"Anyeonghaseyo!" ,"oppa”，“sarangheyo" -- these are the first few words that I learned after being hooked on watching korean dramas, listening to kpop music and mostly, seeing their very own hallyu stars. I had been a korean fanatic for years now - but before I even became one, I always felt weird to those who were really into korean stuff during that time - mainly because of the the language. I thought that it would just be like other foreign dramas that will be a big hit for just sometime, like some Spanish and Taiwanese dramas that became a craze that it was even dubbed into Tagalog for the Filipino viewers. Secondly, apart from learning English, I had been learning Mandarin since I started schooling, so I thought that I would never be interested in learning another language. But I was wrong. It all started when a friend of mine during my college days suggested a korean drama, if I'm not mistaken, that was "Boys over Flowers", a korean version of "Metoer Garden" wherein Lee Min Ho was one of the lead actors. And the rest is history! That is why it had always been my dream to be able to tour and visit South Korea, and this August, my dream did come true!
It was December of last year that I was able to booked a promo fare through AirAsia, and it only cost us less than 20 thousand pesos for 3 person with checked-in baggage. I was really thrilled and excited just by merely thinking that I will be able to visit my dream country soon.
And like any travel adventure, I started to do some research for places to visit, estimated expenses and others. I did most of my researches through the official site of Korean tourism. This website has all the travel essentials and information that you will be needing during you tour such as sight-seeings, korean transport system, city tours and some directions. I suggest that you checked their website
here.
After doing some research, it is almost time to apply for a visa. It is not hard to apply for Korea Visa. You just need to comply to all their requirements and go to the Korean Embassy which is located in
122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The visa is free for less than 30 days. For more information, you can check their webiste here .
I don't want to be bias since I love Korean stuffs, Korea is my most favorite place that I had visited. Seoul has the traditional and modern look of Korea which really amazed me. Even though in it their summer time, but the weather for me is not that hot. During the morning, you can still feel a cool breeze when you walk along the streets, and even if it noon time, the sun is up, but you can still feel the breezy air.
TIP: 1. Airport Bus. At Incheon International Airport, they have airport buses that can drop you to the nearest bus stop of your choice, so you need to know where is the nearest bust stop for you hotel or place to stay in Seoul, which is very convenient especially if you have some baggage. You can also take the MRT going to Seoul, but if there will be transfer station, and you have your baggage with you, it would be not that convenient.
2. T-Money Card. For your transport, you can buy the T-Money card in GS25 convenience store for 1,000won. You can only top it up on MRT stations and you can also use this as payment for convenience store, and some shops. If you had been to Hongkong, its usage is like the octopus card. You can also refund the money left on your T-Money Card to any GS25 convenience store, but 500won will be deducted as service fee.
Here are some of the places that I had visited in South Korea:
1. Namsan Tower
This is where the well-known locks of love is located, wherein the concept is the same of
Pont Des Arts bridge in Paris. This is also wherein you can see a 360 view of Seoul. How to get here: Just look for Namsan Shuttle Bus No.2,3 or 5 depending on you location and bus stop, the last stop is in Namsan tower.
2. Myeongdong, Seoul
This is the most well-known shopping place for the youths, especially when it comes to cosmetics.
3. Gyeongbukgong Palace
Change of Royal Guards can be viewed every 10AM, 1PM and 3PM.
4. Bukchon Village in Anguk
This is a middle-school located on the top of a hill on Anguk.
5. Hongdae (Hello Kitty Cafe )
6. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Martial arts performance in Suwon Fortress.
7. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
This is where the well-known Korean drama "My Man from the Star" set is being exhibited until August 15,2014. I won't miss this chance and decided to give it a visit! :)
Overall, I would definitely go back to Korea to visit more must-see places like Nami Island and Jeju Island. I really admire the historic preservation and culture of Korea. Though I can understand and speak a very little Korean language, but I saw how thoughtful Koreans are, especially their elders. I have met some elders wherein we were still able to communicate through actions and context clue and still are fun to talk with. I am really looking forward for my next visit, see you again soon, Korea!
