The moment I set foot in Korea my happiness explodes and my heart rejoices as this is my ultimate dream happening in front of my very own eyes. That every wish I make on birthday candles and wishing stars. I had to pinch myself once or twice just to check that I am not dreaming. It is the fruit of all the hard work and long planning. This is the moment I am living my dreams. This is my Seoul-ful adventure in the Land of the Morning Calm, Korea.
Day 1: Set Foot and Footloose
I and my friend arrived at Incheon airport at 12noon. If you have noticed all K-Dramas have an airport scene and nearly all of them were shot right here at Incheon International Airport. It felt like I am in one of those K-dramas where I am the new character who is ready to steal the show. The first thing we bought is a Korean SIM card so we can have access to the internet and a T-money card which can be used to pay for your fare on the subway, bus or taxi and even some goods in convenience store. With a swipe and a beep this little card is everything you need to go around the city. We stayed longer than planned at the airport as we are trying to figure out how we could get in Busan as we chose to have a DIY travel experience. When we can’t figure out where to head next I thought at some point that we should just have booked our travel at an agency but we decided to eat first to help us think. A full stomach really helped us after eating we found ourselves bound to Seoul Station.
From Seoul Station, we booked a train ticket going to Busan. If you’ve seen the movie Train to Busan, yes that is the same train we are boarding but do not worry there’s no zombie inside the train the last time we check, but if it’s Gong Yoo when he turned into a zombie I don’t mind at all. (haha) KTX is the fastest train in Korea as it will only take you up to 3hrs to reach Busan.
We caused a scene inside the train and I felt like I want to melt down in my chair. We had our big and heavy luggage with us. We plan to put it at the upper compartment but it is too high and our luggage is too heavy for us to lift. There are other passengers passing through with medium size luggage but since our luggage is blocking the way it caused inconvenience. Everyone on the train is looking at us maybe thinking what we are doing. We still trying to put our luggage at the upper compartment but failed to do so. Good thing help finally came; there was this ahjussi (middle aged man) who helped us. We are really saved by him as we do not know what to do anymore. It was an embarrassing experience for us. We settled in our seat and finally getting a rest. We are enjoying the view when we noticed that there are some areas that are still covered with snow. We are not so prepared with the weather because we do not have winter clothes with us. We are hoping that it is not snowing in Busan. We are also worried on how we are going to get our luggage when we alight. We are relieved when one ahjussi get our luggage for us. It was such a nice gesture. We are not sure if it is the same ahjussi who helped us earlier but we are so thankful for the help we get from the elderly. We love the kindness they are showing to us.
Getting at the guesthouse is a complete struggle for us. We had a hard time finding the subway line going to Haeundae. It was around 10PM and the weather is really cold. Our hands are freezing and we seem can’t find the way. We just wanted to get to the guesthouse and get warm. We saw a sign and just followed it as we smiled finding the subway we are faced with another problem. We are so tired and cold but we have to go through the entire stairs going down to the subway station with our luggage. It was a physical workout and a very exhausting night for us. We arrived at 710 Yellow Guesthouse around 11PM good thing we informed the guesthouse that we are checking in late. The oppa who welcomed us helped us with our luggage.
We had our late dinner and decided to go out to check the streets and stores. We only stayed out for a bit and decided to call it a day. We really can’t take the cold weather so we embraced the warm and comfort of our room and sleep the night.
Day 2: The Sand and the Sky
Morning came in and we went to Holly’s Coffee to grab some hot drinks before we explore more of Haeundae, Busan. It was a very cold morning for us who were still adjusting to the weather. We stayed at the café for a while enjoying the warmth of the place. I can say that I took a lot of photos in this café as the interior is pretty and I took advantage of us being the only customers at the moment.
We then took a walk along the streets of Haeundae on our way to the beach. As we get closer we spotted a market nearby where a line of street food caught our eyes. The smell of the food caused the halt in our steps to enjoy a light brunch. We bought one food that I do not know the name but it was delicious. My friend and I share because the serving is big for us.
We saw a lot of cute and fancy stores everywhere. We crossed the street as the beach is on the other side. It was a fine day where azure sky meets the ocean. Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in South Korea. Though we can feel the warmth of the sunshine the weather is still cold. We enjoy the walk at the beach and the seagulls around.
On our way to the subway station we had our big luggage with us. We planned to go the same way we took the night we arrived at Haeundae station for us not to get lost of track. The struggle we go through the stairs with our luggage that night is very exhausting and an experience itself we will never forget. As we took a deep breath and preparing to carry our luggage with us down the stairs a group of halmeoni (eldery woman) called our attention. They noticed that we are using the stairs with our heavy luggage going to the station so they talked to us in their local language. We do not know most of what they are talking but instincts and a little knowledge with Hangul I think I figured out what they are telling us. They also gesturing so that helped us as well. They direct us to cross the street as there is an elevator we can use. We are so thankful and grateful to that group of halmeonis, as we said our thanks we crossed the street. Our way to the station got easier thanks to the Halmoenis of Heaundae.
