Miah, the Korean woman we’ve met at our
hostel, asked us, “why do you want to go there?”, everytime we would announce a
place on our list. We don’t have an answer, except for it was a recommended
place by bloggers.
Going back to years backward, I would have to
ask myself, “Why would I like to go to Korea?”. I get to know the country
because of Korea novelas and films. I watched a few, but I am not so fanatic. I
find the stories somehow unique as it shows a different culture. The places
shown in TV and movie made me interested with it. It
looks like a big fantasy-happy place. Though I did not take note of a
particular place to visit, I imagined and knew that the country will not
disappoint me.
Therefore, my answer to the question may still be vague and simple as
“It looks beautiful in films”. I believe traveling may or may not have a
logical reason at all. Let the places that we visit surprise us.
Incheon
International Airport
When our plane landed and is parking its way to the arrival
area, my eyes went busy watching from the window seat. I can’t help but say,
“anlaki ng airport nila”. And it is very obvious that there is no air traffic
in here.
 |
| Photo from the internet |
After the passengers deplane and went inside this
state-of-the-art wonder, they should ride the train transfer from arrival to
the airport lobby. After which, is the immigration and customs, and then baggage claim.
The first thing to do after those processes (probably when
it is your first time in any country or place), is to get maps and guides from
the information desk. And then, exchange your USD bills at the exchange rate
booth near any exit (just look around) for this has the better rate than the
one in the exit right after immigration.
Tip: Exchange only for money which you will
use for the first day. You can get better rates outside the airport. There a lots of foreign exchange booths at Myeong-dong and Dangdaemun.
For Seoul, it is also recommended to purchase a T-Money Card at the GS25 convenience store inside the
airport. This cost us 3,000won for the card, and preload it with 67,000won
(estimate expense for 6 days stay). This card will be used to pay
transportations fares. Some establishments also accept payment through this
card.
The Seoul
Metropolitan Subway
Coming from a country where a railway system is poorly
developed, I am greatly amazed with the Seoul Subway. It must be the
friendliest transport system for commuters, mostly for travelers (local and
foreign) who jumped into the city for the first time.
Payment system is through T-Money card which you can
purchase at the airport (GS25 convenience store) or at any station (self-served
auto machine). If you have not used all your credits, you may refund it at a convenience store for a fee (500 won at 7-11).
The subway system is easy to conquer. It is like a larger
than life manual. Just know your hostel and destination location, locate where
the nearest station is, then it will be easy. Also pay attention with the
transfer (from one line to another) and the exit signs (to go to places).
I chose this one because one of my friends stayed here
before. This hostel is dorm type. Travelers share rooms with separate
double-deck beds. You may also rent a private room at a different rate.
I reserved through Booking.com for 2 beds, 6 persons per
room. Though both used once, I prefer this site than Agoda for it did not
require an advance payment (may depend on the hotel). It's merely a reservation. Pay upon arrival at the hotel. Just be mindful of the reservation deadline which will be provided to your email confirmation.
Checking-in beyond time (1PM) is flexible. Just inform at
least 2 weeks before your arrival that you will arrive late. I say 2 weeks, because the manager/ web admin
responded late with my email and FB message that the reception is open until 1AM. We arrived at around 10:30PM at Beewon
From the airport, we ride the Limousine Bus. This must be
the most convenient and cheapest transport available going to Beewon. The ride
cost 10,000won.
Upon getting off the limousine bus, the cool air of Seoul
welcomed us. “This is it!”, my mind told me. “Natutuwa ako”, I told my travel
buddy. I felt great for no reason. When we reached the hostel, chubby cats
welcomed us. There is no attendant at the lobby, so we waited for about 10
minutes. Some guest who passed by, greeted us (a Caucasian and Malaysian,
judging by how they looked). Then the receptionist came to confirm our booking.
We paid 102,000 won each in cash, then he updated the white board behind him to
indicate our arrival and payment.
He led us to our room and surprisingly, he gave us a dorm
room with a double-deck bed only for 2 guests (we are lucky). There are also
common areas which can be freely used by guests. There is a laundry room,
computer and TV room, iron board, kitchen (there is oven, toaster, ref, hot and
cold water dispenser, and unlimited free instant coffee). Inside the room,
there is also TV (all Korean channels) and hair blower. Electrical outlet is
rounded, so bring an adaptor.
