple Noh Guk-han and Ailryul appeared as "experienced guides," declaring their intention to rent a camper van in the capital Ankara and travel to the coastal city of Antalya.
Immediately after, the cozy camper van rented by Noh Guk-han and Ailryul was driven excitedly, and when they found a place they liked, they quickly stopped the car to enjoy coffee. Kim Sung-joo admired their scene, saying, "This is the advantage of camper van travel," and Jeon Jin agreed, saying, "The scenery looks like a work of art even if you take random photos." Shortly after arriving in Antalya, known as the "resort of the gods," they were greeted with stunning coastal views. The preserved Ottoman houses in the Kaleiçi alley and the local specialty, Mediterranean-style fried fish kebab, caught their attention.
As evening fell, the couple went shopping. In Turkey, which is an Islamic culture, there is no pork, but lamb and beef were sold at affordable prices. In Turkey, where dairy products have developed due to nomadic life, yogurt was priced at 5,000 won for 3 kg, and kaymak, which is popular as a high-end dessert in Korea, was only 2,100 won for 100 g, which was surprising. The couple arrived at a campsite costing 60,000 won per night and ended their day enjoying delicious food under the pouring starlight, embracing the camping vibe.
The next day, they moved to Tuz Gölü, the second-largest salt lake in Turkey, which is white in the dry season but turns pink due to red tide in spring and summer, creating a stunning visual that amazed them. Additionally, the couple introduced the unique volcanic terrain of Cappadocia, which Neil Armstrong famously said, "If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have gone to the moon," the romantic sunset at Love Valley, and the balloon tour that requires three generations to succeed, captivating Jeon Jin and Ryu Yi-seo.
As the report on "living in a camper van" in fantastic Turkey concluded, Lee Ji-hye countered by bringing out the New Zealand card, known as the "paradise for campers." The couple Kim Soo-bin and Seo Dong-min, summoned as "experienced guides," revealed that they had actually been living in a camper van for over a year, raising expectations for practical information. They had purchased a full-option camper van with a hot shower, bathroom, and kitchen for 30 million won, and highlighted that "we are living with zero accommodation costs" in New Zealand, where the monthly rent for a two-room apartment in Auckland is 2 million won, making housing very expensive.
The two headed to the supermarket and generously shared their tips for saving on food expenses. In New Zealand, beef sirloin was priced at 30,000 won per kg, about one-third of the price in Korea, but Seo Dong-min explained, "In New Zealand, labor costs are high, so boneless meat is much more expensive." He also shared a tip, saying, "There are discount coupons for gas stations linked to supermarkets, so never throw away your receipts." After finishing their shopping, they shared a hidden gem camping site called Tuapiro, which is "free" and located opposite the tourist-heavy Waihi Beach. Meanwhile, the couple enjoyed a natural hot spring spa on the North Island of New Zealand, known for its volcanic terrain, and attempted a bungee jump from a height of 47 meters in the "home of bungee jumping," providing plenty of healing for viewers at home.
With the charms of both countries fully revealed, Jeon Jin and Ryu Yi-seo ultimately chose New Zealand after much deliberation. Jeon Jin stated, "I was drawn to the charm of nature," while Ryu Yi-seo said, "I liked the mild weather," explaining their choice of New Zealand. Kim Sung-joo also responded, "If it were just my wife and me, I would go to Turkey, but if we are going with the kids, New Zealand is the right choice," garnering everyone's agreement.
MBN·MBC Drama Net's "Living Report" airs every Wednesday at 10:20 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