Though we spend a little time in Busan we promise ourselves to go back here and spend a day or two as there were a lot of attractions we want to visit and experience.
As we board the KTX, we asked assistance as we do not want to make a scene again like we had on our first ride. So if you are boarding KTX and you had a big luggage with you there is a designated area where you can use to put your luggage. After settling in our seat we enjoy the ride going back to Seoul.
We’ve arrived in Yongsan around 4PM in the afternoon and checked in the hotel. We stayed at Novotel Hotel. We spend a little time to relax and enjoy the comfort of our new home in the next coming days. Though we want to stay a little longer and take a nap we busied ourselves to freshen up and head out to our next destination.
We spend the night at N Seoul tower the most iconic tourist destination in Seoul. It was very cold as we had braved the chilly weather. The ride at the cable car is amazing and it gave me all the feels. I blame it on the music playing. I just enjoyed the ride and the scenic view of Seoul from above with it dazzling lights trying to outshine the darkness.
After the ride, we went in to the store and bought some Odeng to warm our tummies. We hide from the cold and stayed at the tent for a while to enjoy the comfort of our food and the rich flavor taste it gives. This food is really perfect for this kind of weather. Do not miss out to try this food.
We tried to take a lot of photos outside but our hands are shaking because of the cold. I can’t even feel my hands at some point so after some shots I put my hands back straight to my pocket. At the Observation deck the view is even better. There is a store where you can buy souvenirs and food. Also, if you are at the observation deck do not forget to use the washroom. Highly recommended, as you do your business you can see Seoul because the wall is made of glass. And what is your visit to N Seoul Tower if you do not leave a love lock or a scribble message to declare eternal love. This place is known with their Love Locks fence it is the perfect place to go all out romantic.
Day 3: Time Travel
We just had our breakfast at the hotel and head straight to our destination. We met some tourist and they showed us the way to where we can rent Hanbok (Korean traditional costume). If you are wearing Hanbok the entrance fee for the five major palaces is free.
Travel back in time and get a glimpse of the Joseon Dynasty’s history by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in Hanbok the best way to feel that you’d been transported back to the Joseon era. Gyeongbok means “the new dynasty will be greatly blessed”. We are truly blessed as we get to experience this as we make great story and moments of our life.
You can find Gwanghamun Square just outside the Gyeongbokgung palace where King Sejong and General Yi Sunshin statue is sitting. Below is an underground center. It shows the works and life of King Sejong and General Yi Sunshin. Also, there is the Hangul Gallery.
Before heading towards our next destination we ate our lunch at BonJun Bibimbap Café. Their bibimbap cost around 7,500KRW to 10,000KRW.
We marvel at a maze of traditional Korean houses in Bukchon Hanok village. This is a residential area so be mindful of your surroundings and avoid too much noise.
We didn’t pay any fees for all the attractions mentioned above as this are all free. The only expense we made is the rental of the Hanbok and of course our food.
Day 4: Murals and Stars
Ihwa Mural Village is a picturesque neighborhood that is famous for its colorful murals. It is located near Naksan Park. Ihwa Mural Village has served as a filming location for many popular K-dramas and movies. Some of the murals were already fading but there are still a lot to see in this neighborhood. It is a tiring walk as there were a lot of stairs but the view is worth it.
As we are finding our way back to the station we accidentally find Naksan Park as it is just located near the Ihwa Mural Village. Naksan Park gets its name from its camel hump-like appearance. In Korean ‘nakta’ means camel and ‘san’ means mountain. So people refer to the park as Nakta Park or Naksan Park. The park itself is big as we thought we lost our way back.
We go back to the hotel to check out and went straight to Itaewon where we are going to stay for the next few days in SP Guesthouse. Itaewon Street is the most exotic place in Seoul to spend a day of shopping, dining, and hanging out. There is an enormous variety of shops, entertainment venues, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Itaewon has become one of Korea’s top international hubs. It is the most diverse city as there were a lot of foreign tourists staying around this area. At night the area becomes more alive as there were a lot of people and youngsters going here to spend the night after a tiring day. There are street performers too.
One of the reasons we fly to Korea is because of KPOP. Every fan girls dream is to set foot in the land of their “oppa” (Korean idols). So the best place to visit is Gangnam. It is the source of the Korean wave. This place is the birthplace of many Korean wave stars. As you take the exit 2 from the Apgujeong Rodeo Station, you can find GangnamDol, indicating that you have arrived at the K-Star Road. GangnamDol is a compound word of ‘Gangnam’, ‘idol, and ‘doll’. It is a symbolic sculpture of the K-Star Road, with the images of the famous K-pop groups printed on the human-scale bear doll. There is a 3-meter-tall PSY GangnamDol in front of the Galleria Department Store, and seventeen more GangnamDols such as Super Junior, EXO, Girl’s Generation, and BTS. The GangnamDols are placed along with about 1 km section of the road connecting the Apgujeong Rodeo Station and Cheongdam crossroads. It is another enjoyable content to find your favorite singer’s GangnamDol and take a picture to be posted in your SNS.