I Cried for You
Kimchi
Korea is a nice place for food tripping. The traditional
cooking is still being served in local eateries. Though, this may require a
brave taste bud (beware of kimchi).
Our first K-foodie encounter is their street food. We tried
the sausages, rice cake, and fish cake. It is just weird that all the food
stalls in Dongdaemun near the malls, offers the same variety of food, must be a
healthy competition. It is not very tasty as the one I tasted in Singapore, yet
still good and yummy.
 |
| Street food , Korean style |
Next we ate in a local eatery near Changdeokgung
palace. We ordered Bimbimbap and another rice meal with sweet noodles (must be
Japchae). Both meals are served with a variety of vegetable side dishes. There
is also rice which is sticky and heavy (like’
malagkit’). The serving is big for a petite woman like us. Good thing our tummies are expandable.
 |
| First big meal still fit for the petite tummy |
I also appreciate Bulgogi, for dinner in a
local eatery near our hostel. Again there are vegetable side dishes and rice
served. This is followed by a bowl of hot stewed beef with lots of vegetables
in it (it’s like Beef Nilaga). It is weak is salt, but it is “malinamnam”. All
flavors of meat and vegetables exploded all together in my mouth.
 |
| Yummy Bulgogi meal |
Also not to miss is the do-it-yourself meat barbeque. We ate
at an (m)eat-all-you-can restaurant in Hongdae, the Free Self Café. For
13,900 won, a buffet of different sliced raw pork, beef, and chicken meat. But not to worry about extra-extra fat, for you can combine it with
leafy veggies and fruits. There are also cooked foods like pasta and some
meats.
In here, we also tried for the first time a rice cake dish with kimchi. It's so spicy, I literally cried. Though I like spicy foods, this has been too much of a surprising uprising in my throat. It’s not
totally horrible, I actually loved it (it’s tears of joy). In case of burn, there should be no
worries. The soft ice cream is
also unlimited in yummy strawberry and chocolate flavors. This will heal your
burned tongue.
 |
| Meet all you can |
Namiseom Island
and Petite France
Nami Island is near Gapyeong station of the Seoul Subway.
From Seoul, you will travel for about an hour to get in here. From here, you
have options to ride a taxi or a tour bus going to Nami Island. We take the
tour bus and paid 5,000won for a ticket. This is a ride-all-you-can package
going to different spots in the area (Petite France included).
After the bus ride, buy a ticket to ride a ferry that will
take you to the island. This cost 8,000 won. It just takes maybe less than 5
minutes to reach the other end.
Nami Island is a park but not your usual park. What
it offers is a beautiful scenery of trees around. This is also the location of the
famous “Winter Sonata” TV series where it was shot. If you love trees and want
to be calmed, then it is a place for you.
Meanwhile, Petite France is a little farther from Nami
Island. To go there, ride the ferry back to port, then ride the bus again.
Remember to keep your bus ticket with you. Also, if you plan to visit these two
places, it must be wise to go very early in the place (like 7 or 8AM) and go
straight first in Petite France. Traffic is terrible on a Saturday as there are
so many tourists around. This place, as the name suggests, is a replica that
shows a little life in France.
.JPG) |
| Photo from the internet |
Going to church for mass is usually left out of the
itinerary during travel. It will be a great trip if attending Sunday mass will be
part of it. If you are a Catholic, include a visit to this church. The English
Sunday mass is only at 9AM, so be sure to arrive on time.
 |
| Inside the church |
The park where Changdeokgung Palace is standing, is a like a
small village of palaces. There are different palaces around and tour is also
available. We only get the regular entrance ticket of 3,000 won. You may walk
around from here and take pictures.
 |
| Palace entrance |
Gyeongbukgung palace on the other hand is a stand alone palace, where it can be visited for free. We were fortunate to witness here the Changing of Royal Guards' Ceremony that day.
 |
| The Royal Palace |
The palaces actually look the same, just different in sizes.
Obviously, I am not such a fan of these structures. Though, seeing these is
part of getting to know the country’s culture.
The Cat Cafe
I personally requested this to be part of the itinerary. If you love cats, you will surely enjoy cuddling with them while sipping from a cup of a hot drink. The entrance is 8,000 won to enjoy the place with one coffee drink. For coffee addicts, just don't expect from the coffee, it lacks the kicking taste of caffeine.
 |
| Happy place ^_^ |
Once admitted, house rules are needed to be followed, like taking off your shoes, getting your bag inside a plastic provided, do not carry the cats on your lap and not to use flash in taking pictures.
 |
| just one shot |
It's overwhelming to see chubby cats and be able to touch and play with them. But I somewhat find them harassed and stressed. They may want more privacy, but people keep coming and force them to play.
 |
| do not disturb |
This must be a popular place for dating couples.
