It was our first time to be in a country outside the region of Southeast Asia. We were lucky enough to stay in South Korea for a week and two days. There is a time difference of 1 hour from our homeland's (Philippines) time wherein Korea is the one ahead.
MAY 23, FRIDAY
Cebu Pacific was our airline of choice.
It was a five hour flight to Incheon Airport, South Korea. We had our temporarily last Filipino food on the plane. We ate Beef Caldereta for dinner.
To claim our luggage and make our way through the exit, we used the airport's subway. We've been to a number of airports, and Incheon airport was remarkable.
There are airport buses right outside the airport. Taxis are also available but Airport buses are more recommended. We rode a bus to the Jong no-5 ga which is adjacent to Kimchee Dongdaemun Guesthouse where we spent 5 nights. It's a good choice for persons who want accessible and affordable place to stay. (And the staff were really hospitable and helpful. Also, they're good in English which is a plus!)
MAY 24, SATURDAY
Unfortunately, Dad can't go with us because of some sickness. So the four of us we walked through busy streets of Seoul. Our first destination was Myeongdong. South Korea has this complex subway system that makes every place you desire to go a "train ride away".
I am certain we had gone gaga on the sight of shops on the lively streets of Myeongdong. But before rummaging through the stores, we went to take a visit to the famous Namsan Tower. From Myeongdong proper, we walked for roughly 15 minutes to reach the Namsan Cable Car.
Upon landing on the tower, there's a vast area where people can gather and eat lunch together. Also, there's the Korean version of France's Love Lock Bridge!
After a little sightseeing and littler photo shoot, we went back to Myeongdong proper. As the day slowly becomes a night, the number of persons grows exponentially. Myeongdong sure has a brighter vibe by the night. Persons were everywhere.
We tried this type of icecream and this egg pastry? Haha
We were too overwhelmed by the number of Korean food establishments so we just ate at Mcdonald's before going back to the guesthouse. Haha.
*In M plaza, you can experience wearing Hanboks, the traditional clothing of Koreans. The experience is for free and is also limited. We failed to try this because we ran out of slots.
MAY 25, SUNDAY
Today we went to a little culture & history trip. We went to palaces.
First was Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Where we got a chance to dress up like guards of the palace.
Then, we went to Secret Garden. Here, centuries old structures were kept and maintained. Members of the Royalty used to enjoy solitude as much as they enjoy solidarity here. It's a lovely place to visit.
MAY 26, MONDAY
Nami island!!! We rode a couple of trains then a ferry to make it to Nami island.
We tried the famous chicken barbecque of Korea.
MAY 27, TUESDAY
It was a difficult fight between Lotte World and Everland. We ended up choosing Everland because an outdoor theme park sounds more exciting compared to an indoor. Plus, Everland has a list of thrilling rides. Sadly, the weather was weirdly confusing. I wasn't feeling okay the day I was supposed to enjoy the theme park. Even so, my siblings had a fun experience trying on various rides.
To get there, we rode the subway to Gangnam station where we ate a quick breakfast then a bus straight to Everland.
There's a relatively huge safari in everland! The bus in the safari is amphibious!
Gangnam by late afternoon
After an exhilarating & exhausting day in Everland, we went to Bampo river where a rainbow fountain is regularly showcased. Seeing the water play before your eyes is a serene experience.
MAY 28, WEDNESDAY
Time to hit Jeju! We're all hyped to visit one of the seven wonders of the world. We rode the subway to get to Gimpo Airport where our plane to Jeju waits. Jeju is an hour away from Seoul.
Then, we rode a bus to December Hotel where we stayed for three days. As we got to Jeju, we noticed few differences in terms of the vibe of the area. Compared to Seoul, Jeju has this calm and comfortable area. The streets weren't as lively as the ones in Seoul. But Jeju will definitely leave visitors in awe. Jeju has no subway, you have to take cabs to go to places.
We strolled around Loveland on our first night. This tourist attraction has 140 statues of lovemaking. They said you have to be eighteen and above to visit, but from what we had experienced, they do not strictly follow this.
MAY 29, THURSDAY
1st day of our Jeju city tour. We rented a cab that will tour us to numerous tourist attractions. We contacted the cab we found online, taxi tours are rampant there. Here are the places we visited:
Maze Park
We ate at the near Korean restaurant before proceeding to the next tourist attraction. The place was just few meters away from Seongsan Ilchulbong which is our next destination.
It takes a liter of sweat and a number of steps to reach the peak of this mountain (used to be an active volcano).
Then we went to few shooting locations of Korean drama shows.
MAY 30, FRIDAY
Day two of our Jeju tour.
Hallim Park. This area of attraction is at its best by spring where flowers are in full bloom.
Osulloc Tea Museum. I have to admit their green tea is the freshest green tea I have tasted so far.
Fresh green tea in a bottle.
We visited few shooting locations of Korean drama.
Black pork for Lunch. They sure have lots of side dishes haha
Changjaeyon Waterfall
MAY 31, SATURDAY
We went back to Gimpo Airport to fly back to Seoul. We visited Myeongdong again and searched for good finds.
JUNE 1, SUNDAY
Back to the Manila, Philippines
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