There is GANGNAMDOL HAUS in front of exit 7 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station, where they are selling miniature GangnamDols as a souvenir. You may also find the tourist information in this place.
You can also find Korea’s leading entertainment in this neighborhood. You can find SM Entertainment, the largest entertainment company in Korea. This facility is called ‘SM Global Training Center,' a training place for the SM artists. You might be able to see the artists going to work if you are lucky enough. You may find a familiar sign as you walk in about 300 meters through the narrow alley. This is the JYP Entertainment headquarters, where 2PM, Miss A, and Got 7 belong to. Since the exterior is decorated with the JYP artists’ pictures, it is easy to find the building even from far away. There are a lot of fans waiting outside JYP entertainment hoping to see their Korean idols. Another entertainment you can find here is the FNC Entertainment the home of CN Blue and AOA.
Day 5: Play, Pose and Shop
The LINE FRIENDS flagship store in Itaewon is the largest LINE FRIENDS store in the world! The first floor has toys and accessories, the 2nd floor has home living goods, and the 3rd floor is a cafe. There is an incredible array of items that have been designed in collaboration with LINE and international design companies and visitors are sure to have fun with a visit here.
The Ewha Womans University area is one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul. Clothing stores in the area sell affordable and stylish fashions for young people. Restaurants in the area cater to the tastes of young women, and many international dining chains have branches here. As well as the main street leading to the school, many of the alleyways are worth visiting. They are filled with accessory shops, small clothing boutiques, shoe shops, cafes, and hair salons. This is the only area where we found goods that cost less than 1000 KRW. We left with shopping bags in both hands.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) has a meaning of Dream, Design, and Play. It holds various exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, conferences, and other domestic and international events. This is where the Seoul Fashion Week took place.
My friend wanted to visit Beomgumsa Temple so we head there. We do not have any photos here because when we arrived there we did not see any foreign tourist. We do not see any English signs so we are not sure if we are allowed to take photos so to be safe we did not took any photos. We did not stay long here and just look around and left.
Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores have branches here. The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices. It is the shopping mecca of Seoul. It is an alley of Korean cosmetics stores like Nature Republic, Tony Moly, The Face Shop, Etude House, Holika Holika, Club Clio to name some. You can also find Stylenanda and Aland in this area. Just walking around this neighborhood you’ll get some free facemask or any skincare products just by entering the stores. They are generous when giving freebies when you buy to any of the stores here. We are dead tired when we went here so we just visit a few stores and went straight to Aland because there is where I am buying most of my skin care products of COSRX. After shopping we are delighted by the sight and the smell of the street food. They are very enticing and I love the fact that there is a lot of seafood to choose from.
Day 6: Winter Sonata and the Little Prince
It is a long ride going to Gapyeong where Nami Island and Petite France is located so we head first to a restaurant for food.
Nami Island, or Namiseom, is a beautiful island that is among the most popular attractions in Korea. Nami Island has been used as the location for many Korean dramas most particularly, the hit Korean drama, “Winter Sonata”. The island gains a huge popularity among tourist overseas because of this Korean drama. Featuring beautiful tree lanes, woodlands, riverside walks and many more, Nami Island offers picture-perfect scenery all year round.
The concept of Petite France encapsulates ‘flowers, stars, and the Little Prince.’ The village contains a memorial hall dedicated to Saint-Exupery, the author of the celebrated French novel, Le Petit Prince (1943) and as such it is called the Little Prince theme park. It is also the shooting location of the Korean drama “My Love from the Star” and the Korean variety show “RunningMan”. It feels like you really is in France.
We went back to Myeongdong for our last minute shopping. We bought a lot of skin care products and cosmetics. Also some home coming gifts (pasalubong) for our families and friends like Korean snacks and chips that we bought at Dongdaemun station. The lady in the store where we bought snacks is nice and I actually use my little knowledge in Korean language to converse with her.
Day 7: Not Goodbye but See you again
Though our flight is at 12noon we head to the airport earlier so that we will not miss our flight back to Manila. The funny thing is that we almost missed our flight. We arrived early and were sitting comfortably while waiting when we noticed that the gate that we should be boarding was transferred to another gate. I saw a post stating that the gates were changed. Luckily I’ve noticed it before our boarding time as we ran to the gate where we should be boarding. We will definitely laugh about it right now.
To the ahjussi, ahjumma and halmoenis who helped us in times of our need. Our hearts were touched and we were so grateful that we had the chance to experience your kindness. You make our Korea trip special.
These are the days that we will not forget. A dream turns into reality. As we board we left with a heavy heart as we do not want to end this trip yet and with a much heavier luggage. We enjoy the days we had in Korea and we will definitely go back. It is not good bye but See you again.
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