To get in here, walk from Myeong-dong Sub-way station to the Cable Car boarding place. You may opt to ride the Cable Car at 8,500 won for 2-way, or if you are on a budget and have the strength of Hercules, a trek through the stairs (recommended) may take you at around 30-45 minutes depending on your pace. This will give you more time to enjoy each other's company and scenes over-looking the city.
 |
| N Seoul Tower in love |
After the cable car ride, is not the peak yet. Additional fee is at stake to reach the observatory. But you may enjoy and take pictures with the "Love Lock Trees", where lovers lock-in their love pledges to each other. You may bring your own or buy colorful padlocks in stalls around the area.
 |
| Love grows on trees |
Trick Eye Museum and
Ice Museum
Museums are common destination among tourists. Sometimes, it bores me. But these two exhausted me, literally.
Trick Eye Museum is not very surprising as I already saw the concept over the internet and tv promotion, but getting into one is a different experience. The place shows 3D paintings where visitors can strike on their best pose to show, as if they are part of the picture. It is fun and also tiring. You may need to re-take a lot shots to get the best portrayal. People around may also bumped into you as they make their own pose. You need a lot of patience to get a good shot and may wait in line for others to theirs. Lastly, beware as photo-bombers are everywhere.
 |
| mahirap maging artista |
Ice Museum will chill you out at -4 deg. They provide a poncho, but this will not keep you warm. It will just spoil your photos. So we ran into that big ice box with bravery. Inside are different life-size ice sculptures on display. It's a bit dim inside, so your camera must be really good at low light scenes (weather proof at the same time). We take pictures fast, because we cannot stand the cold temperature and after few seconds we go to the exit door to re-warm our bodies. After that, go back inside again to go through other sculptures.
 |
| chill |
Ewha Women's University
We asked directions from the tourist information ladies around Myeong-dong and also ask what to expect from the place. They say beautiful scenery and shopping. Indeed, the trees around make it beautiful for taking pictures. And the architecture looks awesome.
 |
| My travel buddy said, we cannot take pictures of any of the students' faces |
Shopping
This one does not excite me much. Aside from my wallet will cry, it means I have to carry a lot back and heavier, my arms cried too. But seeing things from a foreign land is a beauty to the eye.
We walked around Myeong-dong where you can buy cosmetics. Cosmetic shops are everywhere. Sales people offer this and that, just for you to come inside their shops. Though the price seem to be just like the ones you bought in here (Philippines). What to look forward must be the different chemical solutions that Korean technology may have to offer. But be careful in buying the cosmetics as they may not be all applicable to your skin and much more to the weather in your hometown. I cannot give more tips as I am not the cosmetic chick.
You may also find here, signature clothing shops like Forever 21, H&M, Zara, and so on. Not sure of the prices though. The place feels safe and friendly. If you ran out of cash, there is nothing to worry as there are lots of foreign exchange booths around. Restaurants and coffee shops are also everywhere, anytime you get tired walking around.
Dongdaemun is like our Divisoria here in the Philippines. Here you can buy local products like tea and souvenir items like key chains and ref magnets . But there's a lot more selling clothes and socks. The prices are also cheaper compared to Myeong-dong.
 |
| Dongdaemun market |
How Much?
This is the FAQ I often get. The answer is not absolute. As always, it depends on how you spend in any place that you visit. But to give idea, here it is, on my perspective. Ready? And the numbers are:
 |
| Airfare is actual. The rest are based on what's left in my wallet :) |
Is this cheap? We tried our best! :)
Coming Back?
Why not? If I would have a great opportunity I would like to visit Busan next time. But I have a long list of grounds I want my foot to touch and rub on. So for the time being, I could not tell when it will be.
Do I recommend coming in here? A definite yes! :) I like the weather, the food, and the people. These made the Seoul lovable and a very safe and tourist friendly place. It's a great place to wander around, get lost into its beauty, and still find yourself on-track because wifi is everywhere (LOL). The overall experience is awesome!
So if you like any of these things I talk about then visit Seoul! :)
