Discover the World’s Architectural and Natural Wonders From Your Couch
South Korean broadcast network JTBC (Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company) continues to thrill viewers with its ever-popular travel series ‘톡파원 25시’, offering an immersive virtual journey filled with breathtaking nature and stunning architecture every Monday night.
The recent episode, aired on the 19th, featured travel highlights from Kauai in Hawaii, Istanbul in Turkey, Hong Kong, and New York City in the United States. With special guest Oh Gisa, an architect and author, joining the panel, the episode delved into unexpected locales and little-known architectural gems, offering a rich blend of education and entertainment.
Hawaiian Adventure in the Garden Isle
The Hawaii segment took viewers to Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, known as the Garden Isle. Viewers witnessed the majestic Spouting Horn, where ocean waves shoot dramatically through a lava tube, followed by a stop at the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
The journey continued with a 4km mountain tubing adventure utilizing historic irrigation ditches originally built to support sugarcane plantations. As comedian Yang Se-chan put it, “It’s like a natural water park,” while fellow host Jeon Hyun-moo commented, “It’s the ultimate natural waterslide.”
Architectural Splendor in Istanbul
Next up was Istanbul, Turkey, where the local correspondent showcased Taksim Square’s nostalgic old tram, a culinary stop at celebrity chef Nusret Gökçe’s restaurant, and a scenic meal of Balık Ekmek (mackerel sandwiches). The highlight was the Derinkuyu Underground City, an ancient cistern showcasing reused temple stones, including mysterious columns with Medusa heads lying sideways or upside down, triggering curiosity and intrigue. The Bosphorus Strait night cruise wrapped up the Istanbul journey with cinematic visuals.
Luxury Living in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, viewers explored the lavish lifestyle of the super-rich, with a virtual tour of a penthouse in West Kowloon on the Kowloon Peninsula. Boasting a Victoria Harbour view, private gym, indoor playground, café and reading room, the property was estimated at approximately $16.5 million by celebrity guests Alberto and Daniel, who guessed the price correctly.
The episode also featured an exclusive visit to a private club founded by Adrian Cheng, known for its extravagant golf and lodging facilities. The club’s lifetime membership—available to oneself and close family—comes with a hefty price tag of 500 million KRW (approximately $375,000).
New York’s Timeless Icons
The journey ended in New York City, where American correspondents explored icons like the Flatiron Building, Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building, and 30 Hudson Yards. Special focus was given to the Beaux-Arts style Grand Central Terminal, including its main hall where BTS once performed, and the secret M42 substation, absent from public maps.
The 101st-floor restaurant at 30 Hudson Yards also caught viewers’ attention—offering panoramic views of Manhattan. A handy tip? Spend over $40 inside the skyscraper, and get free access to its observation deck.
According to Nielsen Korea, the episode recorded a 2.8% nationwide rating with a notable 1.1% in the male-female 2049 demographic in metropolitan areas.
For viewers seeking weekly doses of world culture, architecture, and wanderlust, ‘톡파원 25시’ airs every Monday at 8:50 PM KST on JTBC.
